History

Alexander the Great's legend has evolved over time, with different cultures weaving their own stories around his life. From the Hebrew tradition to modern Greece, the figure of Alexander has been portrayed in various ways, yet all these disparate...

The Cragg Vale Coiners' Walk by Christopher Goddard is a 12-page paperback book that explores the history of the Cragg Vale Coiners, a group of metalworkers who operated in the area from the 18th to the 19th centuries.Published in 2018, this book offers...

Marilyn Shimon's memoir tells the harrowing story of Murray Scheinberg, one of the first eight men to enter Auschwitz and one of the last to escape Dachau. This true account, rejected by a publisher in the 1960s, recounts six hellish years in Nazi...

Ian Kershaw's To Hell and Back is a compelling narrative of the devastating conflicts that ravaged Europe between the two World Wars. The author's account of the catastrophic events that unfolded in the summer of 1914 and the subsequent war in 1939 is...

The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Civilizations explores the world's earliest societies, from Mesopotamia to the Far East, Europe, and America. Richly illustrated with photographs, artwork recreations, and full-colour maps, this informative atlas...

Collected Papers on Alexander the GreatA comprehensive collection of essays by renowned historian Ernst Badian, shedding new light on the life and reign of Alexander the Great.Originally published in various journals and conference volumes, these 27...

The stories of medieval legend's most famous female characters are re-examined through the rich variety of illuminated manuscripts in the British Library's collection. Over 30 figures, including queens, goddesses, and temptresses, are explored in this...

Arnhem 1944: The Airborne BattleThe Battle of Arnhem was a pivotal moment in World War II, as Allied forces attempted to seize key bridges across the rivers of Holland and unleash a mobile army into Germany. The operation, led by General Montgomery, was...

The Race to the Future: Peking to Paris and BeyondIn 1907, five cars set off on a perilous journey across two continents, driven by ambition and fueled by petrol. From the steep mountain ranges of Asia to the arid vastness of the Gobi Desert, the...

The 1980 Iranian Embassy siege was a six-day drama that shook Britain to its core. This gripping account, drawn from original and unseen source material, takes us to the heart of the operation, revealing the assault planning, strategy, and tactics, as...

Churchill and the Soviet Union by David Carlton This study offers a fresh perspective on Winston Churchill's complex relationship with the Soviet Union, exploring whether his views on the USSR were consistent over time. Carlton examines the role of...

A History of the World by Andrew Marr is a fresh and exciting take on the traditional epic stories of the past. Marr revisits the rise of empires, the birth of new ideas, and the people who shaped the world we live in today. From the classical...

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of South Africa's transformation from an apartheid state to a 'rainbow nation' between 1948 and 1994. Access to History is a tried and tested series that combines in-depth analysis, engaging narrative, and...

All the Wide Border: Wales, England and the Places BetweenA personal journey through the places, people, and divides of the England-Wales border, exploring the region's landscapes, secrets, and the deepest roots of Britishness. Born in England but...

Anne Boleyn's tragic fate has captivated the English public for centuries, and yet few have truly explored the origins of her downfall. Thorns, Lust and Glory by Estelle Paranque offers a fresh perspective on the life of this infamous queen, tracing her...

A comprehensive history of Rome from its legendary founding to the reign of Alexander Severus. Written by Cassius Dio, this nine-volume work covers the period from 68 BC to AD 235, providing a detailed account of the Roman Empire's rise and fall. Dio...

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a pivotal moment in the Cold War, and Michael Dobbs brings a fresh perspective to this critical event in 20th-century history. On October 27, 1962, the world was on the brink of nuclear apocalypse, with the opposing leaders,...

London's Record Shops is a vibrant celebration of the city's thriving music scene. From eclectic record shops in Brixton and Hackney to iconic stores in Camden and Soho, this book documents the best of London's record shops with striking photographs and...

Scotland's Forgotten Past: A History of the Mislaid, Misplaced and Misunderstood A rich and colourful history of Scotland's lesser-known places, people, and events, this book brings to light episodes that have been submerged by the wash of history. From...

The Eighty Years War, 1568-1648 A pivotal moment in world history, the Eighty Years War was a long and complex struggle for liberty and self-determination in the Netherlands. In 1568, the Seventeen Provinces rebelled against the absolutist rule of the...

The Lancaster Manual 1943 This comprehensive guide to flying, navigating, and operating the Lancaster bomber has been compiled from original manuals and instructions issued by the RAF during World War II. For the first time, these documents are brought...

This landmark study explores the history of male-male sex in early modern Europe, from the 1400s to the 1750s. Until recently, this topic was largely taboo, but historians have uncovered a rich and complex world of early modern sexual activity.Contrary...

The 'Local' Irish in the West of Scotland 1851-1921 by G. Vaughan This book offers a fresh perspective on the impact of Irish migrant communities on identity, politics, and religion in the West of Scotland between 1851 and 1921. Vaughan examines the...

The CIA: a story of blundering ineptitude. This book, based on thousands of declassified documents and interviews with agents, reveals the shocking truth behind the agency's glamorous myth. A chaotic and dangerously incompetent organization, the CIA has...

The Ipswich Witch: Mary Lackland and the Suffolk Witch Hunts In 1645, Ipswich became a hotbed of witch-hunting fervour, as the English Civil Wars brought extreme challenges to the town. The Devil was seen at every doorstep, and the age of the witchfinder...

David Kynaston's Modernity Britain 1957-1962 is a landmark social history of post-war Britain, bringing together the final two volumes of his acclaimed series. This monumental work captures the birth pangs of modern Britain, a time of great social change...

Beastly: The Epic 40,000-Year History of Animals and UsFor 40,000 years, humans and animals have been intertwined, shaping each other's lives and the world around us. Yet, as our impact on the planet and its inhabitants grows, understanding this...

Glasgow, a city that has undergone significant change, is revisited in this nostalgic guide. The Dear Green Place, a term that still holds fond memories for many, is presented in a pictorial history that explores its people and places.From its past as...

Ian Kershaw's Roller-Coaster Europe is a comprehensive history of the continent from 1950 to 2017. After the devastation of the Second World War, Europe experienced a period of relative peace and prosperity, marked by significant economic improvements...

The Rise of the Roman Empire by Polybius This seminal work of history chronicles the relentless growth of the Roman Empire, from its early campaigns in the Mediterranean to its eventual dominance of the ancient world. Polybius, a Greek statesman and...

Churchill's D-Day: The Inside StoryRichard Dannatt and Allen Packwood explore the events surrounding D-Day, one of the most pivotal moments of World War II. Drawing on documents and letters from the Churchill Archives Centre, this book provides a...

Charles Spencer explores the violent clash of ideals that led to the execution of King Charles I in 1649. A tribunal of 135 men was gathered to try the king, and although he refused to acknowledge the power of his subjects, the death sentence was...

The Shortest History of Migration by Ian Goldin For centuries, the ability to travel and adapt has been crucial to the survival of our species. Yet, as governments build stronger barriers, this fundamental human impulse is being tested like never before...

The North Tower: Controlled Demolition and the Bush, Cheney, Giuliani Cover-Up A detailed examination of the events surrounding the collapse of the North Tower on 9/11 reveals a complex web of circumstances that have sparked intense debate. This book...

Whittlesea Mere, a hidden gem of Huntingdonshire, is revealed in this updated and expanded edition of a study first published in 2018. The historic county of Huntingdonshire boasts a rich heritage, and Whittlesea Mere is one of its most fascinating lost...

Walter Benjamin's Illuminations is a seminal work of 20th-century thought, comprising some of his most influential writings on art, culture, and history. The collection includes 'The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction', 'The Task of the...

Smoke and Ashes: A Journey Through Hidden HistoriesAmitav Ghosh's latest book is a travelogue, memoir, and history that draws on decades of archival research to explore the transformative effect of the opium trade on Britain, India, and China, as well as...

Auschwitz And The Holocaust: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Nazi Death Camps The Holocaust and World War II have been extensively studied by historians, but the question remains: how did one individual's ideology convince millions of people to commit...

Italian sisters Tati and Andra Bucci were among the 70 child survivors of Auschwitz, a place where 230,000 children were murdered during the Holocaust. Despite the unimaginable trauma they endured, the sisters never forgot their promise to their mother...

Hadrian's Wall is a monumental structure that stretches across the northern part of Britannia, a testament to the vast reach of the Roman Empire. Constructed in the 120s AD, it is the largest monument left by the Roman Empire, standing out for its remote...

The Tank Spotter's Guide is a comprehensive guide to identifying 40 of history's most feared tanks. First introduced during World War I, tanks have become a crucial component of modern warfare, with their use evolving over time. This pocket guide...

Snow is a novel by Orhan Pamuk, published in 2005 by Faber & Faber. The story follows Ka, a poet who returns to Istanbul for his mother's funeral and takes a commission to report on the municipal elections in Kars, a city near the Russian border. As...

Gosport Conservation and Heritage is a fascinating account of a maritime town with a rich history spanning 800 years. Located on the Solent, the sheltered part of the English Channel, Gosport has played a significant role in Britain's defence. This...

A History of Korea: An Episodic Narrative by Kyung Moon Hwang provides a comprehensive introduction to Korean history, spanning over 1500 years. The book is structured around key moments in Korean history, examining how events and themes have been viewed...

Frederick R. Dickinson's World War I and the Triumph of a New Japan, 1919-1930, offers a fresh perspective on Japan's transformation following the Great War. The book explores how Japan embarked on a decade of national reconstruction, rivalling the...

Sun Tzu's timeless wisdom on strategy and leadership has been studied and applied for centuries. This luxury hardback edition of The Art of War offers a unique perspective on how to achieve success without conflict, highlighting the power of intelligence...

The Map of Knowledge: How Classical Ideas Were Lost and Found in Seven CitiesViolet Moller's book takes us on a journey through the history of knowledge, tracing the ideas of three ancient scientists - Euclid, Galen and Ptolemy - as they were passed down...

The United Kingdom is a European country with a distinct historical experience. For most of its 150 centuries of habitation, Britain has been on the edge of mainland Europe, culturally and geographically. This unique position has shaped the country's...

The Fall of the Roman Empire is a narrative of its decline and fall, a story that has captivated historians and readers for centuries. For over two centuries, various reasons have been proposed for the collapse of the western half of the Roman Empire,...

Help you achieve success in AQA AS/A-level History with this comprehensive revision guide, packed with key content coverage, exam preparation activities, and exam-style questions.Michael Scott-Baumann's proven formula for effective revision is designed...

The Battle for Japan, 1944-45 The final stages of World War II saw a vast and complex series of military operations unfold across the Far East and the Pacific. Max Hastings' gripping account explores the strategic objectives of the USA, Japan, and...

On 14 August 1947, one-fifth of humanity claimed their independence from the greatest empire history has ever seen, in a move that would have far-reaching consequences for the subcontinent. The story of India's struggle for independence is a complex and...

The Passion of the Western Mind is a comprehensive guide to Western civilization and the philosophical ideas that have shaped our world view. From ancient thinkers to modern thinkers, Richard Tarnas explores the evolution of the Western mind and its...

The Mosquito Pocket Manual All marks in service 1941-1945 by Martin Robson is a unique collection of historical documents that shed light on the de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito, a British multi-role combat aircraft of World War II. Originally conceived as an...

The American Revolution was a home-front war that brought scarcity, bloodshed, and danger into the life of every American. In this book, Carol Berkin vividly recounts the struggles of Colonial women who fought for independence-for their nation and,...

A sweeping history of the rise of the state in Plantagenet England, spanning the tumultuous years between 1199 and 1399. This period saw intense political drama, marked by civil war, deposition, murder, and the ruthless execution of rebel lords, as well...

Laughter in Ancient Rome: Exploring the Humor of the Roman World Mary Beard delves into the intriguing and complex world of Roman humor, examining the role of laughter in ancient Roman culture. Drawing on a wide range of Roman writings, including essays...

Charles I's Executioners: A Story of Revenge and Belief On a cold winter's day in January 1649, a pivotal event in English history took place outside Whitehall: the execution of King Charles I. The act of regicide, once unthinkable, marked a turning...

The Great British Woodstock: The Incredible Story of the Weeley Festival 1971 In 1971, a small local charity event in Weeley, Essex, was transformed into one of the biggest music festivals in UK history. The Clacton Round Table's pop concert, initially...

Women's roles in the history of crusading have often been overlooked, with narratives focusing on martial events and perceptions of women's limitations. However, women consistently appeared in the histories of crusade and settlement, performing a range...

The Little Book of the Tudors by Annie Bullen explores the fascinating world of the Tudor dynasty, spanning 118 years from 1485 to 1603. This concise guide delves into the everyday lives of Tudor people, from the opulent courts to the bustling taverns...

The Greedy Queen Eating with Victoria by Annie Gray Annie Gray's biography of Britain's most iconic monarch offers a fresh perspective on the life of Queen Victoria, exploring the changing nature of cooking and eating in the Victorian era. This book...

A Modern History of Jordan by Kamal Salibi This book tells the story of Jordan's transformation from a poor and ungovernable state to a prosperous and stable country in the Middle East. The author, Kamal Salibi, explores the key events and decisions that...

A Fistful of Shells: West Africa from the Rise of the Slave Trade to the Age of Revolution Toby Green's groundbreaking book transforms our understanding of West and West-Central Africa, revealing a complex world of kingdoms that thrived on warfare,...

Salonica, City of Ghosts, is a rich and complex history of a city where cultures have clashed and traditions have been shaped by the interactions of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Over five hundred years, the city has been a place of wonder and horror,...

Death of a Generation: How the Assassinations of Diem and JFK Prolonged the Vietnam War The assassination of President John F. Kennedy has long been a source of speculation about how America and the world would have been different if he had lived to...

The Umayyad Empire, 644-750 CE, was a vast and influential Islamic empire that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean, encompassing a vast territory of over 5,000 miles. At its core, the Umayyad empire was a period of significant cultural,...

London's Underground is steeped in ghostly stories and sightings. Many stations and abandoned lines, often near ancient burial sites, have contributed to unexplained events. This book reveals well-known and previously unpublished tales of spirits,...

David Stevenson's 1914-1918: A Comprehensive History of the First World War is a major analysis of the conflict that reshaped the world. The war that began in the summer of 1914 had far-reaching global consequences, destroying four empires and claiming...

Battleships of World War I & World War II by E V Martindale offers a detailed guide to the major types of battleships that played a significant role in the two World Wars. From the early 20th century, these warships were a major instrument of warfare,...

Gateway to the Moon presents a detailed history of the origins, design, and construction of the lunar launch facilities at Kennedy Space Center, a pivotal moment in humanity's space exploration journey.The book delves into the complex scientific,...

At midnight on August 15, 1947, the British Empire's 400 million people were finally free. The loss of India marked a turning point in history, as Britain's status as a superpower came to an end. Behind the scenes, a complex web of relationships and...

The Hunt: The True Story of the Secret Mission to Catch a Taliban Warlord by Andy McNab In the aftermath of 9/11, the world was gripped by fear of terrorism. In Afghanistan, the Taliban had taken control, and the threat of suicide bombings was emerging...

A thousand-year history of Russia, from its origins to the present day, is presented in this comprehensive and engaging account. Orlando Figes, a renowned historian, explores the ways in which the Russian people have told their story and how these...

The Origins of Sex: A History of the First Sexual Revolution by Faramerz Dabhoiwala The concept of sex outside of marriage was once a taboo subject, with the church and state imposing strict penalties on those who dared to challenge the status quo...

New York has been a magnet for immigrants for nearly four centuries, attracting people from all over the globe. This sweeping history tells the story of the city's immigrants, from its early days to the present, and explores the lives of innovators,...

The Burgundians: A Vanished Empire A masterful history of the great dynasty of the Netherlands' Middle Ages, this book tells the story of a thousand years of ambitious aristocrats, family dysfunction, treachery, and savage battles. From the decline of...

The Destruction of Palestine Is the Destruction of the Earth by Andreas Malm A long history of colonization and extraction has led to the devastating consequences of Israel's actions in Palestine. This pamphlet argues that understanding the present...

The Stasi Poetry Circle: A Creative Writing Class that Tackled the Cold War. In the late 1980s, the Stasi, East Germany's secret police, took an unusual approach to counter the growing dissident movement. They established a poetry circle, where writers...

The Spartacus War In 73 BCE, a small group of gladiators, led by a Thracian named Spartacus, sparked a rebellion that would shake the foundations of the Roman Republic. What began as a desperate escape from a Roman prison turned into a full-scale revolt,...

The Ugly History of Beautiful ThingsEssays on Desire and Consumption by Katy KelleherThis collection of essays explores our obsession with beautiful things, uncovering the fraught histories behind everyday objects like makeup, flowers, perfume, and silk...

Venice: A Remarkable History of the Lagoon CityThis comprehensive history of Venice spans over 1,200 years, from its formation in the early Middle Ages to the present day. The city's evolution as a city, city-state, regional power, and overseas empire is...

Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici: A Story of Power and Rivalry In sixteenth-century Europe, two women rose to hold immense power against all odds. Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen, ruled her kingdom alone, while Catherine de Medici, a clandestine leader,...

Churchill and the Avoidable War: Could World War II Have Been Prevented?Richard M. Langworth presents a transformative view of Churchill's prescriptions for preventing the outbreak of World War II, exploring the degree to which he pursued these measures...

Discover the fascinating history of France, from the Roman army's first encounter with the Gauls to the Gilets Jaunes protests in modern times. This comprehensive and entertaining history is packed with new discoveries and 30 years of exploring France on...

Robert Fortune's daring mission to China in 1848 was a gamble that could have made or broken the East India Company. The company's fortunes were dwindling as Britain lost its monopoly on the lucrative tea trade, and it saw Fortune's trip as a last chance...

Born in 1924 is a nostalgic reference book from that year, featuring news, famous births and deaths, and other interesting facts. A great gift idea for birthdays, it's also a great way to learn about the past.Look out for other years in the series, which...

The Housekeeper's Tale: The Women Who Really Ran the English Country House For centuries, the English country house was a symbol of wealth and status, but behind the grand facade, a different story unfolded. The women who worked as housekeepers were the...

The Canadian Pacific Railway: a nation-building endeavour that spanned over 3,000 kilometres of track, driven through inhospitable terrain. Its construction was a defining event of its era, marked by greed, hubris, and the struggles of those who built it...

Joseph Conrad: A Prophet of Globalization In this groundbreaking biography, Maya Jasanoff sheds new light on the life and work of Joseph Conrad, a writer who captured the essence of globalization in his literary oeuvre. Born in the Russian Empire to...

The Age of Reconnaissance: Discovery, Exploration, and Settlement, 1450-1650 The Age of Reconnaissance, as J. H. Parry has described it, was a pivotal period in world history, marked by the European discovery of the rest of the world. Spanning over 250...

The Time Traveller's Guide to Restoration Britain Travel back in time to the 17th century and discover the customs and practices of daily life in Restoration Britain. This unique guidebook explores the age of Samuel Pepys and the Great Fire of London,...

The most dramatic general election campaign in modern history and Theresa May's battle for a Brexit deal are revealed in this gripping account. By the bestselling author of All Out War, this book chronicles a civil war at the heart of the Conservative...

The Art of Military Innovation: Lessons from the Israel Defense Forces The Israel Defense Forces' improbable success is a testament to its unique organizational structure. Established in 1948, the IDF was small, poorly equipped, and already at war, yet...

Understanding the complexities of British politics has never been more crucial. This Very Short Introduction provides a concise overview of the British political tradition, examining the past, present, and possible future of the country's governance. By...

A Savage War of Peace: Algeria 1954-1962 The Algerian War, which lasted from 1954 to 1962, was a pivotal and tumultuous period in modern history. The conflict had far-reaching consequences, including the collapse of the Fourth Republic, the return of...

The Potsdam Conference: A Turning Point in European History In the aftermath of World War II, Europe lay in ruins. Millions of refugees were dispersed across the continent, while Britain was bankrupt and Germany had been reduced to rubble. In July 1945,...

The History of the Cathars is a comprehensive account of this influential medieval heresy. Sean Martin explores the Cathars' unique teachings, which emphasized a simple life of prayer, work, and non-violence, and their rejection of the Catholic Church...

Inventing the Individual: The Origins of Western Liberalism by Larry Siedentop This book offers a fresh perspective on the origins of Western liberalism, tracing the evolution of moral beliefs that underpin modern societies. Siedentop argues that the...

Radical Help: How We Can Remake the Relationships Between Us and Revolutionise the Welfare State Hilary Cottam explores a bold new approach to the welfare state, one that prioritises human connection and core capabilities. By examining five 'Experiments'...