History books are written works that explore, analyze, and interpret past events, societies, and cultures. They aim to provide a detailed and factual account of historical developments, often focusing on specific periods, regions, or themes. History books can range from broad surveys that cover extensive time periods and geographical areas to more focused studies on particular events, individuals, or social phenomena. They utilize primary sources such as documents, artifacts, and eyewitness accounts, as well as secondary sources like scholarly articles and previous historical writings, to construct a coherent and informed narrative. History books serve to educate readers about the past, offering insights into how it has shaped the present and can influence the future. Here are our books on history.
Forthcoming | February 2025
Through letters, diaries, and interviews, Band of Sisters by Philippe Maynial (translated by Richard Bernstein), recounts the untold bravery of French army doctor Madeleine Pauliac and her fellow Red Cross women as they ventured into war-torn Europe to rescue the stranded and wounded in 1945. Their daring missions in Germany, Russia, and Poland are powerful testimonies of courage in the face of unimaginable challenges.
In Raiders, Rulers and Traders | The Horse and The Rose of Empires, scholar of Asian history David Chaffetz tells the story of the steppe raiders, rulers, and traders who amassed power and wealth on horseback from the Bronze Age through the twentieth century. Drawing on a wealth of primary sources—in Persian, Turkish, Russian, and Chinese—Chaffetz presents a groundbreaking new view of what has been known as the “Silk Road,” and a lively history of the great horse empires that shaped civilization.
Into Siberia | George Kennen’s Epic Journey Through the Brutal, Frozen Heart of Russia by Gregory Wallance details the story of George Kennan’s discovery of the plight of exiles in Russia. This book that ranks with the greatest adventure stories, is a thrilling work of history about one man’s harrowing journey and the light it shone on some of history’s most heinous human rights abuses.
Murder in Manchuria | The True Story of a Jewish Virtuoso, Russian Fascists, a French Diplomat, and a Japanese Spy in Occupied China by Scott D. Seligman, a real-life murder mystery set in China. Part cold-case thriller and part social history, the true, tragic saga of Semyon Kaspé is told in the context of the larger, improbable story of the lives of the twenty thousand Jews who called Harbin home at the beginning of the twentieth century.
When Washington Burned | The British Invasion of the Capital and a Nation’s Rise from the Ashes by Robert P. Watson looks deeper into the dark day in American history when the country’s capital fell to the British. The book narrates and examines the British campaign and American missteps that led to the fall of Washington during the War of 1812.
Into the Amazon | The Life of Cândido Rondon, Trailblazing Explorer, Scientist, Statesman, and Conservationist by Larry Rohter tells the story of acclaimed Brazilian explorer Cândido Rondon. A thrilling biography of the Indigenous Brazilian explorer, scientist, stateseman, and conservationist who guided Theodore Roosevelt on his journey down the River of Doubt.
The Last Secrets of Anne Frank | The Untold Story of Her Silent Protector by Joop van Wijk-Voskuijl and Jeroen De Bruyn looks deeper into the stories surrounding the Frank family and those protecting them in the secret annex.
Victorious in Defeat | The Life and Times of Chiang Kai-shek, China, 1887-1975 by Alexander V. Pantsov and Steven I. Levine looks back on the life of Chinese leader Chiang Kai-Shek. The authors shed new light on the role played by the Russians in Chiang’s political career as well as on Chiang’s complex relationship with top officials of the United States
The Disappeared | Remnants of a Dirty War by Sam Ferguson chronicles the genocide in Argentina and the way the country has handled its recovery. Using a recent human rights trial as his lens, Sam Ferguson addresses two central questions of our age: How is mass atrocity possible, and What should be done in its wake?
Wilderness Tales | Forty Stories Of The North American Wild edited by Diana Fuss is a compilation of short stories, all rich with details of the wilderness in North America. Fuss has gathered a dazzling collection of timeless classics and contemporary discoveries summoning up our close and imagined encounters with all things wild.
Peter and Amy Bernstein founded Bernstein Literary Agency in 2009. For over two decades, we have worked with over 100 brilliant authors around the globe and across a gamut of subjects to get their books published, and their stories told. We typically work on non-fiction projects, but we have helped bring many fiction books, children’s books, and the occasional cookbook to market. We work with authors in all stages of their careers, from experienced, award-winning, and bestselling ones to debut writers ready to take on the world.
Amitav Acharya
Esther Allen
Gerard Araud
Chris Bohjalian
Andrew Scott Cooper
Vincent Coppola
Eva Dou
Caldwell B., Esselstyn, Jr., M.D.
Bruce Falconer
Gillian Lipton
Sven Steinmo
Robert Suettinger
Tanzina Vega
Olajide Williams
Dalena Wright