This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. 1898

   War, Empire, and Memory in America

   

   "1898" explores the era of U.S. imperialism through the unique perspective of visual culture and portraiture. The book delves into the historical events of 1898 when the United States expanded its territories overseas, contrasting the nation's ideals of freedom and democracy. Through a collection of portraits, the authors highlight key figures who supported and opposed this expansion, including U.S. leaders like William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt, and resistance figures such as José Martí and Queen Lili‘uokalani. The narrative is enriched with landscapes, naval scenes, and artworks from both historical and contemporary artists, offering a comprehensive view of this pivotal time in history. The book encourages readers to reflect on the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, and the annexation of Hawai‘i, emphasizing the enduring effects of U.S. imperialism.

   The 9265th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Obama Portraits

   The National Portrait Gallery

   

   This book delves into the creation and cultural significance of the official portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama, which were unveiled at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. It explores the groundbreaking choice of artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, who brought a fresh, contemporary approach to presidential portraiture. The narrative highlights the artistic processes, the historical context, and the public's reaction to these iconic works, emphasizing their role in redefining the visual representation of American leadership and identity.