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Our Favorite Historical Books and Must Reads
19
items Step back in time with captivating historical book recommendations, as selected by Recursive History and our TikTok followers.
Sections
5
American Civil War
Biographies and Documentaries
Music History
True Crime
Appalachian History
American Civil War
Journey back to the defining conflict in American history. This category explores the Civil War, its causes, its battles, and its lasting impact on the nation. 🇺🇸
12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup is a gripping memoir that recounts his kidnapping as a free Black man in 1841 and his 12 years of enslavement in the American South. Through vivid detail and emotional depth, Northup exposes the brutality and dehum...
12 Years A Slave: A True Story
A historical novel by Michael Shaara that provides a gripping account of the Battle of Gettysburg. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1975 and is highly regarded for its vivid storytelling.
The Killer Angels (Pulitzer Prize Winner)
Written by James M. McPherson, this comprehensive history of the Civil War era is praised for its scholarly depth and engaging narrative. It won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1989.
Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era
Doris Kearns Goodwin's exploration of Abraham Lincoln's leadership and his relationships with his cabinet members provides a deep understanding of his political acumen during the Civil War. The book served as a basis for the film 'Lincoln.'
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
A three-volume series by Shelby Foote that offers a detailed chronicle of the Civil War, blending factual accuracy with literary craftsmanship. It is considered one of the definitive works on the subject.
The Civil War: A Narrative - 3 Volume Box Set
A biography by Ron Chernow that delves into the life of Ulysses S. Grant, offering insights into his military leadership during the Civil War and his presidency. The book has been lauded for its thorough research and compelling prose.
Grant
A 3-book set of historical novels by Alyssa Cole, set during the Civil War, follows the story of a freedwoman who becomes a spy for the Union Army, blending romance and espionage against the backdrop of a divided nation.
The Loyal League - 3 Book Series
Biographies and Documentaries
Get up close and personal with history's most fascinating figures. This category explores compelling biographies and documentaries, offering intimate portraits of individuals who shaped our world. 🔎
Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Escaped Slavery and Became Millionaires by Shomari Wills is a compelling and inspiring account of six extraordinary individuals who rose from the devastation of slavery to amass wealth ...
Black Fortunes: First Six Black Millionaires
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is an intimate and profoundly moving account of a young Jewish girl’s life in hiding during the Holocaust. Written between 1942 and 1944 while Anne and her family concealed themselves in a secret annex in Amste...
The Diary of a Young Girl: Anne Frank
Churchill: Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts is a masterful biography that offers a nuanced and comprehensive portrait of Winston Churchill, one of history’s most iconic leaders. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in Churchill, leadership, o...
Churchill: Walking with Destiny
Music History
Dive into the stories behind the music! This category explores the rich history of music, from iconic artists and movements to the cultural and social influences that shaped our favorite sounds. 🎶
Alan Lomax's "The Land Where the Blues Began" is a must-read for any music lover. More than just a history of the blues, it's an immersive journey through the Mississippi Delta in the 1940s. Lomax masterfully weaves together personal anecdotes, inter...
The Land Where the Blues Began
Michael Ochs' "1000 Record Covers" is a vibrant and nostalgic trip through the golden age of album art. This visual feast spans from the 1960s to the 1990s, showcasing iconic and lesser-known covers that capture the essence of rock and roll. More tha...
1000 Record Covers
"Rolling Stone: The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time" is a must-have for any serious music fan. This updated edition of the iconic list provides insightful commentary and stunning visuals for each album, offering a comprehensive look at the records th...
Rolling Stone: The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
True Crime
Unravel the dark side of human nature. This category delves into chilling true crime stories, exploring the psychology of criminals and the impact their actions have on victims and society. 🔪
Gregg Olsen's "Starvation Heights" is a chilling true crime story that will leave you horrified and captivated in equal measure. Olsen delves into the disturbing case of Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard, a self-proclaimed "fasting specialist" in the early ...
Starvation Heights: A True Story of Murder
Appalachian History
Uncover the rich heritage of a hidden America. This category explores the history and culture of Appalachia, from its rugged landscapes and resilient people to its unique traditions and untold stories. ⛰️
Elizabeth Catte's "What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia" is a powerful and necessary corrective to the prevailing narratives surrounding this often misunderstood region. Catte challenges the simplistic and often condescending portrayals of App...
What You Are Getting Wrong about Appalachia
Gerald Swick's "Historic Photos of West Virginia" offers a captivating visual journey through the Mountain State's past. This collection of striking black and white photographs, drawn from state and national archives, documents the people, places, an...
Historic Photos of West Virginia
Eric Eyre's "Death in Mud Lick" is a searing exposé of the opioid crisis in West Virginia, told through the lens of a tenacious local journalist. Eyre, a Pulitzer Prize winner, meticulously documents the devastating impact of corporate greed and regu...
Death in Mud Lick: A Fight Against Opioids
Jesse Stuart's "The Thread That Runs So True" is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir about the transformative power of education in rural Appalachia. Stuart, a Kentucky native, recounts his experiences as a young teacher in a one-room schoolhouse, facin...
The Thread That Runs So True
"Crum" isn't just a coming-of-age story; it's a raw and unflinching portrait of life in Appalachia, where poverty and desperation are as much a part of the landscape as the mountains themselves. Lee Maynard throws us into the world of Crum, a real We...
CRUM