Historical Side Characters

I’m in need of some niche recommendations. To start 2026, I’m looking for 20-30 books based on the theme “historical side characters”. I’m trying to find books about the guy next to the famous person. George Washington’s denture maker, Hannibal’s elephant trainer, or the guy that rejected Hitler’s art school application. Ordinary people adjacent to extraordinary history. The source of a butterfly effect.

If you recommend something that meets the theme, I will 100% read it. This policy has backfired on me in the past, so bonus points if you think it could annoy me.