History

The Traitor of Colditz: an extraordinary story from the Second World WarDrawn from unseen records, this book brings to light a never-before-told tale of how MI9 took on the Nazis and exposed traitors in their midst. In 1941, the Germans imprisoned elite...

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, 1733-1795 by Richard Butterwick A fresh assessment of one of Europe's largest and least understood polities, this book tells the story of the last decades of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Drawing on the latest...

Pol Pot: The History of a Nightmare By Philip Short In 1975, Cambodia descended into madness under the radical egalitarianism of Pol Pot's revolution. What began as an idealistic dream of justice and prosperity mutated into one of humanity's worst...

A Century of Hull offers a unique glimpse into the transformation of this city over the past century. Through its extensive collection of photographs, the book reveals the daily lives and living conditions of local people, as well as the impact of...

Napoleon Volume 2: The Spirit of the Age by Michael Broers is a masterful biography that explores the most extraordinary stage of Napoleon's life, from 1805 to 1810. During this period, he was at war with Britain, Russia, and Austria, leading his Grande...

Flight from Dallas presents a unique perspective on one of history's most pivotal events. In November 1963, Air Force Sergeant Robert G. Vinson became embroiled in an activity connected to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.Vinson's...

Trim, The Cartographer's Cat is a charming tribute to a beloved ship's cat who played a significant role in mapping Australia. This gift book features Flinders' own whimsical tribute to Trim, written while the cat was in captivity, alongside "friendly...

A collection of rare photographs from Porthcawl, Newton and Nottage provides a unique glimpse into the region's history. Gathered from public and private collections, many are the author's own, offering a personal perspective on local government and...

Behind the lavish court of 17th-century Europe lies a complex web of relationships and desires. Antonia Fraser explores the intimate lives of women who shaped the life of Louis XIV, the self-proclaimed Sun King.The king's mother, Anne of Austria, played...

This collection of 80 dramatic firsthand writings brings to life the struggle for racial justice in America from the end of Reconstruction in 1876 to the "Red Summer" of 1919. It is a vital resource for teaching the history of race in America, tracing...

Roman Military Signalling by David Woolliscroft provides an in-depth study of the techniques used by the Romans to convey information over long distances. This is the first English-language exploration of Roman signalling, drawing on classical manuals...

Granny's Kitchen Cupboard presents a remarkable collection of British twentieth-century ephemera. Over many years, Granny has accumulated an incredible array of quirky post-war goods, advertising and kitchen items that showcase the societal change...

The Illustrated History of Great Composers is an authoritative volume that beautifully illustrates the lives and works of over 100 renowned composers. From medieval times to modern music, this comprehensive guide provides detailed biographies, listing...

The Climate of History in a Planetary Age by Dipesh Chakrabarty explores how climate change is redefining our understanding of history, modernity, and globalization. By considering two perspectives - the global and the planetary - Chakrabarty challenges...

The 1930s-era red buses that operate in Glacier National Park are a rare and historic sight. With only 33 White Motor Company Model 706 buses remaining, they are one of the oldest fleets still in continuous service worldwide. In recent years, these...

The astonishing true story of Oleg Penkovsky and the Cold War's most dangerous operation is revealed in Jeremy Duns' gripping narrative. In 1962, a Soviet colonel attempted to make contact with the West, leading to a joint CIA-MI6 operation that ran...

A Classless Society: Britain in the 1990s by Alwyn W. Turner The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a pivotal moment in British history, as Margaret Thatcher's government was ousted from power in 1990. This period of transition saw the emergence of a new...

The Book of Gates: A Magical Translation is a rich and enigmatic text that offers a profound journey through the Underworld. This little-known New Kingdom Ancient Egyptian funerary text contains a wealth of mystical and magical secrets, making it as...

John Reed's Ten Days That Shook the World is a first-hand account of the Russian Revolution, written by an American journalist who was reporting for a socialist magazine. In 1919, Reed published this book, which has received a range of critical responses...

Bush War Operator: Memoirs of the Rhodesian Light Infantry, Selous Scouts and BeyondA candid account of one man's fight against terror in 1960s and 1970s Rhodesia, where the lines between soldier and guerrilla were often blurred.This is a story of brutal...

The Vietnam War was a pivotal moment in modern history, marked by widespread conflict and social upheaval. By 1969, over 500,000 US troops were stationed in Vietnam, while 450,000 Vietnamese had lost their lives, alongside 36,000 Americans. This period...

The Lost Queen: The Life and Tragedy of the Prince Regent's Daughter by Anne Stott Princess Charlotte of Wales was born into a life of royal turmoil, her parents' troubled marriage already in disarray when she arrived. Her childhood and adolescence were...

An Atlas of Irish History provides a comprehensive overview of Ireland's past two millennia, combining over 100 maps, charts and graphs with a narrative packed with facts and information. This third edition has been revised and updated to include...

Primitive Time-reckoning: A Study in the Origins and First Development of the Art of Counting Time by Martin Persson is a culturally significant work that has been preserved for public access. Its importance lies in its contribution to our understanding...

Galen's foundational medical writings present a comprehensive understanding of human life and society. This collection includes three essential works that outline his theory of medicine, including On Temperaments, which explores the combination of...

Athens: City of Wisdom by Bruce Clark is a comprehensive history of the city that gave birth to Western civilization. Spanning over three millennia, this sweeping narrative takes readers on a journey through 21 critical moments in Athens' long and...

Corfu Sketches: A Thirty-year Journey is a collection of over 200 sketches that capture the essence of the island and its people.Through these drawings, you'll experience the beauty and charm of Corfu's towns and villages, as seen through the eyes of an...

The Art of War by Sunzi, illustrated by C. C. Tsai, presents a unique and engaging adaptation of this ancient Chinese text.This beautifully illustrated edition brings to life the timeless wisdom of Sunzi's Art of War, a work that continues to be read as...

The Battle of Borodino has left an indelible mark on Russian history. In September 1812, it was the bloodiest day of the Napoleonic Wars, forcing France's Grande Armée to retreat from Moscow and ultimately seal its fate in the snow and ice. A century...

The struggle for England's soul after Henry VIII's death was marked by power struggles and intrigue. With his nine-year-old son Edward on the throne, real power rested with the Protector, Somerset, who orchestrated a coup against him. This tumultuous...

David Blackbourn's Germany in the World offers a fresh perspective on German history, challenging conventional narratives and revealing a complex national identity that extends far beyond its borders.This global history spans centuries, tracing Germany's...

The later middle ages are a haunting and compelling period in Britain's history. This era was marked by extraordinary kings, great warriors, and tragic figures who shaped the country through their power struggles and conflicts. The period saw significant...

The Works of Philo, Volume 10: Tr. from Greek by F.H. Colson and J.W. Earp. This volume brings together the philosophical writings of Philo, a prominent Jewish philosopher born in Alexandria around 20 BC. Trained in both Greek and Jewish learning, Philo...

The Oxford History of Medieval Europe by George Holmes provides a comprehensive account of life in medieval Europe between the fall of the Roman Empire and the coming of the Renaissance. This authoritative history covers all aspects of life during a...

Hungary A Short History by Norman Stone explores the country's complex and often tumultuous past. From its origins in traditional representative councils to the Magyar nationalists of the nineteenth century, Stone delves into the events that shaped...

Obedient Unto Death: A Panzer Grenadier of the Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler ReportsDrafted into the SS-Totenkopf in 1939, Werner Kindler's experiences with the elite Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler are a rare and dramatic firsthand account of life on the...

The Hiram Key: Pharaohs, Freemasons and the Discovery of the Secret Scrolls of JesusChris Knight and Robert Lomas' groundbreaking investigation into the origins of Freemasonry uncovers a remarkable chain of events that challenge some of Western...

Roman Emperors: A Guide to the Men Who Ruled the EmpireThis concise chronological guide covers the period from 27 BCE, when Augustus established the Roman Empire, to 476 CE, marking the official end of the empire's existence in Western Europe. The book...

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, Simla Mist is an emotional tale of love and revenge set in the summer capital of the British Raj. In 1932, lifelong friends Lilian Hunt and Daisy Chatsworth arrive in Simla with their families, eager to...

The British Republic 1649-1660 by Ronald Hutton provides a concise synthesis of recent research into this pivotal period in British history. This analysis delves into the diplomatic, military, political, religious and intellectual developments of the...

The Shortest History of Sex by David Baker This comprehensive history explores the evolution of human sexuality from its earliest beginnings to the complexities of modern-day desires. From the fundamental chemistry that drives our passions to the...

The Presidents Club: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity A riveting new history of the private relationships among the last thirteen presidents, uncovering and exploring the partnerships, private deals, rescue missions, and rivalries that shaped...

Gerald of Wales' Journey Through Wales is a vivid account of his 1188 mission to the country as a missionary. In a diary-like style, he records the day-to-day events of the mission, alongside stories of local miracles and folklore.He also chronicles the...

One hundred years after Jutland, historians continue to debate this pivotal naval engagement. A strategic victory for the British, it stands out against the backdrop of public disappointment and infighting within the Royal Navy. This controversy has been...

The Year of Chaos: Northern Ireland on the Brink of Civil War, 1971-72 by Malachi O'Doherty In the summer of 1971, Northern Ireland descended into chaos. The introduction of internment without trial sparked widespread disaffection among Catholic...

The Edwardians is a comprehensive and engaging history of Britain's formative years between 1901 and 1910. This was an age of great change, marked by both traditional pursuits and groundbreaking innovations.From the widespread adoption of motor cars to...

The Ghosts of Happy Valley Searching for the Lost World of Africa's Infamous Aristocrats by Juliet Barnes. In the Kenya Highlands, a small community of affluent expatriates settled in the Wanjohi Valley between the wars. This infamous group, known as...

Deborah Lipstadt's personal account of her involvement in a high-profile libel case against a Holocaust denier offers a unique insight into the complexities of historical truth and its impact on individuals. In 1993, Lipstadt wrote Denying the Holocaust,...

Medieval Wales: Centuries of Ambiguity by David Stephenson offers a fresh perspective on the history of Wales during the eleventh to fourteenth centuries. Challenging the traditional view that the Edwardian conquest brought only hardship, this book...

Reporting the Raj: A Study of British Press Reporting in India, 1880-1922 This study examines the dynamics of British press reporting of India and the attempts made by the British Government to manipulate press coverage as part of its imperial control...

Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was a shocking act of brutal imperialism that left many in the West stunned. However, for those who had been paying attention to the complex relationship between Russia and the West, warning signs of...

The Ancient Jews from Alexander to Muhammad by Seth Schwartz provides an accessible and up-to-date account of Jewish history during the millennium following Alexander the Great's conquest. By focusing on the people rather than theological issues,...

Operation Market Garden, 1944, by Aaron Bates is a thought-provoking study that sheds fresh light on one of the most remarkable episodes in the final stage of the Second World War in western Europe. Historians have generally focused on the mistakes made...

The Anglican Church has long been defined by its complicated relationship with power and the state. For 150 years, people have sacrificed their lives to defend it, shaping an institution that remains central to British life today. This history is woven...

A journey through over 1,000 years of conflict and culture defines Ukraine's complex history. For centuries, its fertile land was fought over by powerful neighbours, with the modern national movement emerging in the early nineteenth century. It wasn't...

A Nasty Little War: The West's Fight to Reverse the Russian Revolution by Anna Reid. In the closing months of World War I, the Western Allies launched an ambitious military campaign in Russia, known as the Intervention. This was a complex and...

The Asia-Pacific War was a pivotal moment in world history, shaping the modern global landscape. In 1937, Japan's invasion of China sparked a chain reaction of events that would ultimately claim the lives of over 25 million people. This comprehensive...

The American Civil War was one of the most devastating conflicts in late 19th-century America, resulting in over 620,000 casualties across more than 8,000 battles. U.S. Civil War Battle by Battle explores 30 of the war's most significant clashes,...

The Twenty-First-Century General: A Study of Military Command in the Modern Era. In recent years, military decision-making has faced intense scrutiny, with generals facing sustained public criticism. This shift has led to a re-evaluation of traditional...

November 1942: An Intimate History of the Turning Point of the Second World War by Peter Englund. In November 1942, the course of the war seemed to shift dramatically. As one month gave way to another, the tide began to turn against the Axis powers. This...

Outrageous! The Story of Section 28 and Britain's Battle for LGBT Education by Paul Baker is a personal and impassioned history of the infamous Section 28, which banned the teaching of homosexuality in UK schools. In 1988, this law sent shockwaves...

The Windrush Betrayal Exposing the Hostile Environment by Amelia Gentleman is a powerful and thought-provoking work that sheds light on Britain's treatment of migrants. This searing portrait of the country's immigration policies has been widely acclaimed...

Brexit has left Britain with more questions than answers. Six years after the UK's departure from the EU, the reality is that 'Global Britain' has not materialised as promised. In fact, trade with the EU is now 10% more expensive, and average wages for...

The Histories by Herodotus is a foundational work of Western historical writing that explores the ancient world with wit and curiosity. This translation, accompanied by an introduction, provides insight into the lives and cultures of ancient...

The Market in Poetry in the Persian World by Shahzad Bashir explores the value and significance of poetry in the Persian world. By examining reports on poets' lives, Bashir sheds light on the social context in which poetry was produced and consumed...

Dunkirk: Fight to the Last Man is a gripping account of one of the most pivotal moments in World War II. In May 1940, British soldiers found themselves trapped and defeated by the Nazis at Dunkirk, with no clear way out. The evacuation that followed was...

Andrew Martin's Belles and Whistles takes you on a journey through time aboard Britain's iconic trains. From the opulent Brighton Belle to the modern equivalents, Martin explores how we lost our way from luxury to austerity. In this fascinating account,...

In February 1917, German U-boats launched a devastating campaign against Allied and neutral shipping. At its peak in April, they sank over 860,000 tons of merchant vessels. Britain's supremacy at sea was under threat, and the country's food stocks were...

Bali's rich history is marked by its complex interactions with the Western world. From the arrival of the first Dutch fleet in 1597 to the present day, the island has been shaped by foreign influences and its people's struggles to preserve their unique...

Contesting the Crusades by Norman Housley provides an in-depth exploration of this complex and debated topic in medieval history. With over 30 years of experience in crusading scholarship, the author offers a nuanced analysis of the key debates...

Corpus Christi: The Eucharist in Late Medieval Culture explores the significance of the eucharist in medieval culture from the 12th century to the 16th century. At its heart was the idea that this sacrament brought Christ's body into presence, offering...

Asia as Method: Toward Deimperialization by Kuan-Hsing Chen is a thought-provoking analysis that reimagines cultural studies as a pressing global endeavor. Chen argues that the intellectual and subjective work of decolonization, stalled by the Cold War,...

The Castle on Sunset: Love, Fame, Death and Scandal at Hollywood's Chateau Marmont For nearly ninety years, the Chateau Marmont has been a home away from home for Hollywood's brightest stars. This iconic hotel, perched above the Sunset Strip like a...

The face of power has been shaped by images for over 2,000 years. Mary Beard explores how portraits of powerful individuals have influenced art and culture, from ancient Roman emperors to modern politicians. This richly illustrated book takes a fresh...

Help students achieve their best grade in the AQA GCSE (9-1) History exams with this comprehensive Workbook. Packed full of consolidation activities and exam-style questions, it makes it easier to reinforce understanding throughout the course and prepare...

Last Witnesses Unchildlike Stories by Svetlana AlexievichA collection of extraordinary stories about growing up in the Soviet Union during World War II, from those who survived as children and lived with the trauma that shaped their nation.With...

Sir Charles Stewart's life was a complex web of diplomacy and war, spanning across Europe from Britain to the kingdoms and empires of western and central Europe. His career was marked by significant events, including the Napoleonic Wars and royal...

A comprehensive history of the Muslim world from its origins to the dawn of modernity is presented in this book. Michael Cook explores the major events, personalities, conflicts, and convergences that have shaped the history of the Muslim world, taking...

The Maya: A Very Short Introduction By Matthew Restall and Amara Solari The Maya civilization is one of the most fascinating in human history. Despite being divided into numerous ethnic groups speaking distinct languages, they achieved remarkable feats...

The T-34: Russia's Armoured Spearhead Robert Jackson explores the story of the T-34, widely regarded as one of the finest tanks of all time. First conceived in the 1930s, its development during World War II was marked by devastating attacks on the...

The Second World War is a comprehensive study of one of the most significant events in modern history. Martin Gilbert's work explores the war's impact on politics, diplomacy, society and military operations across the globe.This detailed analysis...

The Routledge Companion to Britain in the Nineteenth Century, 1815-1914 provides a comprehensive overview of modern British history from the end of the Napoleonic Wars to the outbreak of the First World War. This clear and concise book covers key areas...

The Battle of Waterloo was one of the most pivotal moments in European history, marking the end of a long and bloody conflict that had engulfed the world for over twenty years. Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat at this battle not only brought an end to his own...

Winston Churchill's six-volume history of World War II remains one of the most comprehensive accounts of this pivotal event. Written in a clear and dramatic style, it recounts how the tide of the war gradually shifted from defeat to success for Britain...

This panoramic history of modern Britain tells the story of one extraordinary family and their groundbreaking company that revolutionised the way we eat, drink and are entertained. From penniless immigrants to building a business empire, the Lyons...

The Rise and Fall of Modern Medicine by James Le Fanu presents a comprehensive reappraisal of modern medicine's science, philosophy, and politics. This in-depth exploration challenges prevailing assumptions about the development of medical thought and...

Dien Bien Phu 1954: A pivotal battle in the First Indochina War that would have far-reaching consequences for France and its colonies. In December 1953, French forces established an 'air-ground base' at Dien Bien Phu, a strategic location in the Thai...

This riveting memoir recounts the experiences of a small group of Americans and their allies who formed the backbone of ground reconnaissance in Vietnam during the war. Nick Brokhausen's second tour to Vietnam was with Recon Team Habu, CCN, part of...

Princess Victoria Melita's life was marked by colour and intrigue, set against the backdrop of imperial courts in early 20th-century Europe. This biography draws on previously unpublished correspondence from the Royal Archives and Astor papers to create...

Ibn Naẓīf's World-History Al-Tā'rīkh Al-Manṣūrī by David Cook is a comprehensive and annotated translation of this significant historical text. First published, this book provides an extensive introduction to the later Crusader and middle Ayyūbid...

The Remarkable Saga of a Nation and a City is an epic account of the mass migration from Ireland to Glasgow in the mid-nineteenth century. This story brings to life the horrors of the Great Famine and reveals the unimaginable suffering endured as a...

The A to Z of France by Gino Raymond provides a comprehensive history of France through its most significant events and figures. Spanning from the construction of iconic landmarks like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, to pivotal moments such as the Fall...

When the Lights Went Out: Britain in the SeventiesA fresh perspective on a pivotal decade. This book explores what really happened during the 1970s, drawing on interviews with key figures from politics and beyond.The author brings the era back to life,...

Valkyrie: The Women of the Viking World by Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir is a fascinating exploration of the female supernatural beings in Viking mythology. These powerful women were believed to choose who would die and live, guiding the fates of...

Folklore and Nation in Britain and Ireland explores the complex relationships between folklore, nationhood, and identity in Britain and Ireland. This collection of essays brings together scholars from various disciplines to examine how folklore has been...

The Arms Crisis of 1970: A Groundbreaking Investigation into Ireland's Most Infamous Trial. In 1970, a high-profile trial shook the foundations of modern Irish history. Two cabinet ministers, accused of smuggling arms to the IRA in Northern Ireland, were...

The Convoy HG-76: A Turning Point in the Naval War In December 1941, a major convoy set sail from Gibraltar to Britain, but the odds were stacked against it. A wolfpack of U-boats and heavy Luftwaffe commitments made this mission a daunting task. Yet,...

GCHQ: The Uncensored Story of Britain's Most Secret Intelligence Agency by Richard J. Aldrich is a gripping exploration of the Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ), the largest and most secretive intelligence organisation in the country. From its...

The Breaking Storm: A Day-by-Day Chronicle of the Battle of Britain's First Phase Dilip Sarkar's comprehensive account of the Battle of Britain's first phase, spanning from 10 July to 12 August 1940, provides a detailed examination of the events leading...

Captain Darrell Watt's story is one of remarkable resilience and valor in the face of overwhelming odds. During the 1970s, he played a pivotal role in Rhodesia's fight against Communist-supported elements, showcasing his skills as a military maestro and...