The History Reader

07/10/2025

Few authors have had as big an impact on space journalism as Jeffrey Kluger. His book LOST MOON, co-authored with Astronaut James Lovell, was the basis for Tom Hanks's movie, Apollo 13. Check out this Astronomy Magazine interview with Kluger on his exciting book, GEMINI, which goes on sale 11/11 and is available for preorder now. http://www.astronomy.com/space-exploration/an-interview-with-jeff-kluger/

07/08/2025

Are you signed up for THE HISTORY READER newsletter? If not, you missed this list of must-read history books that we know you'll love when they publish

Even better, you can preorder any of these books now through 7/11 at Barnes & Noble and get 25% off them using the code PREORDER25. Membership is required for the discount but there is a free membership option. Stock up today on great history reads coming soon: https://bit.ly/THRnewsletterJuly8

07/08/2025

Barnes & Noble just shared some of the biggest nonfiction books coming this fall, which includes a few history titles like THE ZORG by Siddharth Kara. In THE ZORG, Kara, a Pulitzer finalist and NYT bestselling author, reveals the notorious slave ship incident that led to the abolition of slavery in the UK and sparked the US abolitionist movement.

From intimate memoirs and personal narratives to sweeping histories and untold stories, these are fall's biggest nonfiction books.

07/04/2025

As part of the ongoing celebration of the birth of the United States 250 years ago and the sacrifices that soldiers made to create the United States, author Jack Kelly recounts the Battle of Bunker Hill and Dr. Joseph Warren's role in it.

Happy Fourth of July to all Americans!

https://www.thehistoryreader.com/us-history/to-look-them-in-the-face-bunker-hill-250/

06/28/2025

To celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended WWI on June 28, 1919, author Tom Clavin shares with The History Reader the story of the Red Baron and other early flyboys whose dangerous missions helped bring WWI to an end. https://www.thehistoryreader.com/military-history/the-red-baron-and-early-flyboys-during-wwi/

06/26/2025

Looking for your next history read? Check out some of our favorite new history books publishing in July 2025.

https://www.thehistoryreader.com/uncategorized/hot-history-reads-july-2025/

06/12/2025

In June of 1752, with some sources specifically saying the tenth of June, Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous experiment of drawing electricity from the sky utilizing a kite. Tim Queeney, author of "Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization," shares with The History Reader the importance of rope in this well-known experiment.

In June of 1752, with some sources specifically saying the tenth of June, Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous experiment of drawing electricity from the sky utilizing a kite. Tim Queeney, author of Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization, shares with The History R...

06/11/2025

In honor of Anne Royall’s birthday (June 11, 1769), author Jack Kelly shares with The History Reader Anne's story as one of the pioneering female journalists in American history who was indicted for being a “common scold.”

Author Jack Kelly shares the bizarre life story and trial of pioneering journalist Anne Royall, who was found guilty of being a common scold.

06/02/2025

A familiar book spotted on Barnes & Noble's "Best History Books of 2025 (So Far)" list! It's THE RIDE by Kostya Kennedy, which is a must-read for history buffs wanting to learn the captivating truth about Paul Revere, the American Revolutionary War hero.

This rousing collection of impactful insights from ancient history to modern is chock-full of fascinating tales and lasting takeaways.

06/02/2025

Alex Vernon of Peace is a Shy Thing discusses reality versus cinema during the Vietnam War, focusing on a unique experience of Tim O’Brien during that time.

https://www.thehistoryreader.com/historical-figures/dear-mr-coppola-a-true-war-story-from-viet-nam/

05/28/2025

Looking for your next history read? Check out our favorite new history books publishing in June 2025.

https://www.thehistoryreader.com/world-history/sizzling-historical-summer-reading-june-2025/

05/26/2025

On his substack, Talking to America, historian and author Jack Kelly reflects upon the Memorial Days, or "Decoration Days" of his youth, recognizing his privileged childhood of peace that the prior generation who fought in WWII did not get to experience.

https://jackkellyattalkingtoamerica.substack.com/p/memory-may-their-deed-redeem

On this U.S. Memorial Day, thank you to all who have served.

When I was a kid, we looked forward to Memorial Day, the beginning of summer.