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.
When the Iron Bird Flies | China’s Secret War in Tibet by Jianglin Li tells the untold story of China’s military operations in Tibet. The book breaks this decades long silence to reveal for the first time a comprehensive and explosive picture of the six years that would prove definitive in modern Tibetan and Chinese history.
A Thousand Years of Joys and Sorrows: A Memoir, written by Ai Weiwei, was published on November 2, 2021. The book chronicles Ai Weiwei’s early years and the myriad forces that have shaped modern China. Recounting the memories of Weiwei’s childhood spent in exile with his father, poet Ai Qing, who Mao Zedong branded a “rightist intellectual” for his critical view of the government.
A Second Reckoning | Race, Injustice, and the Last Hanging in Annapolis by Scott D. Seligman looks into the wrongful hanging of a Black man, and argues for more reexamination into the racial uses of the justice systems. The author argues that the repeal of racist laws and policies must be augmented by reckoning with America’s judicial past, especially in cases in which prejudice may have tainted procedures or perverted verdicts.
Chicago’s Great Fire | The Destruction and Resurrection of an Iconic American City by Carl Smith
Between October 8–10, 1871, much of the city of Chicago was destroyed by one of the most legendary urban fires in history. Incorporated as a city in 1837, Chicago had grown at a breathtaking pace in barely three decades, from just over 4,000 in 1840 to greater than 330,000 at the time of the fire.
The Hidden Habits of Genius | Beyond Talent, IQ, and Grit—Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness by Craig Wright studies geniuses throughout history and presents a new framework on how intellect should be measured. In The Hidden Habits of Genius, he reveals what we can learn from the lives of those we have dubbed “geniuses,” past and present.
The Ever-Changing Past | Why All History is Revisionist History by James M. Banner, Jr. is an example of an experienced, multi-faceted historian showing how revisionist history is at the heart of creating historical knowledge. Banner shows why historical knowledge is unlikely ever to be unchanging, why history as a branch of knowledge is always a search for meaning and a constant source of argument.
The Kennedys in the World | How Jack, Bobby, and Ted Remade America’s Empire by Lawrence J. Haas tells a rich, fascinating, and consequential story about Jack, Bobby, and Ted Kennedy. From an early age, the brothers developed a deep understanding of the different peoples, cultures, and ideologies around the world; a keen appreciation for the challenges that such differences created for the United States; and a strong desire to reshape America’s response to them.
A Raid on the Red Sea | The Israeli Capture of the Karine A by Amos Gilboa is the thrilling, real-life tale of illegal gun-running in the Middle East. In this firsthand account, Amos Gilboa gives the harrowing details of the secret close-working relations between Israeli and American intelligence in the seizure of the Karine A ship, the most successful Israeli intelligence operation since the legendary Entebbe hostage rescue.
George Washington’s Final Battle | The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and Nation by Robert P. Watson looks into Washington’s impact on creating his new country’s capital city. Washington had a direct role in planning many aspects of the city that would house the young republic, creating a landmark that gave the fledgling democracy credibility, united a fractious country, and created a sense of American identity.
The Great Kosher Meat War of 1902 | Immigrant Housewives and the Riots That Shook New York City by Scott D. Seligman explores the collective action Jewish housewives took to end the price gouging of kosher meat. Convinced by the latest jump in the price of kosher meat, they assembled with intent on shutting down every kosher butcher shop in New York’s Jewish quarter.
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