History

The Fighter of Auschwitz: The Incredible True Story of Leen Sanders Who Boxed to Help Others SurviveLeen Sanders, a Dutch champion boxer, was sent to Auschwitz in 1943. Despite the unimaginable cruelty he faced, he found a way to resist and help others...

The Midway-Class Aircraft Carriers 1945-92 The US Navy's largest aircraft carriers built during World War II went on to play a significant role in the Cold War, serving as the backbone of the fleet. Entering service in September 1945, these carriers were...

Genghis Khan: The Man Who Conquered the World by Frank McLynn is a gripping account of the life and rise of one of history's most formidable leaders. From his humble beginnings as a nomadic outcast to his emergence as the unifying force behind the Mongol...

The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon Written in the 10th century, this intimate and witty account offers a unique glimpse into life at the Japanese court during the Heian period. Sei Shonagon's personal reflections on poetry, love, fashion, and whims provide...

The Middle East: 2000 Years of History from the Rise of Christianity to the Present Day by Bernard Lewis This comprehensive history of the Middle East spans two millennia, from the emergence of Christianity to the present day. Bernard Lewis, a renowned...

The story of modern Australia begins in eighteenth-century Britain, where the harsh realities of crime and punishment led to the creation of the Sydney experiment. In 1781, eleven ships arrived in Australia after a grueling eight-month journey, carrying...

The Machiavellian Moment: Florentine Political Thought and the Atlantic Republican Tradition This landmark work of historical and political thought, first published in 1975, explores the consequences of the revival of classical republicanism in...

Stephen Oppenheimer's groundbreaking book challenges our understanding of British history and identity. By combining genetics, linguistics, archaeology, and historical records, Oppenheimer sheds new light on the origins of the British people.Contrary to...

Explaining the Modern World: Power, Reformation and the Historic Environment is a comprehensive guide to the OCR GCSE History specification. Written by a team of subject specialists, including bestselling author Ben Walsh, this textbook provides a...

Maryland Legends Folklore from the Old Line State explores the state's most haunted places and the extraordinary tales that surround them. The book delves into the supernatural and Maryland history, featuring stories of ghosts, bizarre creatures, and...

This sweeping history of China offers a unique perspective on the country's approach to diplomacy and strategy, drawing on the author's decades-long relationship with Chinese leaders. Henry Kissinger examines how China has navigated its complex past and...

The extraordinary true story of Margaret Beaufort, the 'Red Queen'. Born in the midst of the Wars of the Roses, she became the greatest heiress of her time, surviving a turbulent life marked by marriage, imprisonment, and betrayal. Her determination to...

The Light Ages: A Medieval Journey of Discovery In the Middle Ages, the pursuit of knowledge led to remarkable innovations. This book tells the story of one such journey, that of a fourteenth-century monk named John of Westwyk, who was educated in...

A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th CenturyBy Barbara Tuchman, Penguin BooksThis book offers a nuanced and detailed exploration of medieval Europe, revealing the complexities and contradictions of the 14th century. Tuchman examines the lives of...

A daring behind-enemy-lines mission is recounted in Patrick Leigh Fermor's account of the kidnapping of General Kreipe, a feat that showcases the author's remarkable life. In April 1944, Fermor and Captain Billy Moss hatched a plan to abduct the German...

The 'Grossdeutschland' Division: The German Army's Premier Combat Unit The 'Grossdeutschland' Division was the German Army's elite combat unit during World War II, renowned for its bravery and skill. This book delves into the history and evolution of the...

The Eastern Front 1945: Triumph of the Soviet Air Force The final months of World War II on the Eastern Front saw a decisive air campaign between the Soviet Air Force and the Luftwaffe. The Soviet Air Force, led by Commander-in-Chief Alexander Novikov,...

Aston Villa On This Day is a year-by-year diary of the club's history, covering major events, successes, and challenges. The book features individual entries for each day of the year, as well as multiple entries for busier times, providing a...

The Spitfire Story is a comprehensive and authoritative account of one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of all time. With a rich history spanning from its genesis to the dawn of the jet age, the Supermarine Spitfire played a pivotal role in the Second...

London Under is a fascinating exploration of the hidden world beneath the city. From ancient springs and streams to modern Tube stations, Peter Ackroyd delves into the geological layers to uncover the secrets of London's underground. The author reveals a...

Pablo Escobar: The Inside Story of a Legendary Life Pablo Escobar's life was a complex web of contradictions - a man who was both revered and reviled, admired for his charity and feared for his violence. For the poor of Colombia, he was a Robin Hood...

First published in 1966, this chronicle tells the story of Britain from its supposed foundation by Brutus to the arrival of the Saxons over two thousand years later. The book vividly portrays legendary figures such as King Arthur, Merlin the magician,...

The First World War by Martin Gilbert The outbreak of the First World War is a pivotal moment in modern history, marking the beginning of a global conflict that would change the world forever. On June 28, 1914, the war started in Sarajevo, an outpost of...

The Rise of Henry Tudor: A Lucid Account of the Tudor Dynasty's Origins The Tudor dynasty, one of England's most celebrated royal families, has its roots in rural Wales. The story of Henry Tudor, who won the English crown by defeating Richard III in...

Giovambattista Ramusio's anonymous volumes revealed the world as never before, a monumental discovery that reshaped our understanding of the globe. In this gripping narrative, Andrea di Robilant brings to life the man who uncovered this remarkable...

The Tunnels of Cu Chi: A Remarkable Story of War in Vietnam The 200-mile labyrinth of underground tunnels and secret chambers around Saigon became the battleground, barracks, arms factories, and hospitals of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The US...

The Dark Heart of Italy is a thought-provoking account of the author's three-year journey across the Italian peninsula. In this updated edition, Tobias Jones delves deeper into the complex world of Italian football, where recent triumphs are often...

The Soviet war in Afghanistan, 1979-89, is a complex and often overlooked chapter in modern history. Rodric Braithwaite, a former ambassador to Moscow, brings a unique perspective to this story, moving seamlessly from the high politics of the Kremlin to...

Europe in the High Middle Ages brings to life the pivotal moments of a transformative era. From the Crusades to the devastating impact of the Black Death, this account explores the complex tapestry of the High Middle Ages.Spanning the 11th to 14th...

The Lives of the Later Caesars: Augustan History, Part 1; Lives of Nerva and Trajan This enigmatic work, written in the late fourth century, is our main source of information about the Roman emperors from 117 to 284 AD. The anonymous author's unique...

Britain Transformed: 1918-97 provides a comprehensive revision guide for Edexcel AS/A-level History students. This book combines key content coverage with exam preparation activities and exam-style questions to help students review, strengthen, and test...

Lost Realms: Histories of Britain from the Romans to the VikingsThomas Williams brings to light the forgotten origins and untimely demise of Britain's ancient kingdoms, revealing a world of magic, war, myth, and miracle.Drawing on Britain's ancient...

The magus: a figure of genius and mystique. During the High Renaissance, a distinctive blend of science, engineering, and mysticism emerged, embodied by the magus. These individuals, including the historical figure of Faust, were pioneers in modern...

Boston's rich history spans four centuries, from the Puritan theocracy of the seventeenth century to the modern era. This concise and engaging history is brought to life through a wealth of illustrations and twenty short profiles of exceptional...

The Epic British Stand on the Imjin River, Korea 1951 The Battle of the Imjin River, fought in 1951, was one of the most notorious and celebrated battles in the Korean War from a British perspective. This book tells the story of the 29th Infantry...

Allied fighter aircraft from 1939 to 1945 are featured in this highly-illustrated guide. The book covers all main models flown by Allied air forces, including early models and the most advanced fighters of the period. It provides detailed information on...

Dispatches is a powerful and unflinching account of life on the front lines in Vietnam. First published in 1977, this book has become a landmark of war reportage, offering a deeply personal and poetic portrayal of the chaos and fervor of the conflict...

Did God Have a Wife? Archaeology and Folk Religion in Ancient Israel explores the everyday religious lives of ordinary people in ancient Israel, shedding new light on the presence and influence of women's cults in early Israel.Archaeological excavations...

Key to success in OCR AS/A-level History lies in effective revision. This proven formula combines key content coverage with exam preparation activities and exam-style questions to help students review, strengthen and test their knowledge. The revision...

The Great War on the Western Front 1914 - 1918 by Mike Lepine The start of the First World War on July 28th, 1914, marked the beginning of a truly global conflict that would change the course of world history. The war quickly became a stalemate, with...

The Divine Might of Greek Goddesses Natalie Haynes brings to life the powerful and complex stories of the Greek goddesses, challenging our perceptions of these ancient figures. Hera, Demeter, and the Furies are just a few of the goddesses whose stories...

The Stories Old Towns Tell: A Journey Through Cities at the Heart of EuropeMarek Kohn's fascinating exploration of Europe's old towns reveals the complex histories and selective narratives that lie behind their tranquil facades. From Frankfurt to Prague,...

Late antique muckraking is on full display in Procopius' six-volume History of the Wars. Written by Procopius, a lawyer and adviser to the emperor, this work recounts the Persian Wars, the Vandalic War, and the Gothic War, providing a detailed account of...

The Ardennes 1944: Hitler's Last Gamble In December 1944, Hitler launched a desperate gamble in the snow-covered Ardennes, hoping to split the Allies and force the Canadians and British out of the war. The resulting battle, involving over a million men,...

Berlin: The Downfall 1945Antony Beevor recounts the brutal death-throes of Hitler's Reich at the hands of the rampaging Red Army, in a harrowing and compelling narrative of events that still provoke wonder and awe.The Red Army's arrival in January 1945...

Smartphones, skyscrapers, spacecraft - the modern world is full of complex technologies. But beneath the surface, it can be surprisingly simple. Roma Agrawal explores the fascinating story of how everyday objects have evolved over time, from handmade...

The Ju 87D/G Stuka and the T-34: A Study of Two Legendary Machines of World War II In the midst of World War II, the German air ministry authorized the development of an adaptation of the Junkers Ju 87D-5 Stuka dive-bomber, equipping it with 37mm BK...

The Anglo-Saxons is a comprehensive survey of the period from AD400 to 600, a time of great turmoil and transformation in Britain. Despite the scarcity of written sources, the authors have created a rich and thought-provoking account of the era,...

Europe's Tragedy: A New History of the Thirty Years War The Thirty Years War (1618-48) was a devastating conflict that ravaged Europe, killing an estimated quarter of the German population and leaving a trail of destruction that would take centuries to...

Oxford AQA History A Level and As Revolution and Dictatorship: Russia 1917-1953 Revision Guide by Rob Bircher is a comprehensive revision guide for students preparing for their A Level exams. This guide offers a clear revision approach, using the Recap,...

Storm's Edge: A New History of the Orkney IslandsPeter Marshall's magisterial history delves deep into the island politics, folk beliefs, and community memory of the Orkney Islands, a geographical edge of Britain that has been treated as a mere footnote...

The United States Marine Corps in the Korean War: Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives The Korean War marked a pivotal moment in modern military history, with the US Marine Corps playing a crucial role in the conflict. In June 1950, the North Korean...

The Oxford Illustrated History of Prehistoric Europe provides a comprehensive look at the diverse cultures that shaped Europe before the classical period. Through the synthesis of archaeological findings, Barry Cunliffe and a team of experts bring to...

Oliver Cromwell: A Complex Figure in History Oliver Cromwell was a man of great complexity, whose character has long been the subject of debate among historians. This book provides a major new interpretation of one of the greatest figures in history,...

At the end of World War II, the Soviet Union found itself in control of a vast territory in Eastern Europe. Anne Applebaum's book explores how Stalin's regime converted these countries to communism, and the devastating impact on ordinary people.Through a...

The Last Stand of the SAS and Their Hunt for the Nazi Killers by Damien Lewis In the midst of World War II, a group of elite SAS operatives embarked on a perilous mission to disrupt the enemy's plans and bring Nazi war criminals to justice. Led by...

The English Civil War: A People's History by Diane Purkiss This book offers a fresh perspective on one of the most significant turning points in British history. Drawing on new sources such as letters, memoirs, ballads, and plays, Diane Purkiss brings to...

The Hundred Years War: Trial by Battle by Jonathan Sumption In the late 14th century, England and France were locked in a bitter struggle that would last for a century. As the fortunes of the two nations ebbed and flowed, their people lived through times...

At the dawn of the twentieth century, a new generation of black women emerged, driven by a desire for real freedom. They rejected the traditional roles assigned to them and forged their own paths, pioneering free love, common-law marriage, queer...

Oliver Cromwell: Commander in Chief by Ronald Hutton In the aftermath of the first civil war, the Parliamentarians found themselves at a stalemate, with disagreements over the way forward threatening to tear them apart. It was then that Oliver Cromwell,...

The Devil in the White City is a gripping tale of two men, one a visionary architect and the other a serial killer, who came together to shape the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. Daniel H. Burnham's ambitious project, the White City, was a massive,...

The Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year in Britain by Ronald Hutton This comprehensive history of the ritual year in Britain offers a fascinating exploration of the ways in which ancient and medieval practices continue to shape our modern...

The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis was the most perilous event in history, when mankind faced a looming nuclear collision between the United States and Soviet Union. Max Hastings's graphic new history tells the story from the viewpoints of national leaders,...

Discover Elizabethan England through the sharp eyes of Ian Mortimer. This book offers a fresh and humorous look at the era of William Shakespeare and Elizabeth I, revealing the complexities and contradictions of life in 16th-century England. From the...

Gulag: A History of the Soviet Camps is a landmark book that uncovers the horrors of the Soviet camp system, responsible for the deaths of millions. Drawing on memoirs, writings, and original research, Anne Applebaum presents a fully documented history...

Red Plenty is a fascinating account of the Soviet Union's brief period of economic prosperity in the late 1950s. Francis Spufford explores the era when, under Nikita Khrushchev's leadership, the country seemed poised for greatness, with ambitious plans...

Punk Rock: An Oral History by John Robb is a comprehensive account of the pivotal Punk Rock movement in Seventies Britain, as told by those who lived it. Over a year of interviews with more than 100 contributors have resulted in a unique and insightful...

Calm the F*ck Down: Practical Ways to Manage Life's ChallengesThis no-nonsense guide offers a fresh perspective on managing anxiety and stress. Sarah Knight shares practical advice on how to cope with the things that are outside of your control, so you...

The 1217 Text and Translation of the Magna Carta is a significant document in legal history. This reissue of the landmark charter, from 1217, reproduces the original Latin text alongside a modern translation, providing a clear understanding of its...

The de Havilland Mosquito History of a Legend is a detailed account of the development and operations of this iconic British twin-engined light bomber. The book explores the Mosquito's unique design, which featured a wooden frame, earning it the nickname...

The Art of War is a timeless guide to military strategy, offering insights into the art of winning without fighting. Written over 2,500 years ago, this influential text remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the principles of...

Tales from Shakespeare is a unique retelling of twenty of Shakespeare's best plays, written in modern prose by Charles Lamb and his sister Mary Lamb. The book brings these masterpieces of literature to life in a way that is easy to understand, making it...

Discover the key battles, tactics, technologies and turning points of the First World War, a conflict that was supposed to be "the war to end all wars". This book explores the historical background to the war, its causes, and the major events across the...

African and Caribbean People in Britain: A History by Hakim Adi For too long, the history of African and Caribbean people in Britain has been reduced to a simplistic narrative. However, this book reveals a more complex and nuanced story, one that spans...

A rigorous and thoughtful study of the evolution of warfare from 1945 to the present day, Conflict explores the lessons of the past to inform our understanding of the challenges of the future. Drawing on their unique perspectives as a former CIA director...

The German View of Dunkirk 1940 A fresh perspective on one of the most pivotal moments of World War II, Dünkirchen 1940 reveals the often-overlooked German side of the Dunkirk evacuation. Drawing on previously untapped sources, including German...

Helping you achieve success in Edexcel AS/A-level History, this revision guide provides a structured approach to studying the period 1625-1701. Key content is combined with exam preparation activities and exam-style questions to create a comprehensive...

A History of Crete is a comprehensive account of the island's long and varied history, from the Stone Age to the present day. Spanning over three thousand years, the book explores Crete's strategic importance, its cultural heritage, and the impact of...

China's story is a rich and dramatic one, spanning 4000 years. Michael Wood brings together the grand sweep of history with local and personal stories, weaving a narrative that is both enthralling and informative. This one-volume history of China is a...

The Ottomans: A Cultural Legacy Discover the vibrant, sophisticated civilization of the Ottoman Empire, a culture that thrived for over 600 years and encompassed Asian, European and African cultures. Based on a lifetime's experience of living and working...

East Prussia, a land once thriving with artistic and military significance, has vanished from the map. Its turbulent history, marked by Stalin's 'terrible revenge', has left a lasting impact. Max Egremont's journey through the landscape and memory of...

The Forgotten Soldier: A True Story of War on the Russian Front In the summer of 1942, Guy Sajer joins the infantry with idealistic fervour, but soon discovers that the harsh reality of war is far from glamorous. As a member of the elite Grosse...

The Earth is Weeping: The Epic Story of the Indian Wars for the American West by Peter Cozzens A comprehensive and intimate account of the conflict between whites and Native Americans that lasted nearly three decades after the American Civil War. Peter...

Agincourt: The King, the Campaign, the Battle On 25 October 1415, a pivotal moment in European warfare took place at Azincourt in the Pas-de-Calais. This turning-point in the Hundred Years War between England and France had far-reaching consequences for...

The Shortest History of the Soviet Union by Sheila Fitzpatrick is a comprehensive and engaging account of the Soviet Union's rise, reign, and fall. Spanning over a century, this book chronicles the complex and often contradictory history of the Soviet...

Effective Revision for AQA GCSE History: Restoration England, 1660-1685 Help you achieve success in your AQA GCSE History exams with this proven revision guide. Covering the British depth study 'Restoration England, 1660-1685', this book provides a...

The TM 9-803 Willys-Overland MB and Ford Model GPW Jeep Technical Manual is a comprehensive guide to the design and capabilities of the iconic Jeep vehicle. Created by the U.S. Army in 1944, this technical manual provides valuable insights into the...

The English Civil Wars 1640-1660 by Blair Worden The mid-seventeenth century saw a period of profound upheaval in English history, with the monarchy and the House of Lords abolished and replaced by a republic and military rule. This remarkable account...

D-Day and the Battle for Normandy is a gripping account of the pivotal moment in World War II, when British, Canadian and American troops launched the largest amphibious landing in history on 6 June 1944. Over ten gruelling weeks, the Allies fought the...

A gripping true story of survival and mystery, Dead Mountain is a fascinating account of a group of hikers who died under unexplained circumstances in the Russian Ural Mountains in 1959. The incident has spawned decades of speculation, with eerie aspects...

Clanship to Crofter's War: The Social Transformation of the Scottish HighlandsFirst published in the 1990s, this influential book remains a key work on the history of the Scottish Highlands from the end of the Jacobite Risings to the great crofters'...

Understanding the complexities of modern Britain requires a clear-eyed look at its institutions and ideas. Stig Abell's guide to Britain provides an in-depth analysis of the country's economy, military, education system, healthcare, media, and more.From...

A fresh perspective on Britain's tumultuous 1960s. Dominic Sandbrook's Never Had it So Good re-examines the myths of this period, revealing a more complicated picture of a society caught between conservatism and change. The book explores the growth of a...

Richard Sorge, a man with two homelands, was born in 1895 in Baku to a German father and a Russian mother. This complex background shaped his experiences and allegiances, leading him to become a fervent communist and the Soviet Union's most skilled spy...

Archaeologists, Tourists, Interpreters: Exploring Egypt and the Near East in the Late 19th-Early 20th Centuries In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a growing number of European and American visitors flocked to the Near East and Egypt, drawn by the...

The Princes of the Renaissance brings to life the fascinating world of 15th- and 16th-century Italy, where powerful families ruled and patronized the arts. Through their lives, Mary Hollingsworth reveals the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that...

The Little History of England by Jonathan McGovern Discover the fascinating story of England's rise to power and its tumultuous history. From the union of warring Germanic kingdoms to the present day, this comprehensive narrative takes you on a journey...

Joseph Roth's Reports from Berlin 1920-33 is a collection of impressionistic and political writings that capture the turbulent social and political upheaval of the Weimar Republic. Produced in 1920, these pieces offer a unique insight into the fragile...

Charles Darwin's groundbreaking work on evolutionary biology, "The Origin of Species", presents a fundamental shift in our understanding of the natural world. Based on his extensive research and observations during the HMS Beagle expedition, Darwin...

The Unwomanly Face of War by Svetlana Alexievich tells the story of the women who fought in the Second World War, whose experiences have been largely absent from official narratives. Through the voices of hundreds of Soviet women, including captains,...