10 Best historical nonfiction books of 2026

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1

Threshold Editions

Under Siege: My Family's Fight to Save Our Nation
9.7

Exceptional

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2

Crown
The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War
Main highlights

Comprehensive Historical Account
The book offers a detailed narrative of events leading to the Civil War, based on extensive research and firsthand accounts.

Ideal for History Enthusiasts
Perfect for readers interested in American Civil War history and understanding the complexities of the era.

Praised Character Development
Readers commend the vivid portrayal of historical figures, bringing them to life with depth and realism.
9.5

Excellent

Our Rating

9.9
clearly written

9.7
Instruction

9.3
worth the money
3

Dutton

The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II
9.3

Excellent

Our Rating
4

Vintage
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
Main highlights

Gripping Historical Narrative
The book offers a factually written, engaging account of the Osage murders and the FBI's origins.

Ideal for True Crime Enthusiasts
Perfect for readers interested in historical crime and justice, offering insights into early 20th-century America.

Praised for Thorough Research
Readers commend the book's exhaustive research and continuity in detailing complex crimes and deceit.
9.2

Excellent

Our Rating

9.9
Craftsmanship

9.9
Instruction

9.7
Precision
5

Independently published

History of the American Frontier - 1763-1893
9.1

Excellent

Our Rating
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6

Mariner

The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World―A Fast-Paced Chronicle of Truman’s Tumultuous First Days Amidst World War II
8.8

Very Good

Our Rating
7

Broadway Books

The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War
8.7

Very Good

Our Rating
8

Penguin Books
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II
Main highlights

Gripping Tale of WWII Espionage
A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell is a meticulously researched and beautifully written biography of Virginia Hall, a pioneering American spy during WWII.

Ideal for WWII Enthusiasts
This book is perfect for anyone interested in World War II, the French resistance, espionage, and the remarkable contributions of Virginia Hall.

Praised for Detailed Research
Readers consistently commend the book for its impeccable research, engaging narrative, and the inspirational life story of Virginia Hall.
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating

9.9
Instruction

9.7
worth the money

9.5
Giftable
9

Doubleday
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
Main highlights

Engaging Historical Tale
The Wager offers a thrilling narrative of shipwreck, mutiny, and survival in the 18th century.

Ideal for History Enthusiasts
Perfect for readers interested in maritime history and colonial-era adventures.

Praised Storytelling
Readers appreciate the captivating storytelling and thorough research by David Grann.
8.3

Good

Our Rating
10

Random House
When Breath Becomes Air: Pulitzer Prize Finalist
Main highlights

Profound Exploration of Life and Death
This memoir by Paul Kalanithi offers a sincere, sensitive, and inspiring journey through the meaning of existence and the acceptance of death.

Ideal for Medical Professionals and Patients
A must-read for those facing life-threatening illnesses, their families, and medical professionals to understand patient experiences and the physician-patient relationship.

Honesty and Philosophical Depth
Readers highly praise the book's unflinching honesty, philosophical reflections, and the eloquent writing style of Paul Kalanithi.
8.2

Good

Our Rating

9.9
Craftsmanship

9.9
materials Quality

9.7
worth the money

10 Best historical nonfiction books of 2026

1

Under Siege: My Family's Fight to Save Our Nation

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

9.9

9.7

9.3

3

The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II

4

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

9.9

9.9

9.7

5

History of the American Frontier - 1763-1893

6

The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World―A Fast-Paced Chronicle of Truman’s Tumultuous First Days Amidst World War II

7

The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War

8

A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II

9.9

9.7

9.5

9

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder

10

When Breath Becomes Air: Pulitzer Prize Finalist

9.9

9.9

9.7

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