Alexis Coe

EXCLUSIVE

ADD TO MY SPEAKER LIST

Presidential Historian
New York Times Bestselling Author, 'You Never Forget Your First'
Host, 'Presidents are People Too!' Podcast
Contributor to the New Yorker, The New York Times, Paris Review, and Many More

Alexis Coe is a renowned historian, primarily known for her work on U.S. history and historical figures. Her critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling biography of George Washington, You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington, made very major "Best Books" list during its release year (TIME, NPR, and more). Alice + Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis was praised by the New Yorker as having “the liveliness of a novel.” Coe has been sought-after for speaking engagements at Columbia, HistoryCon, NYHS, West Point, and many others, and has given public talks sponsored by Hulu, Chanel, and Madewell. Coe's passion for history and ability to relate complex historical topics to a broad audience make her an approachable and inspiring speaker, seamlessly bridging the gap between academic rigor and accessible conversation.

Coe’s experience with podcasts, interviews, and public appearances makes her a polished communicator, capable of engaging diverse audiences. Coe regularly contributes to the New York Times, the New Yorker, the New Republic, Paris Review, Elle, and many others. She has appeared on CNN, the History Channel, C-SPAN, and CBS. Coe served as a consulting producer on the History Channel’s three-part series on Washington, hosted The Wing’s award-winning podcast No Man’s Land, and co-hosted Audible’s Presidents Are People Too! podcast. Coe is a recognized public figure who can captivate listeners, making her a strong choice for events that aim to inspire or educate.

Known for her engaging, informative, and charismatic delivery, Coe consistently receives rave reviews: "Alexis was a delight, and gave us important context for today's events at both of her talks” (Enoch Pratt Free Library) and "We had a terrific event. Alexis Coe was amazing.” (Muskingum County Library System).

Past Hosts Include:

WBUR City Space
Mount Vernon
HistoryCon
NYHS
The Wing

Enoch Pratt Free Library
Muskingum County Library System
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Inc.
University of Mary Washington

“

Her presentation was engaging and informative, and clearly elicited thoughtful, relevant questions. The biggest audience so far this year, and perhaps the longest line of people getting their books autographed. - University of Mary Washington

”

More rave reviews

"We had a terrific event. Alexis Coe was amazing."

-Muskingum County Library System

"Alexis was a delight, and gave us important context for today's events at both of her talks."

-Enoch Pratt Free Library

Collapse rave reviews

Book Talk - George Washington: You Never Forget Your First - But You Do Misremember Him | NYU Law [1:05:41] - Get Sharable Link

Book Talk - George Washington: You Never Forget Your First - But You Do Misremember Him | NYU Law [1:05:41]

Play
Now

Reading and Book Talk - Breathing new life into presidential biography, a conversation with Alexis Coe and Aminatou Sow | Books Are Magic [55:35]

Virt. Discussion - I approached this project ready to be surprised, took nothing for granted | Chicago Humanities Fest. [1:02:38]

Virtual Keynote + Q&A - You Never Forget Your First and our current events | Enoch Pratt Free Library [1:02:08]

Interviewing Jennifer Egan | Brooklyn Historical Society [1:05:34]

Documentary clip - On Phyllis Wheatley | Biography [2:51]

Talks & Conversations with Alexis Coe

Expand all >

Author Talk: ‘You Never Forget Your First’

Presidential historian ALEXIS COE‘s instant New York Times bestselling biography of George Washington, You Never Forget Your First, made every major publication’s Best Books list, including TIME Magazine’s “100 Books To Read” and an NPR Concierge “Best Book of the Year.” Invite Coe for an exploration of American leadership with a focus on George Washington, complete with hilarious myth-busting and engaging storytelling.

Information on book buys and signings is available upon request.

Author Talk: ‘Alice + Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis’

Historian ALEXIS COE‘s Alice + Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis was described by Bustle as “a gut-wrenching story of love, death, and the dangers of intolerance.” Coe brings listeners into the rich narrative with her exceptional storytelling skills.

Information on book buys and signings is available upon request.

Hidden Histories: The Women Who Helped Build America

“If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation,” Abigail Adams wrote, and she meant it.

Join New York Times bestselling author and award-winning Presidential Historian ALEXIS COE to learn about Abigail Adams’s quiet revolution. Analyzing Adams and other hidden heroes, Coe opens a window to an enlightening perspective on our shared past.

Case Studies: Building without Breaking

Join New York Times bestselling author and award-winning Presidential Historian ALEXIS COE to learn how the great military statesman, spin doctor, and spy secured America’s place among ancient superpowers. From an exploration of great leaders (and their interpersonal relationships), the development of the free market, Coe shows us what has worked in building this great nation and why.

Moderation & Interviews

Presidential historian ALEXIS COE knows the makings of great leaders better than anyone and is ready to unpack that with other leading thinkers. Coe’s deep intelligence, rigorous historicism, and skill in guiding conversations make her an effective facilitator for conversations this election season.