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Red Dead Redemption earned legions of fans when it launched in 2010, and the series’ popularity only grew when its sequel arrived in 2018. Featuring a memorable cast of characters, an unforgiving storyline, and gritty versions of the Wild West to explore, it’s arguably the best western video game series ever made. 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 surrounding Rockstar’s iconic franchise.

Red Dead’s History: A Video Game, an Obsession, and America’s Violent Past

$21 (was $30)

Red Dead’s History hit bookshelves last month, but it’s already seeing a nice discount. 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 more. The book has earned positive reviews from critics, and it’s an easy recommendation for fans of the series.

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The book covers a large portion of US history between 1870 and 1920, giving you an extensive 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 relate back to the game’s characters, setting, and storyline. It wasn't written in collaboration with Rockstar, but it's still an excellent source of background info.

A sample is available for free on Amazon, giving you a chance to skim through a few pages before making your decision. It’s unclear how long this price cut will last, however, so swing by and check it out soon if you’re interested.

Consider pairing Red Dead’s History with some other gaming books, as there are plenty that would make a great companion for it on your bookshelf. This includes Red Dead Redemption from Boss Fight Books, which is just $14 and takes a look at how the Wild West was popularized in the media, or Jacked: The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto, which looks at Rockstar’s other behemoth franchise and is written by the same author responsible for the excellent Masters of Doom.

Here’s a handful of other books related to Red Dead Redemption, as well as where to find the lowest prices on the games if you haven’t yet played through the epics.