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.
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.
Ghost Flames | Life and Death in a Hidden War, Korea 1950-1953 by Charles J. Hanley provides eyewitness accounts of the Korean War from the individuals who experienced it firsthand. A powerful, character-driven narrative of the Korean War from the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who helped uncover some of its longest-held and darkest secrets. The war that broke out in Korea on a Sunday morning seventy years ago has come to be recognized as a critical turning point in modern history — as the first great clash of arms of the Cold War.
The Planter of Modern Life | How an Ohio Farm Boy Conquered Literary Paris, Fed the Lost Generation, and Sowed the Seeds of the Organic Food Movement by Stephen Heyman tells of story of Louis Bromfield, leader of the organic food movement. This sweeping biography unearths a lost icon of American culture, a fascinating, hilarious and unclassifiable character who—between writing and plowing—also dabbled in global politics and high society.
The Journey of Liu Xiaobo | From Dark Horse to Nobel Laureate edited by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman with Yu Zhang, Jie Li, and Tienchi Martin-Liao reflects on the incredible life of Liu Xaiobo. A fearless poet and prolific essayist and critic, Liu Xiaobo became one of the most important dissident thinkers in the People’s Republic of China.
Forbidden Memory | Tibet during the Cultural Revolution by Tsering Woeser uncovers the lost stories of Tibet during the societal-changing Cultural Revolution. The author presents three hundred previously unseen photographs taken by her father that show for the first time the frenzy and violence of the Cultural Revolution in Tibet.
Our People | Discovering Lithuania’s Hidden Holocaust by Rūta Vanagaitė and Efraim Zuroff explores the history of Lithuania’s decisions and actions during the Holocaust. The book exposes the significant role in implementing the Final Solution played by local political leaders and the prewar Lithuanian administration that remained in place during occupation.
Drunk in China | Baijiu and the World’s Oldest Drinking Culture by Derek Sandhaus follows the author’s journey to discover the history and culture of Baijiu drinking. China is one of the world’s leading producers and consumers of liquor. Yet to the outside world, China’s most famous spirit, baijiu, remains a mystery.
Presidential Misconduct | From George Washington to Today by James M. Banner, Jr. adds the accounts of misconduct by contemporary American Presidents to the original report. Led by Banner, a group of presidential historians come together to bring the 1974 account up to date through Barack Obama’s presidency.
The Making of a Justice | Reflections on My First 94 Years by John Paul Stevens explores the author’s impactful life as a Justice of the United States Supreme Court. In his memoir, the Justice recounts his extraordinary life, offering an intimate and illuminating account of his service on the nation’s highest court.
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