History

Discover the rich history and architecture of Wales' iconic castles with this comprehensive handbook. Spanning medieval history to practical guides for visits, "Castles in Wales - A Handbook" offers an engaging introduction to the country's most...

The Ptolemies: Apogee and Collapse By John D. Grainger This book explores the tumultuous reigns of five Ptolemaic rulers, who together shaped the course of ancient Egyptian history from 246 to 146 BC. The period saw significant military victories,...

The Fall of Imperial China by Frederic Wakeman Jr. is a comprehensive exploration of the rise and fall of the Chinese empire. From the dawn of its imperial past to its eventual decline, this book offers a nuanced understanding of the complex forces that...

Unity Mitford's story is one of self-destructive rebellion and obsessive devotion. Born to be different, she found her perfect match in Adolf Hitler's ideology of nonconformity. As she became increasingly entwined with the Nazi leader, her desire for...

The English Revolution, 1625-1660 by J. Daniels provides in-depth coverage of a pivotal period in British history. This comprehensive guide focuses on key ideas, events and developments, helping students develop vital skills such as historical...

Pie and Mash Down the Roman Road: A History of an East End Institution By Melanie McGrath For nearly a century, G Kelly's Pie and Mash has been a constant presence on London's Roman Road in Bow. This iconic shop has seen generations come and go, yet it...

The British in India: Three Centuries of Ambition and Experience by David Gilmour explores the lives of Britons who lived in India from Elizabeth I to Elizabeth II. This book delves into the diverse experiences of various groups, including viceroys,...

Wawne Ferry: A History of the River Hull's Ancient Crossing. For over 800 years, Wawne Ferry played a vital role in connecting East Yorkshire to the wider world. This new edition of a UK local history book brings together original text from 2003 with...

The American West was forged in blood and thunder between 1846 and 1865. The United States invaded and conquered this vast territory, creating a nation that stretched from the Atlantic to the Pacific. At the heart of this epic tale are the complex...

The Oxford Handbook of the Cold War offers a comprehensive reassessment of this pivotal period in twentieth-century history. Bringing together leading scholars, this collection challenges conventional ways of understanding the cold war and its global...

The Holocaust Codes: The Untold Story of Decrypting the Final Solution by Christian Jennings is a groundbreaking account of how British and Allied codebreakers cracked secret SS and Gestapo messages detailing the mass killings of the Holocaust. For four...

The War for Ukraine: Strategy and Adaptation Under Fire by Mick Ryan provides a comprehensive analysis of the Russo-Ukraine War, focusing on the importance of military strategy and adaptability in determining victory or defeat. By examining the evolution...

The Paratrooper Training Pocket Manual 1939-45 by Chris McNab provides an in-depth look at the rigorous training and tactics used by military paratroopers during World War II. Using archive material from various primary sources, this book offers a...

Discover the captivating history of Germany in this comprehensive guide. Spanning from 1871 through to the present day, this book takes you on a journey through two distinct periods: German History and Germania. From its humble beginnings as a collection...

The Mosquito Intruders: Target Burma is a detailed account of the RAF's daring low-level operations against Japan in Burma during World War II. Using diaries, first-hand accounts, and official records, this book explores the achievements of five...

The Bismarck's Final Hours: A Desperate Bid for Survival In May 1941, the German battleship Bismarck broke out into the Atlantic, threatening Allied convoys and sparking an all-out effort to sink her. The British launched a massive naval operation, with...

Rules: A Short History of What We Live By by Lorraine Daston The rules that govern our lives are ubiquitous and often invisible. From the work hours we follow to the traffic regulations that guide our daily commutes, rules shape almost every aspect of...

Fragments of Victory: The Contemporary Irish Left explores the complex and dynamic world of modern left-wing activism in Ireland. This book delves into the stories of various movements, including republicans, social democrats, trade unions, Trotskyists,...

A History of the Osage People by Louis F. Burns is a comprehensive account of 400 years of Osage culture, tracing their history from prehistoric times to their current status as an officially recognized tribe. Set against the backdrop of mid-continental...

The Middle Kingdoms: A New History of Central EuropeFascinating and masterful, this book offers a fresh perspective on the region's complex history. From the Roman Empire to modern times, Central Europe has been shaped by invasion, competition, and...

The New Islamic Dynasties: A Chronological and Genealogical Manual provides a comprehensive reference source for students of history and culture. This updated handbook lists by name the rulers of all principal Islamic dynasties, along with Hijri and...

The Sources for Ancient History provides a comprehensive overview of the various sources available to scholars studying ancient Greece and Rome. This collection of essays explores the nature of the ancient literary tradition, inscriptional material,...

Viking Empires: A New History of Five Centuries. This comprehensive history explores five hundred years of Viking civilization and its global implications. From the first contact in the 790s, the book traces the complex history of the Viking Age,...

After witnessing the devastating Beslan school siege in Russia's North Caucasus, Tom Parfitt embarked on a 1,000-mile journey to find personal peace and understanding of the region's complex history.From Sochi on the Black Sea to Derbent, an ancient...

Eichmann and the Holocaust by Hannah Arendt is a thought-provoking exploration of the moral implications of bureaucracy and obedience. This radical work examines the trial of a high-ranking Nazi official who claimed to be innocent due to following...

The story of Mission 101, one of Britain's most daring operations during World War II, is told in this book by Duncan McNab. A small group of Australians, under British command, embarked on an epic trek across the African bush to free Ethiopia from...

The Republic: The Fight for Irish Independence, 1918-1923 by Charles Townshend A pivotal moment in modern Ireland's history is explored in this gripping narrative. From 1918 to 1923, the Irish fought against the British and among themselves, leading to a...

The final year of World War II saw the Allied forces steadily gain ground in the Mediterranean skies. Despite the withdrawal of units to more demanding areas, the Anglo-American powers continued to push back against the Axis forces. This fifth volume of...

The Littlehampton Libels: A Poison-Pen Mystery in 1920s England In the aftermath of the First World War, a bizarre series of poison-pen letters led to a miscarriage of justice in the seaside town of Littlehampton. Four criminal trials ensued before the...

The Worst Journey in the World tells the story of a disastrous expedition to Antarctica in 1910. Led by a group of explorers, the team embarked on a perilous journey with the aim of studying penguin eggs and uncovering an evolutionary link between birds...

Zelensky: A Biography of Ukraine's War Leader is a gripping story of one of the world's most admired leaders. Written with flair and authority, this biography tells the tale of Volodymyr Zelensky's remarkable journey from comedian to President. From his...

The Roman Army of the Middle Empire, AD 180-284: Weapons, Organization and Equipment During the Third Century Crisis, the Roman army faced unprecedented challenges as it struggled to maintain unity and stability across the vast empire. In response, the...

The 'real' Sixties began on 5 October 1962, with two icons of the future heralding a social and cultural revolution. This is the story of those charged months leading up to that moment, when Britain was on the cusp of change.On the Cusp takes place...

Ancient Persia and the Book of Esther offers a unique perspective on one of the most visually striking books in the Hebrew Bible. Written in the Fourth Century BCE, Esther was crafted by an author familiar with the rarefied world of the Achaemenid court...

Between 1940s and 1970s, more than a million Britons migrated to Australia, leaving behind their homeland for a new life. This is their story, as told by the authors through a vast collection of personal letters, diaries, photographs, and interviews with...

The Gallic Wars by Julius CaesarThis collection of writings provides insight into the military campaigns and strategies employed during Caesar's conquests in Gaul. Composed for propaganda purposes, it offers a unique perspective on arms technology,...

The Second Household Cavalry Regiment's war was a short and exciting one, from Normandy in July 1944 to Germany in May 1945. At the forefront of the action, this armoured reconnaissance regiment was continuously on the advance and rarely out of contact...

The King in the North: The Pictish Realms of Fortriu and Ce A groundbreaking reevaluation of Scotland's Early Medieval history, this book presents a new understanding of the Pictish heartland of Fortriu. Recent archaeological discoveries have...

Budapest Between East and West by Victor Sebestyen is a fascinating exploration of a city at the crossroads of Europe. Situated at the confluence of the Danube River, Budapest has long been a place of cultural and geographical significance, with its...

The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull and the Battle of the Little Big Horn Nathaniel Philbrick's meticulously researched account of the Battle of the Little Big Horn is a gripping narrative that brings to life the events leading up to this pivotal moment...

The Crew of Titanic: A Detailed Look at Life Aboard the Legendary Liner. Titanic's crew played a crucial role in its operation, yet their story has often been overlooked. Günter Bäbler sheds light on this fascinating aspect of the ship's history,...

British Summer Time Begins: The School Summer Holidays 1930-1980This book explores how people in Britain spent their summer holidays from the early 20th century to the late 1970s. Through vividly remembered accounts, Ysenda Maxtone-Graham paints a...

Born in 1938 by Kerry Butters is a nostalgic reference book from that year, featuring news, famous births and deaths. A great gift for birthdays, it's also worth exploring other years in the series or purchasing your own birth year.For those interested...

The Fall of Kabul: A Shocking Account of the Withdrawal from Afghanistan On 15 August 2021, the city of Kabul fell to the Taliban, marking a devastating end to two decades of conflict in Afghanistan. This book tells the inside story of those final days,...

The Roman victory at Pydna in 168 BC marked a turning point in Rome's rise to global power. This study examines the final war between Rome and the ancient Macedonian monarchy, culminating in the abolition of the kingdom of Macedon. Polybius of...

Imagining England's Past explores how the country's invented histories have shaped its sense of self. From medieval writers summoning King Arthur to modern-day visualizations of Victorian dandies, this book reveals how diverse notions of the past have...

A full colour map showing London in 1270 to 1300, featuring its walls and gates, parish churches, early monasteries and hospitals, as well as private houses. The city's streets and alleyways had begun to take shape. Dominating the city are prominent...

Planetary Longings by Mary Louise Pratt explores a pivotal moment in human and planetary history. In this thought-provoking work, Pratt examines the forces shaping our world, including modernity, neoliberalism, coloniality, and indigeneity, as they...

A History of Norfolk in 100 Places explores the county's rich history through its most significant archaeological sites, historic buildings, and landscapes. From prehistoric monuments to Roman forts and early churches, this guide takes you on a journey...

Damian Le Bas sets out to uncover the stopping places - the old encampment sites known only to Travellers. Growing up surrounded by Gypsy history, he seeks to better understand his heritage through this journey.Through winter frosts and summer dawns, he...

A comprehensive history of South Africa from its earliest human inhabitants to the present day. This updated edition brings the story up to date with a new chapter covering the first presidential term of Mbeki and ending with the funeral of Nelson...

The Spanish Civil War: Reaction, Revolution & Revenge (Rev. Ed.) A pivotal moment in modern history, the Spanish Civil War has left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. Spanning from 1936 to 1939, this conflict not only prefigured the...

The Kurdish YPG/SDF's Armored Force: A Study of their Development and Role in the Syrian Civil War. During the Syrian Civil War, the US-backed Kurdish YPG/SDF fought against Islamic State for five years. This study reveals how they developed an armored...

Gallipoli tells the story of the disastrous campaign in 1915 when the Allies failed to knock Turkey out of World War I. This revised edition is accompanied by then and now photographs, providing detailed historical descriptions of the area and events...

The Sutton Hoo Story: Uncovering the Secrets of Early England Discover the most significant archaeological find in Europe, which has shed new light on the history and culture of early England. Martin Carver's engaging account explores the Sutton Hoo...

The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State by Friedrich Engels A provocative critique of the Victorian nuclear family, tracing its evolution from prehistory to the present. Engels argues that the traditional monogamous household is a recent...

The British I Cavalry Division in World War Two was an unlikely force. Composed almost exclusively of yeomanry horsemen from Britain's Territorial Army, they were seen as a relic of the past by Whitehall's military reforms since 1920. Their only upgrades...

Whistlestop: My Favorite Stories from Presidential Campaign HistoryA behind-the-scenes look at the most memorable moments in American presidential campaign history, told by John Dickerson, moderator of Face the Nation and contributing editor for The...

The Jerusalem Files: A Thrilling Treasure Hunt Through History and Mystery The Jewish Menorah is one of the world's most sacred artefacts, a man-size lampstand with seven arms made from a single block of gold. Its disappearance from official records by...

The Handbook of the Italian Army 1913 provides a comprehensive overview of the Italian military during World War I. Issued by the British General Staff, this detailed exposition covers every aspect of the Italian Army, from its composition and...

Discover how the migration of peoples has shaped the modern world. This beautifully illustrated book explores the movement of people and cultures around the globe, from early migrations to modern refugee movements. Through striking photographs, evocative...

Discover the hidden history of Britain through its most forgotten places. In "Portillo's Hidden History of Britain", Michael Portillo explores the stories behind abandoned buildings and sites, revealing what they can tell us about our past. From the...

Before European Hegemony: The World System A.D. 1250-1350This groundbreaking study presents a new paradigm for understanding the evolution of world systems, tracing the rise and fall of a vast regional economy that spanned from northwest Europe to China...

Charlemagne: Father of a Continent is a comprehensive biography that sheds new light on one of history's most fascinating personalities. Distinguished medievalist Alessandro Barbero brings to life the man and his world, illuminating the complexities of...

Ukrainian Futurism, 1914-1930: A Historical and Critical Study is a comprehensive study of this vibrant literary movement. Professor Oleh Ilnytzkyj examines the context in which Ukrainian Futurism emerged and its relationship to other major movements of...

The Second World War was the Women's Institute's finest hour. With all the vigour and enthusiasm at their disposal, a third of a million country women set out to make their lives and the lives of those around them more bearable in what they described as...

Wealth and Democracy: A Political History of the American Rich by Kevin Phillips explores the complex relationship between wealth and power in America over more than two centuries. From the American Revolution to the present day, Phillips examines how...

For an understanding of how historical writing has evolved in the modern era, look no further than this introduction to Modern Historiography. From the Enlightenment to Postmodernism, this book provides a clear and concise account of the key developments...

The Hawker Hurricane: A Warplane That Won the Day The Hawker Hurricane was Britain's first-ever wartime fighter plane, and it played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain. This aircraft shot down more enemy planes than any other fighter, earning its...

The First Kingdom Britain in the Age of Arthur by Max Adams is a meticulously researched investigation into one of history's most enigmatic periods. By scrutinising the narrative handed down to us, Adams strips away myth and legend to reveal the reality...

The Israeli Air Force has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Over 75 years, it has evolved into one of the largest and most experienced air combat teams in the world, shaped by numerous conflicts with its Arab neighbors and continuous military...

The Great Sea: A Human History Of The Mediterranean by David Abulafia A comprehensive history of the Mediterranean region, spanning over three thousand years, from the construction of temples in Malta around 3500 BC to modern tourism. This sweeping...

London's 100 Most Extraordinary Buildings offers an intriguing glimpse into the city's lesser-known structures. From the widest building in South London to an arts centre constructed from old shipping containers, this collection reveals the stories...

A History of Ancient Egypt, Volume 3: From the Shepherd Kings to the End of the Theban MonarchyBy John Romer, this final volume completes a lifelong project that chronicles the history of Ancient Egypt. It tells the story of an era dominated by figures...

The Bible played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. In "Sacred Scripture, Sacred War: The Bible and the American Revolution", James Byrd examines how American revolutionaries defended their patriotic convictions through scripture. Byrd shows that...

Forgotten Warriors: A History of Women on the Front LineBattlefields have long been dominated by men, but women's roles in warfare are often overlooked. This book sheds new light on the history of female fighters, from ancient armies to modern-day...

A Very British Murder by Lucy Worsley explores how murder became an integral part of Britain's national psyche. From the early 19th century to the present day, Lucy Worsley examines the evolution of the typical British murder, tracing its impact on...

Germany's French Allies 1941-45 by Massimiliano Afiero is a comprehensive study of the Wehrmacht's French volunteer units during World War II. These units played a significant role in some of the war's most gruelling battles, including those on the...

Inside the Third Reich by Albert Speer provides a unique and personal perspective on the rise and fall of Hitler's Germany. This memoir offers a detailed account of Speer's involvement in the Nazi regime, from his early days as an apprentice to his later...

The Holocaust remains one of history's most profound and disturbing events. Why? Explaining the Holocaust by Peter Hayes offers new insights into this tragic period by addressing eight fundamental questions about the Holocaust: why the Jews, why the...

Black Athena: The Afroasiatic Roots of Classical Civilization Volume III: The Linguistic Evidence challenges our understanding of ancient Greek civilization. Martin Bernal argues that classical culture has deep roots in Afroasiatic cultures, which have...

The Notes: A lifetime of reflections from Ronald Reagan's private collection.Collected by the Ronald Reagan Foundation, this remarkable collection offers a unique glimpse into the mind of America's fortieth president. Spanning work, marriage, and family,...

In Search of Ancient North Africa: A History in Six LivesBarnaby Rogerson's journey through the ruins of North Africa uncovers the complex stories of six individuals whose lives are shrouded in myth and fact. From Queen Dido to St. Augustine, King Juba...

A Concise History of Mexico by Brian R. Hamnett provides a comprehensive overview of Mexico's development from its colonial past to its current position in the world. This third edition explores the country's struggle for sovereignty, its economic and...

The city of Baghdad during the 8th to 13th centuries CE was one of the most important cultural hubs in human history. A melting pot of languages, religions, and ethnicities, it produced influential thinkers and artists whose impact on the sciences,...

Ancient Egyptian magic played a vital role in their daily lives, serving as both a source of supernatural wisdom and a means to influence one's fate. The gods themselves used magic to create the world and grant humans magical powers. Egyptian Magic...

Belzec, Sobibor, Treblinka: The Operation Reinhard Death CampsThis comprehensive account of three lesser-known Nazi death camps reveals the complete story through primary materials. Historian Yitzhak Arad, who served as a key prosecution witness at the...

The Summit: The Biggest Battle of the Second World War - Fought Behind Closed Doors by Edmund Conway. In 1944, world leaders gathered at Bretton Woods to overhaul the international monetary system. This was no ordinary economic conference, but a...

The Penguin Book of the Undead explores our fascination with zombies and other restless souls through 15 centuries of supernatural encounters. From ancient times to the Renaissance, accounts of ghostly visitations have mystified us, featuring roving...

A personal and thought-provoking account of life as a Marine officer, from one who experienced the horrors of war firsthand. Nathaniel Fick's story is a deeply introspective exploration of what it means to fight in the frontline, where the stakes are...

The Italian Mafia: A History of Power and Corruption From 1946 to the present day, the Italian mafias have grown in power and become increasingly interconnected. This has led to terrifying consequences, including widespread corruption and political...

Dazzling culture and bureaucratic decay: a tale of Japan's downfall. The decades of Western adulation for Japan's 'economic miracle' masked a darker reality - a country ravaged by bad planning, corruption and crowding. Now that the economic miracle has...

The Ukrainians: An Unexpected Nation by Andrew Wilson provides a comprehensive guide to modern Ukraine and its complex history with Russia. From the myth of common origin in medieval times to the country's path to independence in 1991, Wilson offers an...

Coffee's journey to world domination may seem far-fetched, but Stewart Lee Allen presents a compelling case. He explores how coffee has played a significant role in shaping history, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global phenomenon...

The War Was Won: Air-Sea Power and Allied Victory in World War II Phillips Payson O'Brien presents a fresh perspective on one of history's most pivotal conflicts. This compelling new history argues that the war was not solely decided by land battles, but...

Thames: Sacred River is a rich and engaging exploration of one of Britain's most iconic rivers. Peter Ackroyd weaves together history, literature, and geography to create a compelling narrative that reveals the Thames' enduring allure.This journey along...

The Question of Unworthy Life: Eugenics and Germany's Twentieth Century This book explores the dark history of eugenic thought in Germany from the nineteenth century to the present day. Dagmar Herzog examines how the Nazi regime's policies towards people...

The incredible true story of Francis Walsingham, the world's first super spy. This gripping narrative reveals the stimulating details of his remarkable life and work, including his network of spies across Europe and his entrapment of Mary Queen of Scots...

The Tiger I and Tiger II Tanks: German Army and Waffen-SS in the Last Battles in the West 1945 Dennis Oliver's latest volume in the TankCraft series explores the final battles of the Tiger tanks in western Europe during World War II. The author delves...

The Holocaust and North Africa offers a fresh perspective on this pivotal episode in history. For too long, the Holocaust has been seen as a European story, but this book reveals its significance in North Africa, where it had far-reaching consequences...