Biography: historical, political and military Books
CONNELL PUBLISHING LTD The Connell Guide To Horatio Nelson
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£8.99
Belle Media Ltd Hurricane Hutch's Top 10 Ships of the Clyde
Book SynopsisScottish actor Bill Paterson narrates the funny, sad and enlightening Hurricane Hutch's Top 10 Ships of the Clyde. It's as much a social history as it is a book about ships and shipping. Bill Paterson's uniquely recognisable scottish voice brings a gentleness and authority to the storytelling. Captain Robin Hutchison's unique personal perspective on a fast fading era. Robin became one of the youngest captains to serve on the Firth of Clyde. This book is a wry look at life on the Clyde - an insiders perspective on the river, its people and its ships.
£24.00
Eyewear Publishing Theresa May: Power, Chaos and Chance
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£17.00
Eyewear Publishing Magnetic North: Justin Trudeau
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£15.29
Scribe Publications Empress of the Nile: the daredevil archaeologist
Book SynopsisThe riveting story of a true-life female Indiana Jones: an archaeologist who survived the Nazis and then saved Egypt’s ancient temples. In the 1960s, the world’s attention was focused on a nail-biting race against time: fifty countries had contributed nearly a billion dollars to save a dozen ancient Egyptian temples from drowning in the floodwaters of the gigantic new Aswan High Dam. It was a project of unimaginable size and complexity that required the fragile sandstone temples to be dismantled, stone by stone, and rebuilt on higher ground. But the massive press coverage of this unprecedented rescue effort completely overlooked the gutsy French archaeologist who made it all happen. Without the intervention of Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, the temples would now be at the bottom of a gigantic reservoir. Desroches-Noblecourt refused to be cowed by anyone or anything. As a brave member of the French Resistance in World War II, she had survived imprisonment by the Nazis. Now, in her fight to save the temples, she had to face down two of the most daunting leaders of the postwar world: Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser and French president Charles de Gaulle. After a century and a half of Western plunder of Egypt’s ancient monuments, Desroches-Noblecourt helped preserve a crucial part of its cultural heritage, and, just as importantly, made sure it remained in its homeland.Trade Review‘The subject of Lynne Olson’s excellent biography, Empress of the Nile, isn’t, as you might think, Cleopatra, but rather the “daredevil archaeologist” Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, best known for helping save massive ancient temples from destruction. Olson, whose many previous books spotlight unsung heroes and heroines of that war, is here at her best … Empress of the Nile tells her story well, embedding it in the history of modern Egyptian archaeology. Empress of the Nile is a welcome and needed work of both rescue and reclamation.’ * The Washington Post *‘A vivid reminder of a remarkable individual and an intriguing recreation of the strange times in which she lived.’ -- Robin McKie * The Observer *‘Olson tells this forgotten story with pitch and pace, so that it becomes a real nail-biter.’ -- Kathryn Hughes * Mail on Sunday *‘Lynne Olson’s many fans know her gift for storytelling and bringing to life heroes who may not be well known but demand — indeed, rivet — our attention. Who else but Olson could have found Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, a beautiful and brave French resistance fighter who is brazen enough to tell her Gestapo interrogators to stand up when a woman enters the room? Who also happens to be a kind of female Indiana Jones working behind the scenes — alongside Jackie Kennedy! — to save the ancient temples of Egypt? Readers will devour this wonderful book.’ -- Evan Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of First: Sandra Day O’Connor‘An exhilarating, in-depth look at a woman whose courage never faltered, whether facing Nazi interrogators, back-stabbing archaeologist colleagues, or the imminent destruction of the Egyptian monuments and artefacts she held most dear. Olson’s richly detailed biography takes the reader for a magnificent ride in this heart-stopping read.’ -- Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace‘Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt was one of the leading Egyptologists of the 20th century, yet her remarkable achievements have received little attention. Lynne Olson has done her justice with this comprehensive biography.’ -- Toby Wilkinson, New York Times bestselling author of The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt and Tutankhamun’s Trumpet‘Once again, Lynne Olson introduces us to a modern heroine who defied the odds and achieved historic results. Through sheer grit and an indomitable spirit that neither Nazis nor bureaucrats from Paris to Cairo could tame, Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt rescued the Egyptian Temples of Nubia and other treasures from drowning. With her signature deep research and compassion for quirky characters, Olsen spins an inspiring tale with a sometimes surprising cast, including First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Empress of the Nile is a tonic for our times and a reminder that one unstoppable woman can bend history to her will.’ -- Kati Marton, New York Times bestselling author of The Chancellor‘From facing down Nazis, to fighting to save Egyptian artefacts, to rehabilitating the reputation of Hapshetsut, Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt’s remarkable career reads like something out of fiction — but Lynne Olson’s compelling biography makes clear that every word is pure fact. Empress of the Nile is the best sort of micro history: both an intimate portrait of a groundbreaking woman and a whirlwind tour through the major events and personalities of the twentieth century. To anyone who ever tossed a coin into the waters around the Temple of Dendur — you must read this book.’ -- Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of Band of Sisters‘Lynne Olson has found yet another fascinating, unsung heroine: a French archaeologist with the moxie to take on the Egyptians, the Americans and the French to save historic Egyptian temples.’ -- Meryl Gordon, author of three biographies including Bunny Mellon: the life of an American style legend‘A well-documented and sensitive portrait of a remarkable woman who shared her passion for Egypt and inspired so many others to find their calling, myself included, while at the same time helping to reinvigorate the Louvre.’ -- Henri Loyrette, honorary president and director of the Louvre Museum‘Bestseller Olson follows up Madame Fourcade’s Secret War with another scintillating biography of a woman who spearheaded “the greatest single example of international cultural cooperation the world has ever known, a campaign in the 1950s and ’60s to save Nubian temples and other antiquities from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam in Egypt” … Enriched by fascinating digressions into Egyptian history, museum rivalries, the plundering of archaeological sites, the 1956 Suez Crisis, and more, this is a captivating portrait of a pathbreaking woman. Readers will be enthralled.’ -- Publishers Weekly, starred review‘Olson provides a gripping account of an extraordinary life.’ -- Booklist, starred review‘The life of an archaeologist who deserves to be better known … The author provides a fine account of Desroches-Noblecourt’s long, distinguished career. An expert biography of the most prestigious Egyptologist of her time.’ * Kirkus Reviews *‘Fast-paced, highly entertaining ... Olson’s narrative gathers steam in the tense days before the Nazis invaded Poland ... The highlight of Olson’s book is her thrilling account of the rescue of the giant statues of Rameses II and the Abu Simbel temples from inundation by the Aswan High Dam ... Meticulous detail.’ -- Joshua Hammer * The New York Times *‘Follows Desroches-Noblecourt every step along the way. And I mean every step. Deeply researched, it contains in its many detours and side trips a certain amount of historical TMI.’ * Air Mail *‘Egyptologists are certainly familiar with her legacy, but since not all of her many books are translated into English, author Lynne Olson has written an engrossing biography that makes Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt's life and work accessible to a broader audience … [Empress of the Nile] at times reads like a suspenseful political thriller.’ -- Laura McCallum * The Canberra Times *Not enough people will have heard of the subject of this fascinating book - the French archaeologist Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt who became one of the world's foremost experts on ancient Egypt. In Empress of the Nile, Lynne Olson details how Desroches - small in stature and a woman to boot - was willing to take on any number of powerful men in her field.’ -- Sally Pryor * The Canberra Times *‘Empress of the Nile is an absorbing portrait of an amazing woman.’ -- Steven Carroll * The Sydney Morning Herald *‘Assured … The book follows a welcome trend to recover pioneering women in the social sciences.’ -- Sara Wheeler * The Daily Telegraph *‘Empress Of The Nile is the very readable story of Christiane’s overlooked role and her incredible life, which also saw her imprisoned by the Nazis and bravely standing up to world leaders, including de Gaulle. Fascinating!’ -- Jeff Popple * Canberra Weekly *‘Olson has carried out painstaking research into this woman, who overcame strong misogyny from male archaeologists at the start of her stellar career, but who was never afraif to stand up for what she believed. The result is a riveting account of her years spent in Egypt and her role in the world’s greatest international cultural cooperation.’ -- Jennifer Somerville * Good Reading Magazine *
£21.25
Scribe Publications Revolution: the bestselling memoir by France's
Book SynopsisThe bestselling memoir by France's president, Emmanuel Macron. Some believe that our country is in decline, that the worst is yet to come, that our civilisation is withering away. That only isolation or civil strife are on our horizon. That to protect ourselves from the great transformations taking place around the globe, we should go back in time and apply the recipes of the last century. Others imagine that France can continue on a slow downward slide. That the game of political juggling — first the Left, then the Right — will allow us breathing space. The same faces and the same people who have been around for so long. I am convinced that they are all wrong. It is their models, their recipes, that have simply failed. France as a whole has not failed. In Revolution, Emmanuel Macron, the youngest president in the history of France, reveals his personal history and his inspirations, and discusses his vision of France and its future in a new world that is undergoing a ‘great transformation’ that has not been experienced since the invention of the printing press and the Renaissance. This is a remarkable book that seeks to lay the foundations for a new society — a compelling testimony and statement of values by an important political leader who has become the flag-bearer for a new kind of politics.Trade Review‘Emmanuel Macron has stood up for liberal values, he put forward a vision for the important role that France plays in Europe and around the world. And he is committed to a better future for the French people. He appeals to people's hopes and not their fears.’ -- President Barack Obama‘A book that should be read by anybody who wants to understand what has been going on in French politics in the past few years.’ -- Andrew Hussey * The Observer *‘In his book Revolution… President Macron has set out a clear vision for the revitalisation of the EU.’ -- Brendan Simms * New Statesman *‘Now that he is president, now that he has shown that he can translate the ephemera of ideas into cold, hard power, it is worth returning to his words to find out what kind of leader he plans to be … Revolution provides some insight into a man who, whatever you think of him, is deeply unusual.’ * The Sunday Telegraph *‘Macron has been an object of fascination ever since he unexpectedly came to power. In this political autobiography, he recounts his origins and explains his centrist philosophy.’ * New York Times *'Provides a glimpse into the heart and mind of a leadership candidate whose love for France is revealed through his visions of a nation where freedoms are more closely tied to responsibilities, and where a new system of laws and regulations replaces those he believes belong to the 19th century.' * Winnipeg Free Press *
£12.74
The Waywiser Press M. Degas Steps Out: an essay
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£12.59
Unicorn Publishing Group A Compendium of Contrarians: Those Who Stand Out
Book SynopsisWhat do Winston Churchill, Rosa Parks, Emile Zola, Billy Beane and Christopher Hitchens have in common? They are all Contrarians. This book is about the people who do not quietly slip into the shadows, who revel in playing devil’s advocate, who zig when everyone else zags and who dare ask the question: ‘Yes, but just supposing that everyone else is wrong?’ They are not always successful all of the time. In fact some are spectacularly unsuccessful on occasions. They may not be popular or easy to live with, but are always interesting and usually inspiring. Some make a point of arguing the opposite point of view on every occasion; some are mainstream on everything, but resolute in opposing the mainstream on one particular issue. For some, the issue which they contest so vigorously becomes mainstream through their exertions. In Compendium of Contrarians, Robert Orr-Ewing shows how he has been inspired by these amusing, challenging, interesting and unusual characters.Trade Review‘An interesting and engaging group of individualists, some famous, some less so, who didn’t necessarily toe the line, but left their mark on history’ - Eleo Carson 'A well chosen selection of some of the most intriguing non conformists down the ages. Moving - and inspiring.' - Danny Danziger
£21.25
Unicorn Publishing Group Miss Chase: Santa Barbara’s Trailblazer
Book SynopsisThis new and comprehensive story of instrumental conservationist Pearl Chase’s fascinating life is a tribute to her remarkable achievements. Spending over seventy years pioneering work in preservation, social services, and civic activism, Chase met and corresponded with the most significant influencers of the time. Serving on hundreds of committees and working with organizations, she received over eighty national, state and local awards including two honorary doctorates. Pearl Chase was known as Santa Barbara’s woman of the twentieth century. Devoted to improving the world around her, Chase was an intrepid, forward thinking, practical-minded leader. Through his meticulous research and with respect for his distinguished American ancestor, British historian, Simon Kerry traces Chase’s early life and collegiate years at UC Berkeley through to her return to Santa Barbara and indelible impact on both California and the nation. During a tumultuous period in American history in the early twentieth century, she paved a way for not only the environmentalist movement but also for women’s influence in politics in the federal and local civic spheres. Her compassionate, charitable nature extended to many cultural groups and causes, evident in her vocal support of protecting the lands and customs of Native Americans in the southwest.
£24.00
Unicorn Publishing Group Varhaug, Sonne and Elecktra: The Rudolf Hess
Book SynopsisMay 11th 1941 - Berchtesgaden. The day after Rudolf Hess took off from Augsburg and hadn't yet returned or sent any signal, Adolf Hitler had to say something to justify Hess' so far unexplained disappearance. Not least for the benefit of the German nation and his then trading ally, Soviet Russia. Consequently he authorised a statement saying that Hess was suffering from a mental derangement and had succeeded in obtaining an aeroplane against the strict orders of the Fuehrer. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth, but an explanation had at least been proffered before British propaganda commenced. The unlikely explanation has however proven durable, some still believing it to be true 80 years later. In this, their eighth book on the affair, Harris and Wilbourn demonstrate that far from being a random act, the flight had been meticulously planned, using state of the art German radio technology. Using contemporary equipment, maps and charts they demonstrate the true nature and character of the flight and explain what went wrong, leading to the sensational and very public arrival of Rudolf Hess in Scotland at 23.09hrs on May 10th 1941.
£21.25
Libri Publishing Gavin Faringdon: Portrait of a Rebel Peer
Book SynopsisWhen the Hon. Gavin Henderson was made the 2nd Lord Faringdon in 1934, he became one of the wealthiest men in Britain. By the time he passed away in 1977 he had given away most of his inheritance to what he considered to be good causes. However, his reputation as a philanthropist was overshadowed by free-spirited events in his youth (such as “setting the Thames on fire”) his left-wing politics, and rumours about his discreet personal life. This biography is based upon the hitherto unpublished papers, diaries and letters that have survived in his former home at Buscot Park. It aims to set the record straight about a man who was often wilfully misunderstood, and whose many achievements suggest that he was born ahead of his time.
£18.99
