INK, CINEMA & HISTORY

True Grit (Book Notes)

A masterfully written Western novel that defies genre conventions through its sharp prose, memorable characters, and exploration of timeless themes.

The Swamp Fox: How Francis Marion Saved the American Revolution (the true story that inspired the movie "The Patriot")

A well-researched and balanced biography that brings to life one of the most important, yet often overlooked, figures of the War of Independence.

1776 (Book Notes)

An exceptional historical account that vividly brings to life one of the most critical years in American history.

Grant (Book Notes)

A monumental biography of Ulysses S. Grant that succeeds in reshaping the legacy of one of America’s most misunderstood figures.

Thunder at the Gates: The Black Civil War Regiments that Redeemed America (the true story depicted in the film "Glory")

A powerful and essential history that brings to life the contributions of the Black American regiments that fought for the Union during the Civil War.

Gods & Generals: A Novel of the Civil War (Book Notes)

An intimate, character-driven narrative that explores the early years of the Civil War and the human complexities of its leaders.

The Killer Angels: A Classic Novel of the Civil War (book adapted as the film "Gettysburg")

An extraordinary historical novel that brings to life one of the most significant battles of the American Civil War through the eyes of its key participants.

Gettysburg: Voices from the Front (Book Notes)

An emotional and personal exploration of the Battle of Gettysburg, told through the words of those who lived and fought during one of the most significant battles of the Civil War.

The Beguiled (Book Notes)

A masterful exploration of isolation, power, and psychological tension, wrapped in a haunting Civil War-era setting.

The Blood of Heroes: The 13-Day Struggle for the Alamo - and the Sacrifice That Forged a Nation (Book Notes)

The book blends thorough historical research and engaging storytelling to create a detailed and emotionally resonant account of battle of the Alamo, and the men who fought there.

Tombstone: The Earp Brothers, Doc Holliday and the Vendetta Ride from Hell (Book Notes)

A richly detailed and exciting narrative that sheds light on one of the most famous events in American history - the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

The Making of Tombstone: Behind the Scenes of the Classic Modern Western (Book Notes)

A comprehensive and engaging tribute to the creation of one of the most beloved Westerns of all time.

The Summer of 1876: Outlaws, Lawmen, and Legends in the Season That Defined the American West (Book Notes)

Larger-than-life stories of the wild west - from notorious outlaws like Jesse James and legendary lawmen such as Wyatt Earp to Belle Starr and Wild Bill Hickok.

Prince of Thieves (book adapted as the movie "The Town")

A compelling crime heist novel that offers more than simply action and suspense.

Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie & Clyde (Book Notes)

A thoroughly researched and engagingly written account that dispels the myths surrounding Bonnie and Clyde, while painting a nuanced picture of their lives.

Texas Ranger: The Epic Life of Frank Hamer, The Man Who Killed Bonnie and Clyde (the true story depicted in the film "The Highwaymen")

From cattle rustlers, bandits, labor strikes and corruption to the relentless pursuit of Bonnie and Clyde, Texas Ranger takes the reader on a wild ride of the lawman's legendary life.

The Wettest County in the World (book adapted as the film "Lawless")

The novel is based on the true story of the author's grandfather and great-uncles, who were part of a notorious moonshine gang in Franklin County, Virginia during the Prohibition era.

Fire in the Hole (book adapted as the TV series "Justified")

A gripping and entertaining collection of stories that showcases author Elmore Leonard's skill as a writer.

City Primeval: High Noon in Detroit (book adapted as the TV series "Justified: City Primeval")

An atmospheric crime novel that plunges readers into the gritty underbelly of Detroit, where corruption, crime, and moral ambiguity reign.

Billy the Kid: The Endless Ride (Book Notes)

William H. Bonney became a symbol of the lawlessness of the American West during the late 19th century.

The Complete Western Stories of Elmore Leonard (includes "3:10 to Yuma")

A collection of short stories that showcases the talent and range of one of America's greatest writers.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders & the Birth of the FBI (Book Notes)

A powerful and compelling true story that sheds light on an often-overlooked chapter in American history.

Dances with Wolves: The American Frontier Epic (Book Notes)

The story of Lieutenant John J. Dunbar, a disillusioned Union soldier who finds himself immersed in the culture of the Lakota Sioux.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Book Notes)

A gripping novel that delves into the complex relationships, motivations & psychological dynamics surrounding one of the most infamous figures of the American West.

Live by Night (Book Notes)

A captivating crime novel set during the Prohibition era, blending historical fiction with a gripping narrative of ambition, crime, and redemption.