Historian, Author

Thomas Ricks

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian specializing in American history, military history, and the intellectual foundations of the American republic. Author of 'First Principles' and 'Churchill and Orwell,' known for rigorous historical research connecting ancient philosophy to modern governance.

Known For

Pulitzer Prize-winning historical scholarshipExploring classical influence on American foundingMilitary and political history analysis

Canon

Focus Only on What You Can Control

Canon

Books

■First Principles: What America's Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country(2024)

Episodes

#The Ancient Ideas That Built America | Thomas RicksJul 4, 2026