Red Dead Redemption won over legions of fans when it launched in 2010, and the series’ popularity only grew when its sequel arrived in 2018. With a cast of memorable characters, an unforgiving storyline, and realistic versions of the Old West to explore, it’s arguably the best Western video game series ever created. And if you’re looking to learn more about the world that inspired these hit games, you can now pick up a discounted version of Red Dead’s History, a hardcover book that takes a closer look at the history of Rockstar’s iconic franchise.
$21 (instead of $30)
The History of Red Dead hit bookstores last month, but it's already on sale. For just $21, you'll get an in-depth look at the history that inspired both games. Written by history professor Tore C. Olsson, it covers everything from the Wild West and the Deep South to Appalachia and beyond. The book has received positive reviews from critics, and it's an easy one to recommend for fans of the series.
The book covers a large portion of US history between 1870 and 1920, giving you a comprehensive look at the world that shaped Rockstar's two iconic titles. Olsson is a professor of American history at the University of Tennessee, and he shares a wealth of information across the book's 288 pages, all of which relates to the game's characters, setting, and storyline. It wasn't written in collaboration with Rockstar, but it's still a great source of background information.
A free sample is available on Amazon, giving you a chance to browse a few pages before making your decision. There's no telling how long this price cut will last, so be sure to check it out if you're interested.
Consider pairing the Red Dead story with other video game books, as there are plenty that would make a great addition to your library. That includes Boss Fight Books' Red Dead Redemption , which is just $14 and looks at how the Old West was popularized in media, or Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto , which delves into Rockstar's other giant franchise and is written by the same author responsible for the excellent Masters of Doom .
Here are a handful of other Red Dead Redemption-related books, as well as where to find the lowest prices on the games if you haven't played the epics yet.