During a recent chat with a friend, the topic of favorite authors came up. While my choices vary by genre, we narrowed it down to history. As we talked, I realized a common thread: several incredible female authors consistently make my "automatic buy" list. Which is why I made the attached video.
However, here are a few more that you may want to check out.
Sarah Vowell: If you enjoy Emma Southon's blend of history and humor, you'll likely adore Sarah Vowell. An American author, journalist, and historian, Vowell brings a distinctly quirky, witty, and often sarcastic voice to American history. She dives into specific, often overlooked events or figures (like the assassinations of presidents or the Puritans) with meticulous research and a talent for making the past feel vibrantly alive and hilariously relevant. Her ability to infuse personality into historical narratives is truly unique.
Candice Millard: For someone who appreciates the dramatic and deeply researched work of Annie Jacobsen, Candice Millard is an excellent fit. Millard is a master of narrative non-fiction, focusing on pivotal moments in history and the extraordinary individuals involved. Her books, like River of Doubt (about Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon expedition) or Hero of the Empire (about Winston Churchill's early life), are incredibly well-researched and read like thrilling adventures, full of tension and vivid detail. She excels at bringing historical figures to life in dramatic and compelling ways.
Jill Lepore: Given your interest in diverse historical topics and accessible writing, Jill Lepore is a must-read. A professor of American history at Harvard and a staff writer at The New Yorker, Lepore writes with remarkable clarity, intellectual depth, and a keen eye for connecting past events to contemporary issues. Her work spans everything from early American history to the evolution of technology, always delivered with elegant prose and rigorous scholarship. She makes complex historical arguments understandable and engaging, much like your appreciation for Allison Weir.
Of course, there are many other talented authors out there I didn't mention. Who would you add to this list, and why?
