History

Explore the rich history of North America through a series of engaging maps. This comprehensive atlas takes you on a visual journey from prehistory to the 21st century, covering key events and eras that shaped the region. Specially commissioned maps...

The Roman Republic: A Very Short Introduction by David M. Gwynn This concise introduction to the history of the Roman Republic explores the city's rise and fall, from its humble beginnings in ancient Italy to its dominance of the Mediterranean world. The...

The Silk Road, once the greatest thoroughfare on earth, was a vital link between imperial Rome and distant China. It played host to precious cargoes of silk, gold, and ivory, as well as revolutionary new ideas that shaped the course of history. As the...

Now That's What I Call a History of the 1980s: A Cultural and Political Analysis of Britain in the Decade that Shaped Modern Society. This book offers an alternative perspective on 1980s Britain, weaving together popular culture and politics to create a...

The Mamluks: A History and Legacy of Medieval Slave Soldiers Who Established a Dynasty in Egypt In 14th-century Egypt, Cairo was a city of unparalleled splendor. As the greatest city in the Islamic world, it boasted a larger population and more wealth...

The World War II Book by Adrian Gilbert and Dorling Kindersley is an overview guide to the subject, tackling tricky topics in a simple and easy-to-follow format. This Big Ideas series book brings a fresh take on World War 2 through eye-catching graphics...

The Greeks in Asia by John Boardman A comprehensive exploration of the enduring influence of Greek culture beyond their homeland. From the Bronze Age to the rise of Islam, this account examines the spread of Greek art and artifacts through Central Asia,...

The Penguin History of Modern Vietnam by Christopher E. Goscha is a comprehensive and thought-provoking account of Vietnam's complex history from the 19th century to the present day. This book challenges prevailing myths and raises important questions...

A candid and introspective account of American policy making in Vietnam, In Retrospect offers a unique perspective on one of the most tumultuous episodes in modern history. Written twenty years after the war's end, former Secretary of Defense Robert...

The Third Battle of Ypres was a pivotal moment in World War I, marked by devastating losses for both sides. In October 1917, a small corner of Belgium saw over 500,000 men killed or maimed, with the battle's outcome hanging precariously in the balance...

John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude tells the story of a man driven by the need to solve one of the greatest practical problems of his time. In 1714, a prize was offered to provide a solution to determining longitudinal position at sea, and John...

The human head is a remarkable and complex entity. It houses our brain, senses, and expressive muscles, making it an integral part of who we are. Yet, its significance has also led to a dark history of fascination and repulsion. Human heads have been...

The Channel: A Remarkable History of the Most Fascinating Waterway in the World A rich and quirky history of the English Channel, this book tells the stories of those who have shaped its significance. From swimmers and flyers to pirates and soldiers,...

The Voices of the Scandinavian Waffen-SS: The Final Testament of Hitler's Vikings In the early years of World War II, Scandinavia was drawn into the conflict, with citizens from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden volunteering to join the Nazi Waffen-SS. By...

At the darkest moment of the year, Christmas arrives as a joyful and magical season. Families and friends come together to share beloved customs and traditions that have been passed down over centuries. While each family has its own unique ways of...

The emancipation of women cannot be complete unless it is coupled with the emancipation of men. Drawing our social values from the Qur'an and the sunnah can bring about this change. This volume explores how mixed social life was the pattern in early...

Discover the fascinating facts and stories behind Dorset's rich history. This entertaining compendium brings together a wealth of unusual information about the county, from its eccentric inhabitants to its famous sons and daughters, and from its...

The Oxford History of Greece and the Hellenistic World By John Boardman, Jasper Griffin, and Oswyn Murray This comprehensive history covers the classical Greek world from the 8th to the 1st centuries BC, a period renowned for its literary, philosophical,...

Sherman Tanks: US Army in North-Western Europe 1944-1945 This detailed study focuses on the Sherman tanks used by the US Army during the final stages of World War II. Following their introduction to Western Europe, these tanks played a crucial role in...

The Pirate Coast: A Secret Mission in 1805 In 1805, President Thomas Jefferson authorized a secret mission to overthrow the government of Tripoli and bring an end to the Barbary Pirates' reign of terror. Led by William Eaton, this unheralded American...

The Guardians: The League of Nations and the Crisis of Empire by Susan Pedersen At the end of the First World War, the Paris Peace Conference saw a battle over the future of empire. The victorious allied powers wanted to annex the Ottoman territories and...

Captain F J Walker, RN, played a pivotal role in winning the Battle of the Atlantic, a crucial campaign that dominated World War Two. His remarkable achievements at sea earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades. Walker's impressive record...

The People: A History of the Working Class in BritainFrom 1910 to 2010, three-quarters of the population were working class, yet their story has been largely ignored until now. This vivid history is told in their own words, based on first-person accounts...

Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest by Matthew Restall offers a fresh perspective on one of history's most pivotal events. This thought-provoking exploration challenges common misconceptions surrounding the activities of conquistadors and explorers,...

The Vickers Wellington: A Critical Asset in RAF WWII. The Vickers Armstrong Wellington played a significant role in RAF history during World War II. Its unique geodetic structure, featuring a cloth covering that proved superior to previous designs for...

Before Lemuria existed, there was no concept of community as we know it today. However, around 300,000 BC, this ancient civilization emerged, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape our understanding of equality and spirituality. The people of...

Ravenna Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe by Judith Herrin is a masterful account of one of the most important and under-studied cities in European history. From 402 AD, when Emperor Honorius moved his capital to Ravenna, the city became a cultural...

The story of the US brig Commerce's ill-fated voyage to Mauritania in 1815 is one of survival against all odds. On August 28, 1815, the ship was dashed against Cape Bojador and lost, but its captain, James Riley, managed to lead his crew to safety...

The origins of Christian America are more complex than commonly believed. In One Nation Under God, historian Kevin M. Kruse reveals how the idea that the US is fundamentally and formally Christian emerged in the 1930s. A campaign for "freedom under God"...

The Roman Special Forces and Special Ops Speculatores, Exploratores, Protectores and Areani in the Service of Rome by Simon Elliott. This book sheds new light on the lesser-known units employed by the Romans for covert operations. The author reveals the...

Underground: A work of literary journalism that is as fascinating as it is necessary, Underground tells the story of the Tokyo subway attack in 1995. Haruki Murakami conducted hundreds of interviews with those involved, from survivors to perpetrators and...

Fifty Key Classical Authors provides an essential introduction to the literature, philosophy and history of ancient Greece and Rome. This comprehensive guide covers influential writers from Homer to Lucan, offering valuable insights into their works.With...

Bayard Rustin: A Legacy of Protest and Politics This biography sheds light on the life and work of Bayard Rustin, the civil rights leader behind the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Often overlooked in historical accounts, Rustin's...

Tibet has long been a source of fascination for outsiders. For centuries, its remote location and Buddhist traditions made it inaccessible to Westerners. In this gripping narrative, Peter Hopkirk recounts the story of how Tibet was opened up to the world...

This story of Indian nations offers a broader perspective on American history and the experiences of Native Americans. From the Pleistocene era to the present day, it reveals the true story of North America's oldest inhabitants.For too long, their...

The X-planes of Europe II: Military Prototype Aircraft from the Golden Age 1945-1974 This second volume in the acclaimed series continues to explore the fascinating world of experimental aircraft that emerged in Europe after World War II. Tony Buttler...

The History of Merlin and King Arthur: The Earliest Version of the Arthurian Legend by Geoffrey of Monmouth. First published in 1136 AD, this book is the earliest surviving account of the Arthurian legend. It tells us that King Arthur fought the Saxons...

Landscape and Englishness is a thought-provoking exploration of how Britain's cities and countryside have shaped its people's perceptions of themselves and their place in the world. From topographical guides to paintings, poetry, and novels, David...

The Jeep has become an iconic symbol of military vehicles, synonymous with reliability and versatility. Its widespread use during World War II, from the D-Day landings to the Eastern Front, is a testament to its enduring appeal. Over 640,000 Jeeps were...

A New Focus On... the British Empire C. 1500-Present is a comprehensive history textbook that offers a fresh perspective on the complex and often controversial story of the British Empire. This book provides a nuanced exploration of the Empire's impact...

The Lancashire Witches: A Comprehensive Study of England's Most Infamous Witch Trial In 1612, ten people were put on trial and executed in Pendle, Lancashire, for allegedly practicing witchcraft. This major study is the first to thoroughly examine this...

The Golden Age of Piracy was not just about swashbuckling adventurers - it was also a time of radical democracy. In Pirate Enlightenment, David Graeber reveals how a community of pirates in Madagascar experimented with an alternative vision of human...

The Shortest History of the Crown by Stephen Bates For over 1,800 years, the British monarchy has endured amidst turmoil and change. This remarkable legacy is a result of both tradition and adaptability. In this engaging account, former royal...

Bridging the Atlantic, generations of Irish women left their mark on America's 19th and early 20th-century landscape. Their stories are one of quiet industry and piety, yet also of trouble - bad trouble - that would leave a lasting impact.Elaine Farrell...

White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson The history of racial progress in America is marked by a deliberate and relentless backlash from white reaction. Since the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865, every time...

The US Seventh Fleet, Vietnam 1964-75: A Comprehensive History of America's Naval Power in Southeast Asia. This book provides a detailed examination of the role of the US Navy's Seventh Fleet during the Vietnam War. Drawing from thousands of declassified...

Help you succeed in Edexcel AS/A-level History with this comprehensive revision guide. Combining key content coverage with exam preparation activities and practice questions, this proven formula provides effective, structured revision to review,...

The Anatomy of a Battle: St Albans 1455 A new understanding of one of England's most pivotal battles. For many years, the first battle of St Albans was dismissed as a minor skirmish in the streets. However, recent research reveals that this was not the...

The Congo from Leopold to Kabila: A People's History by Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja is a comprehensive and radical account of the Congolese people's struggle for democracy and self-determination. This insightful political history sheds light on the complex...

The Knights Templar Absolution: The Chinon Parchment and the History of the Poor Knights of Christ by A A Grishin is a historical account that sheds light on one of the most significant documents from the Order's final years. The Chinon Parchment,...

This comprehensive guide to modern cookery offers a systematic approach to preparing meals for private families. Eliza Acton's work provides a series of tested recipes, presented with exacting precision, alongside detailed instructions for carving.First...

The Final Defeat of Nazi Germany: A Story from the German Side In May 1945, as Allied forces closed in on Berlin, it seemed that the war would be over by Christmas. But the German Army refused to surrender, and the battle for its final defeat was fought...

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was one of those rare moments where, in the space of a few hours, the course of history was utterly changed. Nearly eight decades later, it remains an event that is both well-known and poorly understood. On December 7,...

A True Account of the Siege of London-Derry by George Walker and Professor George Walker. In September 1689, the city of Londonderry was besieged by Catholic forces loyal to the deposed King James II. The siege lasted for several weeks before being...

David Halberstam's masterful account of America's involvement in Vietnam is a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of policy-making and its consequences. Through portraits of key figures and accounts of the forces that drove them, Halberstam...

The Knights Templar are one of history's most enigmatic and powerful orders. Their military prowess and adherence to a strict chivalric code earned them both great wealth and significant political influence, but also entrusted them with guarding...

Iron Roofs: A Comprehensive Guide to Design and Construction This authoritative guide provides detailed illustrations and examples from real-world projects, making it an essential resource for architects, engineers, and builders working with iron and...

Fragments of Remembrance: Finding Lost BoysThis poignant collection tells the story of ordinary families searching for their loved ones lost during World War I. Over 100 years since the war's end, the grief of these families continues to be felt, with...

Heinz Knoke's memoirs offer a unique perspective on the experiences of a German fighter pilot during World War II. With over two thousand flights logged and fifty-two enemy aircraft shot down, Knoke's story is one of bravery and skill in the face of...

The Spanish Holocaust: A Comprehensive Account of Mass Murder and Persecution in Twentieth-century Spain. Paul Preston's meticulous work of scholarship sheds light on one of the darkest periods in modern European history. Between 1936 and 1945, an...

The Knights Templar in Yorkshire offers an intimate look at medieval life during the Templars' stay in the county. Yorkshire was not only the largest county in Britain, but also one of the wealthiest in terms of land ownership and population. This book...

The Uses and Abuses of History by Margaret MacMillan A nuanced exploration of how history is used to inform our decisions, with a focus on its potential for manipulation and distortion. History is often hijacked through suppression, manipulation, and...

The Lancashire Witch Craze: Jennet Preston and the Lancashire Witches by Jonathan Lumby In 1612, a series of trials took place in Lancashire that would become infamous for their brutality. At the centre of this turmoil was Jennet Preston, who was accused...

The Irish Brigade's fighting prowess during the Civil War is well-documented, but what about the lives and experiences of the individual soldiers who made up this elite unit? Historian Phillip T. Tucker sheds new light on the history of the Irish Brigade...

This comprehensive history of Germany from 1780 to 1918 offers a fresh perspective on the country's development during this pivotal period. David Blackbourn, a leading German historian, brings together political, social and cultural history to create a...

Eighteenth-century Britain was a world-leading centre for the slave trade. Bury the Chains by Adam Hochschild explores how this changed in 1788, when the slave trade's wealth began to decline. This book tells the story of those who sought to end slavery...

William Armstrong: A Visionary of Industry and Science This biography tells the story of William George Armstrong, a man who embodied the spirit of industrial success in 19th-century Britain. At the height of his career, Armstrong's company, Elswick...

The story of the Glaoua regime is one of flamboyance and terror. In early twentieth century Morocco, two brothers, warlords with a mixture of aggression and opulence, ruled over a feudal fiefdom in southern Morocco. Their rule was marked by a unique...

The Kingdom of the Anglo-Saxons: The Wars of King Alfred 865-899 by Paul Hill This compelling history explores England's birth amidst the devastation and fury of the Danish invasions of the ninth century. Paul Hill delves into the English response to new...

Christianity in Hitler's Ideology: The Role of Jesus in National SocialismMikael Nilsson examines how Hitler's personal religious beliefs influenced the development of National Socialism, challenging the notion that his use of religion was solely for...

The Evolution of Gun Making Machine Made Weapons, 1700-1820 by Peter G. Smithurst provides a detailed understanding of how nations approached arms manufacture during the early decades of the Industrial Revolution. This book examines the transition from...

The Years of Lyndon Johnson (Volume 3) by Robert A. Caro is a riveting account of power and politics in twentieth-century America. This Pulitzer Prize-winning biography takes readers through one of the most remarkable periods of US President Lyndon...

Hiroshima: The Last WitnessesA deeply human history of an unfathomable tragedy, this gripping narrative chronicles the eyewitness accounts of those who survived the devastating bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945.Through personal interviews with...

The final Apollo moon landings remain one of humanity's greatest achievements in space exploration. Earl Swift sheds new light on these extraordinary missions, revealing why they deserve to be celebrated as the pinnacle of human adventure and exploration...

Churchill and Chamberlain: A Study in Contrasts The reputations of Winston Churchill and Neville Chamberlain are among the most contrasting in history. One man is remembered for his leadership during Britain's finest hour, while the other is associated...

December 1943 marked a pivotal moment in history as Allied forces faced off against the Axis powers. A crucial German fort stood atop a mountain, its capture essential to the war effort. A small group of highly trained US and Canadian soldiers from...

Discover Chatsworth Estate's rich heritage through its gardens and the people who made them. Alan Titchmarsh explores the fascinating history of this iconic stately home, uncovering the stories of visionaries, pioneers, heroes, villains, and eccentric...

Cocos Island and the Treasure of Lima A Desert Island Myth by Stephen Cooper explores the enduring legend of a buried treasure in the Pacific Ocean. Between 1850 and 1978, over 500 expeditions were launched to find the fabled 'Treasure of Lima', which...

A radical and unforgettable account of one man's quest for a temporary homeland. In 1907, David Jochelmann persuaded his great-grandfather to set sail from Russia to Texas, marking the beginning of the Galveston Movement, a forgotten chapter in history...

A gripping narrative history of America's first major offensive in World War II, the battle for Guadalcanal is told with unflinching detail. From August to November 1942, US forces clashed with an implacable enemy in a brutal and devastating campaign...

The real story behind the breaking of the Enigma code is one of intrigue and bravery. Secret documents were smuggled across borders, and those involved faced hair-raising escapes and Gestapo interrogations. This is the untold tale of how Polish...

The Hitler Years: Disaster 1940 - 1945 by Frank McDonough At the start of 1940, Germany was at the height of its power. By May 1945, it had suffered a disastrous defeat and Adolf Hitler's ambitions lay in ruins. This second volume of Professor Frank...

Hélène Berr's Journal is a powerful and moving account of life under occupation. Written between April 1942 and February 1944, this diary chronicles the experiences of a young Jewish woman living in Paris during World War II. The author's daily routine...

Asceticism in the Graeco-Roman World by Richard Finn explores how individuals and communities used self-control and self-denial to order their lives in relation to the divine. This combined study brings together previously separate ascetic traditions,...

One hundred years on, the Battle of Passchendaele remains a stark reminder of the futility and cost of war. In July 1917, Allied forces unleashed a heavy artillery barrage against an entrenched German army outside Ypres, marking the beginning of one of...

The Lion and the Unicorn: Gladstone Vs Disraeli A gripping account of one of Victorian Britain's most intense rivalries. Richard Aldous masterfully recreates the dramatic confrontation between two men who embodied opposing ideologies, their hatred...

The development and deployment of British combat jet aircraft during the turbulent post-war period is a fascinating story. As the threat of Mutually Assured Destruction loomed, the Royal Air Force turned to cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of the...

Stephen's reign was marked by turmoil and conflict. When Henry I died in 1135, Stephen broke his promise to support Matilda as the rightful heir to the English throne, instead seizing the crown for himself. This led to a devastating civil war that would...

The Outer Hebrides A Historical Guide by Mary MacLeod Rivett offers a comprehensive exploration of the islands' rich history and cultural heritage. Spanning from prehistory to the present day, this guide delves into the development of key sites,...

Ancient Magic in Greece and Rome A Hands-on Guide by Philip Matyszak is an engaging exploration of magic in ancient cultures. This book delves into the world of everyday magic, revealing how the Greeks and Romans used supernatural powers to achieve...

A History of the Gambia by J. M. Gray provides a comprehensive account of the region's colonial past from the Portuguese invasion in 1455 to British control in 1938. Written by a judge who witnessed these developments firsthand, the book offers a...

Cornwall has long held a mysterious allure to visitors. At once part of England and yet utterly foreign too. This book explores the true origins of this dichotomy, free from Arthurian mythology, and delves into the story of how a kingdom of native...

A Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases provides clarity for readers interested in the medieval world. This dictionary contains over 3,400 terms as headwords, covering legal, ecclesiastic, and everyday words from Latin, Old English, and Middle English...

The Spectre of War: International Communism and the Origins of World War II A fresh perspective on one of history's most pivotal events, this book challenges traditional explanations for the outbreak of World War II. Jonathan Haslam explores the...

The de Havilland Mosquito was a remarkable aircraft that played a crucial role in the RAF's offensive against Nazi Germany during World War II. Nicknamed 'the wooden wonder' for its composite wooden frame, it proved to be exceptionally fast and agile,...

The Chengdu J-7, a third-generation fighter still used as a trainer, is one of the aircraft types featured in this detailed guide to all the aircraft currently in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The book covers everything...

The 1968 Election and Politics of Division by Michael A. Cohen In January 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson presented an ambitious vision for America, aiming to end poverty and racial injustice. However, just three years later, the country had changed dramatically...

Britain since 1945 is a comprehensive and authoritative survey of contemporary British political history. This seventh edition brings the story up to date with new material on key events, including Tony Blair's resignation, Gordon Brown's accession to...

The Last of the Tsars: Nicholas II and the Russian Revolution by Robert Service In March 1917, Nicholas II's reign came to an abrupt end as he abdicated, marking the beginning of the end for the Romanov dynasty. This masterful study examines the last...

Coalfaces is a poignant collection of photographs that capture the lives and landscapes of five small settlements in south Wales. Over ten years, Tina Carr and Annemarie Schöne worked with the residents to document their communities, resulting in a...