For tenure-track scholars in history, publishing a book is one of the key parts of earning tenure.¹ But many contingent scholars publish books as well, especially those on the job market, where search committees want to see candidates who are engaged and “productive.”²

As few historians make any significant money on their writing, just knowing that people have read their books can mean a lot to an author. Here are some books released in 2020 by historians working off the tenure track that you might consider as you do your end-of-the-year shopping.

Disclosure: Contingent is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and the magazine will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Visit our affiliate page to purchase books by our contributors and see book lists curated by the magazine’s staff.