Knoxville Professor’s Book on Red Dead Redemption 2 Soars to No. 1 on Amazon
A remarkable achievement has emerged from Knoxville, where a professor at the University of Tennessee has captured both the gaming and history communities’ attention with his latest publication. **Tore Olsson**, who serves as an associate professor and directs graduate studies in history, has released a book titled “Red Dead’s History: A Video Game, an Obsession, and America’s Violent Past.” This insightful book has quickly climbed the ranks and reached the esteemed No. 1 spot on Amazon.
A Glimpse into the Game and Its Impact
Set against the **backdrop of the Old West**, Red Dead Redemption 2 is an action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar Games. It immerses players in the year 1899, following a character named **Arthur Morgan**, a member of a fictional gang traversing various landscapes of America while trying to escape law enforcement. The game’s narrative takes players through the West, Deep South, and Southern Appalachia.
Olsson’s book is not simply a retelling of the game’s story. Instead, it uses the engaging world of *Red Dead Redemption 2* as a gateway to delve into various historical topics relevant to each region featured in the game. By integrating real historical facts and resources, Olsson offers readers a unique perspective on America’s past.
Local Support and Engagement
On **August 15**, Union Ave Books organized an event at the **East Tennessee History Center** to celebrate the launch of Olsson’s book. The event was not only a book launch but also included a lively conversation with the author and featured the premiere of a short documentary titled “Shooting for an A: Video Games and Education.” This film, created by UT’s **Land Grant Films**, explores Olsson’s class, his book, and even the process of making the audiobook.
In an exciting twist, the audiobook version of *Red Dead’s History* has also made headlines by claiming the No. 1 position in the **”Computer & Video Game Strategy Guides”** category on Amazon, while the hardcover edition achieved the No. 1 rank in the **”U.S. Civil War History”** category. Such recognition speaks volumes about the book’s appeal and relevance.
Olsson Reflects on His Experience
Olsson expressed his amazement at the overwhelming response to his work. In a recent email statement, he described the lead-up to the book’s publication as “**truly unbelievable**.” He highlighted a memorable moment when he spoke to a packed audience of **500** individuals at **San Diego Comic-Con**, alongside audiobook narrator **Roger Clark**, who voices Arthur Morgan in the game. Olsson shared how fulfilling it was to sign books for fans and hear stories about how *Red Dead Redemption 2* has sparked an interest in grappling with American history.
Availability and Relevance
The hardcover edition of *Red Dead’s History* is currently available for purchase both in physical bookstores and online platforms, making it accessible to those eager to explore the connections between video gaming and history.
As video games continue to captivate audiences, Olsson’s book serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of American history and how modern media can engage and educate new generations. This blend of entertainment and education may encourage even more people to read, learn, and appreciate the past through the lens of popular culture.
In the ever-evolving landscape of education and entertainment, Tore Olsson’s work leaves an intriguing mark, bridging the gap between **gaming** and **historical understanding**.
