Absolute Monarchs

by John Julius Norwich

This sweeping chronicle of one of the most enduring, most significant, and most controversial institutions in history covers the most important popes throughout the ages—from St. Peter to Benedict XVI.

Act of Congress

by Robert Kaiser

Longtime Washington Post reporter Robert G. Kaiser follows the “Dodd-Frank” financial reform bill from its inception to its signing into law, revealing the intricate and often surprising inner workings of Congress.

The Age of Airpower

by Martin van Creveld

A renowned military historian tells the story of the rise of airpower in the 20th century—and argues that its great days are over with the advent of warfare waged by terrorists, guerrillas and insurgents.

The Age of Edison

by Ernest Freeberg

Unveiled in 1879, Thomas Edison’s incandescent lightbulb was arguably the most important invention of its era. Freeberg shows how it revolutionized the scientific process—and the development of modern America.

Agent Garbo

by Stephan Talty

A Barcelona poultry farmer determined to oppose the Nazis, Juan Pujol became one of history’s most skilled double agents. Here is the story of the spy who matched wits with the best minds of the Third Reich—and won.

Alger Hiss

by Christina Shelton

A former U.S. intelligence analyst employs in-depth knowledge of Soviet intelligence and recently released Hungarian and KGB archival material to shine a fresh light on one of history’s most famous espionage cases.

All Standing

by Kathryn Miles

The story of a boy born on one of the notorious “coffin ships” during the Irish Potato Famine—and the heroic crew members who saved him and thousands of others from one of the world’s greatest humanitarian crises.

Almost President

by Scott Farris

Profiles of 12 presidential candidates—Henry Clay, Stephen Douglas, William Jennings Bryan, Al Gore and others—who, even in defeat, had a greater impact on American history than many of the victors.

America's First Clash with Iran

by Lee Allen Zatarain

Reveals the little-known story of one of the most mysterious conflicts in U.S. history: “The Tanker War,” waged against Iran for control of the Persian Gulf—an event that may have presaged further battles to come.

America's Great Debate

by Fergus M. Bordewich

The spellbinding story behind the longest debate in U.S. Senate history: the Compromise of 1850, which brought together such Senate luminaries as Henry Clay and Stephen A. Douglas in a desperate effort to save the Union.

America's Secret MiG Squadron

by Gaillard R. Peck, Jr.

The story of Vietnam veteran and Phantom F-4 pilot Col. Gail Peck, who helped establish the “Constant Peg” program to ensure that we were unbeatable against our Cold War adversaries flying the legendary MiG fighter jets.

America's Unwritten Constitution

by Akhil Reed Amar

A renowned constitutional scholar explores the relationship between the written Constitution and the external factors that shape our interpretations of it as well as the practices that guide our political system.

The American Civil War

by John Keegan

In his first major work on the Civil War, military historian Keegan offers insights into psychology, ideology, demographics and economics that reveal dimensions of the conflict that have eluded earlier historiography.

American Empire

by Joshua Benjamin Freeman

The economic juggernaut awakened by World War II transformed the United States into an economic and military powerhouse. Freeman reveals the developments that set the stage for America’s rise to global dominance.

American Gun

by Chris Kyle

From the late Navy SEAL and author of American Sniper—a hands-on look at the ten most iconic guns in U.S. history, from the frontier-conquering American Long Rifle to the weapons used by today’s Special Forces.