History

The Battle that Turned the Tide: A Thrilling Account of El Alamein. In November 1942, the British victory at El Alamein marked a turning point in World War II. Yet, despite its significance, this pivotal moment remains shrouded in mystery. Jonathan...

The Red Prince: The Fall of a Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Europe by Timothy Snyder is a masterful biography that charts the life of an extraordinary individual, whose loyalty to his Ukrainian dreams endured even after the country's dissolution in 1921...

Ten Men Dead: The Story of the 1981 Irish Hunger Strike by David Beresford. In 1981, ten men starved themselves to death in prison, their bodies slowly failing as they fought for recognition as political prisoners. This was a moment of great turmoil in...

A history of the castles, mansions and manors of Western Sussex is a detailed exploration of the region's rich architectural heritage. Assisted by Charles John Robinson, this work provides an in-depth look at the history and development of the area's...

Australia A Biography of a Nation tells the story of how a one-time British colony turned itself into a prosperous and confident country. From federation to the Second World War, and from immigration to forging its own unique identity, this book...

Zen at War (2nd Edition) by Brian Daizen Victoria explores the complex and often contradictory role of Zen Buddhism in Japan during World War II. Through meticulous research, the author reveals how Zen served as a foundation for the militaristic spirit...

Edward III: A Heroic Failure The Penguin Monarchs series presents a concise and engaging account of England's rulers. This new paperback edition tells the story of Edward III, who ruled for fifty years and was revered by his contemporaries as the perfect...

Discover the fascinating stories of Scotland's women, beyond the well-known biographies of famous figures.This book delves into the lesser-known tales surrounding royalty, witches, peasants and revolutionaries, revealing a rich and complex history of...

The Gentry: 600 Years of a Peculiarly English Class Adam Nicolson's sweeping narrative explores the lives of fourteen gentry families across five centuries, shedding light on the creation of England's distinctive character. From medieval landowners to...

The Chaplin Machine Slapstick, Fordism and the Communist Avant-garde by Owen Hatherley explores a fascinating intersection of art, politics, and industry in early 20th-century Europe. This book challenges the conventional view of the Soviet avant-garde...

Isabella Stewart Gardner's museum is a testament to her extraordinary life and art collection. Born in 1840, Isabella Stewart Gardner was an American original whose own life was remade by art. This vivid story explores the fascinating ways the museum and...

Ancient Greek Philosophers by Editors of Canterbury Classics is a comprehensive collection of thoughts from some of history's most influential thinkers. This beautifully bound leather volume explores key topics such as ethics, morality, law, medicine,...

Thucydides's Trap: A Pattern of Structural Stress in International Relations The rise and fall of empires has been a recurring theme throughout history. Thucydides, the ancient Greek historian, observed this phenomenon in the Peloponnesian War between...

A remarkable true story that spans continents and time. In Search of Amrit Kaur is a captivating tale of love, loss, and survival set against the backdrop of World War II. When Italian writer Livia Manera Sambuy encounters a photograph of Princess Amrit...

Zero Six Bravo 60 Special Forces, 100,000 Enemy, the Explosive True Story by Damien LewisIn March 2003, M Squadron - an elite SBS unit with SAS embeds - embarked on a mission impossible to take the surrender of the 100,000-strong Iraqi Army 5th Corps...

The Roman army was a vast and complex organisation that dominated the ancient Western world. This book explores everyday life within its ranks, shedding light on the experiences of ordinary soldiers and the people they encountered. From the food they ate...

Lindisfarne: The Cradle Island is a fascinating account of the rich and eventful history of this captivating island. Known as 'Holy Island', Lindisfarne has been a place of great significance for centuries, and its story is one that spans from ancient...

The Voynich Manuscript is one of mankind's most enduring mysteries. First brought to academic attention in the 17th Century, it has been the subject of centuries-long study and speculation. Despite extensive research, the manuscript remains largely...

Sussex, Kent and Surrey 1939 by Richard Wyndham is a fascinating insight into the south east of England in the years leading up to World War II. In this unique travelogue, the author takes readers on a 'last look round' of the counties before his own...

Stalin's Revenge: Operation Bagration and the Annihilation of Army Group Centre is a detailed study of one of the largest offensives in military history. In the summer of 1944, the Red Army crushed Army Group Centre, marking a significant turning point...

The Making of the American West: A Story of Settlement and Exploration from 1800 to the Present. From the Louisiana Purchase to the settling of Alaska, this sweeping history chronicles the formation of the United States through the stories of ordinary...

The British Crusader and Italian M13/40 tanks played crucial roles in World War II's Desert War. This illustrated study assesses their combat effectiveness during 1941-42, focusing on the evolution of these two medium tanks as the Desert War raged on...

The story of the thirty-nine female SOE agents who went undercover in France is one of remarkable courage and sacrifice. Kate Vigurs brings to light the often-overlooked stories of these women, whose missions varied greatly in terms of duration and...

The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavia by Neil S. Price explores the lesser-known world of Old Norse sorcery, shedding light on its meaning, practice, and practitioners. This fully-revised second edition delves into the complexities...

Burning the Books: A History of Knowledge Under AttackThis book takes us on a 3000-year journey through the destruction of knowledge and the fight against all odds to preserve it. From ancient times to the modern era, Richard Ovenden explores how attacks...

The Ones Who Got Away: Mighty Eighth Airmen on the Run in Occupied EuropeShot down over enemy lines during World War II, these intrepid American aircrew had to rely on skill, tenacity, and luck to evade capture. Their stories are a testament to bravery...

A New Perspective on American History For centuries, the history of the United States has been told from a European-American perspective. However, this narrative has largely omitted the experiences and struggles of Native Americans, who have been present...

Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis This is the story of the thirteen days in October 1962 when the United States confronted the Soviet Union over its installation of missiles in Cuba. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who was deeply involved in...

Tracing Britain's rise and fall as a sea power from the Tudors to the present day, this book challenges traditional views on British naval history. Paul Kennedy argues that the country's fortunes as a significant maritime force have always been closely...

The Military and Police Forces of the Gulf States: The Aden Protectorate 1839-1967 by Athol Yates, Cliff Lord, and David Birtles is a detailed examination of the military, police, and para-military services of Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar from the early...

Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan and Bin Laden by Steve Coll is a groundbreaking account of the CIA's secret involvement in al-Qaeda's evolution. Prize-winning journalist Steve Coll has spent years reporting from the Middle East,...

A History of Ancient Greece in 50 Lives by David Stuttard explores the lives of fifty key figures who shaped the Greek world. From early tyrant rulers to the rise of democracy and the eventual decline of the civilization, this narrative weaves together...

Hardcover, 208 pages, published 2024. Clair Wills' search for her missing cousin Mary takes her across archives and nations in pursuit of a family secret. Her uncle's decision to leave his lover Lily pregnant and their child behind has left a lasting...

The Bystander Society: Conformity and Complicity in Nazi Germany and the Holocaust by Mary Fulbrook In this thought-provoking work, historian Mary Fulbrook examines the role of ordinary Germans in enabling the rise of Nazism and the devastating...

The Age of Arthur: A History of the British Isles from 350 to 650 by John Morris A comprehensive and insightful exploration of Britain's formative centuries, this book delves into the complex web of politics, society, economy, religion, and culture that...

Homer's Odyssey Books VI-VIII offers an in-depth exploration of the epic hero's journey. This collection delves into the latter stages of Odysseus' return, revealing a complex tapestry of emotions and events that have captivated readers for centuries...

The Holy Roman Empire: A Thousand-Year History. Founded in 800, the Holy Roman Empire was established on the basis of Charlemagne's Frankish kingdom and went on to claim his legacy, including his role as protector of the papacy and guardian of the Church...

Estonian Textbook Grammar, Exercises, Conversation by J Tuldava is designed for Americans and other English speakers interested in learning Estonian. This comprehensive textbook offers 40 lessons, each divided into six sections: grammar, readings,...

Rivers of Gold: The Rise of the Spanish Empire by Hugh Thomas is a vivid and compelling narrative that brings to life the spirit of an ebullient age. In the 15th century, Spanish adventurers set sail for the Caribbean, driven by hopes of riches and...

The State in the Forest offers a fresh perspective on the environmental history of 19th-century Europe. This book explores the conflict over wood resources in the Venetian Alps, shedding light on key aspects of the agrarian world during this period...

The North (and Almost Everything in It) A beautifully woven tapestry of memoir, social history and cultural observation, Paul Morley's The North offers a unique portrait of Northern England and its people. Born and raised in the region, Morley explores...

Netsuke: 100 Miniature Masterpieces from Japan by Noriko Tsuchiya is a collection of exquisite miniature sculptures from Japan's Netsuke art form. Created to adorn traditional Japanese clothing, these intricate objects showcase the skill and...

The Deluge: British Society and the First World WarThis influential work explores life on the home front during the 1920s, revealing how social changes transformed Britain between 1914 and the post-war period. A new Preface by leading historian Joanna...

Luftwaffe Fighter-Bombers Over Britain: A previously little-known aspect of World War II air war is explored in this detailed analysis. From March 1942 to June 1943, the German Luftwaffe conducted 'Tip and Run' attacks against British targets, causing...

John Julius Norwich's final book offers a comprehensive and engaging history of France, spanning two millennia from Gaul to de Gaulle.The author tackles this vast subject with lightness and urbanity, making it accessible to readers who may know little...

The English Civil War At First Hand by Tristram Hunt is a narrative that brings to life the traumatic events of the 17th-century conflict. With a focus on first-hand accounts, this book sheds light on the motivations, fears and misery of those who lived...

The Balkans, 1804-2012: A History of Nationalism, War and Great Powers Misha Glenny's landmark history of the Balkans challenges our understanding of this complex region by revealing unexpected alliances between long-time enemies. Through a sweeping...

The Restless Republic: Britain Without a Crown by Anna Keay is a gripping narrative that explores the pivotal decade following the execution of King Charles I in 1649. This was a time of great upheaval, as the English monarchy was abolished and the...

The 1984 Miners' strike was a pivotal moment in Modern British history. A major industrial nation had been reborn from the ashes of the Second World War, with nationalised industries and trade unions playing a significant role. However, this came to an...

Prague in Black and Gold: A History of a City reveals the rich cultural heritage of this unique city, from its devastating past to its musical elegance. This comprehensive history unravels the symbolic sites and buildings that make Prague so fascinating...

The Great Cat and Dog Massacre: A Forgotten Tragedy of World War II In September 1939, Britain witnessed a devastating tragedy: four hundred thousand cats and dogs were massacred. Despite the government's opposition to this killing, thousands of citizens...

Armies of Russia's War in Ukraine by Mark Galeotti explores the complex conflict between Ukrainian and Russian forces in the Donbas region since 2014. This book delves into the background of the current Russian invasion, examining the role of regular and...

The Corps of Colonial Marines: A Little-Remembered Part of British Military and African-American History. During the Anglo-American War of 1812, thousands of enslaved African Americans fled to British forces in what became the largest emancipation of...

Reinhard Heydrich: A Biography of Darkness and Deception This definitive biography sheds light on one of the most infamous figures of World War II, Reinhard Heydrich. Through in-depth interviews with those who knew him best, Nancy Dougherty presents a...

The Siege of Mecca: A Forgotten Uprising in Islam's Holiest Shrine Yaroslav Trofimov explores a pivotal moment in modern history, when hundreds of gunmen seized Islam's holiest shrine, the Grand Mosque in Mecca. In November 1979, this bold and complex...

Incarnations: A History of India in 50 Lives brings to life the rich and varied past of one of the world's largest democracies. Sunil Khilnani explores the lives of 50 Indians, from spiritualist Buddha to capitalist Dhirubhai Ambani, shedding light on...

A Brief History of the Samurai by Jonathan Clements provides a comprehensive overview of the art and culture of the samurai warrior. Emerging as a warrior caste in Medieval Japan, the samurai would have a profound influence on the country's history and...

A History of Eastern Europe 1918 to the Present explores how the region's complex past continues to shape its present. Emerging from World War I as 'the lands between', new states struggled with their vulnerability to Germany and Soviet Russia, setting...

Lilli Lehmann's "How to Sing" is a comprehensive guide to singing, offering practical advice and techniques for improving vocal skills. First published in 1910, this book has been made available again through the TREDITION CLASSICS series, which aims to...

Countess Constance Markievicz was a remarkable woman who defied conventions and fought for a cause she believed in. This biography sheds light on her life, from her privileged upbringing to her time as an art student in London and Paris, and her later...

Waffen-SS Uniforms In Color Photographs is a detailed study of the uniforms and equipment used by the Waffen-SS during World War II. This volume in the Europa Militaria Series features rare photographs from private collections, showcasing the uniforms,...

The 50s: A Decade in Review This anthology brings together iconic pieces from The New Yorker Magazine's archives, offering a unique perspective on the 1950s. Featuring contributions from prominent writers of the time, including Philip Roth and John...

Robert Fisk's final work is a powerful and unflinching account of the Middle East over the last twenty years. Picking up where his previous book, The Great War of Civilisation, left off, Fisk examines the aftermath of the Iraq invasion in 2005, as well...

The Falklands War was one of the most unusual chapters in modern British history. Ten weeks after being deployed 8,000 miles from home, 28,000 soldiers clashed with Argentina over a tiny South American territory.This account of the conflict is a...

Burning Woman by Lucy H. Pearce is a powerful exploration of feminine power and its suppression throughout history. This incendiary text delves into the ways in which women have been controlled, shamed, and destroyed, and offers a vision for reclaiming...

Our Hidden Lives: The Remarkable Diaries of Postwar BritainSimon Garfield's fascinating book brings to life the everyday lives of ordinary people in post-war Britain, as recorded in the Mass Observation Project diaries. Spanning from 1945 to 1948, these...

The Life and Death of St. Kilda: A Vanished Island Community Located at the westernmost point of the United Kingdom, St Kilda is a remote archipelago off Scotland's coast. For over two thousand years, its inhabitants lived in isolation, developing a...

At the heart of Asia lies a region that is rapidly changing the continent's trajectory. Thant Myint-U explores this crossroads, where China and India meet, to reveal its significance for the future.This colourful and compelling exploration delves into...

Operation Certain Death by Damien Lewis is a gripping true story of all-out war. In 1999, a group of British soldiers were captured and held hostage in a fortified jungle hideaway in Sierra Leone. Led by the SAS, a daring rescue mission was launched,...

The Book of Phobias and Manias: A History of the World in 99 Obsessions by Kate Summerscale Discover how our phobias and manias have taken shape, from pre-history to the present day. This rich and fascinating compendium explores the threads between the...

The Holocaust as History and Warning by Timothy Snyder The Holocaust is often seen as a unique event, but Timothy Snyder argues that we have missed basic lessons from its history. By examining the ideas and politics that enabled the Nazi extermination of...

A passionate account of how France's metropolitan elites and working classes are tearing the country apart. Christophe Guilluy argues that France has become an "American society" - increasingly multicultural but also increasingly unequal. The divide...

The RAF Bomber Command Operations Manual 1939 to 1945 provides a detailed insight into the workings of one of the most powerful instruments of 20th century warfare. This comprehensive guide covers the planning, execution and analysis of bomber operations...

The story of Richard, 3rd Duke of York, is often overshadowed by his more famous sons. However, this biography sheds new light on the life of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping English history. Matthew Lewis reveals a complex individual with...

London in Fragments: A Mudlark's Treasures by Ted Sandling Ted Sandling's remarkable finds from the Thames foreshore offer a unique glimpse into London's history. From Roman tiles to elegant Georgian pottery, these beautifully photographed relics reveal...

The Samurai Invasion of Korea 1592-98 by Stephen Turnbull is a detailed account of Japan's invasion of Korea during the late 16th century. In 1592, Toyotomi Hideyoshi launched a massive invasion force against Korea, which was initially successful in...

Ed Husain's "Among the Mosques: A Journey Across Muslim Britain" offers a nuanced exploration of the complex relationship between Islam and modern British society. As the fastest-growing faith community in the country, Muslims are increasingly shaping...

Logistics in World War II 1939-1945 by John Norris is a detailed study of the often-overlooked role of logistics in the outcome of every campaign and battle during World War Two. By examining astounding facts and figures, as well as firsthand accounts,...

A Game of Birds and Wolves: The Secret Game That Won the War by Simon Parkin is a gripping true story of war at sea. In 1941, the Battle of the Atlantic was in crisis, with thousands of supply ships being torpedoed by German U-boats. A group of unlikely...

The Greatest Raid of All: Operation Chariot and the Mission to Destroy the Normandie Dock at St Nazaire On 28 March 1942, HMS Cambeltown led seventeen wooden motor launches in a daring assault on the German-held port of St Nazaire. The objective was to...

Tanks in Operation Bagration 1944: The Demolition of Army Group Center by Steven J. Zaloga In the summer of 1944, the Soviet Union launched Operation Bagration, a campaign that would prove to be one of the most decisive battles of World War II. This new...

The Conquest of Jerusalem and the Third Crusade in Modern English is a collection of key texts describing Saladin's conquest of Jerusalem in 1187 and the third Crusade. This book brings together translations of primary sources, including the Old French...

Everton FC On This Day takes you through the highs and lows of the Toffees' history, one day at a time. With individual entries for each day of the year, this diary-style book covers major events, domestic cup runs, European campaigns, boardroom battles,...

Fred Halliday's study of twentieth-century Iran is a deeply researched and thought-provoking analysis of the country's uneven capitalist development, state-building and class structure, security and military apparatus, dissent and opposition movements,...

British Armour and Recce in the Second World War by Richard a Rinaldi explores the diverse armoured and reconnaissance units that played a significant role in the war. This volume covers all types of these units, including infantry battalions converted...

The Celts: A Misconceived Past Simon Jenkins challenges our understanding of the ancient Celtic people, arguing that they were never a unified entity. Instead, he contends that the term 'Celt' is a misleading concept that bundles together distinct...

D-Day: The Unheard Tapes brings to life the powerful and moving oral history of those who fought in the D-Day landings and battle for Normandy. Based on over 150 audio interviews, this book draws on extraordinary archives to describe the experiences of...

The Royal Observer Corps Underground Monitoring Posts by Mark Daston is a fascinating look at a lesser-known aspect of British history.During World War II, the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) played a crucial role in monitoring the skies for enemy aircraft...

The first major battle of the 21st Century began at dawn on March 2, 2002. Over 200 soldiers from the 101st Airborne and 10th Mountain Divisions flew into Afghanistan's Shahikot valley, where they were about to face a brutal fight. Denying the extra...

Alistair Moffat's twelve journeys take him to the heart of Scotland's turbulent history, exploring places of conflict and recreating the tumult of battle. From the 16th-century colonisation of Lewis to the great battles of the 18th century, including...

The British Army's campaign in Northern Ireland during the Troubles remains a complex and contentious topic. This study offers a unique perspective on the small infantry units that operated during Operation Banner, drawing on extensive interviews with...

The Jet Provost Boys: True Tales from the Operators of the Jet Provost and Strikemaster David Watkins explores the history of this iconic aircraft through the vivid memories of former air crew from the RAF and foreign air forces. From its origins as a...

Behind the lavish facade of a Stuart household lies a complex web of intrigue and passion. This captivating history from bestselling historian Lucy Worsley reveals the untold story of William Cavendish, a man whose reputation as a cavalier was forged in...

Philippe Aries explores how our understanding of childhood has evolved over time, from medieval attitudes to the 18th century. This book examines the shift in perception of children as individuals within family life.Aries also considers the development...

Decolonization and African Society: The Labor Question in French and British Africa by Frederick Cooper This authoritative volume challenges traditional views of 'imperial' and 'African' history, offering a comparative study of colonial policy towards...

Homecoming Voices of the Windrush Generation is an extraordinary oral history of black postwar British life, drawing on over a hundred first-hand interviews and archival recordings. This remarkable book brings to life the stories of those who came to...

Men Under Fire: A Groundbreaking Analysis of Czech Soldiers in World War I This book offers a fresh perspective on the experiences of Czech-speaking soldiers serving in the Austro-Hungarian military during World War I. By examining private writings and...

Discover the foundations of Western thought in this comprehensive introduction to ancient Greek philosophy. From Thales to Aristotle, W.K.C Guthrie explores the key thinkers and ideas that shaped the development of Western philosophy.This book offers a...

Messalina: The Life and Times of Rome's Most Scandalous EmpressThis is the story of Messalina, one of the most notorious women to have inhabited the Roman world. According to historical accounts, she was a woman of great passion and intelligence, who...

John Breuilly's Nationalism and the State explores the complex relationship between nationalism and the state in modern politics. This second revised edition of the book offers a nuanced understanding of how nationalist ideologies have shaped the...