Red Dead’s History: A Video Game, an Obsession, and America’s Violent Past, the book that looks at how the game weaves real history into the in-game world has a new release.
Written by Tore C. Olsson, Red Dead’s History was first published as a hardback book and ebook in 2024. Alongside it, an audiobook version narrated by Arthur Morgan himself Roger Clark was also released. The book has received strong reviews from fans and critics alike.
Olsson is a history professor at the University Of Tennessee. He created a college class about American History between 1899–1911 through the lens of Red Dead Redemption and its sequel. This interesting combination connected with students and allowed Olsson to bring it to a more available medium.
Now the 288 page book has seen success, a more affordable physical option has been published. Launched on November 25th 2025, Olsson’s book can be read for just $19 in paperback form. This down from the $30 for the hardback edition. This would make a great gift this Christmas for fans of Red Dead Redemption 2.
“Innovative and highly engaging.” – The Wall Street Journal
The book can be purchased in all formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Bookshop,
Target, Powells and more. (Note: purchasing via the Amazon link will earn us a small commission so if you’d like to help support this site, consider using that link).
Tore C. Olsson is currently gearing up for a new history class: Grand Theft America: U.S. History Since 1980 through the GTA Video Games. It will begin on January 20th 2026. Much like the professor’s previous class, it will use a Rockstar Games title to engage and tell American history. Learn more about the new course here.
Will you be picking up a copy of Red Dead History? Let us know in the comments. Stay tuned to RockstarINTEL for news updates on everything Red Dead Redemption.
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