Best Historical Essays Books of 2026

Myth America: Historians Take On the Biggest Legends and Lies About Our Past is a collection of essays by America's top historians who set the record straight on the most pernicious myths about the nation's past. Based on a firm foundation of historical scholarship, the contributors debunk numerous partisan lies that have been promoted in the conservative media. The book is a collective work of courage in a time when truth and fact have never been so widely abused. It is a powerful, timely, and essential reading that reveals the real history behind today's headlines and upends long-enduring myths.

The Best Strangers in the World is a memoir-in-essays that takes readers around the globe to reveal the stories behind narratives that are sometimes heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, but always poignant. Ari Shapiro, the beloved host of NPR's All Things Considered, details his time traveling on Air Force One with President Obama, following the path of Syrian refugees fleeing war, and learning from those fighting for social justice both at home and abroad. This book is a testament to one journalist's passion for Considering All Things—and sharing what he finds with the rest of us. Overall, it is a witty, poignant, and insightful read that highlights the importance of listening and connecting with others.

Red, White, and Black: Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers is a necessary response to the distorted portrayal of black history in the media. The book challenges the politicized version of American history and provides a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the black experience in America. The collection of essays written by prominent black scholars and thinkers offers a nuanced and complex view of black Americans' journey, highlighting their unique contributions to the making of America. Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the true story of black Americans and the role they played in shaping America's history.

The Treason of the Experts: Covid and the Credentialed Class is a thought-provoking book written by Professor Thomas Harrington, providing a chronicle of the Covid crisis and how it was handled by the elites in political, economic, cultural, and academic worlds. The author's deep knowledge of a particular region and language group, coupled with his curiosity about the ruling-class structure, enabled him to see what many others missed. The book is an eye-opener on how the elites fell in line and participated in the "great reset" while essential social, market, and cultural functioning was systematically dismantled. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the Covid crisis and its far-reaching consequences.

Undelivered by Jeff Nussbaum offers a fascinating insight into notable speeches that were never delivered, providing alternative histories of what could have been if not for schedule changes, changes of heart, or momentous turns of events. The book presents the most notable speeches the public never heard, from Dwight Eisenhower’s apology for a D-Day failure to Richard Nixon’s refusal to resign the presidency, and even Hillary Clinton’s acceptance for a 2016 victory. Nussbaum considers not only what they tell us about the past but also what they can inform us about our present. Overall, this book is an ingenious and immensely insightful read that offers a compelling peek behind the curtain of the speechwriting process and brings critical moments in history vividly to life.

The Time-Traveler Flashback Series presents "Flashback to 1973 - A Time Traveler’s Guide", a slim 75-page book that expertly captures the essence of the year 1973. The book is packed with fun-filled and fascinating facts, covering the people, places, politics, and pleasures that made the year so special. It contains vintage photo reproductions on every page, original full-page feature articles, and over 20 rare vintage advertisements. Written by history teacher B. Bradforsand-Tyler, this book makes a perfect gift for anyone born or married in the year 1973. Overall, the book is a delightful and educational read that takes readers on a trip down memory lane.

Slavery by Another Name by Douglas A. Blackmon is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historical work that uncovers the stories of enslaved individuals and their descendants who experienced freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation, only to be forced back into servitude during the “Age of Neoslavery” from the Civil War to World War II. With a vast collection of original documents and personal narratives, Blackmon reveals the shameful chapter of American history where convicts, mostly black men, were leased through forced labor camps run by state and federal governments. Overall, this book is a moving, sobering, and shocking account that challenges readers’ understanding of American history and its legacy of racism.

Assume Nothing by Edward Jay Epstein is a memoir of a lifelong quest for missing puzzle pieces and self-actualization. Epstein, an investigative journalist, is a puzzle solver who looks for missing pieces of the picture, sometimes uncovering deep conspiracies, and other times discrediting beliefs in conspiracies. The book offers a head-spinning cast of characters that moved through Epstein's life, including Vladimir Nabokov, Barbara Streisand, and many more. The Warren Commission chapters are utterly riveting, and one marvels at the way Epstein insinuates his way into getting so many important scoops. This book is an engaging read and should be taught in every journalism school.

This anthology, titled "To Hear Them Tell It: Memories of Growing Up in Charleston," captures the memories of over two dozen Charlestonians from various neighborhoods and walks of life. The book portrays a collective consciousness of a time when the city was vastly different from what it is today. It is a great read for those who are interested in learning about the history and culture of Charleston, as well as for those who have lived through it and can relate to the stories within its pages. The author, Mary C. Coy, is a fourth-generation Charlestonian and a former educator, who has written several books about Charleston. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to the history of Charleston and is a must-read for anyone who loves the city.

Cursed Objects: Strange but True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items is a fascinating and chilling volume that compiles the true stories of cursed objects. The book features eerie oddities that have inspired countless horror movies, reality TV shows, novels, and campfire tales. The stories have intersected with some of the most notable events and people in history, leaving death and destruction in their wake. The book is well-researched, and the author's writing style is engaging. Overall, this book is a visual feast of weird trivia that is perfect for anyone who loves a good spine-tingling tale.