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The 20 Most Important Books in U.S. History
These books remind us that the right message at the right time can transform the world.
By Daniel Gauss
The books/texts that have impacted American history and culture the most were not always timeless classics; instead, they were often timely classics. They were the perfect texts for pivotal moments and helped create lasting positive change. Having served their purpose, many are currently overlooked by contemporary readers but have become woven into the fabric of our society.
Looking at these books/texts, we can see a type of roadmap to where we currently are. We can also see what a dynamic and self-correcting society we have been. These books remind us that the right message at the right time can transform the world, perhaps inspiring us to strive for such impact, and giving us clues as to how to do it.
Common Sense by Tom Paine (1776)
John Adams stated that Common Sense “spread like wildfire” and “aided in the revolution more than the work of any man.” Within months of its publication in January 1776, it had sold over 100,000 copies.
It both challenged the legitimacy of a monarchy and argued that it was right for the American colonies to govern themselves. Paine nudged public opinion…
