History

A Short History of Europe From Pericles to Putin by Simon Jenkins This concise narrative history tells the story of Europe's evolution from warring peoples to peace, wealth and freedom. Simon Jenkins brings together the transformative forces and dominant...

The War of the World: History's Age of Hatred by Niall Ferguson The early twentieth century was a time of unprecedented globalisation, wealth and education, but it was also a period of rising tensions and conflict. Niall Ferguson explores how a...

Queen Victoria and Her Prime Ministers A Personal History by Anne Somerset offers a fresh perspective on the monarch's role in shaping her country's history. This biography masterfully explores Victoria's political evolution, from her early years to her...

The Road of Slaughter: The Latvian 15th SS Division in Pomerania, January-March 1945 In the midst of the final stages of World War II, the Latvian 15th SS Division found itself fighting a desperate battle in Pomerania, now Poland. This account of their...

Glastonbury Isle of Avalon is a small guide book that unravels the mysteries of this ancient English spiritual centre. Local historian George Wingfield tells the story of Glastonbury from prehistory to the present day, exploring its history and...

The Cretan Runner by George Psychoundakis In the summer of 1941, the island of Crete was invaded by air, and a young shepherd boy named George Psychoundakis knew the island intimately. He joined the resistance and took on a crucial job as a war-time...

Colditz Prisoners of the Castle by Ben Macintyre is a gripping narrative that delves into one of the most famous prison stories in history. During World War II, the German army used the Colditz Castle to hold the most defiant Allied prisoners, who tested...

The Templars The Knights Templar were a military order that flourished in the crusading era, leaving a trail of mystery and intrigue that continues to fascinate historians and enthusiasts alike. Their story is one of international conflict, financial...

Explore the Evolution of Armoured Vehicles in Stunning Detail Get up close to over 400 iconic tanks and armoured vehicles, including the first tank, the German Panzer, the legendary Tiger, and the Hellcat. This comprehensive volume takes you through the...

The Roman Empire: A Very Short Introduction by Christopher Kelly The Roman Empire was a vast and complex entity, spanning across the Mediterranean and encompassing a population of sixty million people. Its history is marked by a unique blend of force,...

Chocolate has been a coveted treat for over 3,000 years, its story woven from threads of archaeology, botany, and socio-economics. This expertly crafted history begins in the Mexican jungles, where chocolate was first cultivated, and follows its journey...

A comprehensive history of Japan, revised and updated, this single-volume work covers the nation's history from ancient pre-history to the post-cold War period. The book delves into every important aspect of Japanese history and culture, including the...

The Future of War: A History by Lawrence Freedman The concept of war has evolved significantly over time, with technological advancements often playing a lesser role in its development than previously thought. This book explores the history of war,...

A rich and vivid history of Britain's second city is revealed in this comprehensive account of Manchester's people and place. From its Roman roots to its modern-day influence, Manchester's story is one of innovation, revolution, and radical change. This...

Scotland's rich and diverse past is often overshadowed by tales of failure and tragedy. Historian Neil Oliver presents a compelling new portrait of Scotland's history, revealing the intricate tapestry of its past and the people who shaped it. From iconic...

For too long, the story of British codebreaking has been told as a men's tale, ignoring the significant contributions of women. Emily Anderson was a leading figure in British intelligence for over three decades, playing key roles in both World Wars and...

Goodbye, Eastern Europe is a sweeping narrative that chronicles a thousand years of strife, war, and bloodshed in a region that has been largely forgotten. From pre-Christianity to the fall of Communism, this book illuminates the remarkable cultural...

For over a millennium, Polynesians have inhabited the remotest islands in the Pacific Ocean, a vast triangle stretching from Hawaii to New Zealand to Easter Island. Until the arrival of European explorers, they were the only people to have ever lived...

The Nakajima Ki-49 'Helen' Units is a comprehensive study of the twin-engined bomber of the Pacific War, written by Japanese aviation expert George Eleftheriou. The book explores the development, design, and operational history of the Ki-49, from its...

Italy's Sorrow: A Year of War, 1944-1945 In 1944-45, Italy became a land of nightmare, ravaged by violence, war, and destruction. James Holland's groundbreaking account sheds light on the German advance and a segment of Italian history that has been...

The traditional narrative of British history is often one of continuity, but David Edgerton's major new history breaks out of this mould to redefine what it means to be British. From the 1940s to the 1970s, the United Kingdom was an exceptional place,...

The Age of Revolution 1789-1848 by Eric J. Hobsbawm Eric Hobsbawm's groundbreaking work explores the transformative period in European history that saw the rise of industrial capitalism and the emergence of Western Europe as a dominant world power...

A Nasty Little War: The West's Fight to Reverse the Russian RevolutionAnna Reid's latest book brings to life a forgotten chapter in modern history, the West's intervention in the Russian Civil War during the First World War. In a complex and often...

The Ottoman Empire: A Magnificent and Ambitious History The Ottoman Empire is often seen as a stark contrast to the Western world, but in reality, its diverse heritage stretched deep into Europe's heart. This sweeping history, written by Marc David Baer,...

The German View of Market-Garden and the Battle of Arnhem, September 1944 by Robert J. Kershaw On 17 September 1944, a surprise attack on the Reich caught the German forces off guard. Lieutenant Joseph Enthammer, a Wehrmacht artillery officer, witnessed...

Battle for the Island Kingdom is a gripping tale of divided loyalties, treason, and military might, set against the backdrop of a pivotal period in English history. From the Viking invasions to the Norman Conquest, this rich history explores the complex...

The SBS - Silent Warriors: The Authorised Wartime History The world's first maritime special operations unit, the Special Boat Service (SBS), was a small and inexperienced outfit that relied on volunteers' courage and enthusiasm to carry out daring...

A searing study of the British Empire's use of violence throughout the twentieth century, Legacy of Violence reveals the dark heart of Britain's Empire. Drawing on over a decade of research on four continents, Caroline Elkins exposes the racialised,...

Kevin Fulton was a British soldier who found himself in the midst of the Provisional IRA at the height of The Troubles. Recruited to infiltrate the group, he rose to an unprecedented level of trust, taking part in activities that would later claim the...

Help you succeed in Edexcel AS/A-level History with a proven revision guide that combines key content coverage with exam preparation activities and exam-style questions.This comprehensive revision guide is designed to help you review, strengthen and test...

The Hard Road Will Take You Home is a unique blend of memoir and self-help guide, drawing on the author's experiences in the Special Forces to share hard-won strategies for success. By distilling the lessons learned from his time in the military,...

Stephen Clarke's 1000 Years of Annoying the French is a light-hearted and impeccably researched account of the great-fallings out between Britain and France since 1066. The author sets the record straight on long-held historical 'facts', revealing that...

James M. McPherson's 'Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era' is a comprehensive and engaging history of one of the most tumultuous periods in the United States' past. Spanning from the Mexican War in 1848 to the end of the Civil War in 1865, this book...

The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt by Toby Wilkinson Three thousand years of wild drama, bold spectacle, and unforgettable characters come alive in this landmark work by one of the world's most renowned Egyptologists. Wilkinson takes us on a journey...

The explosion over Hiroshima of the first nuclear bomb reduced, in an instant, an entire city to rubble and killed over 100,000 men, women and children. This devastating event marked the beginning of the Atomic Age, and John Hersey's account of it is a...

Dominic Sandbrook's Seasons in the Sun is a vivid account of Britain's tumultuous late 1970s. This period saw the nation grappling with economic turmoil, social unrest, and cultural upheaval, yet also witnessed the emergence of new technologies, popular...

Rebecca Struthers' Hands of Time is an exquisite book that explores the intricate history, science, philosophy, and craft of timekeeping. From the workshop bench, she delves into the ways in which timekeeping has shaped our attitudes to work, leisure,...

This comprehensive study of the evolution of warfare from 1945 to the present day offers a profound analysis of the lessons that can be learned from the past to navigate an increasingly perilous world.General David Petraeus and historian Andrew Roberts...

The Avro Lancaster: A Legendary War Machine The Avro Lancaster was a pivotal aircraft of World War II, first deployed in 1942. Its four Merlin engines enabled it to carry a substantial payload, making it uniquely suited for delivering heavy bombs. The...

Discover the secrets of Norfolk's Deep History Coast, a place of unique archaeological discoveries that have transformed our understanding of the first human occupation of northern Europe. Fossilised human footprints, dating back nearly one million...

Oxford AQA History for a Level: the Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007 Revision Guide by J. M. A. Hugh is a comprehensive revision guide for students preparing for their AQA History exams. This book provides a clear and structured approach to revision,...

The Shortest History of Germany by James Hawes is a concise and engaging exploration of Europe's most admired and feared country. From Julius Caesar to Angela Merkel, Hawes tells the story of Germany's complex and often contradictory identity.With over...

Britain's SAS has an unparalleled reputation for soldiering excellence, and their skills and techniques can be applied in our everyday lives. This book presents tactical lessons drawn from SAS training and battlefield experience, helping readers to...

The Crusades: The War for the Holy Land by Thomas Asbridge is a comprehensive and gripping account of the epic struggle between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East. From the First Crusade in the 11th century to the brutal wars that followed,...

Orlando Figes's A People's Tragedy is a sweeping account of Russian society on the eve of revolution and its violent aftermath. The 100th Anniversary Edition includes a new introduction, adding depth and context to this masterful record of the Russian...

At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson is a fascinating exploration of the history of the way we live. Bryson's curiosity and wit shine through as he delves into the ordinary things that make our lives so remarkable. From the humblest of...

Simon Winder's Germania is a unique exploration of German culture, from the everyday to the extraordinary. This book delves into the complexities of a country that remains a fascinating yet challenging destination for many foreigners.Winder's journey...

Daniel Finkelstein's powerful memoir tells the story of his parents' survival against the backdrop of the Second World War. His mother, Mirjam Wiener, and father, Ludwik, both experienced persecution and resistance at the hands of the Nazi regime and...

Help you achieve success in OCR A-level History with this comprehensive revision guide, covering the key topics of Civil Rights in the USA from 1865 to 1992.This proven formula combines key content coverage with exam preparation activities and exam-style...

The Battle of Stalingrad was a turning point in the Second World War, marking a decisive defeat for Nazi Germany. In the winter of 1942, the city of Stalingrad became the focal point of a brutal and devastating conflict, with the Soviet Red Army...

Discover the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs with this step-by-step introduction, designed for complete beginners. Bill Manley, a proven expert, guides you through the inscriptions, from simple to complex, using clear explanations and...

Exterminate All the Brutes is a powerful and thought-provoking account of Sven Lindqvist's journey across Central Africa, driven by a singular obsession with the infamous phrase from Joseph Conrad's The Heart of Darkness.Through a combination of personal...

The Swerve: How the Renaissance Began by Stephen Greenblatt In 1417, a chance discovery in a medieval manuscript changed the course of history. A beautiful poem, On the Nature of Things by Lucretius, had been hidden away for centuries, its ideas about...

The Precipice: A powerful exploration of the existential risks facing humanity, and how we can secure our future. Oxford moral philosopher Toby Ord examines the threats to our world, from climate change and nuclear war to engineered pandemics and...

The Hill: The Brutal Fight for Hill 107 in the Battle of Crete by Robert Kershaw In the summer of 1941, a pivotal battle took place on the strategic island of Crete, with the fate of the Mediterranean hanging in the balance. This gripping history tells...

Aftermath: Life in the Fallout of the Third Reich In the aftermath of World War II, Germany was a country in ruins. Cities lay in rubble, and more than half of the population was displaced. How could a functioning society emerge from this chaos? This...

Expertly crafted for AQA students, this comprehensive guide to Tsarist and Communist Russia 1855-1964 provides authoritative narrative, progressive skills development, and bespoke essays from leading historians. The book builds students' understanding of...

Burma '44: The Battle That Turned Britain's War in the EastA gripping account of one of the most astonishing battles of the Second World War, in which a small group of British troops held out against the Japanese Army and ultimately turned the tide of...

The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy by Jacob Burckhardt In the 19th century, Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt saw the Italian Renaissance as a pivotal moment in the creation of the modern world. He argued that the flourishing individualism and...

A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages brings history alive in a way you've never seen it before. Anthony Bale invites you to travel across a medieval world, punctuated with miraculous wonders and long-lost landmarks, from the bustling bazaars of Tabriz to...

The Holocaust: A New History by Laurence ReesA groundbreaking study of the Holocaust, providing a comprehensive and compelling explanation of its origins and development.Laurence Rees's 25 years of research have distilled into a single-volume account...

A new history of D-Day, reimagined by one of Britain's leading military historians, offers a panoramic account of the most ambitious military operation of the Second World War. On 6 June 1944, 4,000 Allied troops would lose their lives in the early...

A Pulitzer Prize-winning war correspondent's personal journey into the heart of the American South, where the legacy of the Civil War continues to shape the lives of those who lived through it. Tony Horwitz's dispatches from the Blue Ridge Mountains...

The Trial of a Nation: France on Trial by Julian Jackson The photograph of Marshal Philippe Petain shaking hands with Hitler in 1940 shocked the French population, marking a turning point in the country's history. Five years later, Petain stood trial for...

Britain's Unsung Defences: A New Perspective on the Second World War. The conventional narrative of Britain's position in 1940 is one of weakness and isolation. However, this view is far from accurate. In reality, Britain was well-prepared to face the...

The Habsburgs: The Rise and Fall of a World PowerFrom humble beginnings, the Habsburg dynasty grew to dominate a vast portion of Europe, spanning centuries and continents. Martyn Rady's comprehensive history reveals the complex web of power, politics,...

A unique glimpse into American military preparations for World War II, Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain offers a fascinating insight into the culture shock faced by soldiers serving abroad. Reproduced from the original typescript, this...

The D-Day Atlas: Anatomy of the Normandy Campaign This comprehensive study of the D-Day invasion and its aftermath is presented through detailed maps, authoritative text, and contemporary photographs. The book chronicles the evolution of the invasion...

The History of England's Cathedrals by Nicholas Orme is a comprehensive account of the country's most iconic buildings, stretching from Roman times to the present day. This book provides a complete history of England's sixty-two Anglican and Catholic...

The First Clash of Empires: Persia and Greece in 480 BC In 480 BC, the Persian Empire, under the rule of King Xerxes, launched a massive invasion of mainland Greece. This was a pivotal moment in history, as the Persian Empire had already conquered much...

Help you achieve success in OCR AS/A-level History with this comprehensive revision guide. Combining key content coverage with exam preparation activities and exam-style questions, this proven formula for effective revision is designed to help you...

The End of the American Empire: A Guide to the New World Disorder by Alan Friedman The United States, once a dominant global power, is experiencing a significant decline in influence. This decline is evident in various aspects of American foreign policy,...

A new investigation into the mysteries of the human past, exploring the possibility that an advanced civilization was lost to history in the global cataclysm that ended the last Ice Age.Graham Hancock draws on the latest archaeological and DNA evidence...

Crow Killer: A Legendary Tale of Vengeance The legend of John Johnson, a mountain man of extraordinary size and strength, has captivated millions through the 1972 film Jeremiah Johnson. However, the real Johnson was a far cry from the cinematic portrayal...

In Search of Berlin is a captivating exploration of a city that has lived through countless transformations. From its tumultuous past to its current status as a beacon of global influence, Berlin's story is one of reinvention and resilience.Author John...

The Third Reich at War: How the Nazis Led Germany from Conquest to Disaster Richard J. Evans's comprehensive history of Nazi Germany's final years is a masterful account of a society plunged into conflict. From the invasion of Poland to Hitler's eventual...

This comprehensive history of modern Ireland spans over 400 years, from 1600 to 1972. R.F. Foster's masterful narrative and interpretation examine the key events that shaped the country, revealing the forces of unity and diversity that have defined the...

The Fall of the English Republic: A Turbulent Period in History The period following Oliver Cromwell's death in 1658 was marked by significant turmoil in English history. The republic, which had been established with the support of a standing army, faced...

The fifteenth century was a time of great turmoil in England, marked by a series of brutal civil wars that saw the crown change hands five times. The conflict was fought by the great families of England, who clashed in a struggle for power that would...

The Annals of Imperial Rome by Tacitus is a comprehensive history of the Roman Empire during the first century AD, covering the years from shortly before the death of Augustus to the death of Nero in AD 68. This Penguin Classics edition is translated...

This textbook is endorsed by OCR and supports the specification for AS and A-Level Ancient History, first teaching September 2017. It covers the whole of Component 1, including the compulsory Period Study and three optional Depth Studies.The book...

Sicily: A Short History, from the Greeks to Cosa Nostra Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, has been a crossroads of cultures for thousands of years. Its strategic location has made it a prized possession for various civilizations, including...

The Kamenets-Podolsky Pocket 1944 Encirclement of Hube's 1st Panzer Army by Robert Forczyk In February 1944, a critical battle took place that would have far-reaching consequences for the German military. The relief operation to save trapped German...

Sicily '43 is the story of the largest seaborne landing in history, codenamed Operation HUSKY, which took place on 10 July 1943. Over 160,000 Allied troops were involved in the assault, which marked the beginning of a 38-day battle for the island.The...

The Russians are invading. But the locals have a plan. In the face of overwhelming force, a small town in Ukraine finds an unexpected way to resist. Andrew Harding's A Small, Stubborn Town Life, Death and Defiance in Ukraine is a gripping account of one...

The final bloody scramble across Europe is vividly brought to life in this gripping history of the Sherwood Rangers, one of the great tank regiments of World War II. Living and dying in a tank was a brutal way to fight a war, with every crew member...

Owain Glyndwr's 15-year struggle against overwhelming odds was a defining era in Welsh history, shaping the nation's survival as Europe's oldest. Yet, despite his remarkable achievements, Glyndwr remains a relatively unknown figure. His war of...

The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History - Abridged Edition Written by the renowned Arab scholar Ibn Khaldûn in the 14th century, The Muqaddimah is a foundational work that established the foundations of several fields of knowledge, including...

The Persian Empire, the world's first superpower, was a vast and complex entity that stretched from Libya to the Steppes of Asia and from Ethiopia to Pakistan. At its heart was the palace-city of Persepolis, where the monarchs held court in unparalleled...

Help you achieve success in Edexcel AS/A-level History with this comprehensive revision guide, packed with key content coverage, exam preparation activities, and exam-style questions.Designed to support your revision, this guide provides a structured...

Listen to the Land Speak: A Journey Into the Wisdom of what Lies Beneath UsThis book explores the unique connection between our ancestors and the natural world, which was a central force in their lives. Manchán Magan sets out on a journey to uncover the...

A new hardback anniversary edition of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari includes a new afterword from the author. In this book, Harari challenges our understanding of what it means to be human, exploring the history of our...

On 18 June 1815, the armies of France, Britain and Prussia clashed in a quiet valley south of Brussels, marking a turning point in European history. This is the story of the four days leading up to the battle, and the thrilling hour-by-hour account of...

The SAS Rogue Heroes: The Authorized Wartime History by Ben Macintyre The SAS, one of the most celebrated and mysterious military organisations in the world, was born from a vision of unconventional warfare. In the summer of 1941, a young officer named...

The Command of the Ocean: A Naval History of Britain 1649-1815 This comprehensive history of Britain's rise to naval greatness explores the intricate relationships between the Navy, the nation, and government. The book delves into the daily lives of...

The Story of Knole and the Sackvilles For over four centuries, the house at Knole, Kent, has been the seat of the Sackville family, a single aristocratic dynasty. In this vivid and intimate portrait, Robert Sackville-West draws on unpublished letters,...

Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga This book offers a vital and unflinching history of black British lives, spanning centuries from Roman Britain to the present day. Drawing on new research, original records and expert testimony,...

Explore the mysterious stone circles of Britain and Ireland, a prehistoric legacy that continues to intrigue and inspire. This comprehensive field guide takes you on a journey to 424 key stone circle sites, offering a detailed understanding of their...

Discover the untold stories of the women who shaped modern Britain. Cathy Newman's Bloody Brilliant Women brings to life the pioneering women who defied convention and changed the course of history. From the arts to medicine, politics, law, engineering,...

The World Turned Upside Down: Radical Ideas During the English RevolutionChristopher Hill's groundbreaking study of the mid-seventeenth century English revolution, which challenged the established order and threatened to upend the social and economic...