10 Best Historiography (Books) 2025

As a historian, I have reviewed and scored many books on historiography, and I can confidently say that the spectrum of quality is vast, with scores ranging from 0 all the way up to a remarkable 9.5. But there is one particular book that stands out among the rest: "How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America" by Clint Smith. This masterful piece of literature not only educates readers about the deeply-rooted history of slavery in America, but also challenges us to confront our current society's ongoing effects of systemic racism. From Monticello to Angola Prison to the Whitney Plantation, Smith takes readers on a journey through America's painful past, shedding light on the stories that have been hidden for far too long. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and confront the complex legacy of slavery in America.