History

The Shōkaku-Class Aircraft Carriers in the Imperial Japanese Navy During World War II is a comprehensive history of one of Japan's most successful aircraft carrier designs. Operational just before the Pearl Harbor attack, these carriers proved to be...

Discover the comprehensive story of Scotland's history from pre-history to the present day. This in-depth guide explores the country's fascinating past, including its role in major events such as the Jacobite Rebellion and World War I and II.The book...

The Carolingian controversy over visual art was a complex and deeply rooted issue. In 726 C.E., the Byzantine emperor Leo III issued an edict declaring images to be idols, leading to the first wave of iconoclasm that ran its violent course until 787...

Stalag 383 Bavaria: A History of the Camp, the Escapes and the Liberation Located in a remote valley in Bavaria, Stalag 383 was a unique prisoner of war camp during World War II. Initially used as a training ground for the German Army, it was later...

The Making of India: The Untold Story of British Enterprise By Kartar Lalvani This thought-provoking history challenges prevailing views on colonialism, arguing that Britain played a crucial role in shaping modern India. The author contends that the...

The Ancient Guide to Modern Life by Natalie Haynes explores the surprising parallels between ancient and modern society. From politics and social change to cultural norms and values, Haynes reveals how our contemporary concerns are rooted in timeless...

Up and Down Stairs: The History of the Country House Servant By Jeremy Musson The intricate hierarchy of servants that supported country houses was a complex system, with each member providing essential skills. This book brings to life the stories of...

The Last Royal Rebel: The Life and Death of James, Duke of MonmouthBy Anna Keay, Bloomsbury, 462 pages, paperback.This biography paints a vivid picture of the tumultuous Restoration era, focusing on one of its most intriguing figures: James, Duke of...

Wales played a vital role in the British response to World War II, and this comprehensive study explores its impact on Wales itself. From military training and public entertainment to hosting secretive weapons programs and housing 110,000 child evacuees,...

The Dieppe Raid: A History and Legacy of the Allies' Failed Operation to Land on the French Coast During World War II On August 19, 1942, Allied troops launched a disastrous raid on the port of Dieppe in German-occupied France. Codenamed Operation...

Famous statues have long been symbols of power and identity, but in recent years they have also become focal points for controversy and debate. In this thought-provoking exploration, Alex von Tunzelmann examines the rise and fall of twelve iconic statues...

A Delusion Of Satan: The Full Story Of The Salem Witch Trials by Frances Hill In 1692, a small community in colonial America was gripped by hysteria and fear. A group of young girls claimed to be possessed by the devil, and soon the accusations...

Famous Last Words: Confessions, Humour and Bravery of the Departing by Chris Wood is a fascinating collection of final utterings from individuals who met their demise in Britain's history. These remarkable confessions reveal surprising tales of sangfroid...

The Spice Ports: Mapping the Origins of Global Sea Trade By Nicholas Nugent This book tells the story of how global sea trade began in the 15th century, driven by exploration, trade, and profit. The development of maritime communication enabled seafarers...

Brighton at War 1939-45 by Douglas D'Enno explores the town's experiences during World War II. Before the war was declared in 1939, Brighton had taken steps to prepare for conflict, including building shelters and organising defence services. When the...

The Anglo-Zulu War produced an extraordinary number of Victoria Cross recipients in just six months. Twenty-three men were awarded for their bravery under extreme conditions, with many risking death to rescue comrades in the midst of fierce fighting. The...

The Republic of Pirates: A True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man who Brought Them Down by Colin Woodard. In the early 18th century, piracy was at its peak in the Caribbean. This was an era when pirates roamed free, plundering...

Azar Gat explores the origins and evolution of nationalism, challenging prevailing theories that view nations as modern constructs. This comprehensive study spans history and geography to reveal that ethnicity has always been deeply intertwined with...

The Northumbrians: North-East England and Its People - A New History Dan Jackson explores the deep roots of Northumbrian culture in this new history of the people of North East England. He delves into centuries of border warfare, industry, at sea and...

Pennhurst State School and Hospital provides a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history. For nearly 80 years, this institution was home to over 10,600 people with intellectual disabilities, shaping the lives of both its residents and...

Bloody April 1917: The Birth of Modern Air Power by James S. Corum is a meticulously researched history of the World War I air campaign that marked a turning point in the use of airpower. Drawing on original-language primary sources, Dr. Corum examines...

The Oregon Trail is a gripping account of Francis Parkman's journey west across North America in 1846. He set out with three companions on a horseback journey that would ultimately take him over two thousand miles, crossing the Allegheny Mountains by...

John Leppelman's Vietnam experience was marked by three distinct roles: paratropper, army seaman, and LRRP. As an FNG in the 173d Airborne, he made the unit's only combat jump into Vietnam.Leppelman's time in-country was characterised by frustration and...

Discover Britain's extraordinary prehistory in this comprehensive handbook to its most remarkable ancient remains. Spanning 800,000 years from the first human footprints to ancient axe factories and rock art, Wild Ruins BC reveals the fascinating story...

The Eagle and the Lion: Rome, Persia and an Unwinnable Conflict by Adrian Goldsworthy A sweeping narrative that reshapes our understanding of one of history's greatest rivalries. This epic account spans seven centuries of conflict between Rome and...

The Mongol Warrior Vs European Knight Eastern Europe 1237-42 by Stephen Turnbull is a fully illustrated study of the forces that clashed during the Mongol invasion of Europe between 1237 and 1242. Featuring specially commissioned artwork and maps, this...

Blenheim Palace: The History and Legacy of the Only Non-Royal Palace in England Located in Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is a significant historical site that played a pivotal role in shaping England's future. By the late 17th century, the country had...

Avebury: Uncovering its Ancient Secrets The world's largest stone circle is just one part of Avebury's rich history. This unique landscape has captivated visitors for thousands of years, forming a personal connection with many who visit. But what drew...

The Rise and Fall of a Kingdom by Annie Whitehead explores the history of Mercia, a kingdom that once dominated the Midlands. At its peak, Mercia controlled what is now Birmingham and London, and its legacy can still be seen in the region's politics and...

Early Medieval Ireland, 400-1200 by Dáibhí Ó Cróinín provides a comprehensive survey of Ireland's early history from the coming of Christianity to the Norman settlement. This broad framework explores Irish society, the spiritual and secular roles of the...

The Daughter of Auschwitz: My Story of Resilience, Survival and HopeTova Friedman's harrowing account of her experiences as one of the youngest survivors of Auschwitz is a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. After...

The History of the Civil Rights Movement: A Story of Freedom and Equality This book takes you on a journey through the defining moments of America's Civil Rights Movement, from the 1950s to the 1960s. You'll discover key events such as the Montgomery Bus...

From a Hard Place to a Rock is a gripping account of two British officers' escape from German captivity during World War II. In 1940, Captain Chris Waters and Captain Jimmy Johnson, both members of the British Expeditionary Force, were captured by the...

A Brief History of Britain 1851-2021 From World Power To ? This comprehensive history spans over 170 years, from the Great Exhibition's showcase of British national achievement in 1851 to the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in Stratford in 2012...

The SAS Shadow Raiders: An Ultra-Secret Mission That Changed the Course of WWII In the depths of World War II, a top-secret mission was devised to steal a highly-classified German radar system. Codenamed Operation Biting, this daring raid would be the...

Shirley Baker's photographs capture the essence of everyday life in Manchester and Salford during the 1960s. As homes were demolished as part of a 'slum' clearance programme, she sought to record the street life that was being erased.The powerful images...

Noblewomen, Aristocracy and Power in the Twelfth-Century Anglo-Norman Realm by Susan M. Johns offers a significant reevaluation of women's roles within aristocratic society during this period. Drawing from a range of literary sources, including...

Winston Churchill's six-volume history of World War II remains the definitive account of this global conflict. This third edition of his work provides a comprehensive and dramatic narrative, drawing on Churchill's personal involvement to recreate the...

Since the 1960s, England's connection with the environment has played a significant role in shaping its national identity. This book explores how English cultures of nature, land and farming have influenced contemporary debates over land and culture.From...

The Cuban Revolution of 1956-1959 was a pivotal event in world history, led by two charismatic figures: Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. However, less is often remembered about the amateur nature of the movement and the lives of its players. Historian Tony...

Fighting the War on Terror: Global Counter-Terrorist Units and Their Actions This book provides an unprecedented insight into the world of specialist counter-terrorism units across 16 countries, including the USA, Russia, Israel, and the UK. Journalist...

A History of Nigeria provides a comprehensive exploration of the country's complex past and its ongoing challenges. By examining key themes such as colonialism, religion, slavery, nationalism, and the economy, Toyin Falola and Matthew Heaton shed light...

A Village in the Third Reich: How Ordinary Lives Were Transformed by the Rise of Fascism In the heart of Bavarian Alps, a small village was transformed by the rise of Nazism. This intimate portrait of Germany under Hitler reveals the complexities of...

God's Own Gentlewoman: The Life of Margaret Paston Diane Watt explores the life of Margaret Paston, whose letters form one of the most extensive collections of personal writings by a medieval English woman. Based on the largest archive of medieval...

Bomber Command is a compelling account of one of the most controversial struggles of the Second World War. RAF Bomber Command's offensive against Germany was a pivotal campaign that resulted in significant loss of life, with over 56,000 British and...

The Ancient Romans come alive in this engaging and informative book. With vibrant artwork and snappy text, learning about Ancient Rome has never been more fun. Discover the history and culture of one of the most influential civilizations in Western...

The Swamp Fox Francis Marion's Campaign in the Carolinas 1780 by David R. Higgins is a detailed account of the guerrilla war waged by American patriots under Francis Marion against British forces in South Carolina and North Carolina during the late...

Crown and Country: A History of England Through the Monarchy by David Starkey is a comprehensive exploration of Britain's most revered institution - the monarchy. Spanning over two thousand years, from the Roman retreat to the present day, this revised...

The Napoleonic Wars: A Global History by Alexander Mikaberidze This comprehensive history of the Napoleonic Wars offers a fresh perspective on one of the most significant periods in modern history. By examining the conflicts beyond Europe, Mikaberidze...

The Man Who Never Was by Ewen Montagu is a fascinating account of a remarkable deception plan during World War II. In 1943, British counter-intelligence agent Ewen Montagu orchestrated an operation to mislead the Germans into believing that the next...

The End of Everything: How Wars Descend Into Annihilation by Victor Davis Hanson This profound book explores how and why some societies have chosen to utterly destroy their foes, warning that similar wars of obliteration are possible in our time. War can...

The Miles M.52: Britain's Top Secret Supersonic Research Aircraft In 1943, the British government initiated a secret research project to develop a supersonic aircraft that could potentially break through the sound barrier. With the goal of outpacing...

Portable Magic: A History of Books and Their Readers by Emma Smith The physical book is often overlooked in our conversations about reading, but it's precisely this tangible object that lends books their unique magic. In Portable Magic, Emma Smith...

Vespasian faces an impossible choice. Should he quell the revolt in Judaea as ordered by Nero, or risk everything to sabotage his own campaign? The fate of his men and his son, Titus, hangs in the balance. Nero's sudden death has plunged Rome into...

Colonial America: A New Perspective on the Early Years of the United States. The traditional narrative of American history begins in the early seventeenth century with the English colonies at Jamestown and Plymouth. However, this view has been challenged...

Castle: A History of the Buildings that Shaped Medieval BritainThis comprehensive history explores the country's most famous castles, as well as lesser-known examples, spanning from their introduction in the eleventh century to their widespread...

A unique collection of images from Palestine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This book tells the story of a vibrant Palestinian society prior to Israel's establishment in 1948, known as the Nakba or "catastrophe" to Palestinians. The...

The Making of a King: Antigonus Gonatas of Macedon and the Greeks By Robin Waterfield In the aftermath of Alexander the Great's death, the ancient kingdom of Macedon was plunged into chaos. Amidst this turmoil, Antigonus Gonatas emerged as a key figure...

Decisions for War, 1914-1917 examines the complex choices made by key individuals in the lead-up to World War I. This study reveals how separate agendas and considerations influenced the decisions of nations involved.The leadership of major powers such...

Discover the true Regency history behind the hit TV phenomenon. Author and expert Catherine Curzon explores the historical inspirations behind Bridgerton, revealing the fascinating details of real life in Regency high society. From the class structure to...

Island Practice: Cobblestone Rash, Underground Tom, and Other Adventures of a Nantucket DoctorThis is the true story of Dr. Timothy J. Lepore, a colourful and contrarian doctor who holds the life of the world-famous island of Nantucket in his hands. As...

The Mammoth Book of Air Disasters and Near Misses by Paul Simpson is a comprehensive collection of real-life accounts of air disasters and near-disasters. Spanning over 105 years, the book provides a sobering alternative history of aviation, from its...

The Great War & the Middle East A Strategic Study by Robert Johnson The First World War in the Middle East had far-reaching consequences, reshaping the region's politics and geography. As the Ottoman Empire crumbled, new ideologies and forms of...

The Age of Extremes: A History of the World, 1914-1991 by Eric J. Hobsbawm Eric J. Hobsbawm's sweeping narrative spans a century of unprecedented change and upheaval. Divided into three distinct periods - the Age of Catastrophe, the Golden Age, and the...

A History of the Samurai: Legendary Warriors of Japan By Jonathan Lopez-Vera, Tuttle Publishing This comprehensive history explores the epic tale of Japan's legendary warrior class, from their origins to their eventual decline. The book delves into the...

Waterloo 1815: A Day of Destiny The outcome of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars was sealed in a single day's encounter at Waterloo, marking the end of French aspirations for European hegemony. This pivotal battle saw levels of determination...

Red Memory: The Afterlives of China's Cultural Revolution by Tania Branigan The legacy of China's Cultural Revolution continues to shape the country today, yet official suppression and personal trauma have conspired in national amnesia. This book...

Dublin and the Viking World brings to life the rich history of Dublin's Viking past, uncovering the customs and habits that shaped this vibrant city.Expert authors explore the latest scholarship on Viking Dublin, revealing intimate details of life in a...

The MP 38 and MP 40 Submachine Guns is a detailed examination of two iconic firearms that played a significant role in World War II. Despite their widespread use during the conflict, these submachine guns continued to be employed by various military...

The Hasheesh Eater: Passages from the Life of a Pythagorean by Fitz Hugh Ludlow A groundbreaking and deeply personal account of the author's experiences with hashish, this book is a masterpiece of visionary literature. Ludlow's prose is breathtakingly...

Charles II's Great Escape tells the remarkable story of how the future king outwitted the greatest manhunt in British history after his father's execution and his own failed attempt to reclaim the throne.Pursued relentlessly by Cromwell's soldiers,...

The Polish Resettlement Corps 1946-1949 Britain's Polish Forces by Wiesław Rogalski At the end of World War II, Poland was left in a precarious position, with its future uncertain. In response to this uncertainty, the British government established the...

Syria From The Great War To Civil War by John McHugo provides a comprehensive account of Syria's history from the First World War to the present day. The author examines the country's fragile foundations, tracing its attempts at independence under French...

The Great Boer War: The Final EditionBy Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this comprehensive history covers the entire conflict from 1899 to 1902. Written by one of Britain's most renowned authors, the book offers a reliable and balanced account of the war's...

The story of Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt is one of remarkable bravery and determination. In the 1960s, she played a crucial role in saving Egypt's ancient temples from destruction by leading a daring operation to dismantle and rebuild them. The...

The Ottoman chronicles recount that the first sultan, Osman, dreamt of the dynasty he would found - a tree, fully-formed, emerged from his navel, symbolising the vigour of his successors and the extent of their domains. This is the story of how Osman's...

Germany: Memories of a Nation by Neil MacGregorThis book offers a unique perspective on Germany's history and identity. For over 140 years, Germany has been a dominant force in continental Europe, yet its history is marked by instability and...

The Secret History by Procopius A provocative and unflinching portrayal of power and corruption in ancient Byzantium. This work, penned by the Empire's official chronicler, presents a starkly different image of the reign of Justinian, one of lawgiving...

War in the Wilderness: The Chindits in Burma 1943-1944 is a comprehensive account of the human aspects of the Chindit war, one of the most grueling Allied combat experiences of World War II.The two expeditions that took place behind Japanese lines in...

The Wartime Diaries of Count Galeazzo Ciano 1939-1943 by Galeazzo Ciano This diary provides a unique and personal account of Italy's involvement in World War II, offering insight into the inner workings of the Fascist regime. Written by Count Galeazzo...

Witnesses at Isandlwana 22 January 1879 brings together a comprehensive collection of firsthand testimonies from British soldiers, colonial forces, civilians and Zulu warriors who were present during the pivotal clash that reshaped history on 22 January...

Britain's War: A New World, 1942-1947 by Daniel Todman is a gripping and empathetic history of Britain's experience during World War II. From the devastating fall of Singapore in February 1942 to the ultimate victory in 1945, this book weaves together...

The Ascent of ManA groundbreaking exploration of human society and our understanding of science, tracing the development of human invention from the flint tool to geometry, agriculture to genetics.First published in 1973 to accompany a BBC television...

Hawker's Secret Projects: Cold War Aircraft That Never Flew is a detailed examination of the aircraft designs that never made it to flight. Hawker Aircraft Ltd, one of Britain's most successful military aircraft manufacturers, produced many war-winning...

Fear: An Alternative History of the World by Robert Peckham The impact of fear on world history is profound. From the Black Death to modern market crashes, fear has driven human societies in complex and often contradictory ways. In this thought-provoking...

Popski's Private Army tells the remarkable true story of Vladimir Peniakoff, a soldier who formed his own elite fighting force to carry out daring raids behind enemy lines during World War II.By befriending and enlisting desert Arabs, Peniakoff was able...

The Rise of Western Christendom: Triumph and Diversity, A.D. 200-1000 by Peter Brown This tenth anniversary revised edition of a landmark work on Christianity's first thousand years of history features new insights and updates. Peter Brown's vivid prose...

The Only Plane in the Sky: The Oral History of 9/11 on its 20th AnniversaryThis comprehensive oral history tells the story of September 11, 2001, through the voices of ordinary people who lived through it. From airport staff to first responders, and from...

At the Point of the Bayonet: A detailed account of two pivotal battles in the Peninsular War. The Peninsular War saw Rowland Hill, one of Wellington's most trusted subordinates, demonstrate his military prowess beyond his reputation as 'Daddy Hill'. Two...

The changing story of Britain is etched into its landscape - from the boundaries of long vanished farms to the Norfolk Broads, formed by medieval peat pits flooding. Francis Pryor explores how to read these clues to understand the history of our land and...

The 1960s was a period of radical social change. Many young people rejected the politics and values of the day and decided to migrate to rural areas in search of an independent life. Nova Scotia, with its unspoiled countryside, cheap land, and helpful...

The Cat from Hue: A Vietnam War Story by John Laurence This memoir is a personal and unflinching account of the author's experiences as a journalist during the Vietnam War. From its early days to the bloody battle of Hue in 1968, Laurence covered the...

Samurai William: The Adventurer who Unlocked Japan tells the fascinating story of an Englishman's journey to 17th-century Japan. In 1611, London's merchants received a letter from an English mariner named William Adams, revealing that he had been living...

The British Empire stands at its largest yet most precarious point in history. On September 29, 1923, the Palestine Mandate officially takes effect, marking a quarter of the world's land under British control. However, this period also sees nationalist...

The Forgotten Slaves of North Africa: A Disturbing Chapter in History In 1682, Thomas Pellow was kidnapped from Cornwall and sold into slavery to the tyrannical sultan of Morocco. As his personal slave, he witnessed the brutal splendour of the imperial...

Connect with the Sacred Power of Places Around the World Freddy Silva explores the world's most extraordinary sites where the laws of physics are subtly different, allowing for glimpses into overlapping realities. Join him on a journey to Cadair Idris in...

The Williamite Wars in Ireland by John Childs The Williamite Wars in Ireland was a pivotal conflict that shaped the course of Irish history. At its core, it was a struggle for power and survival, fought between rival factions vying for control of the...

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle - Illustrated and Annotated by Bob Carruthers is a vital collection of historical documents that shed light on the history of the British Isles during the dark ages. Without these accounts, much of our understanding of this...

Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine who Launched Modern ChinaThis groundbreaking biography reveals how one woman's rule transformed China into a modern state, acquiring industries, railways, cars, electricity, telephones, Western medicine, and a powerful...

American Midnight: A Violent Peace and Democracy's Forgotten Crisis by Adam Hochschild In the aftermath of World War I, America teetered on the brink of chaos. Mobs burned churches to the ground, courts imprisoned thousands for their opinions, and...