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Genre Guide

Seattle Picks: History

By:

SeattleNonficLibrarians

The Seattle Public Library

Staff-created list

These nonfiction history books – covering a wide variety of topics and time periods – are all well-written and page-turning true stories published in the last few years. Scroll down to the end of the list for links to works by other recommended narrative-history authors. (Updated June 2020)

By:

SeattleNonficLibrarians

The Seattle Public Library

1-25 of 39 items

1-25 of 39 items

A Black Women's History of the United States

A Black Women's History of the United States

by Berry, Daina Ramey

eBook - 2020

This survey of the experience of Black women in America starts before the Atlantic slave trade and ends with contemporary protest movements. Individual stories are combined with analysis of broader themes into a readable narrative. This survey of the experience of Black women in America starts before the Atlantic slave trade and ends with contemporary protest movements. Individual stories are combined with analysis of broader themes into a readable narrative. Show less

This survey of the experience of Black women in America starts before the Atlantic slave trade and ends with contemporary protest movements. Individual stories are combined with analysis of broader themes into a readable narrative. This survey of the experience of Black women in America starts before the Atlantic slave trade and ends with contemporary protest movements. Individual stories are combined with analysis of broader themes into a readable narrative. Show less

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Great State

Great State

China and the World

by Brook, Timothy

Book - 2020

A historian at the University of British Columbia provides an accessible and fascinating account of China’s engagement with the rest of the world from the 13th century to the present. A historian at the University of British Columbia provides an accessible and fascinating account of China’s engagement with the rest of the world from the 13th century to the present. Show less

A historian at the University of British Columbia provides an accessible and fascinating account of China’s engagement with the rest of the world from the 13th century to the present. A historian at the University of British Columbia provides an accessible and fascinating account of China’s engagement with the rest of the world from the 13th century to the present. Show less

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Tombstone

Tombstone

The Earp Brothers, Doc Holliday, and the Vendetta Ride From Hell

by Clavin, Tom

eBook - 2020

Digging deep into the historic record to separate fact from fiction, Clavin presents a carefully researched and highly readable account of the most famous shootout in American western frontier history. Digging deep into the historic record to separate fact from fiction, Clavin presents a carefully researched and highly readable account of the most famous shootout in American western frontier history. Show less

Digging deep into the historic record to separate fact from fiction, Clavin presents a carefully researched and highly readable account of the most famous shootout in American western frontier history. Digging deep into the historic record to separate fact from fiction, Clavin presents a carefully researched and highly readable account of the most famous shootout in American western frontier history. Show less

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No Stopping Us Now

No Stopping Us Now

The Adventures of Older Women in America History

by Collins, Gail

eBook - 2019

Collins’ lively and informative survey begins in Colonial times and ends in the modern era, examining the accomplishments of a variety of individual women as well as society’s changing perceptions of aging and women. Collins’ lively and informative survey begins in Colonial times and ends in the modern era, examining the accomplishments of a variety of individual women as well as society’s changing perceptions of aging and women. Show less

Collins’ lively and informative survey begins in Colonial times and ends in the modern era, examining the accomplishments of a variety of individual women as well as society’s changing perceptions of aging and women. Collins’ lively and informative survey begins in Colonial times and ends in the modern era, examining the accomplishments of a variety of individual women as well as society’s changing perceptions of aging and women. Show less

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A Furious Sky

A Furious Sky

The Five-hundred-year History of America's Hurricanes

by Dolin, Eric Jay

Book - 2020

A vivid account of North America’s experiences with hurricanes, from the time of Columbus’ voyages to the more recent disasters in Puerto Rico, revealing how these forces of nature have impacted key moments in history. A vivid account of North America’s experiences with hurricanes, from the time of Columbus’ voyages to the more recent disasters in Puerto Rico, revealing how these forces of nature have impacted key moments in history. Show less

A vivid account of North America’s experiences with hurricanes, from the time of Columbus’ voyages to the more recent disasters in Puerto Rico, revealing how these forces of nature have impacted key moments in history. A vivid account of North America’s experiences with hurricanes, from the time of Columbus’ voyages to the more recent disasters in Puerto Rico, revealing how these forces of nature have impacted key moments in history. Show less

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Walking the Old Road

Walking the Old Road

A People's History of Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe

by Drouillard, Staci Lola

Book - 2019

Drawing on oral and family history, Drouillard provides a moving account of the history of her Ojibwe ancestors, incorporating a strong sense of place (the North Shore of Lake Superior). Drawing on oral and family history, Drouillard provides a moving account of the history of her Ojibwe ancestors, incorporating a strong sense of place (the North Shore of Lake Superior). Show less

Drawing on oral and family history, Drouillard provides a moving account of the history of her Ojibwe ancestors, incorporating a strong sense of place (the North Shore of Lake Superior). Drawing on oral and family history, Drouillard provides a moving account of the history of her Ojibwe ancestors, incorporating a strong sense of place (the North Shore of Lake Superior). Show less

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The Second Founding

The Second Founding

How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution

by Foner, Eric

eBook - 2019

Foner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning legal scholar, lucidly examines how the U.S. Constitution was changed by the amendments passed at the end of the Civil War, and how those changes continue to have an impact today. Foner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning legal scholar, lucidly examines how the U.S. Constitution was changed by the amendments passed at the end of the Civil War, and how those changes continue to have an impact today. Show less

Foner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning legal scholar, lucidly examines how the U.S. Constitution was changed by the amendments passed at the end of the Civil War, and how those changes continue to have an impact today. Foner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning legal scholar, lucidly examines how the U.S. Constitution was changed by the amendments passed at the end of the Civil War, and how those changes continue to have an impact today. Show less

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Stony the Road

Stony the Road

Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow

by Gates, Henry Louis, Jr

eBook - 2019

A powerful analysis of the period following the Civil War, and how the blatant racism (including visual stereotypes) of that period continue to adversely affect us today. A powerful analysis of the period following the Civil War, and how the blatant racism (including visual stereotypes) of that period continue to adversely affect us today. Show less

A powerful analysis of the period following the Civil War, and how the blatant racism (including visual stereotypes) of that period continue to adversely affect us today. A powerful analysis of the period following the Civil War, and how the blatant racism (including visual stereotypes) of that period continue to adversely affect us today. Show less

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Iron Empires

Iron Empires

Robber Barons, Railroads, and the Making of Modern America

by Hiltzik, Michael A.

Book - 2020

An energetic account of the titanic growth of the railroad industry in the late 1800s, emphasizing the many colorful characters involved, both the wealthy barons and the working men in the emerging labor movement. An energetic account of the titanic growth of the railroad industry in the late 1800s, emphasizing the many colorful characters involved, both the wealthy barons and the working men in the emerging labor movement. Show less

An energetic account of the titanic growth of the railroad industry in the late 1800s, emphasizing the many colorful characters involved, both the wealthy barons and the working men in the emerging labor movement. An energetic account of the titanic growth of the railroad industry in the late 1800s, emphasizing the many colorful characters involved, both the wealthy barons and the working men in the emerging labor movement. Show less

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The Pandemic Century

The Pandemic Century

One Hundred Years of Panic, Hysteria, and Hubris

by Honigsbaum, Mark

Downloadable Audiobook - 2019

This book looks at the numerous catastrophic disease outbreaks – some well-known and some obscure - of the 20th century, and the scientists and others who have battled them. This book looks at the numerous catastrophic disease outbreaks – some well-known and some obscure - of the 20th century, and the scientists and others who have battled them. Show less

This book looks at the numerous catastrophic disease outbreaks – some well-known and some obscure - of the 20th century, and the scientists and others who have battled them. This book looks at the numerous catastrophic disease outbreaks – some well-known and some obscure - of the 20th century, and the scientists and others who have battled them. Show less

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Imperfect Union

Imperfect Union

How Jessie and John Frémont Mapped the West, Invented Celebrity, and Helped Cause the Civil War

by Inskeep, Steve

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

NPR’s Steve Inskeep presents a well-researched examination of how a husband and wife team in the 1800s were influential in westward expansion, women’s suffrage, and the abolitionist movement. NPR’s Steve Inskeep presents a well-researched examination of how a husband and wife team in the 1800s were influential in westward expansion, women’s suffrage, and the abolitionist movement. Show less

NPR’s Steve Inskeep presents a well-researched examination of how a husband and wife team in the 1800s were influential in westward expansion, women’s suffrage, and the abolitionist movement. NPR’s Steve Inskeep presents a well-researched examination of how a husband and wife team in the 1800s were influential in westward expansion, women’s suffrage, and the abolitionist movement. Show less

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Enemy of All Mankind

Enemy of All Mankind

A True Story of Piracy, Power, and History's First Global Manhunt

by Johnson, Steven

eBook - 2020

A page-turning account of an English pirate attack on a Moghul treasure ship in 1695, and how this notorious event had far-reaching repercussions on global economics and politics. A page-turning account of an English pirate attack on a Moghul treasure ship in 1695, and how this notorious event had far-reaching repercussions on global economics and politics. Show less

A page-turning account of an English pirate attack on a Moghul treasure ship in 1695, and how this notorious event had far-reaching repercussions on global economics and politics. A page-turning account of an English pirate attack on a Moghul treasure ship in 1695, and how this notorious event had far-reaching repercussions on global economics and politics. Show less

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The Other Madisons

The Other Madisons

The Lost History of A President's Black Family

by Kearse, Bettye

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

The author recounts researching her family’s genealogy, tracing back to President James Madison and his slave Coreen. The result is a personal history and exploration of the devastating exclusion of Blacks from the historical record. The author recounts researching her family’s genealogy, tracing back to President James Madison and his slave Coreen. The result is a personal history and exploration of the devastating exclusion of Blacks from the historical record. Show less

The author recounts researching her family’s genealogy, tracing back to President James Madison and his slave Coreen. The result is a personal history and exploration of the devastating exclusion of Blacks from the historical record. The author recounts researching her family’s genealogy, tracing back to President James Madison and his slave Coreen. The result is a personal history and exploration of the devastating exclusion of Blacks from the historical record. Show less

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Salmon

Salmon

A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate

by Kurlansky, Mark

Book - 2020

Considered a master of the microhistory genre, Kurlansky examines the natural and cultural history of salmon over a span of 500 years, demonstrating how their condition (and alarming decline) is intertwined with the planet’s health. Considered a master of the microhistory genre, Kurlansky examines the natural and cultural history of salmon over a span of 500 years, demonstrating how their condition (and alarming decline) is intertwined with the planet’s health. Show less

Considered a master of the microhistory genre, Kurlansky examines the natural and cultural history of salmon over a span of 500 years, demonstrating how their condition (and alarming decline) is intertwined with the planet’s health. Considered a master of the microhistory genre, Kurlansky examines the natural and cultural history of salmon over a span of 500 years, demonstrating how their condition (and alarming decline) is intertwined with the planet’s health. Show less

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The Splendid and the Vile

The Splendid and the Vile

A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz

by Larson, Erik

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

In this detailed but gripping narrative, Larson looks at World War II through the perspective of Winston Churchill’s leadership, with a focus on vivid details from his personal and family life. In this detailed but gripping narrative, Larson looks at World War II through the perspective of Winston Churchill’s leadership, with a focus on vivid details from his personal and family life. Show less

In this detailed but gripping narrative, Larson looks at World War II through the perspective of Winston Churchill’s leadership, with a focus on vivid details from his personal and family life. In this detailed but gripping narrative, Larson looks at World War II through the perspective of Winston Churchill’s leadership, with a focus on vivid details from his personal and family life. Show less

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America for Americans

America for Americans

A History of Xenophobia in the United States

by Lee, Erika

Downloadable Audiobook - 2019

Lee calls into question the popular narrative of the U.S. as a nation that has always welcomed immigrants, revealing instead how hostility towards the “other” has often been the rule in our nation’s history. Lee calls into question the popular narrative of the U.S. as a nation that has always welcomed immigrants, revealing instead how hostility towards the “other” has often been the rule in our nation’s history. Show less

Lee calls into question the popular narrative of the U.S. as a nation that has always welcomed immigrants, revealing instead how hostility towards the “other” has often been the rule in our nation’s history. Lee calls into question the popular narrative of the U.S. as a nation that has always welcomed immigrants, revealing instead how hostility towards the “other” has often been the rule in our nation’s history. Show less

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These Truths

These Truths

by Lepore, Jill

eBook - 2018

A sweeping, elegant examination of whether the U.S. has stayed true to the principles of the Declaration of Independence, revealing our nation’s numerous ...Show more A sweeping, elegant examination of whether the U.S. has stayed true to the principles of the Declaration of Independence, revealing our nation’s numerous contradictions. Includes portraits of lesser-known figures, including women and people of color. Show less

A sweeping, elegant examination of whether the U.S. has stayed true to the principles of the Declaration of Independence, revealing our nation’s numerous ...Show more A sweeping, elegant examination of whether the U.S. has stayed true to the principles of the Declaration of Independence, revealing our nation’s numerous contradictions. Includes portraits of lesser-known figures, including women and people of color. Show less

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Cuba Libre!

Cuba Libre!

Che, Fidel, and the Improbable Revolution That Changed World History

by Perrottet, Tony

Book - 2019

Drawing on oral interviews and archival records, Perrottet provides a fascinating and balanced chronicle of the Cuban Revolution and its worldwide impact; he also examines the post-revolutionary fates of its key figures. Drawing on oral interviews and archival records, Perrottet provides a fascinating and balanced chronicle of the Cuban Revolution and its worldwide impact; he also examines the post-revolutionary fates of its key figures. Show less

Drawing on oral interviews and archival records, Perrottet provides a fascinating and balanced chronicle of the Cuban Revolution and its worldwide impact; he also examines the post-revolutionary fates of its key figures. Drawing on oral interviews and archival records, Perrottet provides a fascinating and balanced chronicle of the Cuban Revolution and its worldwide impact; he also examines the post-revolutionary fates of its key figures. Show less

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The Better Angels

The Better Angels

Five Women Who Changed Civil War America

by Plumb, Robert C.

Book - 2020

A group biography highlighting the achievements of five extraordinary women - Harriet Tubman, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Clara Barton, Julia Ward Howe, and Sarah Josepha Hale. A group biography highlighting the achievements of five extraordinary women - Harriet Tubman, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Clara Barton, Julia Ward Howe, and Sarah Josepha Hale. Show less

A group biography highlighting the achievements of five extraordinary women - Harriet Tubman, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Clara Barton, Julia Ward Howe, and Sarah Josepha Hale. A group biography highlighting the achievements of five extraordinary women - Harriet Tubman, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Clara Barton, Julia Ward Howe, and Sarah Josepha Hale. Show less

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River of Blood

River of Blood

American Slavery From the People Who Lived It : Interviews & Photographs of Formerly Enslaved African Americans

Book - 2020

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D-Day Girls

D-Day Girls

The Spies Who Armed the Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win World War II

by Rose, Sarah

eBook - 2019

The page-turning story of a remarkable group of women who were recruited by Britain’s elite spy agency to work undercover in occupied France to support the resistance and undermine the Nazis. The page-turning story of a remarkable group of women who were recruited by Britain’s elite spy agency to work undercover in occupied France to support the resistance and undermine the Nazis. Show less

The page-turning story of a remarkable group of women who were recruited by Britain’s elite spy agency to work undercover in occupied France to support the resistance and undermine the Nazis. The page-turning story of a remarkable group of women who were recruited by Britain’s elite spy agency to work undercover in occupied France to support the resistance and undermine the Nazis. Show less

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The American Story

The American Story

Conversations With Master Historians

by Rubenstein, David M.

eBook - 2019

A collection of fascinating interviews with prominent historians on their areas of expertise, including Doris Kearns Goodwin on Abraham Lincoln, Taylor Branch on Martin Luther King Jr., and Ron Chernow on Alexander Hamilton. A collection of fascinating interviews with prominent historians on their areas of expertise, including Doris Kearns Goodwin on Abraham Lincoln, Taylor Branch on Martin Luther King Jr., and Ron Chernow on Alexander Hamilton. Show less

A collection of fascinating interviews with prominent historians on their areas of expertise, including Doris Kearns Goodwin on Abraham Lincoln, Taylor Branch on Martin Luther King Jr., and Ron Chernow on Alexander Hamilton. A collection of fascinating interviews with prominent historians on their areas of expertise, including Doris Kearns Goodwin on Abraham Lincoln, Taylor Branch on Martin Luther King Jr., and Ron Chernow on Alexander Hamilton. Show less

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American Rebels

American Rebels

How the Hancock, Adams, and Quincy Families Fanned the Flames of Revolution

by Sankovitch, Nina

Book - 2020

A new account of the American Revolution, looking at how many of the key figures were childhood friends in Braintree, Massachusetts and were influenced by shared family histories. A new account of the American Revolution, looking at how many of the key figures were childhood friends in Braintree, Massachusetts and were influenced by shared family histories. Show less

A new account of the American Revolution, looking at how many of the key figures were childhood friends in Braintree, Massachusetts and were influenced by shared family histories. A new account of the American Revolution, looking at how many of the key figures were childhood friends in Braintree, Massachusetts and were influenced by shared family histories. Show less

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Unworthy Republic

Unworthy Republic

The Dispossession of Native Americans and the Road to Indian Territory

by Saunt, Claudio

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

Drawing on primary sources, Saunt reveals the horrific history of the 1830 Indian Removal Act, in which Congress authorized the forced removal of over 80,000 indigenous Americans from their homelands, resulting in thousands of deaths. Drawing on primary sources, Saunt reveals the horrific history of the 1830 Indian Removal Act, in which Congress authorized the forced removal of over 80,000 indigenous Americans from their homelands, resulting in thousands of deaths. Show less

Drawing on primary sources, Saunt reveals the horrific history of the 1830 Indian Removal Act, in which Congress authorized the forced removal of over 80,000 indigenous Americans from their homelands, resulting in thousands of deaths. Drawing on primary sources, Saunt reveals the horrific history of the 1830 Indian Removal Act, in which Congress authorized the forced removal of over 80,000 indigenous Americans from their homelands, resulting in thousands of deaths. Show less

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Revolution Song

Revolution Song

A Story of American Freedom

by Shorto, Russell

Book - 2018

Shorto takes a fresh look at the American Revolution, interweaving stories of six historical figures, including a colonial shoemaker, a Seneca chief, a freed slave, and the daughter of a British army officer. Shorto takes a fresh look at the American Revolution, interweaving stories of six historical figures, including a colonial shoemaker, a Seneca chief, a freed slave, and the daughter of a British army officer. Show less

Shorto takes a fresh look at the American Revolution, interweaving stories of six historical figures, including a colonial shoemaker, a Seneca chief, a freed slave, and the daughter of a British army officer. Shorto takes a fresh look at the American Revolution, interweaving stories of six historical figures, including a colonial shoemaker, a Seneca chief, a freed slave, and the daughter of a British army officer. Show less

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