History

The Reivers: A Story of Survival and Deception From the early fourteenth century to the end of the sixteenth century, the Anglo-Scottish borderlands were plagued by intense periods of warfare and disorder. As a result, many people turned to reiving -...

The Marshall Plan: Dawn of the Cold War by Benn Steil In 1947, the United States launched a massive effort to rebuild Western Europe, driven by a vision that would shape the course of world events. This ambitious undertaking was the brainchild of U.S...

For over 40 years, the Islamic Republic has defied widespread criticism and international pressure, maintaining its commitment to a nuclear programme and a reputation as a regional troublemaker. Despite assertions that the revolution is finally running...

The Battered Body Beneath the Flagstones, and Other Victorian Scandals by Michelle Morgan is a gripping exploration of the darker side of Victorian England. This book delves into high-profile crimes and scandals that shocked the era, alongside...

The Falaise Gap Battles Normandy 1944 by Simon Forty and Leo Marriott is a detailed account of one of the most pivotal battles in World War II. In August 1944, Allied forces broke out of the bocage and pushed deep into German-occupied France, ultimately...

Black Elk Speaks: A Visionary's Story for All Humanity. This powerful and inspirational message shares the story of Nicholas Black Elk, an Oglala Lakota visionary and healer, and his people during the tumultuous 19th century. The book conveys Black Elk's...

The lives of 3.5 million children were forever changed when war came to England. Ben Wicks tells the story of these evacuees, whose daily routines were upended as they moved from city streets to rural homes. As they navigated their new surroundings,...

Immoderate Greatness: Why Civilizations FailThis thought-provoking analysis explores how the very magnitude of a civilization can lead to its downfall. According to Ophuls, civilizations are inherently self-destructive, driven by an inexorable trend...

Jared Diamond's Collapse explores how societies choose to succeed or fail in the face of environmental challenges and societal pressures. By tracing the collapse of various civilizations throughout history, including those on Easter Island, in North...

Prisons and Prisoners in Victorian Britain provides a unique insight into the lives of those within the Victorian prison system. This book explores the daily experiences of prisoners, including their food, religious services, exercise, and medical care,...

China's War with Japan, 1937-1945: The Struggle for Survival by Rana Mitter The Second World War is often dated from September 1939, but one event in particular - the 'Marco Polo Bridge Incident' of July 1937 - marks a turning point in the conflict...

The 1950s Home offers a fascinating glimpse into Britain's transformation during this pivotal decade. Following World War II, there was a significant building programme, leading to the creation of new towns and a mid-twentieth century vision for the home...

Colouring History: Tudors by Natalie Grueninger and Kathryn Holeman is a beautifully illustrated colouring book that brings the fascinating world of the Tudor dynasty to life. With its unique blend of history and creativity, this book provides hours of...

Private Revolutions: A powerful and moving portrait of four Chinese women striving for a better future in an unequal society. Yuan Yang tells their stories, from June's dreams of university to Sam's fight for survival as her activist peers are silenced...

The Little Book of Manchester offers an engaging and informative look at the city's rich history. From its Roman origins to the present day, this compact guide provides bite-sized chunks of history that can be easily dipped into again and again.Discover...

The cult of saints has been a defining feature of Christianity since its earliest days. This sweeping history explores the fascinating story of veneration of the holy dead from the second-century martyrs to the Protestant Reformation. From miracles and...

The Second World War: An Illustrated History brings to life the pivotal events of one of history's most significant conflicts. Renowned historian James Holland and award-winning artist Keith Burns collaborate on this comprehensive yet fast-paced...

The Evening of Life: The Challenges of Aging and Dying Well by Reynald Secher Reynald Secher presents a thought-provoking exploration of aging and dying, shedding new light on the complexities of this universal human experience. Drawing upon previously...

Surviving the Holocaust: True Stories of Auschwitz Survivors and War Crimes of the Second World War by Margalit Kafni is a poignant and thought-provoking account of one of the darkest periods in human history. This book delves into the lives of...

A unique and nostalgic archive from 1937 is presented in Mirror On. This collection features 120 original Daily Mirror newspaper front pages from that year, offering a fascinating glimpse into the major news events of the time. These authentic newspaper...

A compelling new history of the Great War, this book tells the story from the perspective of Berlin and Vienna. It is fundamentally a history of ordinary people, exploring how the course of the war put their world under impossible strain.The empires of...

The Vampire Boys: True Tales from Operators of the RAF's First Single-Engined Jet by Charlotte Bailey. In 1946, the de Havilland Vampire became the first single-engined jet to enter operational service with the RAF. Its distinctive Goblin engine and...

The Medici: A Family's Rise and Fall from Power A forensic study of the Renaissance banking dynasty reveals a world of art, literature, philosophy, and brutality. Mary Hollingsworth challenges the traditional narrative of the Medici family, arguing that...

Treasures of British History: 50 Key Documents that Shaped the Nation's Story Explore the pivotal moments in English history through 50 key documents, carefully curated by celebrated historians Peter and Dan Snow. From the Magna Carta to Hitler's letter...

Sheila Fitzpatrick's On Stalin's Team offers a fresh perspective on the Soviet leader and his inner circle. Contrary to popular opinion, this team was not simply a group of yes-men, but rather a cohesive unit that worked closely with Stalin from the late...

Old Clarkston and Netherlee offers a unique glimpse into the history of Glasgow's south side suburbs. Packed with local history and informative captions, this book is accompanied by a wide variety of old photographs from the 1920s to the 1930s, as well...

This comprehensive history of Russia explores how the country has defined itself and its values over nearly a century. From the Bolsheviks to Vladimir Putin, the author examines the cultural, social, and political factors that have shaped the nation's...

The 21 Escapes of Lt Alastair Cram is a gripping account of one man's unwavering determination to survive against all odds. In November 1941, Lt Alastair Cram was taken prisoner in North Africa, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey through...

Strange and fantastical tales from Victorian Britain's darker side are revealed in this collection. Based on a privately held archive of Illustrated Police News, these stories showcase bizarre episodes from the era, including supernatural events, strange...

The Greek Civil War had a profound impact on thirty-eight thousand children, who were forcibly relocated from their homes in northern Greece. Half were sent to orphanages in Eastern Europe, while the other half were placed in children's homes elsewhere...

Edward Gibbon's monumental work, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, chronicles the rise and fall of one of history's greatest civilizations over thirteen centuries. Spanning from the reign of Augustus to 395 AD, this six-volume...

Sam Willis tells the remarkable story behind J.M.W. Turner's masterpiece, The Fighting Temeraire Tugged to her Last Berth to be Broken Up (1838). This painting is a testament to the bravery and skill of British sailors during the Battle of Trafalgar in...

The British Pacific Fleet 1944-45: A New Account of the Royal Navy's Crucial Role in Japan's Downfall. This illustrated account explores the pivotal role played by the British Pacific Fleet during the final year of World War II. With its powerful ships...

The Blitz Then and Now by Winston G. Ramsey provides a detailed record of the first year of World War II, from September 3rd, 1939 to September 6th, 1940. This period saw a shift from the initial air raid warnings to the threat of total war, with Hitler...

Central Asia: A New History from Imperial Conquests to the Present explores the complex and often overlooked region at the crossroads of world events. Spanning over 200 years, this comprehensive history delves into how foreign conquests shaped Central...

Reexamine the life and impact of King Penda, whose reputation has been challenged as he shaped early medieval Britain through cultural pluralism and stability. Paul Barrett explores the background to the Anglo-Saxon takeover in England and delves into...

Barry Strauss presents a compelling narrative of the Roman Empire's transformation over three and a half centuries, tracing its rise to reinvention through the lives of ten influential emperors.The story begins with Augustus, who founded the empire, and...

The Peripatetic University: A History of Cambridge's Extra Mural Department By Edwin Welch, published by Cambridge University Press in 2008. This book tells the story of the Cambridge Extra Mural Board, which was instrumental in shaping adult education...

Discover the fascinating stories behind Sussex's most intriguing past. From medieval package tours to Russian memorials, and from eccentric residents to ingenious inventors, this book takes you on a journey through the county's most curious tales. Read...

Seventy-five years after the end of World War II, the Soviet Navy's wartime activities and fates remain shrouded in secrecy. This comprehensive book sheds new light on this previously classified subject, making it an invaluable resource for historians...

The Rif War Volume 1 - from Taxdirt to the Disaster of Annual 1909-1921 by Javier Garcia de Gabiola In the rugged north of Morocco, the French Foreign Legion's intervention was just one part of a larger conflict that would shape the region's history...

The Rolls-Royce Merlin engine played a pivotal role in the outcome of World War II. Its development was a testament to British ingenuity and artistry, resulting in a war-winning design that would stop Hitler from invading Britain and carry the war to the...

Colour in the intricate designs of Victorian-era tiles with this unique colouring book. Featuring 39 patterns to bring to life, it's an ideal activity for those looking to relax and express their creativity.Each design is carefully recreated from...

The Deluge: A New Story of Global Mastery On the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, Adam Tooze presents a powerful explanation of why the war's legacy continues to shape our world. In this panoramic new book, Tooze tells a radical story of...

B.R. Ambedkar's Annihilation of Caste is a seminal work of political writing from India, first published in 1936. In this groundbreaking text, Ambedkar critiques the Hindu scriptures that underpin a rigidly hierarchical and unjust social system. His...

Ravensbrück: A History of Life and Death in Hitler's Concentration Camp for Women Located fifty miles north of Berlin, Ravensbrück was a concentration camp designed by Heinrich Himmler before the outbreak of World War II. The camp held prisoners from...

Spain in the Middle Ages: From Frontier to Empire, 1000-1500 by Angus MacKay is a comprehensive history of Spain during this pivotal period. This book explores the transformation of Spain from a medieval frontier state to a major European power,...

The New England Frontier: A Vanishing Culture By 1700, several Native American tribes in the region had already been largely destroyed, and many others were soon reduced and driven from their lands by disease, war or treachery. The tribes were also drawn...

Discover the world's greatest myths and legends in this comprehensive guide. From Greek mythology to Norse mythology, explore over 1,000 illustrations that bring famous legends to life. This book delves into well-known tales of ancient Greece, as well as...

The Hawker Hurricane: A Warplane That Won the Day The Hawker Hurricane was Britain's first-ever wartime fighter plane and proved to be one of the most successful in aerial combat. Its reputation as a durable and reliable aircraft allowed it to outperform...

Cornish Wrecking: Separating Myth from Reality Cathryn J. Pearce's comprehensive study challenges the popular image of Cornish wreckers as villains deliberately luring ships onto the rocks. Through a systematic inquiry, she separates out myth from fact,...

The Royal Navy's American-built Destroyers and Frigates 1940-45 played a crucial role in Britain's war in the Atlantic. As U-boat attacks intensified, the United States passed the Lend-Lease Act, providing vital support to the Allies. Naval historian...

Broadcasting Britain: 100 years of the BBC is a vivid celebration of a global cultural icon. From its humble beginnings in 1922 to its current status as a world leader, the BBC has played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the world.Head of...

Understanding revolutions and their underlying causes is crucial in itself. However, it's equally important to grasp how these events are rooted in the societies they disrupt. Jack Goldstone's Revolution and Rebellion offers valuable insights into this...

O'Connell Street: A History and Life of Dublin's Iconic Street At the heart of Dublin lies O'Connell Street, a street that has witnessed centuries of change and drama. From its origins in 1147 to the present day, this iconic street has been shaped by the...

Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was a remarkable man who transformed the English countryside into beautiful parks that seemed to be only the work of nature. His clients included half the House of Lords, six Prime Ministers and even royalty. Author Sarah...

A riveting account of one night in New York City, when darkness brought both chaos and heroism. On July 13, 1977, the city was plunged into blackout, sparking a mix of excitement, adventure, and fear as people responded to the crisis. As Goodman...

The Men of the North: The Britons of Southern Scotland by Tim Clarkson This book explores the history of the North Britons, a native Celtic people who played a significant role in shaping Scottish history during the first millennium AD. From their...

The Witches of St Osyth by Marion Gibson is an emotive and haunting story that sheds new light on a pivotal moment in English history. In 1581-2, a wave of misogynistic persecution swept through early modern England, resulting in the Essex witch...

The French Revolution: A New Ideological Age Emerges David Andress examines the birth of a new ideological age and the bloody emergence of Europe's first political terrorists during this pivotal period in history. This work provides a comprehensive...

A comprehensive history of modern Britain spans from the 18th century to the present day. James Vernon's narrative explores the rise and fall of liberal ideas about markets, governments, and empires, as well as their impact on the environment, global...

Astrology in Mesopotamian Culture by A. E. Thierens explores the significance of astrology within ancient Mesopotamian culture. This study delves into the historical context and practices surrounding astrology, shedding light on its role in everyday life...

The Geisha: A Unique Insight into Japan's Ancient Profession Liza Dalby, the only non-Japanese woman to have become a geisha, offers a rare and intimate look at the world of these enigmatic women. With her unique perspective, she reveals the intricate...

This student book explores key events and themes in European history from the medieval period. Topics include the Norman Conquest, religion in medieval England, the Crusades, problems faced by medieval monarchs, and the impact of the Black Death...

A Dictionary of British History by John Ashton Cannon and John Cannon provides authoritative entries on the people and events that have shaped Britain's history since 55 BC. With over 3,800 entries written by specialist contributors, this dictionary...

Solve puzzles inspired by the world-renowned treasures of the British Museum. This beautifully designed puzzle book features challenging brain teasers, word games, crosswords and decipherment challenges based on the Museum's vast collection. From the...

Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA: A Guide for Family and Local Historians By Graham S. Holton This accessible introduction to genetic genealogy provides a clear and practical way into the subject, explaining the scientific discoveries and techniques...

Ramon Llull's The Book of the Order of Chivalry is a foundational text that explores the principles and practices of chivalric culture. Composed between 1274 and 1276, this work aimed to create and codify the rules for a unilateral Order of Chivalry,...

The dramatic true story of India's princely states is one of betrayal and intrigue. In July 1947, Lord Louis Mountbatten delivered a crucial speech to the Chamber of Princes in New Delhi, with just three weeks to convince over 550 sovereign states to...

The Pirate King: A Legendary Heist and the Birth of Piracy's Golden Age Henry Avery, known as the "Robin Hood of the Seas," pulled off one of piracy's most infamous heists in 1695. Absconding with millions from a Mughal ship off the coast of India, Avery...

Rome's transformation from a small Iron Age settlement to a powerful city was nothing short of spectacular. By the third century BC, it had become a large and influential metropolis, boasting monumental temples, public buildings, and grand houses. But...

Latin American Wars 1900-1941: "Banana Wars," Border Wars & Revolutions The early 20th century saw frequent disturbances in Central and South America, with border clashes, civil wars, and revolutions becoming commonplace. These conflicts, often referred...

A sweeping historical analysis of telecommunications networks in the United States, from the Post Office to the internet. This book recovers the social history of major network systems, revealing how they have been shaped by conflict and embedded in the...

The Black Death: A New History of the Bubonic Plagues of London by Stephen Porter is a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of one of history's most devastating pandemics. From its origins in the sixth century to its final visitation in 1665,...

Stonehenge Exploring the Greatest Stone Age MysteryThis book explores the people who built Stonehenge and its relationship to the surrounding landscape. Through years of work at the site, new evidence has been uncovered that challenges our previous...

Andalucía's rich cultural heritage spans over 1.8 million years, from the earliest hominid settlers in the Granada mountains to the present day. This book explores the region's complex history, tracing the influence of successive cultures including...

The Occupation of France: A History of Collaboration and Resistance 1940-1944 by Roderick Kedward provides a concise overview of life in occupied France from 1940 to 1944. This book examines the complex struggle between those who collaborated with the...

A facsimile edition of the manual used by the Land Girls during World War II. Published in 1941, this practical guide was created for city-dwellers recruited into the Women's Land Army to work on farms in rural England. The Women's Land Army was formed...

New Milton, Chalkwell & the Crowstone by Marion PearceA historical exploration of a lesser-known corner of England's past, New Milton, Chalkwell & the Crowstone delves into the region's history and heritage.First published in 2023, this new edition...

Afghan Heat is a gripping account of an SAS operative's experiences during operations in Afghanistan. From selection to deployment, this book takes readers through the intense and often brutal world of special forces operations.The author recounts...

The Roman Army: The Greatest War Machine of the Ancient World A comprehensive history of the Roman legions from their early beginnings to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This book delves into the development of tactics, equipment and training that...

Czechoslovak Arms Exports to the Middle East Volume 2 - Syria, 1948-1989 by Martin Smisek provides a comprehensive account of Czechoslovak military involvement in the region during the Cold War era. Following communist Czechoslovakia's integration into...

Sharon Bennett Connolly explores the lives of women who shaped Early Modern Europe during the Renaissance and Reformation.From regents to writers, nuns to queens, these women faced significant challenges and threats, yet they persevered and made a...

War in European History by Michael Howard provides a comprehensive survey of the changing ways that war has been waged in Europe over the past millennium. From the Norse invasions to the present day, this book offers a succinct and enlightening overview...

David Howarth's Images of Rule explores the significant role visual arts played in shaping Great Britain's politics during the Tudor and early Stuart monarchies. This authoritative account examines how art was used to reinforce power, with a focus on its...

The Picts: A History by T. J. Clarkson and Tim Clarkson The Picts were an ancient nation who ruled much of northern and eastern Scotland during the Dark Ages, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage that has been shrouded in myth and misconception. This...

The Earth An Intimate History by Richard A. Fortey is a groundbreaking exploration of our planet's shape and history. Over billions of years, the earth has undergone constant change, shaped by earthquakes, volcanoes, and continental drift. This book...

The significance of gladiatorial contests in Roman culture remains a fascinating and complex topic. Various theories have been proposed to explain their importance, including their role as sacrifices, initiation rituals, or substitutes for warfare...

Turkey: A Short History by Norman Stone This concise survey of Turkey's relations with its immediate neighbours and the wider world spans over 800 years, from the arrival of the Seljuks in Anatolia to the present day. The historian explores how this epic...

A Concise American History provides a comprehensive overview of the United States' history from its early modern roots to twenty-first-century neoliberalism. This textbook offers a balanced examination of domestic America and its interaction with the...

The Romantic Revolution by T. C. W. Blanning is a compelling account of how this pivotal movement changed our understanding and expression. Around 1800, three significant revolutions took place, with the romantic revolution being perhaps the most...

A Street in Arnhem: The Agony of Occupation and Liberation by Robert Kershaw tells the story of one street's experience during the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944. This book focuses on the lives of ordinary people, including British soldiers, Polish...

Patronage and Power in the Medieval Welsh March presents an in-depth account of a single Welsh family from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century. Their rise to prominence was facilitated by the patronage of great lords, who helped them become...

Judy: A True Hero of World War II. Damien Lewis tells the remarkable story of Judy, an English pointer who became a symbol of hope and inspiration to Allied servicemen during World War II. After being bombed and shipwrecked multiple times while serving...

Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War IIJohn W. Dower's Pulitzer Prize-winning history explores Japan's tumultuous six-year occupation by the United States, revealing the complex interplay between East and West.Through a vast array of Japanese...

The Gothic has evolved far beyond its origins in architecture and literature. From crumbling ruins to suburban malls, it has taken on many forms, influencing our popular culture today. This book explores the path of the Gothic across time and media,...

Hubert Wilkins was an Australian whose life was as remarkable as it was varied. Born into a family of pioneer pastoralists in South Australia, he went on to study engineering before pursuing photography. His bravery and boldness led him to become a polar...

Wealth and the Demand for Art in Italy, 1300-1600 by Richard A. Goldthwaite explores how the roots of modern consumer society can be found in Renaissance Italy. This study offers a significant contribution to our understanding of the history of modern...

Margaret of Austria: Governor of the Netherlands and Early 16th-Century Europe's Greatest Diplomat By Rozsa Gaston In 1480, Margaret was born in Brussels, marking the beginning of a life that would take her to the heart of European politics. As governor...

Boost your confidence with this ISEB-endorsed exam practice book for the 13+ History exam. This essential guide covers all areas of study in the ISEB CE 13+ specification, including Medieval Realms (1066-1485), The Making of the UK (1485-1750) and...