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. Grant

   The Biography

   

   "Grant" is a comprehensive biography of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow, the book explores Grant's early life, military career, presidency, and post-presidential years. Chernow portrays Grant as a complex and often misunderstood figure, highlighting his military genius and leadership during the Civil War, as well as his struggles with alcoholism and financial ruin later in life. The book also delves into Grant's relationships with his wife, Julia, and political figures such as Abraham Lincoln and William Tecumseh Sherman. Overall, "Grant" offers a detailed and nuanced portrait of one of America's most significant historical figures.

   The 5328th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. The House of Morgan

   An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance

   

   "The House of Morgan" is a comprehensive history of the Morgan banking dynasty, tracing its origins from the 19th century to its present-day status. The book explores the family's influence on American and international finance, politics, and society, highlighting key figures and events. It provides an in-depth look at the workings of high finance and the power dynamics within the Morgan family, offering insights into the world of banking and the people who shaped it.

   The 7572nd Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

3. 3. Alexander Hamilton

   

   "Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow is a comprehensive biography of one of America's founding fathers. The book chronicles Hamilton's life from his impoverished childhood in the Caribbean to his rise as a key figure in the American Revolution and his role in shaping the country's early government. Chernow delves into Hamilton's complex personality, his political and economic philosophies, and his tumultuous personal life, including his infamous affair with Maria Reynolds. The biography sheds light on Hamilton's lasting impact on American politics and economics, and his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the nation's history.

   The 9069th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

4. 4. Washington

   A Life

   

   This biography provides a comprehensive and balanced account of the life of the first U.S. president, from his childhood in Virginia, through his military career in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, to his two terms as president. The book offers an in-depth exploration of his complex character, his relationships with his family and contemporaries, his ownership of slaves, and his role in shaping the country's political and social structures. It also sheds new light on his leadership style, his visionary ideas, and his enduring influence on American history and culture.

   The 10782nd Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon
5. 5. Mark Twain

   

   Ron Chernow’s biography traces Samuel Clemens’s journey from Missouri and riverboat pilot to the literary figure known as Mark Twain. Using extensive archival sources, the book examines his rise as a humorist and novelist, his public lectures and political views, the financial failures and years spent in Europe, and the personal losses that marked his later life. It places Twain in the context of westward expansion, industrialization, and post–Civil War debates over race, presenting a vivid, balanced portrait of his talents and contradictions.

   The 10916th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

6. 6. Titan

   The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.

   

   "Titan" is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life of one of America's most formidable and influential industrialists. The book meticulously chronicles his rise from modest beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in the development of the oil industry, shaping both the economic and political landscapes of his time. Through detailed research and engaging narrative, the biography not only explores his business strategies and vast wealth but also provides insights into his personal philosophies, philanthropic endeavors, and the complex legacy he left behind, highlighting both his achievements and the controversies that surrounded him.

   The 12324th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon