Picture a historian who turned dusty presidential biographies into page-turners with a feminist twist—meet Alexis Coe! This New York Times bestselling author has redefined how we see America’s past, blending rigorous research with a playful, accessible style. From her groundbreaking take on George Washington to a tragic 19th-century love story, Coe’s work brings forgotten histories to vibrant life, making her a vital voice for today’s readers.
The Making of Alexis Coe
Alexis Coe’s journey to becoming a trailblazing historian started with a bookish childhood, where she devoured everything from *Matilda* to Alexis de Tocqueville’s *Democracy in America*. With a graduate degree in American history, she honed her craft as an oral historian at the Brooklyn Historical Society and a research curator at the New York Public Library, where she co-curated the wildly popular 'Find the Past, Know the Future' exhibition. These early roles shaped her knack for making history resonate with diverse audiences.
Alexis Coe’s Unforgettable Stories
Coe’s debut, *Alice + Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis* (2014), dives into a shocking 1892 case of love and violence between two teenage girls. With over 100 illustrated love letters and courtroom documents, Coe crafts a gripping narrative that explores same-sex love, societal norms, and media frenzy—think true crime with a historian’s heart. The book, soon to be a major motion picture, earned praise for its novel-like liveliness and deep compassion.
In *You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington* (2020), Coe shakes up the stuffy world of presidential biographies. As the first woman historian in a century to tackle Washington, she dismantles myths with humor and charts like 'Washington’s Frenemies.' Her breezy yet fact-packed style reveals a complex man—flawed, human, and shaped by a single mother and his wife, Martha. It landed on every major 'Best Books' list, from TIME to NPR.
Coe’s upcoming *Young Jack: A Biography of John F. Kennedy, 1917-1957* (set for 2026) promises to continue her tradition of fresh perspectives. Her writing, often darkly funny, blends meticulous research with a conversational tone, making history feel urgent and relatable. Whether she’s writing for The New Yorker or hosting podcasts like *No Man’s Land*, Coe’s work invites everyone to the historical table.
Why Alexis Coe Matters
Alexis Coe has transformed historical writing by challenging male-dominated narratives and amplifying marginalized voices. Her feminist lens on Washington and her empathetic portrayal of Alice and Freda’s love story have broadened who gets to tell history and how. As a senior fellow at New America and a frequent guest on CNN and MSNBC, she bridges academia and pop culture, inspiring readers to rethink the past. Her 2024 cross-country tour for New America’s 'How Should a President Be' project underscores her role in shaping America’s 250th anniversary conversations.
- Key Works: *Alice + Freda Forever* (2014), *You Never Forget Your First* (2020)
- Awards: Webby Award for *No Man’s Land* podcast (2018)
- Fun Fact: Coe was a consulting producer on the History Channel’s *Washington* series with Doris Kearns Goodwin.
About Alexis Coe
Snag *You Never Forget Your First* or *Alice + Freda Forever* and dive into Alexis Coe’s thrilling, thought-provoking world of history!