History

The Berlin Diaries 1940-45 by Marie Vassiltchikov In the midst of World War II, Marie Vassiltchikov, a White Russian emigree, found herself caught in Hitler's Germany. Initially, she and her family maintained a facade of normalcy, attending social events...

Deep beneath the Atlantic waters off the New Jersey coast, a team of divers uncovered a long-lost secret of World War II. In 1991, John Chatterton and Richie Kohler, two experienced scuba divers, stumbled upon a German U-boat, its interior a macabre...

The Politics of Nationalism in Modern Iran by ʿAli MīrʹAnṣari explores the development of nationalism in Iran, tracing the growth of nationalistic ideas and their impact on the state. This book charts the connections between historiographical and...

This highly illustrated book tells the story of the Battle of Britain through the memories and anecdotes of its brave pilots. The authors have interviewed 18 survivors, bringing to life the experiences of those who flew Spitfires and Hurricanes against...

Pericles of Athens and the Birth of Democracy is a 20th-century history of Athenian democracy, exploring one of history's greatest subjects. The book offers an incisive portrait of Pericles set against the shifting political trends, international...

The Deadly Trade: A Comprehensive History of Submarine Warfare From the earliest experiments with underwater vessels to the most advanced technologies of the present day, submarine warfare has played a pivotal role in shaping the course of history. This...

The Gun and the Olive Branch: The Roots of Violence in the Middle EastA comprehensive and insightful exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, tracing events back to the 1880s to reveal the complex and often brutal history behind the region's...

The Forgotten Blitz of 1914-1915: A New Perspective The outbreak of the First World War marked a turning point in the history of aerial warfare. With no effective aerial defense capability, the United Kingdom was left vulnerable to German air raids. The...

The Defence of the Realm: The Authorized History of MI5 by Christopher Andrew This comprehensive history of MI5, the UK's domestic security agency, offers a detailed and authoritative account of the organisation's development and operations. From its...

Escape from Culloden is a historical account of the Jacobite rising of 1745, told from the perspective of a Chevalier de St George. The book explores the events leading up to the Battle of Culloden and the aftermath, shedding new light on this pivotal...

Conquistadors and Aztecs: A History of the Fall of TenochtitlanBy Stefan Rinke, a leading historian of Latin America, this book offers a timely portrayal of the fall of Tenochtitlan and the founding of an empire that would last for centuries.Drawing on...

The New Zealand Wars 1845-1864: A Military History of Soldiers, Scouts and Spies A pivotal period in New Zealand's history, the New Zealand Wars had a profound impact on the nation. Yet, the conflicts that shaped its future are often misunderstood. This...

Tudor England is a comprehensive history of the period from Henry VII's capture of the crown in 1485 to the death of Elizabeth I in 1603. John Guy's book is the most complete account of this pivotal moment in English history in over thirty years, drawing...

Simon Winder's Lotharingia is a personal history of the in-between land that has shaped Europe's fate. In AD 843, the three surviving grandsons of Emperor Charlemagne met at Verdun, dividing the territory and creating three distinct zones: France,...

AQA GCSE History: Elizabethan England, C1568-1603 by Wesley Royle This book provides a comprehensive guide to the Elizabethan era, covering the key events, figures, and themes of this pivotal period in English history. The author's expert insight and...

The French Resistance: A Story of Courage and Struggle The French resistance to Nazi occupation during World War II was a remarkable story of ordinary people fighting for their liberty in the face of overwhelming odds. Through hundreds of eyewitness...

Decode the secrets of signs and symbols, uncovering the origins and meanings behind over 2,000 symbols, from ancient hieroglyphs to modern-day logos. This comprehensive guide explores the visual strength and beauty of signs, examining their...

The French Revolution From Enlightenment to Tyranny by Ian Davidson The fall of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, is often seen as the symbol of the French Revolution, but this event was just one part of a broader transformation taking place in France. In...

A Handbook of Dates For Students of British History by C. R. Cheney and Michael C. E. Jones provides a comprehensive reference for historians. This updated edition features revised introductory materials and new tables for calculating dates, including...

Discover the fascinating stories of 100 women who defied convention and lived life on their own terms. Hannah Jewell's book shines a light on the often-overlooked 'nasty' women of history, who were deemed too bold, too brazen, or too unapologetic for...

The StuG III and StuG IV: German Army and Waffen-SS on the Western Front, 1944-1945 During the final years of World War II, the Sturmgeschütz III and StuG IV played a crucial role as assault guns in the German army's efforts to hold back the Allied...

John Major's personal history of music hall is a remarkable journey into his unconventional family past, exploring the story of the British music hall from its Victorian heyday to its demise.With fondness and colour, Major shares memories of his...

The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War A gripping and unvarnished account of the US war in Afghanistan, from the Washington Post's investigative reporting. In 2001, the US invasion of Afghanistan was widely supported, with clear objectives...

Scotland has played a significant role in military history over the past five centuries, with various conflicts and events resulting in a rich legacy of cartographic activity. This book explores the story of Scottish military mapping, featuring a range...

The Persian Wars is a comprehensive history of the conflict between the Greeks and the Persians, written by the renowned Greek historian Herodotus. Born in Halicarnassus in 484 BC, Herodotus traveled extensively throughout Asia Minor, Egypt, and the...

Writing History: Theory and Practice by Stefan Berger, Heiko Feldner, and Kevin Passmore provides a comprehensive overview of the study of history, exploring its intellectual and analytical framework. The book offers succinct explanations of key concepts...

The Soviet Century: An Epic History of Everyday Life in the USSR Karl Schlögel's sweeping narrative brings to life the everyday world of the Soviet Union, revealing the intricate details of life in a unique lost civilization. From the grandiose to the...

The Philadelphia Experiment: Project Invisibility In 1943, a mysterious event occurred at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, leaving behind a chilling unsolved mystery. The U.S.S. Eldridge, a fully manned destroyer escort, vanished into a green fog and...

Hugh Trevor-Roper's letters offer a unique glimpse into the life of a remarkable historian and public intellectual. Spanning a wide range of topics and interests, these 100 letters reveal a mind of intellectual sparkle and eager curiosity, as well as a...

Duncan Mackay's journey into the past is hugely enjoyable. Almost 2000 years ago, Boudica led the greatest rebellion Britain has ever seen, culminating in a brutal, decisive battle. Archaeologist Mackay has spent a lifetime on the trail of Boudica,...

The War for Palestine: reframing the History of 1948 A comprehensive and nuanced exploration of one of the most contentious conflicts in modern history. This second edition of The War for Palestine updates chapters on Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, reflecting...

The 80th Anniversary of D-Day falls on June 6, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in history. On that morning, a massive seaborne invasion fleet, accompanied by over 7,000 aircraft, descended upon Normandy, marking the beginning of the liberation of Europe...

Herder's philosophical work on the history of man explores the idea that everything that has blossomed on Earth has done so in its own time and place. This well-formatted version of his ideas offers a fascinating insight into the author's thoughts on...

Richard Evans examines the ways our understanding of Nazi Germany have evolved in the 21st century. This collection of essays explores new historical perspectives on the Third Reich, including its place within the broader context of imperialism and the...

The World's War: Forgotten Soldiers of Empire David Olusoga's groundbreaking book reframes our understanding of the Great War, revealing a complex and often shocking narrative of racial obsessions that shaped the conflict. This sweeping history explores...

USN Submarine Vs IJN Aircraft Carrier The Pacific 1942-44 This book tells the story of a pivotal moment in World War II, when US Navy submarines clashed with the Imperial Japanese Navy's aircraft carriers in the Pacific. The outcome of these battles was...

A History of Railways in 100 Maps explores the fully international history of railways from their beginnings in the north-west of England to the inter-continental lines of today. This volume, part of the British Library's '100 Maps' series, features 140...

Out of China: How the Chinese Ended the Era of Western DominationRobert Bickers' major new book tells the story of how China regained control of its own country, a process that spanned centuries and involved a range of unusual and often brutal tactics...

Winters in the World: A Journey through the Anglo-Saxon Year This beautifully observed book explores the cycle of the year in medieval England, tracing the festivals, customs, and traditions linked to the different seasons. Drawing on a wide range of...

A comprehensive history of the United States from its early days to the Reagan era, this new edition of Hugh Brogan's book offers a masterful synthesis of the latest research. The author explores the period leading to Independence from both American and...

Africa: A Biography of the Continent by John Reader is a sweeping narrative that spans the continent's entire history, from its formation to the present day. Drawing on his extensive experience in Africa, the author recounts the continent's struggles...

Easter 1916: The Irish Rebellion by Charles TownshendA new account of the Easter Rising, a pivotal moment in Irish history that changed the course of the country's future. Before the rising, Dublin was a city like many others in Britain, but the...

The incredible story of Z Special Unit, one of the most intrepid Allied Special Forces of the Second World War, is revealed in this gripping account. Based on recently released wartime files, interviews with surviving veterans, and previously unpublished...

The Victorians: Britain Through the Paintings of the Age Discover the vibrant world of Victorian Britain through the eyes of its artists. From the grandeur of Gothic architecture to the birth of the football league, this book takes you on a journey...

Alan Clark's vivid narrative brings to life the dramatic and brutal war between Germany and the Soviet Union on the Eastern Front during World War II. The invasion of Russia in June 1941 and the subsequent advance to Moscow are recounted, as well as the...

The Secret History of the Mongols is a remarkable literary work, one of the oldest surviving texts in the Mongolian language. Written in the thirteenth century, it tells the story of Genghis Khan and the empire he founded, combining insider history and...

Approximately 2.5 million men and women have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in the service of the U.S. War on Terror. This collection of personal combat accounts from war veterans sheds light on the reality of modern warfare, where deployments often...

A comprehensive study of the changing academic debate on African American history, from the 1890s to the present day. The Debate on Black Civil Rights in America examines the evolution of research and discourse in this field, providing a critical...

The lives of the young pilots who flew with Bomber Command during World War II remain largely forgotten. Patrick Bishop sheds light on their extraordinary story, revealing the risks they took and the heroism they displayed. From their humble beginnings...

The dark underbelly of African politics is revealed in this gripping account of the men who have ruled with an iron fist. From the cocoa-wealthy dictator who built a 35-storey-high basilica, to the paranoid despot who thought Hitler was the saviour of...

The Oxford AQA GCSE History series has updated its Britain: Health and the People c1000-Present Day Student Book to reflect the world around us, presenting a diverse range of histories. This textbook explores the development of medicine and public health...

A Practical Guide to Studying History Skills and Approaches by Tracey Loughran is a comprehensive resource for students embarking on degree-level study in history.This book introduces students to the key concepts of historical objectivity, frameworks,...

The Titanic-Chronology of a Disaster tells the story of the TITANIC from its planning and construction in Belfast to its ill-fated maiden voyage from Southampton. The book delves into the inconsistencies surrounding the collision with the iceberg and...

A Brief History of Life in the Middle Ages by Martyn Whittock Discover the vibrant society of medieval England through the stories of ordinary people. From the daily life of a rural ploughman to the rise of the urban elite, this book brings the Middle...

The Iraq War is a deeply personal and profound account of one of the most significant conflicts of the 21st century. In the aftermath of the 2003 invasion, the consequences of that decision continue to reverberate, shaping the lives of millions in Iraq...

The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890-1914 This book tells the story of the years leading up to World War I, a time of great change and upheaval. The era was marked by a stark contrast between luxury and hardship, as the...

Understanding the Art of Modern Warfare This book provides a comprehensive guide to the decisions made by politicians and generals in modern warfare, highlighting the often-dismal record of military leaders in achieving their objectives. Conflict scholar...

Originally published during World War II, "Hands Off!" provides practical self-defence techniques for women, tailored to address their physical limitations. The book explains twenty measures to help women deal with potentially threatening situations,...

The Subplot: What China is Reading and Why it Matters Discover the vibrant literary landscape of contemporary China, where art and politics intersect in complex and fascinating ways. This book takes you on a journey through a diverse range of Chinese...

This book celebrates the remarkable women who have made a lasting impact on our world. From science and engineering to politics and art, their achievements are a testament to the power of determination and hard work.Through the stories of women like...

A House Through Time by David Olusoga and Melanie Backe-Hansen is a fascinating exploration of the history of ordinary homes in Britain. This book offers a unique perspective on the country's past, tracing the stories of individual houses and the people...

Duff Cooper's biography of Talleyrand is a vivid and exhilarating account of a tumultuous period in European history. This master diplomat, infamous turncoat, and peacekeeper held high office in five successive regimes, navigating the complexities of the...

Nancy Wake: The Greatest Spy You've Never Heard Of At the outbreak of World War Two, Nancy Wake's life seemed far removed from the fighting. But when her husband was called up for military service, she felt she had just as much of a duty to fight for...

On War is a foundational work on the nature of conflict and its relationship to politics. Carl von Clausewitz's treatise explores the concept of war as a means of continuing and fulfilling political objectives, rather than simply a political act.This...

This captivating history book explores the shocking and controversial history of the Native Americans, challenging the narrative written by the victors. The author delves into the past to uncover the truth behind the wholesale slaughter of Native peoples...

London and the 17th Century: The Making of the World's Greatest City The seventeenth century was a time of great change and upheaval in Britain, and London was at the heart of it all. In this comprehensive history, Margarette Lincoln brings to life the...

World War II Tanks: Western Allies 1939-45 Identification Guide by David Porter is a comprehensive guide to the main armoured fighting vehicles used by the Western Allies during World War II. The book features over 200 full-colour artworks and...

BRIXMIS: The Last Cold War Mission The British Army's elite unit, BRIXMIS, played a crucial role in the Cold War, operating in secret behind enemy lines in post-war Germany. Established in 1949, their mission was to gather intelligence and steal advanced...

A comprehensive history of ancient Egypt spans over 3,000 years, from the emergence of the Egyptian state in 3400 B.C. to the Roman Empire's suppression of hieroglyphics in the 4th century A.D. This authoritative volume provides a detailed survey of...

Crash Bang Wallop: The Inside Story of London's Big Bang and a Financial Revolution that Changed the World The 1980s saw a seismic shift in the City of London, transforming attitudes to money and the way we measure value and status. Iain Martin's...

John Bradstreet's Raid 1758: A New Perspective on a Critical Moment in Early American Military History In 1758, Benjamin Franklin hailed John Bradstreet's riverine raid as one of the great "American" victories of the Seven Years' War. This comprehensive...

The Basque History of the World The Basques are one of Europe's oldest people, with a mysterious past and a unique language that sets them apart from the rest of the world. Despite being a relatively small population, they have had a profound impact on...

A comprehensive history of ideas from prehistory to the present day, this book explores the origins of thought and its development over time. From the emergence of simple ideas such as cooking and language, to the complex philosophical and theological...

Dorset's military heritage is a complex and fascinating story that spans centuries. From the Iron Age strongholds of the Durotriges tribes to the modern sea forts and nuclear bunkers of the Cold War, the county's landscape has been shaped by generations...

Female Husbands: A Trans HistoryBy Jen Manion, this book tells the story of ordinary people who lived as men despite tremendous risk, danger, and violence, shedding light on a pivotal moment in LGBTQ history.Manion explores the lives of female husbands...

Furta Sacra: Thefts of Relics in the Central Middle Ages by Patrick J. Geary In the medieval period, the pursuit of sacred relics was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Monks, merchants, and relic-hunters alike sought to acquire these treasured...

E. H. Carr's thought-provoking exploration of the nature of history challenges the notion that history is an objective record of the past. In this influential work, Carr argues that the facts of history are shaped by the historian's perspective and the...

The Dambusters Story, 1943 Operation Chastise, the destruction of the Möhne and Eder dams in north-west Germany, remains a pivotal moment in British history. Max Hastings re-examines this epic event, challenging the traditional narrative and revealing a...

The Age of Empire: 1875-1914A comprehensive history of Europe during a pivotal period, from the late 19th century to the outbreak of World War I.Eric J Hobsbawm's seminal work provides a detailed analysis of the social, economic, and cultural...

Churchill's Desert Rats in North Africa, Burma, Sicily and Italy 7th Armoured Division's Campaigns, 1940-1943This meticulously researched book explores the early campaigns and battles that earned the 7th Armoured Division their legendary status. It is a...

A vivid and immediate account of life as a young pilot in World War I, No Parachute tells the story of a lesser-known flyer who rose from the ranks to become a seasoned fighter. Based on letters written on the day, the book conveys the thrills and terror...

The Nazi past is being reevaluated in contemporary culture, challenging the traditional view of the Third Reich as a morally exceptional period of history. Gavriel D. Rosenfeld examines the shift in representation of the Nazi era in Western intellectual...

The Snake Conflict, 1864-1868 is a lesser-known chapter in the complex history of the American West. The conflict, which took place in the Great Basin region, involved the clash of cultures between Native American tribes and settlers. This book provides...

Discover the fascinating history behind the UK's most iconic seaside features, from sandcastles to paddle steamers, in this unique and engaging exploration of Britain's seaside heritage.Through a carefully curated selection of over 100 objects and...

The Golden Atlas is a stunning visual history of exploration and cartography, featuring a magnificent gallery of exceptionally rare hand-coloured antique maps, paintings and engravings. Arranged chronologically, this book takes you on a breathtaking...

The Antonine Plague: A Turning Point in Roman History In the mid-2nd century AD, the Roman Empire was at the height of its power, with a vast territory stretching from Britain to Egypt. The Pax Romana, or Roman peace, seemed permanent. However, a sudden...

London's Secret Square Mile is a fascinating exploration of the City's hidden passageways and ancient streets. Historian David Long guides you through the narrow passages and alleyways that have been evolving for centuries, revealing a rich history of...

Experience life in ancient Rome through the eyes of 24 individuals who lived and worked in one of the world's most powerful cities. Historian Philip Matyszak brings to life the daily lives of a senator, a slave girl, a gladiator, and many more, revealing...

Eric J. Evans explores the transformation of Britain from a late 18th-century agrarian society to a dominant industrial nation, laying the foundations for its vast empire. This period of rapid change saw Britain become the world's most powerful nation,...

Discover the incredible stories of the world's greatest engineers and their lasting impact on human progress. From the construction of the Great Pyramid to the Industrial Revolution and beyond, Engineers explores the remarkable achievements of those who...

This book has been chosen for its cultural significance and is part of the collective knowledge of human civilization. As it is in the public domain in the United States and possibly other nations, it can be freely copied and distributed. Scholars...

Ancient concepts of otherness are revealed through a diverse selection of primary sources, translated with accuracy and fluency. This anthology provides a comprehensive overview of how ancient Greeks and Romans viewed non-Greeks and non-Romans, as well...

Chambers's Cyclopædia of English Literature: A Comprehensive Overview of British and American Literature This seminal work offers a detailed exploration of British and American literature, spanning from the earliest works to the 19th century. Edited by...

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of Britain's greatest poets, is the subject of this seminal biography. Richard Holmes's two-part examination of Coleridge forever transformed our view of the poet behind 'Kubla Khan'. Coleridge: Early Visions is the first...

Comrades Beyond the Cold War North Korea and the Liberation of Southern Africa by Tycho van der Hoog This book explores the complex and often overlooked relationship between North Korea and the liberation movements of southern Africa. From the 1960s to...

Japan's Infamous Unit 731: A Disturbing Account of Japan's Wartime Human Experimentation Program This book tells the story of the Imperial Japanese Army's most notorious medical unit, Unit 731, and its role in Japan's wartime human experimentation...

Admiral William F. Halsey, known to his men as Bull, was a complex figure whose reputation as a no-nonsense fighter was matched only by his capacity for compassion. This biography, written by naval historian E. B. Potter, offers a nuanced portrayal of...

The Caribbean has long been a source of fascination, with its islands and cultures captivating the imagination of people around the world. From the early explorers to the present day, the region has been shaped by a complex history of colonialism,...

Operation Barbarossa 1941: The Luftwaffe Opens the Eastern Front Campaign The German invasion of the USSR, known as Operation Barbarossa, was the largest military campaign of World War II. This book explores the air campaign that spearheaded it,...

A Social History of England, 1500-1750 by Keith Wrightson provides a comprehensive overview of social and cultural change in early modern England. This volume summarises forty years of research on English society, offering a broadened historical agenda...