The Republic of the United States, A History, Jeannettee & Roy Nichols, D. Appleton-Century, 1939.  This 2-volumn work spans 449 years (1493-1942).  It's interesting to observe the "take" from historians more than 70 years ago on politicians, politics and policy.  Amazon.

The Spirit of 76, edited by Henry Commager & Richard Morris, Harper & Row, original 1958.  This is a 1,200-page compilation of actual writings, notes, lyrics by individuals from the revolutionary war.  The table of contents itself is 27 pages long. It's fascinating.  Amazon.

1812, The War that Forged a Nation,  Walter Borneman, HarperCollins, 2004.  A good accounting of the events leading up to the war of 1812, the military and political maneuvers prosecuting it and the subsequent national benefits of winning it.  Amazon.

Hamilton's Curse.  Thomas DiLorenzo.  A case for Hamilton as the first and subsequently most powerful statist.  Amazon.

Alexander Hamilton, Ron Chernow, Penguin Press, 2004.  Though Hamilton is regarded as the initial proponent of central government, he was also the principal author of The Federalist Papers (along with James Madison and to a lesser extent John Jay).  These 85 writings were instrumental in persuading the general population (especially in skeptical N.Y.) to support the ratification of the Constitution.   Amazon.

Andrew Jackson, Robert Remini.  Harper & Row. 1981.  3-volume detailed historical work.  Amazon, Vol. 1.  Amazon, Vol. 2.  Amazon, Vol. 3.   

Brave Bostonians, Philip McFarland.  Westview.  1998.  A review of Bostonians Thomas Hutchinson, Josiah Quincy, Benjamin Franklin and their impact on the Revolutionary War.  Amazon.

The House, Robert Remini, Library of Congress, et. al., 2006.  A juicy history of the House of Representative. Many moments in the House's history make today's controversies seem placid.  It's a fun read.  Amazon.

Supreme Conflict, Jan Crawford Greenburg.  Penguin Press.  2007.  An inside story of the contemporary struggle for control of the U.S. Supreme Court.  Amazon.