by History 500 | Aug 6, 2015 | Book of the Month Selection
Red Cloud's War - Resistance and Victory by the Sioux Nation
In the summer and fall of 1866, legendary Lakota Sioux's great warrior-chief Red Cloud courageously rallied his forces against encroaching white settlers and the U.S. cavalry . Bob Drury's "The Heart of Everything That Is" vividly brings to life this dramatic and mostly forgotten confrontation and heroic Sioux victory predating later events at Little Big Horn.
Top Recommendation for August
The Heart of Everything That Is
, by Bob Drury ( 2013 - 432pp)
A masterpiece of Western history. Gripping, account of the rise of Red Cloud as leader of the Sioux nation, his guerrilla war and the Army's great defeat in the Fetterman Massacre ( 2013 - 432pp)
by History 500 | Jul 14, 2015 | Book of the Month Selection
The Battle of Britain - 75th Anniversary of Britain's Greatest WW II Victory
75 years ago, in the summer and fall of 1940, all that separated Britain from invasion and certain defeat by the Nazi peril was the RAF and Britain's top secret air radar defense system. Acclaimed author Michael Korda's "With Wings Like Eagles" portrays the heroes, villains and leaders on both sides and the critical moments in this thrilling epic of survival.
Top Recommendation for July
With Wings Like Eagles, Michael Korda (2009 - 352pp)
One of the most critical victories in British history. Great account of the RAF and Hitler's failed attempt at gaining air superiority for an invasion of England.
by History 500 | Jun 11, 2015 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
The Marquis de Lafayette - Washington's Indispensable Ally and Friend
In June, 1834 all of America mourned the death at age 74 of Lafayette who volunteered as Washington's aide as a 20 year old, won the hearts of Americans and helped bring France into the War. David Clary's "Adopted Son: Washington, Lafayette and the Friendship that Saved the Revolution" portrays the life, friendships and great loves of this genuine American hero.
Top Recommendation for June, David Clary (2008 - 592pp)
Adopted Son: Washington, Lafayette and the Friendship that Saved the Revolution, David Clary (2008 - 592pp)
Touching, poignant portrayal of the father-son relationship that blossomed between Lafayette and Washington and was so critical to the war effort. David Clary (2008 - 592pp)
by History 500 | May 1, 2015 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
The Sinking of the Lusitania - America Turns toward War
100 years ago, on May 1, 1915 the RMS Lusitania departed Chelsea Piers in New York for Liverpool with 1962 people aboard. The ship was torpedoed on the afternoon of May 7, 11 miles off the coast of Ireland and sank in 18 minutes. Erik Larson's "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania" brings to life this fateful event that helped draw the U.S. into WW I.
Top Recommendation for May
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, by Erik Larson (2015, May - 448 pp)
Tense, gripping account of the last days of RMS Lusitania, the world's largest ship. Master story teller Erik Larson relates an unforgettable WW I tragedy and mystery
by History 500 | Apr 8, 2015 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
Appomattox 150 Years Ago - Final Moments of the Civil War
On April 9, 1865 Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of the Northern Virginia at Appomattox, VA in one of the most dramatic scenes in American military history. Bruce Catton's classic three volume history of the Civil War ends with his superlative "A Stillness at Appomattox" brilliantly capturing Lee's failed dash to escape and ensuing poignant moments of his surrender.
Top Recommendation for April
A Stillness at Appomattox, by Bruce Catton (1990 – 448pp) by
A Civil War classic covering the final days of the war and Robert E. Lee’s historic, emotional surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox.
by History 500 | Mar 1, 2015 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
America's First Great National Park - The Birth of Yellowstone
On March 1, 1882 Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation creating Yellowstone and gave birth to the world's first national park system. George Black's marvelous "Empire of Shadows" is a captivating introduction to a cast of legendary Western characters from Lewis and Clark to Jim Bridger and those first to document the marvels of Yellowstone for the rest of America.
Top Recommendation for March
Empire of Shadows,by George Black (2013 - 576pp)
Thoroughly absorbing Western history of the initial exploration of Yellowstone, settlement of the Wyoming-Montana area and tragic conflicts with local Indian nations.
by History 500 | Feb 7, 2015 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
Britain's Darkest, Most Desperate Hours - Three Great Americans Who Stood by Her.
Many Americans are not fully aware of how truly desperate Britain was after two years of war with Germany. Lynne Olson's Citizens of London paints a vivid picture of WW II in Britain and London before American entry and of three Americans who worked behind the scenes to aid Britain during her most desperate hours.
Top Recommendation for February
Citizens of London, Lynne Olsen (2011 - 496pp)
Terrific, inspiring account of three U.S greats, W.A. Harriman, E. R. Murrow, and Ambassador John Winant who first understood and articulated the Nazi threat.
by History 500 | Jan 9, 2015 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
The Battle of New Orleans at 200 - America's First Great Military Victory
January 10, 2015 marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans and Andrew Jackson's famous victory over far superior British forces during the War of 1812. Acclaimed Jacksonian scholar Robert Remini documents in concise, captivating prose how Old Hickory welded a motley crew of fighters in the nick of time...and gave America its first great military victory.
Top Recommendation for January
Battle of New Orleans, Robert Remini (2001 – 240pp)
An edge-of-your seats read about Andrew Jackson’s ragtag army of 3000 and humiliating defeat of 8000 British regulars that stirred and inspired a nation.
by History 500 | Dec 2, 2014 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
Into the Arctic Unknown - A Perilous Journey to the Kingdom of Ice
An 1880's Gilded Age cast of characters, a U.S Navy ship that becomes locked in the unexplored Arctic and its crew's unimaginable fight for survival make Hampton Sides "In the Kingdom of Ice" a riveting page turner. And, Pierre Burton's 1958 classic, "Klondike Fever" about the Klondike Gold Rush will astound you with the exploits of thousands in the frozen North.
Top Recommendations for December
In the Kingdom of Ice, Hampton Sides (2014, Aug - 480pp)
Epic saga of 1880's polar exploration into the uncharted Arctic by the U.S. Navy ship Jeannette, her heroic young captain George De Long and intrepid crew. Hampton Sides (2014, Aug - 480pp)
by History 500 | Oct 27, 2014 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
The Battle of Leyte Gulf - The Largest Naval Battle of WW II
From October 23-26, 1944 the U.S. and Japanese fleets fought what may be the largest naval battle in history near the Philippines - a final fatal blow for Japan. Jame's Hornfischer's "Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" describes one of the heroic battles of the war...and how close Japan came to a victory. Tom Cutler's "The Battle of Leyte Gulf" is still the best overview book .
Top Recommendation for November
The Battle of Leyte Gulf, by Thomas Cutler (1994 - 343pp)
Possibly the largest naval battle in history. Japan came close, but ultimately lost 26 major surface ships and was never again a fighting navy. Lost was the great battleship Musashi and 4 aircraft carriers.
by History 500 | Oct 6, 2014 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
The Battle of Saratoga - France Enters the Revolutionary War
On October, 17, 1777 British General John Burgoyne surrendered his entire army of 5200 to Colonial forces at Saratoga, a historic, critical turning point that brought France into the war as America's ally. Richard Ketchum's "Saratoga" is an easy-to-read cliffhanger detailing the almost unbelievable overconfidence of Burgoyne that lead to his cataclysmic defeat.
Top Recommendation for October
Saratoga, by Richard Ketchum (1997 – 448pp)
A fascinating, inspiring account of the British invasion from Canada and disastrous defeat of an overly-confident Burgoyne at Saratoga. Great Maps. Richard M Ketchum
by History 500 | Sep 2, 2014 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
The Fall of Atlanta - The Greatest Event of the Civil War
On September 2, 1864, Atlanta surrendered to General William "T" Sherman ending a bloody 4 month siege in what has been famously called "The Greatest Event of the Civil War". Russell Bond's superb, 2010 book covers the battle and burning of the city by retreating Confederate forces, immortalized years later in Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With the Wind".
Top Recommendations for September
War Like the Thunderbolt, Russell Bonds (2010 - 536pp).
Award-winning, epic story that draws the reader into the drama of the siege and burning of Atlanta in a way that makes this cataclysmic event come alive
Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell (1936 - 960pp).
Margaret Mitchell's famous 1936 first-novel about the destruction of Atlanta and the heartrending end to the Southern plantation way of life
by History 500 | Aug 12, 2014 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
Berlin 1936 Summer Olympics - An American Crew's Magical Journey
In August, 1936 Hitler's Germany hosted the Olympics in Berlin. A U-Washington crew of Depression Era youngsters from the west won fame and glory competing in the U.S...then set off to win gold in Berlin. This captivating story touches many bases...growing up in The Depression, a heroic quest to win, the many innovations in rowing and wooden shell design...and a Nazi propaganda machine in full overdrive
Top Recommendation for August
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Olympics", by James Brown (2013, Jun - 416pp)
Marvelous, inspiring story of the U-Washington coach and crew at Hitler's 1936 Olympics and their quest for gold against a heavily favored Nazi machine.
by History 500 | Jul 7, 2014 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
The Mexican War - Creation of the American West
In July of 1846, Gen. Stephen Kearny at the direction of President Polk set off on one of the most ambitious and successful military adventures in history, capturing New Mexico and California and dramatically increasing the size of the United States. One of our favorite authors, Winston Groom is a great story teller and vividly brings to life Kearny's amazing life and adventures in "Blood and Thunder: the Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West",
Top Recommendation for July
Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West, by Hampton Sides (2011 - 336 pp)
The remarkable journey of Kearny's band of 2000 soldiers on a mission to help secure the SW and CA in 1846. Historic encounters with the Mormons, Kit Carson, the Donner party
by History 500 | Jun 10, 2014 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
World War I - The Outbreak of The Great War 100 Years Later
This month marks the 100th anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28th, 1914, an event that changed the course of World History. G. J. Meyer's superb "A World Undone: The Story of the Great War" is a fresh, highly readable overview of WW I with helpful vignettes on key personalities and excellent maps.
Top Recommendation for June
A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, by G.J. Meyer (2007 - 704pp)
Excellent, easy-to-read recent overview of WWI for the more casual reader. Root causes of the war, history of major battles and the war's lasting impact.
Click Here for a Map & Guide to WW I Monuments & Battlefields
by History 500 | May 12, 2014 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
The Summer of 1927 & The Spirit of St. Louis
Bill Bryson's marvelously engaging book, One Summer: America 1927, covers Babe Ruth, Al Capone, Prohibition, and riveting details about Charles Lindbergh's historic, May 21 flight across the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis. Richard Bak's, The Big Jump, is another excellent recent book on Lindbergh and the fierce competition to be first.
Top Recommendations for May
One Summer: America 1927, Bill Bryson (2013 - 528pp)
A quirky, entertaining style and plenty of lesser known details about Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, Warren Harding, Prohibition and the Roaring 20's. Great fun.
The Big Jump, Richard Bak (2011 - 336 pp)
Wonderful, new recap of Lindberg's flight across the Atlantic, the only solo attempt yet made. Plus, not well-known info on the many competitors he faced.
by History 500 | Apr 7, 2014 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
The Battle of Shiloh - The End of Innocence
A general air of optimism prevailed both North and South 
during the first year of the Civil War. Hopes for swift victory were dashed at Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862 - the first major battle of the War, portending the vast scope of conflict yet to come. Winston Groom's engaging and highly readable "Shiloh 1862" is the best overview of this historic event yet. Great maps.
Top Recommendation for April
Shiloh 1862, by Winston Groom (2012 - 398 pp)
Superb history of the appalling first large battle of the Civil War that shocked North and South with its carnage. Riveting portrayal of the death of Gen. Johnson. Winston Groom
Click Here for a Guide & Map for the Shiloh National Military Park
by History 500 | Mar 10, 2014 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
The American Revolution - Critical Turning Point in the Carolinas
To most, the key events of the American Revolution occurred in Virginia and north. Not necessarilly so. In March, 1781, two critical battles in the Carolinas changed the course of the war and made the final victory at Yorktown possible. The Battle of Cowpens was a stunning loss for the British. And The Battle of Guilford Courthouse a Phyrric victory, leading them to Yorktown and Washington's fateful victory.
Top Recommendations for March
The Battle of Cowpens, Edward Babits (2000 - 231pp)
A critical turning point of the war in the South. Continental troops brilliantly lured and routed British and Loyalists led by the hated General Tarleton.
The Road to Guilford Courthouse, John Buchanen (1999 - 452pp)
Terrific account of the tense, but fruitless chase by Cornwalis of Nathaniel Greene's illusive Continentals and the fateful British retreat to Yorktown.
Click Here to View the Cowpens National Battlefield
Click Here to View the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
by History 500 | Feb 5, 2014 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
Roots of the Vietnam War - Beginnings of an American Tragedy
On Feb 9th, 1965, the first U.S. Combat troops landed in Vietnam, a Marine Corps air defense missile battalion deployed to Da Nang by President Johnson. The lessons of history were lost. Fredrik Logevall's brilliant Embers of War is an emotional roller-coaster in how the U.S. became embroiled in it's longest, costliest war.
Top Recommendation for February
Embers of War, by Fredrick Logeval, (2012 - 861 pp)
Award-winning history of the century leading to the Vietnam conflict beginning with French colonialism, young Ho Chi Mi Minh's amazing early life.
by History 500 | Dec 6, 2013 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
Pearl Harbor - The War in the Pacific:
As FDR famously intoned, "December 7, 1941...a Date that will Live in Infamy". The bombing of Pearl Harbor signaled entry of the U.S.
into World War II. History 500 has 35 books arranged chronologically that cover the war in the Pacific. Our December Reader's Choice selection, Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific 1941-1945, , by noted naval historian Ian Toll will give you an excellent introduction. And, for a heroic page turner, Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors is a classic must-read.
Top Recommendation for December:
Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific 1941-1945, Ian Toll (2011 – 640pp)
Superb recent overview of the first 18 months of WW II. Japan’s military expansion, Pearl Harbor and Japan's catastrophic loss of 4 carriers at Midway.
by History 500 | Nov 1, 2013 | Book of the Month Selection, Welcome
JFK - Friends, Family and the Cold War
The endless fascination with JFK, Jackie and friends has been the subject of countless books. Thurston Clarke's JFK's Last 100 
Days gives a marvelous, insightful glimpse into the private life of JFK and the White House not seen before. And, Frederick Kempe's Berlin 1961: Kennedy, Kruschev and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth brings alive the high stakes game into which a young, untested JFK was thrust. Post comments below.
Top Recommendations for November:
JFK's Last 100 
Days, by Thurston Clark (2013 - 448 pp)
A timely, enthralling page-turner....a close-up, behind the scenes view of the White House, family and friends and a complex, rapidly changing JFK.
In the summer and fall of 1866, legendary Lakota Sioux's great warrior-chief Red Cloud courageously rallied his forces against encroaching white settlers and the U.S. cavalry . Bob Drury's "The Heart of Everything That Is" vividly brings to life this dramatic and mostly forgotten confrontation and heroic Sioux victory predating later events at Little Big Horn.
