Book List

Best Books of 2013 About American History

HISTORY

FINDING FLORIDA

by T.D. Allman

A splendid rendering of the messy human story of our fourth-most populous state. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

JFK'S LAST HUNDRED DAYS

by Thurston Clarke

This detailed, mostly worshipful account will not convince everyone, but few will put it down. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE RED MAN'S BONES

by Benita Eisler

Eisler’s fine, thorough work begs for a fresh reappraisal of this pioneering artist. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

REVOLUTIONARY SUMMER

by Joseph J. Ellis

Kevin Phillips’ 2012 tour de force, 1775, delivered a massive argument for that year as the key to American independence. A... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE BULLY PULPIT

by Doris Kearns Goodwin

It’s no small achievement to have something new to say on Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency, but Goodwin succeeds admirably. A... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

GETTYSBURG

by Allen C. Guelzo

Robust, memorable reading that will appeal to Civil War buffs, professional historians and general readers alike. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

THE GREAT DISSENT

by Thomas Healy

An exceptional account of the development of the Constitution’s most basic right and an illuminating story of remarkable... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

FEAR ITSELF

by Ira Katznelson

Some will quarrel with aspects of Katznelson’s analysis, few with his widely allusive, elegant prose. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

DALLAS 1963

by Bill Minutaglio ; Stephen L. Davis

Despite the calendar slog, the authors make a compelling, tacit parallel to today’s running threats by extremist groups. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

BUNKER HILL

by Nathaniel Philbrick

A rewarding approach to a well-worn subject, rich in anecdotes, opinion, bloodshed and Byzantine political maneuvering. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

THE VILLAGE

by John Strausbaugh

Fine social history humanized with a sort of paradise-lost wistfulness. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

THE INTERNAL ENEMY

by Alan Taylor

Full of implication, an expertly woven narrative that forces a new look at “the peculiar institution” in a particular time... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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