The 10 Books You Should Be Reading This February

"What does it mean to dig into the past, to uncover obscure facts about bygone decades or centuries and bring them to light in 2026? There's a lot of that in this rundown of February books, everything from a clear-eyed look at someone who history has depicted as a monster to investigations into the past situated a little closer to home."

"If you've done any reading about domestic distilleries in the last decade or two, you've probably read something by Fred Minnick, who's been covering the industry with aplomb for years. Minnick has written extensively about the history of spirits and worked to make appreciation for distillers' craft more accessible. In his latest book, he explores the way his own research into Old Crow helped him reckon with experiences as a veteran - and sparked his interest in the stories behind bottles of bourbon."

"Centuries after her life and death, the name of Elizabeth Bathory still resonates in popular culture - including inspiring a number of horror movies (and a high-profile film directed by Julie Delpy) and inspiring the name of an influential metal band. Shelley Puhak's new book The Blood Countess explores Bathory's history - and investigates whether or not her posthumous reputation as a prolific serial killer stands up to closer inspection."

"The role of design can't be understated here, and - as viewers of The Hudsucker Proxy can attest - there's more drama in the making of a seemingly simple object than one might expect. Michael Kimmel's new book offers readers a new lens on the 20th century, chronicling the vibrant and unexpected stories behind some of the country's most familiar toys and games."

Ten books offer historical reexaminations and local investigations, uncovering obscure facts from past decades and centuries. One examines Old Crow bourbon and how research into its history intertwined with a veteran's personal reckoning and interest in stories behind bourbon bottles. Another reevaluates Elizabeth Bathory's bloody reputation and cultural afterlife, including film and music influences. A study of toy and game design traces vibrant, unexpected 20th-century stories behind familiar playthings. The selection also includes emotionally resonant fiction, a cinematic history retrospective, and notable contributions from a prominent graphic designer.

Read at InsideHook