For those who are interested in learning more about the United States’ rich history and its people, the best US history books for adults should be your first stop. These books provide readers with a comprehensive and engaging look at the past, from the earliest days of the nation to the present-day. From sweeping overviews of American history to more specific topics, such as the development of the modern economy and the role of race and gender in American society, these adult US history books provide a wealth of information and insight. Whether you are a student, a history enthusiast, or just looking to enrich your knowledge, these books will be sure to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the United States and its history.
Best Us History Books For Adults
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
A People’s History of the United States
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
A History of America in 100 Maps
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II’s Greatest Rescue Mission
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
These Truths: A History of the United States
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
History: From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
The Big Book of American Facts: 1000 Interesting Facts And Trivia About USA (Trivia USA) (Volume 1)
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
A Patriot’s History of the United States: From Columbus’s Great Discovery to America’s Age of Entitlement, Revised Edition
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Black Flags Blue Waters
|
7. 2
|
1. A People’s History of the United States
A People’s History of the United States is a remarkable book that gives a vivid account of the American experience spanning from pre-colonial times to the present day. Written by renowned historian Howard Zinn, it is a comprehensive history of the nation written from the perspective of the people instead of the traditional viewpoint of wealthy elites. The book is well-researched and provides an in-depth look at the struggles of different groups throughout the history of the United States and the effects of policy making on them. It also examines the role of race, class and gender in American history and how certain groups have been able to gain more power or have been marginalized. It is an excellent source of information and a must-read for anyone interested in US history and the effects of US policy on people.
- Written by best-selling historian and political scientist Howard Zinn
- Provides a unique and powerful narrative of the history of the United States from the perspective of the people who actually lived it
- Tells the stories of ordinary AmericansNative Americans, slaves, immigrants, women, and working peopleand their role in shaping the nations history
- Features a new introduction by Zinn, updated material on the Clinton administration, an up-to-date bibliography, and an index
- A classic work in the field of American history and social studies
2. A History of America in 100 Maps
A History of America in 100 Maps is an excellent and comprehensive resource for those interested in the political and physical landscapes of the United States. This book is filled with incredibly detailed maps that tell the story of America from its beginnings up to the present day. The accompanying text provides an even deeper understanding of the map illustrations, exploring the significance of each map in the context of American history. The maps are clearly labeled and organized, making it easy to navigate through the book and quickly find the information you’re looking for. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in American history. It is an invaluable source of knowledge that is sure to be a valuable resource for any student or teacher.
- Explores the history of America from the sixteenth century to the present using 100 maps
- Provides detailed explanations of each map and how it has changed over time
- Illustrates the evolution of numerous topics, including politics, economics, demographics, and more
- Includes maps from European and American cartographers
- Provides vivid descriptions of the physical environment of the continent
- Features an introduction and epilogue that provide an insight into the history of cartography
3. Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II’s Greatest Rescue Mission
Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II’s Greatest Rescue Mission is an incredible book. It is based on a true story about one of the most daring rescue missions during World War II. The author, Hampton Sides, has done a fantastic job of weaving together personal accounts of the men involved in the mission with historical context. The writing is captivating, and the story itself is thrilling – full of suspense and drama. You almost feel as if you are right there with the soldiers on the mission. In addition, the detail of the book is unparalleled – Sides has done extensive research and pulls from a variety of sources. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II, or anyone who loves a good story. Highly recommended!
- Tells the story of the 1945 rescue mission of the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment in the Philippines
- Explores the courage and camaraderie of the soldiers on the mission
- Traces the events leading up to the mission and its aftermath
- Provides in-depth profiles of the soldiers who fought in the mission
- Includes photographs, maps and diagrams showing the locations of the daring rescue
4. These Truths: A History of the United States
These Truths: A History of the United States is an excellent book for anyone looking for a comprehensive overview of the history of the United States. Written by historian Jill Lepore, the narrative is engaging and easy to follow, making for an enjoyable and enlightening read. Throughout the book, Lepore covers a range of topics, from the Native American experience to the history of slavery to the civil rights movement. The historical information is well-researched and presented in an accessible way, making it a perfect resource for students and history enthusiasts alike. Additionally, Lepore adds her unique insight and perspective to many of the topics she covers, providing a fresh and thought-provoking take on a subject thats often neglected in traditional histories. All in all, These Truths: A History of the United States is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the history of the United States.
- A comprehensive overview of the history of the United States, from the pre-Columbian era to the present
- Written by award-winning historian Jill Lepore
- Discusses major events, figures, and themes in American history
- A narrative approach, with stories and anecdotes that bring history to life
- Includes maps, timelines, and illustrations to further enhance understanding
- Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2019
5. The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II
The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II is a captivating story of an incredible rescue mission. The author, Gregory A. Freeman, tells the tale of a daring mission that saved the lives of more than 500 American airmen during World War II. The story takes readers through the perilous journey of the airmen and the brave soldiers and pilots who risked their lives to rescue them. Through extensive research and countless interviews, Freeman lays out the detailed events that led to the ultimate success of the mission. The story is filled with intense moments of heroism, courage, and sacrifice, making it a must-read for any fan of WWII history. The Forgotten 500 is an incredible tale of heroism and bravery that will leave readers with a newfound admiration for those who put their lives on the line to save others. A must-read for anyone interested in World War II history.
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- Detailed account of one of the most daring and successful rescue missions of WWII
- Tells the story of the 500 airmen from the United States and Great Britain who were left behind in Yugoslavia during Operation Halyard
- Explores the role of Yugoslavian partisans, Chetniks, and OSS operatives in the rescue mission
- Explores the physical and psychological dangers of the mission
- Includes interviews with survivors and their relatives
6. History: From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day
This book, History: From the Dawn of Civilization to the Present Day, is an absolute must-read for anyone looking to gain a greater perspective on the events of the past. It gives insightful detail into the major events of the past that have shaped the world today. The author does an amazing job of providing a comprehensive overview of the major cultures, eras and civilizations from the dawn of time to the present day. He covers a wide range of topics such as the rise and fall of empires, the dynamics of global trade, notable figures and inventions, and much more. The book is filled with vivid descriptions and engaging accounts of the past. It is a great resource for students, teachers, and anyone interested in learning more about the fascinating and ever-evolving history of our world. I highly recommend it!
- Provides an in-depth account of the world’s history, from the dawn of civilization to the present day.
- Gives an overview of major events, political and social developments, and cultural trends throughout history.
- Includes detailed information and analysis of key eras, regions, and individuals.
- Analyzes global connections, influences, and conflicts.
- Explores the development of science, technology, and economics.
- Provides an invaluable reference for students, scholars, and those interested in the history of the world.
7. The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West
The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West is a captivating read. Author David McCullough tells the story of the people who helped settle the West in the early 1800s. He paints a vivid picture of the hardships, joys, and triumphs of their journey. He also recounts the unique personalities of the people involved and their unique perspectives on their new homes. The book provides an intimate look at the lives of those who forged a new life on the American frontier. It is an inspiring tale of courage, resilience, and determination. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in American history or the incredible stories of those who settled the West.
- Chronicles the history of the settlers who explored and settled the western United States.
- Explores the lives of these settlers and their impact on America’s history and culture.
- Detailed and comprehensive look at the physical and psychological challenges of the settlers.
- Full of detailed descriptions of the places and people of the American West.
- Discusses the social, political, and economic conditions of the era.
- Illustrated with black and white photographs and maps.
- A great source of insight into the American frontier.
8. The Big Book of American Facts: 1000 Interesting Facts And Trivia About USA (Trivia USA) (Volume 1)
I recently read The Big Book of American Facts: 1000 Interesting Facts And Trivia About USA (Trivia USA) (Volume 1) and it was incredibly informative and entertaining. This book contains an incredible amount of interesting historical facts and trivia about the United States. I was especially surprised to learn some of the unusual and sometimes quirky facts, such as an obscure state law or the origin of a certain town name. There is also a lot of interesting trivia about geography, politics, the economy, and people. It was amazing to learn about the history of the USA and all the different people who have made this country great. The book was well-written and easy to understand, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the United States.
- Provides 1000 interesting facts and trivia about USA
- Includes facts from the past and present
- Covers a wide range of topics, including geography, history, culture, politics, and more
- Gives readers an in-depth look at the United States and its people
- Fully illustrated with colorful images and maps
- Organized into chapters for easy reference
- Written in an easy-to-read format
- Ideal book for curious minds and USA enthusiasts
9. A Patriot’s History of the United States: From Columbus’s Great Discovery to America’s Age of Entitlement, Revised Edition
If you are looking for an interesting and comprehensive history of the United States, then A Patriot’s History of the United States: From Columbus’s Great Discovery to America’s Age of Entitlement, Revised Edition is the right book for you. This book is an in-depth look at the history of the United States, from the arrival of the first Europeans in the New World to the present day. It is written in an accessible and informative style that provides a comprehensive overview of the key events, people, and ideas that have shaped the nation. The author, Larry Schweikart, also includes a detailed analysis of the issues that are still relevant today. This revised edition includes new chapters on the War on Terrorism, the Iraq War, and the election of Barack Obama. It is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the United States.
- Explores the full spectrum of American history, from political, diplomatic and military history to social, cultural and economic history
- Provides an accurate and balanced perspective, not just the traditional view of the nation’s past
- Features extended profiles of key figures in American history
- Includes a revised edition with new information on the 2000s and a new concluding chapter on the Obama administration
- Offers insights into American values, beliefs, and culture
- Analyzes the role of religion in American history
- Analyzes the impact of immigration on American history
- Discusses the role of race and gender in American history
- Explores the impact of the industrial revolution on American history
10. Black Flags Blue Waters
10. Black Flags Blue Waters is a remarkable work of history and storytelling. Author Eric Jay Dolin puts together an epic saga that details the history of America’s first coast-to-coast pirate hunting mission, led by a small squadron of colonial soldiers. The book is entertaining and immersive, filled with vivid descriptions of battles, betrayals, and daring escapes. It is filled with fascinating detail, lending a real sense of authenticity to the narrative. The authors research is thorough and engaging, and he never loses sight of the human drama at the center of the story. Black Flags Blue Waters is a captivating tale of a
