History

The Silent Deep: The Royal Navy Submarine Service Since 1945 This comprehensive history of the Royal Navy Submarine Service offers an unprecedented insight into the development of Britain's submarine fleet, from the end of World War II to the present day...

The five-month Monte Cassino campaign in central Italy is one of the most infamous battles of World War Two. Characterised by the destruction of the historic Monte Cassino Abbey, a site of great cultural significance, the campaign was marked by the...

Joan of Arc: A HistoryThis gripping biography tells the story of Joan of Arc, a peasant girl who heard voices from God and led an army to victory in a time when women were not allowed to fight. Her life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, including...

The American Civil War: A Military History by John Keegan This comprehensive history of the American Civil War explores the conflict's geography, leadership, and strategic logic, providing a detailed understanding of one of the most pivotal moments in...

War: Conflict Shaped Us by Margaret MacMillan The notion of a long period of harmony in human history is often cited, but this is not entirely accurate. Since 1945, a military conflict has occurred every year, a trend that has been consistent throughout...

Spies of the Renaissance: Uncovering the Devious Tricks and Ingenious Tools of the Dangerous Trade In the early modern era, espionage was a deadly game of hide and seek, where spies, spy-catchers, and conspirators pitted their wits against each other...

Nepal: A History from the Earliest Times to the Present This comprehensive history of Nepal spans from prehistoric times to the present day, exploring the country's unique blend of cultures and traditions. From the highest mountains to the diverse...

Winston Churchill: A Complex Legacy This comprehensive Companion to Winston Churchill offers a nuanced exploration of the life and legacy of one of the 20th century's most divisive figures. By examining his core beliefs, working practices, key...

A History of Mevagissey is a charming and engaging account of the village's eight hundred years of history. Written in a warm and conversational style, it offers a unique insight into the lives of those who have lived and worked in Cornwall's second...

The Normandy Landings that took place on D-Day involved by far the largest invasion fleet ever known. The scale of the undertaking was awesome, with casualties mounting and tensions between commanders on both sides escalating. French civilians caught in...

Napoleon's Greatest Triumph: The Battle of Austerlitz In August 1805, Napoleon shifted his focus from invading Britain to the Danube Valley, where he faced Austrian and Russian forces in a pivotal battle. This decisive victory, widely regarded as...

The dramatic clashes between the Spitfire II/V and Bf 109F in the skies above Northwest Europe during World War II are vividly captured in this volume. As the Battle of Britain drew to a close, two new versions of the iconic fighter planes entered the...

The Border - a Journey Around Russia Erika Fatland's book explores the complex history of Russia and its neighbours, delving into the colourful, exciting, tragic, and often unbelievable stories of the bordering nations. Through her work, Fatland...

The Albanians: A Modern History by Miranda Vickers This comprehensive history of Albania provides a detailed account of the country's transformation from a communist state to a modern democracy. The book explores the complex relationships between Albania...

A comprehensive introduction to life in England from 1200 to 1500, this book explores the social hierarchy, town and countryside life, religious belief, and forms of individual and collective identity. The authors examine the central themes of later...

Twenty-four raw and heartbreaking first-person accounts from people united in grief and their first-hand experiences of the brutality and senselessness of war. Take My Grief Away reveals the human cost of conflict through the voices of those who have...

The Italians is a candid and insightful portrait of Italian life, cutting through familiar clichés to reveal the complexities of a nation. Luigi Barzini's masterful exploration weaves together centuries of history, examining the country's most...

The Battle of Britain was a pivotal moment in history, where the fate of the British Empire hung in the balance. This book delves into the key conflict, focusing on the Spitfire and Bf 109 aircraft. Tony Holmes provides a detailed account of both...

The Magna Carta: The True Story Behind the Charter by David Starkey In 1215, a crisis in England led to a turning point in the country's history. King John's costly campaign to retake his ancestral lands in France had left him heavily in debt, and the...

Chernobyl Roulette: A War StoryThirty-five days of war at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine marked a reckless and unprecedented move by Russian forces during the 2022 invasion. This gripping story, closely reported and narrated from...

Love is a universal language, and its power can be found in the most unexpected places. In Letters of Note: Love, Shaun Usher collects a diverse range of letters that reveal the complexities and depths of human emotion.From the first blush of love to the...

The Struggle for Mastery: A New Perspective on Britain's Medieval Past The two-and-a-half centuries following 1066 were marked by significant upheaval in Britain's history. The Norman Conquest of 1066 had a lasting impact, as the Anglo-Saxon ruling class...

London's most intriguing locations are revealed in this fascinating tour of the city's strangest and most intriguing sites. From architectural evidence of past incidents to stories of life beneath the city, this book is a perfect companion for the...

Discover the forgotten cities of the ancient world, where the ruins of once-great metropolises lie hidden beneath the sands of time. From the Neolithic period to the late Roman Empire, Philip Matyszak takes you on a journey to uncover the lost cities...

The Tame and the Wild: People and Animals After 1492 A new history of the colonization of the Americas reveals the crucial role of animals in shaping the modern world. The encounter between European and Native American cultures on the island of Guanahani...

This book explores the history of voluntary action in the UK over the past 100 years, through the lens of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). From its establishment at the end of the First World War, to the creation of the Welfare...

The Renaissance Notion of Woman: A Study in the Fortunes of Scholasticism and Medical Science in European Intellectual Life by Ian Maclean This study of the world of scholarship and scholarly texts in the Renaissance offers insights into the intellectual...

The history of aircraft carriers in Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy during World War II is a fascinating and complex topic. This book explores the development of aircraft carriers in both countries, from the early designs and proposals to the eventual...

Turnberry Airfield Turnberry Airfield is a detailed history of the Royal Air Force's (RAF) airfield on the Isle of Arran, Scotland. The airfield played a significant role in the Second World War, serving as a base for fighter command and a key location...

Estates: An Intimate History Lynsey Hanley's memoir and social history explores the rise and decline of council estates in Britain, a century ago. Born and raised on one of Europe's largest council estates, Hanley draws on her own experiences to recount...

A Few Facts concerning the Parish of Pewsey in the County of Wilts by Bertrand Pleydell Bouverie. This book is part of the British Library's HISTORY OF BRITAIN & IRELAND collection, which features a wide range of historical works, geographies, and...

The Neanderthals Rediscovered: A New Story of Human Evolution The Neanderthals' story has been transformed by new discoveries and paradigm-shifting scientific innovations. This book presents the first complete chronological narrative of the species from...

The Vikings is an epic story of one of the world's great empires of conquest. Drawing on the latest discoveries, Neil Oliver explores the real Vikings, tracing their origins, way of life, and extraordinary voyages of discovery over 1000 years ago. From...

Shanghai 1937 Stalingrad on the Yangtze is a deeply researched account of one of the 20th century's most pivotal battles. At its height, the conflict involved nearly a million soldiers from China and Japan, with three million civilians caught in the...

The Leningrad State of Siege is a powerful and moving history of one of the most pivotal moments of World War II. In 1941, the German High Command deliberately starved the civilian population of Leningrad, leading to widespread suffering and desperation...

The Rise of Fascism Through the Eyes of Everyday People Travellers in the Third Reich is a fascinating history of the rise of the Nazis, based on first-hand accounts from a diverse range of individuals. From students to politicians, musicians to...

A detailed first-hand account of the early Roman Empire, "The Annals" chronicles the history of the Roman Empire from 14 A.D. to 68 A.D. Written by Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman Senator, it provides a unique perspective on the Roman Emperors and the...

The Wipers Times: A Unique Portrait of Life on the Wartime Frontline This facsimile reproduction of the famed trench newspaper of the First World War offers a unique glimpse into life on the frontline. The Wipers Times is a mix of black humour, fake...

The English first emerged as a concept before they had a unified ruler or a distinct country. This idea has endured, and their defining institutions can be traced back to the earliest years of their history. The English have left a lasting impact on the...

Crusaders is a gripping narrative history of the Crusades, a sequence of religious wars fought between the late eleventh century and late medieval periods. Dan Jones explores the complex and often bloody conflict between European Christian states and...

Bolt Action: Armies of Imperial Japan The Imperial Japanese military played a significant role in the Asia-Pacific theatre of World War II, from the capture and defense of Pacific islands to the occupation of China and Burma. This latest supplement for...

The accession of James I marked a significant turning point in English history, as the country transitioned from the Tudor to the Stuart era. Susan Doran's book, From Tudor to Stuart: The Regime Change from Elizabeth I to James I, explores the complex...

Africa's Tarnished Name by Chinua Achebe is a collection of electrifying essays that challenge the way we think about the continent. Written by the father of modern African literature, these essays offer a powerful exploration of Africa's history,...

Zhou Enlai: A Life by Jian Chen is a comprehensive biography of the first premier and preeminent diplomat of the People's Republic of China. Chen's nuanced portrait sheds light on Zhou's complex life, revealing a man who navigated the country's...

London's Triumph: The Merchant Adventurers and the Tudor City In the 16th century, London underwent a transformation that would change the course of history. The discovery of the New World and the establishment of direct sea routes to Asia sparked a...

In 1959, a white Texan journalist embarked on a remarkable journey, travelling across the Deep South of the United States disguised as a black man. His account, Black Like Me, is a powerful and unflinching exploration of the day-to-day experience of...

The Impact of Hitler: British Politics and British Policy 1933-1940 by Maurice Cowling This book examines the complex relationship between British party politics and the conduct of British foreign policy during a critical period in European history...

The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021A comprehensive and detailed account of the Trump presidency, told by two renowned journalists who offer exclusive scoops and stories from behind the scenes in the White House. This book explores the inner...

Hidden Figures: The Untold Story of the African American Women who Helped Win the Space RaceThis book tells the story of the African-American female mathematicians who played a crucial role in America's space program during the civil rights movement...

The Irish country house, a symbol of conquest and colonial oppression, was a target of the revolutionaries' fervent struggle for independence. During the tumultuous years of 1912 to 1923, nearly three hundred of these grand estates were destroyed,...

Secret Islington and Clerkenwell delves into the lesser-known but colourful past of this historic area. From its rural community roots to its current vibrant neighbourhoods, the book takes you on a fascinating journey through the area's transformation...

The Journals of Major-Gen. C. G. Gordon, C.B., At Kartoum by Charles George GordonPublished in 1885, this six-volume journal recounts the siege of Khartoum and the events leading up to its fall. Gordon's account of the siege, which lasted over a year,...

The story of the decimation of the Royal Flying Corps over Arras in 1917 is a harrowing one. As the Allies prepared for the Battle of Arras, they faced a daunting challenge: the Royal Flying Club's planes were no match for the new German Albatros scouts...

Tide: The Science and Lore of the Greatest Force on EarthA fascinating exploration of the tide, from its scientific principles to its impact on history and culture. Hugh Aldersey-Williams delves into the world of tidal forces, tracing their influence on...

Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States challenges the conventional narrative of how human societies transitioned from a nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle to the development of settled agricultural communities.Archaeological and...

The History of the Franks is a vivid account of a tumultuous period in French history, spanning over seventy years of political and religious upheaval. This narrative offers a detailed and engaging portrait of the sixth century, providing insight into...

A compelling account of a pivotal moment in modern history, Revolution 1989 tells the story of how ordinary men and women changed the world. In the years following the Second World War, Europe was divided by the Iron Curtain, with physical, ideological,...

The Northern Question: A History of a Divided Country A history of the UK's regional inequalities, and why they matter, is told through the lens of a northern perspective. The persistent fault line between England's North and South continues to shape...

The Royal Navy's Destroyers of World War II: A Study of the Pre-war Classes The Royal Navy's fleet of destroyers entered World War II with a mix of old and new vessels. While some were veterans of World War I, relegated to escort duties, most had been...

The Pax Romana: A Period of Peace and Conquest in the Roman World The Roman Empire is often remembered for its remarkable period of peace and stability, known as the Pax Romana. However, this era was built on a foundation of conquest and dominance, as...

Charles, king of the Franks, is one of the most remarkable figures ever to rule a European super-state. Known to the French as 'Charlemagne' and to the Germans as 'Karl der Grosse', his strength of character was felt to be remarkable from early in his...

Dr. Hendrik Verwoerd's life and legacy have been subject to a great deal of misconception and unfair criticism. This book seeks to reassess his achievements and provide a more balanced understanding of his role in South African history. Dr. Verwoerd...

In an era of relativism and scepticism, the concept of historical truth is facing a significant challenge. Richard J. Evans presents a compelling case for the importance of defending history against the erosion of fact-based understanding.Evans explores...

The Russo-Ukrainian War: A Comprehensive History The invasion of Ukraine by Russia on 24 February 2022 marked a significant turning point in modern European history. Acclaimed historian Serhii Plokhy draws on decades of research to provide a gripping and...

The Last Mughal: The Fall of a Dynasty, Delhi, 1857 by William Dalrymple In the twilight of the 19th century, the Mughal Empire's final days were marked by a brutal and doomed uprising. This is the story of Bahadur Shah Zafar II, a leader who, despite...

The Appin Murder: The Killing That Shook a Nation In May 1752, a rider was assassinated on a hillside in the Scottish Highlands, sparking a chain of events that would have far-reaching consequences. The victim, Colin Campbell, was a government agent...

Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative is a comprehensive biography that offers a nuanced understanding of the life and work of one of the most influential economists of the 20th century. Jennifer Burns' in-depth exploration of Friedman's life and...

Yalta: The Price of Peace by S. M. Plokhy is a landmark book that brings together the key figures of the time to reveal the complex negotiations that shaped the post-war world.At the heart of the book are the recriminations that erupted at the Yalta...

The Rising Down Lives in a Sussex Landscape by Alexandra Harris In this luminous work of non-fiction, Alexandra Harris explores the lives of people who lived in a Sussex landscape, weaving a rich tapestry of stories and experiences that reveal the...

Edwardian England: A Guide to Everyday Life, 1900-1914 by Evangeline Holland is a comprehensive and accessible guide to life in England during the Edwardian Era. Drawing on lectures and blog posts, as well as new original content, this second edition...

The Heroines of SOE F Section: Britain's Secret Women in France The story of the female agents who risked their lives for Britain and the liberation of France during World War II has never been fully told. This book brings together the accounts of all 40...

The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Richly Researched Portrait The imprisonment and execution of Queen Anne Boleyn in May 1536 was a pivotal moment in English history, sparking endless fascination among historians, artists, and the general public. This book...

The Alhambra is a byword for exotic and melancholy beauty, its fountained courts and gardens, and intricate decoration, a testament to the ingenuity of its creators. This book, part of the 'Wonders of the World' series, delves into the engrossing and...

Operation Pedestal: The Fleet that Battled to Malta 1942 by Max Hastings In the summer of 1942, Malta teetered on the brink of surrender, its people on the verge of starvation. The British government, determined to save the strategic island, assembled...

A Short History of England by Simon Jenkins Simon Jenkins presents a comprehensive narrative of England's history, spanning from the Battle of Catterick in AD 598 to the premiership of Tony Blair. This book weaves together the most significant and...

A History of Modern Britain by Andrew Marr explores the complex and often contradictory nature of Britain's recent past. The book delves into the ways in which consumerism, celebrity, and self-gratification have shaped the country's politics and society...

Discover the remarkable story of the Girl Guides and their crucial role in Britain's victory during World War II. Janie Hampton's engaging history sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of the Guides, from their work in bomb shelters to their...

Victory in the West 1945: The final 100 days of the Second World War were a brutal and bloody fight, with Allied troops facing immense challenges as they crossed the Rhine and swept into Germany. This book brings this closing stage of the Allies' fight...

This comprehensive collection of presidential inaugural addresses brings together the original texts and insightful essays by leading historians on each of the inaugural addresses from George Washington to Joseph Biden.Introduced by presidential...

Poland: A HistoryFrom its origins over a thousand years ago to its current status as a thriving nation, Poland's story is one of turmoil and triumph. In this fully revised and updated edition, Adam Zamoyski explores the complex history of a country that...

Medieval Pets offers a fresh perspective on the history of pet keeping in Europe during the Middle Ages. This engaging survey reveals that animals were not only used as sources of food, beasts of burden, or hunting aids, but also as beloved domestic...

A History of the Crusades: The Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Frankish East, 1100-1187. II The tale of the Crusades is one of faith and folly, courage and greed, hope and delusion. The First Crusade's triumph transformed the eastern Mediterranean, creating...

Shelton Stromquist's comprehensive study of the Progressive movement challenges the idea of social harmony through democratic renewal. The author argues that the movement's promise was hindered by the persistence of class conflict in America, which...

The meanings of the Civil War were reinterpreted by labor movements in the decades following the conflict. For Matthew E. Stanley, the significance of this reinterpretation lies in the diverse ways in which Civil War veterans used memory and symbolism in...

The US Navy Pacific Fleet 1941: America's Mighty Last Battleship Fleet In October 1941, the US Pacific Fleet was the most powerful force in the US Navy, with a formidable battleship-led doctrine. However, the fleet was not as rigid as it seemed, and its...

The Battle of Mons in August 1914 is a pivotal event in World War I, yet the conventional narrative surrounding it has been challenged by a fresh examination of the war diaries of British units involved. This book delves into the tactical intentions of...

Thomas Toivi Blatt's memoir of survival is a harrowing account of his experiences in Sobibor, one of the Nazi extermination camps. In 1939, at the age of twelve, Blatt was deported to Sobibor along with his family, who had lived in the nearby town of...

After Abolition: Britain and the Slave Trade Since 1807 The abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and the Emancipation Act of 1833 led many to believe that Britain had washed its hands of slavery. However, Marika Sherwood challenges this narrative,...

The Museum of Innocence is a novel set in Istanbul, spanning the years between 1975 and the present day. The story revolves around Kemal, the son of a wealthy family, and his all-consuming passion for Fusun, a young woman from a humble background.Through...

The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order: America and the World in the Free Market Era by Gary Gerstle The neoliberal order that emerged in the United States in the 1970s had a profound impact on the world, shaping economic policy and global relations...

Breverton's Nautical Curiosities A Book of the Sea explores the fascinating world of ships, people, and the sea. This unique compendium delves into the unusual, overlooked, and extraordinary aspects of maritime history, revealing the often-overlooked...

Discover the rich world of Anglo-Saxon England in this engaging companion book to Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom series. Uhtred's Feast features three exclusive short stories and sixty recipes that bring the epic story of the birth of England to life...

Bomber Command Pilot: From the Battle of Britain to the Augsburg RaidJohn Sherwood's remarkable story is one of bravery, leadership, and survival. Commissioned into the RAF in 1936, Sherwood flew 30 sorties against enemy targets during the Battle of...

The First Crusade: The Call from the East by Peter Frankopan In 1096, a massive expedition set off from Western Europe on a perilous journey to reclaim the Holy City of Jerusalem. After three years of hardship and danger, the knights of the First Crusade...

The Aftermath of the First World War 1918-1939 The end of World War I brought a sense of relief, but also a daunting task: rebuilding a nation. In the aftermath of the armistice, Prime Minister David Lloyd George recognized the need to create a "fit...

The First World War by John Keegan The First World War had a profound impact on the world, ending a century of relative peace and prosperity and plunging a continent into one of the most devastating conflicts in history. This book provides a...

The Secrets of Alchemy by Lawrence M. Principe is a comprehensive exploration of this ancient practice. By examining its history, development, and intersection with various fields, Principe sheds light on the significance of alchemy in human culture and...

Pompeii: An Archaeological Guide offers a unique insight into the ancient Roman city, revealing its public spaces and private residences in a compact and user-friendly handbook. Written by an expert in the field, this guide helps to fill a gap in the...

MI9: A History of the Secret Service for Escape and Evasion in World War Two The story of MI9, the wartime organization that helped Allied forces escape from behind enemy lines, is one of remarkable bravery and ingenuity. From clandestine routes...

London is full of curiosities. Beneath the Albert Memorial lies an undercroft resembling a church crypt, while beneath Camden, catacombs stretch beneath the streets. A lighthouse stands in East London, alongside sphinxes in South London, and dummy houses...