The Federalist Highlights Notable Books of 2025

The Federalist has unveiled its list of notable books for 2025, featuring a diverse selection that reflects both historical and contemporary themes. This annual tradition involves contributions from the outlet's writers, editors, and contributors, who share their favorite reads from the past year.

The list underscores a tension between traditional narratives and contemporary critiques, particularly as America approaches its 250th anniversary. Critics argue that many modern interpretations of American history undermine the contributions of the nation’s founders.

Among the highlighted works is "Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World’s Mightiest Empire" by Barry Strauss, which explores the Jewish insurrections against the Roman Empire. David Harsanyi, a contributor at The Federalist, described it as covering a vital period that not only saw the height of Roman rule but also the emergence of Christianity.

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Another notable title is "Children of Mars: The Origins of Rome’s Empire" by Jeremy Armstrong, which offers a counterintuitive history of Rome's conquest of the Italian peninsula. Harsanyi emphasized that these historical narratives are particularly relevant today.

Background and Reactions

Richard J. Evans’ "Hitler’s People: The Faces of the Third Reich" provides insight into the cultural and administrative figures behind the Nazi regime. Harsanyi noted that the book goes beyond notorious leaders to include lesser-known individuals who contributed to the regime's aesthetic and cultural life.

The list also features "The Architect of Espionage: The Man Who Built Israel’s Mossad into the World’s Boldest Intelligence Force" by Samuel Katz. This biography details the life of Meir Dagan, who revitalized Israel's intelligence agency and emphasized preemptive action against terrorism. Harsanyi remarked on Dagan's role as a crucial ally to the West in addressing threats from Iran.

In a different vein, Brianna Lyman highlighted "Vindicating the Founders" by Thomas G. West, which addresses critiques of the founders related to slavery, race, and property rights. Lyman argued that West’s work is essential for those wishing to honor the nation’s founding principles amid ongoing debates about historical narratives.

Jordan Boyd recommended "Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad" by Abby Halberstadt, which offers a perspective on motherhood that resonates with many women today. Boyd described the book as a hopeful guide for mothers navigating the challenges of parenting.

Elle Purnell shared her appreciation for John Steinbeck’s "The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights," noting its unique blend of familiar tales and Steinbeck’s signature style. Purnell emphasized the book’s appeal to both adults and younger readers, showcasing Steinbeck’s ability to engage with rich narratives.

Nathanael Blake praised Leah Libresco Sargeant’s "The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto," which he described as a necessary counter to the prevailing narrative of autonomy in feminist discourse. Blake remarked that Sargeant’s emphasis on solidarity and human dependency is timely and relevant.

Shawn Fleetwood recommended "Scalia: Rise to Greatness" by James Rosen, which chronicles the life of former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Fleetwood noted that the book provides insight into Scalia’s development as a legal thinker and his influence on American jurisprudence.

The list also includes works that address contemporary issues, such as Mark Clifford’s "The Troublemaker: How Jimmy Lai Became a Billionaire, Hong Kong’s Greatest Dissident, and China’s Most Feared Critic." This biography details the life of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist currently facing legal challenges in Hong Kong.

While the selections reflect a range of perspectives, some critics argue that the focus on certain historical narratives may overlook the complexities of American history. Supporters of the highlighted works maintain that these books provide essential insights into the nation’s past and present, fostering a deeper understanding of its values and challenges.

Overall, The Federalist's list of notable books for 2025 serves as a reflection of ongoing cultural conversations and the importance of historical context in contemporary discourse.