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Who decides history? What gets passed on, and what gets passed over?

That is the question that historians are always plumbing. On this week’s special edition of Big Books and Bold Ideas, host Kerri Miller replayed portions of conversation she’s had with writers who’ve drawn indelible portraits of American history. 

 delves into what really happened during the Salem Witch Trials. There’s also David Wright Faladé, who 

novelized the true story of an all-Black brigade during the Civil War

 that was commanded by a formerly enslaved man.  

And finally, the incomparable Ron Chernow, who was at 

Talking Volumes in 2017 to talk about his book, “Grant

” — but Miller couldn’t resist asking about “Hamilton,” his book that inspired Lin Manuel Miranda’s hit musical.

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Kerri Miller podcast on 

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This special edition of Big Books and Bold Ideas features three authors who bring to life overlooked moments of American history. 

Fresh takes on American history from three authors

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