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Every so often, a leader emerges whose legacy seems larger-than-life. Some of them inspire us and invite us to envision a better future, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Others had tumultuous lives and careers that read like a cautionary tale, such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Henry VIII. Still others were tyrants, politicians on the wrong side of history, and various other leaders whose examples we’d do well not to follow, like Russia’s Ivan the Terrible and Andrew Johnson, the first US president to be impeached.
If you want to know more about the people who stood out from their contemporaries, for better or worse, you’ve come to the right place. Our research on historical leaders examines not just who they were and what they did, but the lasting impact they’ve had on the world.
The civil rights leader was the target of a covert FBI project to discredit him.
By Orrin Grey
We’re revisiting figures from the ancient world.
Find out why his likeness is still on the $10 bill.
By Orrin Grey
These leaders looked outside science and established religion for answers.
By Orrin Grey
As his dictatorship came crumbling down, he was captured while trying to flee the country.
By Orrin Grey
From an odd use of mummies to the man who survived two atomic bombings.
By Grace Felder
Everyone should know the stories of these legendary women.
By Sara Kapheim
This little-known figure had a short but fascinating life.
By Lee D'Amato
This cavalry regiment was celebrated for its role in the Spanish-American War.
By Lee D'Amato
Did he liberate the people, or brutally oppress them?
From great triumphs to continuing struggles, learn more about African American history with these books.
What goes on behind closed doors?
By Sara Kapheim
He spent years with an up-close look at what it's like to rule Britain—and now the responsibility rests on his shoulders.
The prime minister was also a prolific writer and historian.
By Grace Felder
There are two sides to every story...
Explore the lives of people who had a large impact on their nation and the world.
By Kimmy Kelly
He was determined to take down William Chaloner, an audacious coiner.
By Lee D'Amato
Attempts to destroy her legacy have been unsuccessful.