R

Russell Shorto

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 26 Books

4
Series
26
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Thomas Jefferson and the American Ideal (1988)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Russell Shorto Religion Books
Start with: Gospel Truth (1997)

About Russell Shorto

Russell Shorto is a published author. He is known for writing many books, over forty in total. He has written books such as Revolution Song, which served as a new narrative of the American Revolution. The New York Times called it a remarkable achievement. The Chicago Tribune described it as an ‘engaging piece of historical detective work and narrative craft’. He is also known for writing The Island at the Center of the World, which proved to be a national and international bookseller that was written about the Dutch founding of New York. He has written eight books of narrative historical books. One of his newer books to come out is the 2025 book Taking Manhattan. Shorto has proven to be a senior scholar at the New Netherland Institute. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, Russell Shorto has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Russell Shorto

Publication Order of Children's Books
2 books 1990–1992
1

Cinderella/Cinderella: The Untold Story

Cinderella/Cinderella: The Untold Story continues the Publication Order of Children's Books story arc with Russell Shorto's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
2

How To Fly The Space Shuttle

How To Fly The Space Shuttle continues the Publication Order of Children's Books story arc with Russell Shorto's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
21 books 1988–2025
1

Thomas Jefferson and the American Ideal

Thomas Jefferson and the American Ideal is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Russell Shorto have come to expect.

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1988
2

J.R.R. Tolkien: Man of Fantasy

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with J.R.R. Tolkien: Man of Fantasy, another outstanding contribution from Russell Shorto.

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1989
3

Edgar Allan Poe: Creator of Dreams

Edgar Allan Poe: Creator of Dreams is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Russell Shorto have come to expect.

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1989
4

Geronimo and the Struggle for Apache Freedom

Geronimo and the Struggle for Apache Freedom continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Russell Shorto's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
5

Tecumseh and the Dream of an American Indian Nation

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Tecumseh and the Dream of an American Indian Nation, another outstanding contribution from Russell Shorto.

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1989
6

Abraham Lincoln and the End of Slavery

Abraham Lincoln and the End of Slavery is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Russell Shorto have come to expect.

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1991
7

Jane Fonda: Political Activism

Jane Fonda: Political Activism continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Russell Shorto's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
8

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Russell Shorto have come to expect.

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1991
9

Abraham Lincoln: To Preserve the Union

Abraham Lincoln: To Preserve the Union is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Russell Shorto have come to expect.

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1991
10

Careers for the Curious

Careers for the Curious is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Russell Shorto have come to expect.

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1992
11

Careers for Foreign Language Experts

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Careers for Foreign Language Experts, another outstanding contribution from Russell Shorto.

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1992
12

Careers for Hands-On Types

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Careers for Hands-On Types, another outstanding contribution from Russell Shorto.

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1992
13

Careers for People Who Like to Perform

Careers for People Who Like to Perform continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Russell Shorto's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
14

Careers for People Who Like People

Careers for People Who Like People continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Russell Shorto's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
15

Saints and Madmen: How Pioneering Psychiatrists Are Creating a New Science of the Soul

Saints and Madmen: How Pioneering Psychiatrists Are Creating a New Science of the Soul is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Russell Shorto have come to expect.

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1999
16

The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America

The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Russell Shorto's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
17

Descartes' Bones: A Skeletal History of the Conflict Between Faith and Reason

Descartes' Bones: A Skeletal History of the Conflict Between Faith and Reason continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Russell Shorto's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
18

Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City, another outstanding contribution from Russell Shorto.

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2013
19

Revolution Song: The Story of America's Founding in Six Remarkable Lives

Revolution Song: The Story of America's Founding in Six Remarkable Lives is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Russell Shorto have come to expect.

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2018
20

Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob, another outstanding contribution from Russell Shorto.

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2021
21

Taking Manhattan

Taking Manhattan continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Russell Shorto's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
Publication Order of Russell Shorto Religion Books
1 books 1997–1997
1

Gospel Truth

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Russell Shorto Religion Books with Gospel Truth, another outstanding contribution from Russell Shorto.

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1997
Publication Order of History of the Civil War Books
2 books 1991–1991
1

David Farragut and the Great Naval Blockade

David Farragut and the Great Naval Blockade continues the Publication Order of History of the Civil War Books story arc with Russell Shorto's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
2

Abraham Lincoln: To Preserve the Union

Abraham Lincoln: To Preserve the Union is an essential installment in the Publication Order of History of the Civil War Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Russell Shorto have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1991

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Russell Shorto?

Russell Shorto is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 26 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Children's Books, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books, Publication Order of Russell Shorto Religion Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Russell Shorto series to start with?

For readers new to Russell Shorto's work, the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 21 books. Begin with Thomas Jefferson and the American Ideal to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Russell Shorto written?

Russell Shorto has written over 26 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Russell Shorto books in order?

Yes, reading Russell Shorto's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Russell Shorto write in?

Russell Shorto writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 26 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Russell Shorto's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Russell Shorto's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Russell Shorto's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Russell Shorto's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series. The first book, Thomas Jefferson and the American Ideal, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.