T. J. Stiles

T. J. Stiles is an American author known for his works on American history and biography. He has received acclaim for his books, which include 'The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt', which won the 2009 National Book Award for Nonfiction and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography, and 'Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America', which won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for History.

Books

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. The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt

    This biography provides a detailed account of the life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, one of the most influential and respected business magnates of the 19th century. Starting his career as a humble ferry operator, Vanderbilt eventually built a vast empire spanning the shipping and railroad industries, becoming one of the wealthiest people in American history. The book not only explores Vanderbilt's business achievements, but also delves into his personal life, revealing a complex and often controversial character.

  2. 2. Custer's Trials

    "Custer's Trials" is a biography that delves into the life and character of George Armstrong Custer, a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars. The book provides a detailed account of Custer's life, from his childhood to his military career, and his ultimate demise at the Battle of Little Bighorn. It also explores his personal life, including his marriage to Libbie Bacon and his controversial relationships with Native American women. The book offers a nuanced view of Custer, portraying him as a complex, often contradictory figure who was both a product of his time and a man who defied societal norms.