Patrick K. O’Donnell / Historian

Patrick K. O'Donnell

Patrick K. O’Donnell
is a historian, public speaker, and bestselling author of 13 books and scores of films and documentaries spanning the American Revolution to the Battle of Fallujah. He is a leading expert on America’s elite and special operations units.

New from Patrick K. O’Donnell
cover of The Indispensables
cover of Washington's Immortals cover of Unknowns
cover of Unknowns cover of Give Me Tomorrow
A selection of the USMC Commandant's required Reading List A selection of the USMC Commandant's required Reading List
We Were One cover of First Seals

“The Unvanquished is a spectacular book from one of America’s finest historians. After years of deep research, Patrick K. O’Donnell has unearthed a magnificent Civil War epic. Beautifully written, every page shimmers, thrusting the reader into violent clashes on horseback, commandos operating in their enemy's uniform behind the lines, or the intrigue and interference in the election of 1864, as O’Donnell resurrects an unknown shadow war. Mesmerizing, action-packed, and original, this triumphant narrative is destined for the screen. Impossible to put down.”—James L. Swanson, Edgar Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer

“Once or twice a generation, an extraordinary historian will rediscover a long buried aspect of our past and restore its significance in the public eye through masterful research and storytelling. Patrick O'Donnell has done exactly that with his brilliant new book. He brings to life not just an unheralded aspect of Civil War history, but shows how its their legacy served as a blueprint in the early days of the OSS. The Unvanquished breathes life into some of the most fascinating, forgotten aspects of Civil War history. This book is not to be missed.”—John R. Bruning, author of Indestructible, Race of Aces, Fifty-Three Days on Starvation Island.

"Does Patrick O'Donnell find his historical subjects or the other way around? Either way, the results are always truly remarkable. The Unvanquished reads like a compelling historical thriller and yet this is a true story, based on the innovative, original scholarship of a truly great historian and storyteller. I devoured this book. Highest recommendation."—John C. McManus, Ph.D., author of To the End of the Earth: The U.S. Army and the Downfall of Japan, 1945


“Combat writing at its best.” —Wall Street Journal

“A great American writer.” —Clive Cussler, New York Times bestselling author

“One of the world’s preeminent military historians.” —Military Review, U.S. Army

“One of the best historians of his generation.” —Washington Times

Copyright © Patrick K. O'Donnell