European history: medieval period, middle ages Books
Little, Brown Book Group Great Tales From English History
Book SynopsisFrom ancient times to the present day, the story of England has been laced with drama, intrigue, courage and passion - a rich and vibrant narrative of heroes and villains, kings and rebels, artists and highwaymen, bishops and scientists. Now, in Great Tales of English History, Robert Lacey captures one hundred of the most pivotal moments: the stories and extraordinary characters who helped shape a nation. This first volume begins in 7150 BC with the life and death of Cheddar Man and ends in 1381with Wat Tyler and the Peasants'' Revolt. We meet the Greek navigator Pytheus, whose description of the Celts as prettanike (the ''painted people'') yielded the Latin word Britannici. We witness the Roman victory celebrations of AD 43, where a squadron of elephants were paraded through Colchester. And we visit the New Forest, in 1100, and the mysterious shooting of King William Rufus. Packed with insight, humour and fascinating detail, Robert Lacey brings the stories that made England brilliTrade ReviewBeautifully written, full of things you didn't know and well worth a read if you want a new view on stories you though you already understood LIVING HISTORY A great introduction to history and legend for children and adults who've forgotten OBSERVER These human high-spots flash past like a newsreel with the leading characters in close-up, leaving you thinking - what an exceptional country ours is to produce so many interesting people Books of the Year, DAILY MAIL Lacey's lively snapshots are always pithy and are delivered with a winning gung-ho enthusiasm Books of the Year, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
£12.34
Little, Brown Book Group Bloody Foreigners
Book SynopsisThe story of the way Britain has been settled and influenced by foreign people and ideas is as old as the land itself. In this original, important and inspiring book, Robert Winder tells of the remarkable migrations that have founded and defined a nation.''Our aristocracy was created by a Frenchman, William the Conqueror, who also created our medieval architecture, our greatest artistic glory. Our royal family is German, our language a bizarre confection of Latin, Saxon and, latterly, Indian and American. Our shops and banks were created by Jews. We did not stand alone against Hitler; the empire stood beside us. And our food is, of course, anything but British . . . Winder has a thousand stories to tell and he tells them well'' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewIf there is one book I would wish onto the school curriculum, this would be it -- Sathnam SangheraSupremely readable * The Times *Totally absorbing and revelatory . . . could not be more timely * Daily Mail *Enlightened and illuminating. Winder goes a long way towards defining what we are as a nation * Independent *He has a good eye for the telling anecdote. There is so much to intrigue and delight * Spectator *A breath of fresh air in a foul and fetid room * Sunday Times *
£13.49
Penguin Books Ltd Russia and the Russians From Earliest Times to
Book SynopsisGeoffrey Hosking is one of the foremost historians of Russia and its people. The result of a lifetime''s knowledge, this monumental and authoritative work has been acclaimed as the definitive single-volume history of Russia, tracing its story from the settlement of Kiev through to the present day. This second edition is updated throughout, with a new chapter on the recent role of Putin and Medvedev, and their impact on Russia''s economy, politics and its citizens.
£17.09
Little, Brown Book Group Double Standards The Rudolf Hess CoverUp
Book SynopsisFor sixty years there has been an unprecedented cover-up by both the British Establishment and successive generations of historians about the flight of Hitler''s Deputy Rudolf Hess to Scotland in May 1941. Long dismissed as the misguided attempt of a madman to make contact with a non-existent British peace party DOUBLE STANDARDS explosively reveals that Hess''s peace mission was one of the pivotal events of the twentieth century - and that the Establishment had very good reasons for covering up the truth: the Establishment WAS the peace party that Hess had come to meet. Even more shockingly, the book reveals that members of the Royal Family itself - whose involvement in the Hess affair has been conveniently airbrushed out of history - were at the heart of this group. Based on entirely new material from eyewitnesses, hitherto inaccessible archives and intelligence sources, DOUBLE STANDARDS reveals that Hess''s peace mission was of supreme importance. It raises some of the most intrigTrade ReviewThere is much which is new in this well-written and absorbing study of one of the most fascinating missions in modern history. * IRISH INDEPENDENT *
£14.39
Orion Publishing Co THE GREEKS AND GREEK LOVE A RADICAL REAPPRAISAL
Book SynopsisA radical reappraisal of homosexuality in Ancient Greece, by a young historian described as ''the best thing to happen to ancient history for decades'' (Andrew Roberts, MAIL ON SUNDAY)Kenneth Dover''s 1978 GREEK HOMOSEXUALITY remains the most recent single-volume treatment of the subject as a whole. Drawing on fifteen years of ensuing research, James Davidson rejects Dover''s excessively theoretical approach, using a wide variety of sources unknown to him - court cases, romantic novels, satirical plays and poems - to present a view of the subject that, in contrast to Dover and to Foucault, stresses the humanity of the ancient Greeks, and how they lived their loves and pleasures, rather than their moral codes and the theorising of philosophers.Homosexuality in Ancient Greece remains a central area of debate in the classics, in ancient history and lesbian and gay studies. Greek civilisation centrally underpins our own, providing a basis of so much of the west''sTrade ReviewDavidson's own scholarship is impressive, but worn lightly, and matched with an easy tone that makes The Greeks and Greek Love a lively, and often very funny, read * LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS *poses a radical challenge to prominent assumptions about same-sex love in ancient Greece * OXONIAN REVIEW *
£15.29
Orion Publishing Co Rome
Book SynopsisA dazzling biography of the Eternal City - ''A tour of the great city with a great guide: who could do this better?'' EVENING STANDARD.For almost a thousand years, Rome held sway as the spiritual and artistic centre of the world. Hughes vividly recreates the ancient Rome of Julius Caesar, Marcus Aurelius, Nero, Caligula, Cicero, Martial and Virgil. With the artistic blossoming of the Renaissance, he casts his unwavering critical eye over the great works of Raphael, Michelangelo and Brunelleschi, shedding new light on the Old Masters. In the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when Rome''s cultural predominance was assured, artists and tourists from all over Europe converged on the city. Hughes brilliantly analyses the defining works of Caravaggio, Velasquez, Rubens and Bernini. Hughes'' Rome is a vibrant, contradictory, spectacular and secretive place; a monument both to human glory and human error. In equal parts loving, iconoclastic, enraged anTrade ReviewEssential baggage for a Roman holiday. -- John Harding * Daily Mail *in this Herculean undertaking, Hughes has captured much of the true spirit of Rome: the aspiration to great achievement despite obstacles, setbacks or failures * PROSPECT *Hughes proves an entertaining and erudite guide. He is an impeccable raconteur, commanding, self-confident, witty -- Alastair Sooke * DAILY TELEGRAPH *the book's muscle and sinew lie in Hughes's supremely eloquent vingnettes of churches and palaces, statues and paintings - evocations of art and place crafted with all the swagger and savour of a critic who can make his readers see, and feel, afresh....He never disappoints -- Boyd Tonkin * THE INDEPENDENT *No one can nail a painting like Hughes -- Rachel Spence * FINANCIAL TIMES *this is the work of un maestro -- Christopher Bray * WORD *I would read Mr Hughes's book if I were going to Rome. I'd read it if I weren't going to Rome. You could read it instead of going to Rome, though given the choice, I'd choose Rome. Reading the book is like being taken around the Eternal City on a long brisk march by an entertaining, erudite acquaintance with a gift for storytelling and the oddly rare ability to describe what something actually looks like. -- Francine Prose * INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE *This isn't an upmarket Rough Guide for American tourists, it's an award-winning broadcaster on top form. -- Sue Arnold * THE GUARDIAN *
£14.44
Orion Publishing Co The Making Of The British Landscape From the Ice
Book SynopsisThe history of 12,000 years of the British landscape, from the Ice Age to the twenty-first century, by prizewinning author Nicholas Crane, co-presenter of COAST.Trade Review'Ambitious, magnificent . . . Crane is excellent at describing climate, geology and shifting shorelines, but is at his best when plaiting together earth-shaping events with humankind and civilisation' -- Andrea Wulf * Guardian *'Pungent, dramatic and drawing deeply on recent research . . . a geographer's love letter to the British and the land that formed them - and which they transformed over many millennia of creative labour. As such, it is dramatic, lyrical and even inspiring, and given all those rocks, remarkably readable' -- James McConnachie * SUNDAY TIMES *'This is a magnificent, epic work by a national treasure . . . Nothing escapes his eye . . . and the sweep of history, brought to life in superb prose, is oddly moving. A tour de force' -- Bel Mooney * DAILY MAIL *'Crane's book earns its place in the pantheon and it will hopefully inspire a passion for our landscapes in a new generation of readers' -- Richard J Mayhew * LITERARY REVIEW *'The book I admired most was Nicholas Crane's The Making of the British Landscape as panoramic as it is revelatory' -- Tom Holland * OBSERVER Books of the Year *'The book I want most for Christmas is the satisfyingly hefty The Making of the British Landscape by the ever reliable Nicholas Crane' -- Bill Bryson * OBSERVER Books of the Year *'Crane provides a masterful account of how landscapes were settled and shaped' * THE NATIONAL *'A definitive, encyclopaedic read and an evocative paean to the evolution of our scenery by the vastly knowledgeable BBC presenter, Nick Crane. A revealing glimpse of the Britain that once was and how we made it the place it is today' * BBC COUNTRYFILE *'Nicholas Crane's sweeping The Making of the British Landscape shows how fragile are the views we love best, and how critical it is to guard them' -- Simon Jenkins * EVENING STANDARD *'This is his greatest work for those curious to understand the geographical layers that have shaped Great Britain. From diminishing ice to the peak of our London urban Shard, Crane has captured the chronology of change of our landscapes, full of facts, imagination and archaeology' -- Nigel Winser * GEOGRAPHICAL *
£9.99
Halsgrove National Service Fifty Years On
Book Synopsis
£17.99
Little, Brown Book Group The Female Malady Women Madness and English
Book SynopsisIn this informative, timely and often harrowing study, Elaine Showalter demonstrates how cultural ideas about ''proper'' feminine behaviour have shaped the definition and treatment of female insanity for 150 years, and given mental disorder in women specifically sexual connotations. Along with vivid portraits of the men who dominated psychiatry, and descriptions of the therapeutic practices that were used to bring women ''to their senses'', she draws on diaries and narratives by inmates, and fiction from Mary Wollstonecraft to Doris Lessing, to supply a cultural perspective usually missing from studies of mental illness.Highly original and beautifully written, The Female Malady is a vital counter-interpretation of madness in women, showing how it is a consequence of, rather than a deviation from, the traditional female role.Trade ReviewShe writes with penetration, precision and passion. This book is essential reading for all those concerned with what psychiatry has done to women, and what new psychiatry could do for them * ROY PORTER, WELLCOME INSTITUTE FOR THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE *
£13.49
Oneworld Publications His Majestys Airship
Book SynopsisThe forgotten story of Britain's own Hindenburg disaster.
£10.79
Simon & Schuster Ltd Tory Nation
Book Synopsis'A witty, lucid investigation into one of the great mysteries of our time' JONATHAN COE‘Should be read and enjoyed by readers on the left, right and centre’ David Edgerton, TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT ________________________________________________Why do British politics so often play out on the Tories’ terms? What does this say about our democracy? In his revelatory book, Samuel Earle explores the roots of the current crisis and the real reasons for the Conservatives’ unsettling success, from their ruling-class origins in the eighteenth century and their disproportionate influence of the British press to their stranglehold over national identity. He sheds light on the Conservatives’ historic appeal among the working classes and why the Labour Party so often disappoints.Tory Nation describes the making of Britain through one party’s astonishing power ove
£10.44
Hodder & Stoughton Delizia
Book Synopsis''No one is more authoritative on the history of Italian food and its culture and the influence it has had on the world, . . . an addictive read for anyone interested in the dolce vita.'' - Angela Hartnett''Food and culture of Italy come together in this fantastic and must-have book from John Dickie.'' - Giorgio Locatelli''If only we could all write as brilliantly on Italy and its food as John Dickie does. He may well know Italy and Italians better than they know themselves.'' - Stanley TucciThe new edition of the much-loved classic, with a fresh chapter that brings the surprising and moreish tale of the Italian way of eating right up to the present.Delizia! takes the reader on a revelatory historical journey through the flavours of the cities that shaped the Italian love for good eating. From the bustle of Medieval Milan, to the bombast of Fascist Rome; from the pleasure gardens of Renaissance Ferrara, to the putrid alleyways of nineteenth-century Naples. In rich slices of Italian life, Delizia! shows how violence and intrigue, as well as taste and creativity, went to make the world''s favourite cuisine. With its mix of vivid story-telling, ground-breaking research and shrewd analysis, John Dickie''s Delizia! is as appetising as the dishes it describes.
£11.69
Orion Publishing Co Six Weeks
Book SynopsisThe extraordinary story of British junior officers in the First World War, who led their men out of the trenches and faced a life expectancy of six weeks.During the Great War, many boys went straight from the classroom to the most dangerous job in the world - that of junior officer on the Western Front. Although desperately aware of how many of their predecessors had fallen before them, nearly all stepped forward, unflinchingly, to do their duty. The average life expectancy of a subaltern in the trenches was a mere six weeks.In this remarkable book, John Lewis-Stempel focuses on the forgotten men who truly won Britain''s victory in the First World War - the subalterns, lieutenants and captains of the Army, the leaders in the trenches, the first ''over the top'', the last to retreat. Basing his narrative on a huge range of first-person accounts, including the poignant letters and diaries sent home or to their old schools, the author reveals what motivated theseTrade ReviewSuperb ... the most moving single book on the Great War that I have ever read -- Nigel Jones * Literary Review *Best research resource ever. Beautiful book -- Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey)Compelling -- Julian FellowesThis well researched book tells the harrowing story of the men - or adolescents, many of them -who unhesitatingly answered the call by War Minister Lord Kitchener for volunteers, and continued to answer it even after it became clear that the life expectancy of a subaltern in the trenches averaged only six weeks... Lewis-Stempel is excellent on life in the trenches... for all the horror and pity of their struggle, their legacy is our freedom. -- Andrew Roberts * MAIL ON SUNDAY *It is only rarely that a book deserves to be recommended unreservedly but John Lewis-Stempel's Six Weeks falls firmly into that category...This is a book that should be read by every young man who aspires to serve as an officer in the Army; it will educate him about how to behave in command of soldiers and about how to face the perils of war. * GUARDS MAGAZINE *woven with great narrative skill...presents an incomparable portrait of a generation * MILITARY TIMES *A superb study... Lewis-Stempel's marvelously evocative book is full of throat-catching moments... The result is the most moving single book on the Great War that I have ever read - and I have read many... his book pays the subalterns the respect they deserve by entering into their distant mindsets. -- Nigel Jones * LITERARY REVIEW *Diaries and letters convey the inspiring spirit of these young men. * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *A hugely moving account * OXFORD TIMES *A poignant and detailed study on what life was like at the front. * GOOD BOOK GUIDE *One of the most important new studies of the Great War * CONTEMPORARY REVIEW *Every school pupil should read "Six Weeks" by @JLewisStempel before going on a First World War battlefield tour * Colonel Richard Kemp, former Commander British Forces in Afghanistan and author of 'Attack State Red' *
£11.69
Headline Publishing Group Rivets Trivets and Galvanised Buckets
Book Synopsis''A hymn to hardware, charming, lyrical'' - The Sunday Times, BOOK OF THE WEEK''A paean to DIY'' - The Times''Strung together very agreeably, with dry wit and, dare I say it, considerable polish'' - Country LifeIn 2018 Tom Fort''s daughter-in-law took over a century-old hardware shop. The family dreamed of developing the shop into one that would become the centre of village life; that much did come true, but not in the way they had expected.Interweaving the evolution of the shop, its previous owners, the customers it serves and the items it sells, Rivets, Trivets & Galvanised Buckets offers a delightful study of community and shines a light on the eccentricities of ordinary people. Alongside, it presents a fascinating history of technological development; from who thought of screwdrivers to where the spirit level came from, who devised the process of galvanisation and what genius worked out that a sucti
£11.69
John Murray Press 1666
Book Synopsis1666 was a watershed year for England. The outbreak of the Great Plague, the eruption of the second Dutch War and the Great Fire of London all struck the country in rapid succession and with devastating repercussions.Shedding light on these dramatic events, historian Rebecca Rideal reveals an unprecedented period of terror and triumph. Based on original archival research and drawing on little-known sources, 1666: Plague, War and Hellfire takes readers on a thrilling journey through a crucial turning point in English history, as seen through the eyes of an extraordinary cast of historical characters. While the central events of this significant year were ones of devastation and defeat, 1666 also offers a glimpse of the incredible scientific and artistic progress being made at that time, from Isaac Newton''s discovery of gravity to Robert Hooke''s microscopic wonders. It was in this year that John Milton completed Paradise Lost, Frances Stewart posTrade ReviewAn impressively vivid account of an extraordinary piece of England's history. Rideal is particularly good on the great set pieces - the plague, the fire and (especially) the naval battles - which she brings to dramatic life with telling details * The Times *A book firmly anchored in the grain of contemporary accounts, sparking with the crackle of first-hand reports * Guardian *Sympathetic and sharp-eyed ... an enjoyable book about an exciting period of history * Daily Telegraph *Rideal's London pulses with humanity . . . It is Rideal's vivid and confident style, teamed with meticulous research and a curiosity for the quotidian that makes 1666: Plague, War and Hellfire a memorable, gripping and very satisfying read * Historia *Accessible and entertaining . . . a keen eye for engaging anecdote and historical personality * The Spectator *1666 is described brilliantly . . . a rollicking new book * Evening Standard *Bound to reveal secrets you won't have heard before * History Revealed *Gripping and beautifully written . . . extraordinarily vivid * BBC History Magazine *It's just extraordinary, just taking a single moment, albeit a very significant one in history and weaving in the political, the social the military history. But she writes like a novelist and has clearly done her research, it's a very scholarly book. I literally couldn't put it down * Tracy Borman, Open Book *
£10.44
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Aberdeen at War 193945
Book SynopsisAberdeen was the most frequently bombed city in Britain suffering 32 raids and 364 air raid warnings. As a result, Aberdeen was nicknamed the Siren City'.
£12.34
Bristol University Press A History of Modern Britain in 12 Crises
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£26.99
Gretton Books Labour Lancashire and the 1924 Government
Book Synopsis
£6.79
Vintage Publishing Queens of the Crusades: Eleanor of Aquitaine and
Book Synopsis'Stunning... Weir has brought those five queens to life like never before. I just raced through it - it has all the drama and suspense of a novel' Tracy BormanCrusading queens, queens in rebellion against their king, queen seductresses, learned queens, queens in battle - the Plantagenet queens broke through medieval constraints to exercise power and influence, for good and sometimes for ill. Beginning with the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine whose marriage to Henry II sows the seeds for some of the most destructive family conflicts in history and ending with Eleanor of Castile, the grasping but beloved wife of Edward I, Alison Weir's ground-breaking history of the queens of medieval England provides an enthralling new perspective on a dramatic period of high romance and sometimes low politics, with determined women at its heart.Trade ReviewStunning... [Weir has] brought those five queens to life like never before. I just raced through it - it has all the drama and suspense of a novel. -- Tracy Borman[A] historian who has achieved popularity without sacrificing scholarly precision... She writes with the dramatic intensity of a novelist. -- Gerard DeGroot * The Times *The book that I most anticipated this year was Alison Weir's Queens of the Crusades... Told with all of Weir's characteristic verve and exceptional eye for detail, this book should find its way into every history lover's Christmas stocking. -- Tracy Borman * BBC History Magazine *Books of the Year 2020* *As in previous books, the exceedingly knowledgeable author's prodigious research is impressive. Another treat for Weir fans. * Kirkus Reviews *This meticulous group biography of the first five Plantagenet queens of England brushes away long-standing legends. Weir skillfully documents the political, religious, and cultural issues of medieval England and France. * Publishers Weekly *
£12.34
Octopus Publishing Group When the Sea Came Alive
Book SynopsisA landmark new account of the single most important day of WW2, in the words of the people who lived it.
£12.34
Helion & Company The Gaelic World at War
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£21.25
Helion & Company Home and Away
£21.25
Boydell & Brewer Ltd Shoes and Pattens
Book SynopsisThe best scholarship focused on shoes and everyday dress accessories from the Middle Ages. Indispensable. SPECULUM Until recently, very little was known about medieval shoes. Glimpses in manuscript illustrations and on funerary monuments, with the occasional reference by a contemporary writer, was all that the costume historian had as evidence, not least because leather tends to perish after prolonged contact with air, and very few actual examples survived. In recent years, however, nearly 2,000 shoes, many complete and in near-perfect condition, have been discovered preserved on the north bank of the Thames, and are now housed in the Museum of London. This collection, all from well-dated archaeological contexts, fills this vast gap in knowledge, making it possible to chart precisely the progress of shoe fashion between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries.
£22.49
Fircone Books Ltd On the Trail of the Mortimers in the Welsh
Book Synopsis
£15.28
Vivida Italian Folk Magic
£11.39
Headline Publishing Group Secret Britain
Book SynopsisDiscover the stories of the brave men and women who worked, trained and fought across the UK, from Bletchley Park in southern England all the way to Arisaig in northern Scotland, in an unbelievable effort to defeat the Nazis and win the Second World War .From the outset of the war, most of Britain felt like a mystery even to those who lived there. All road and railway signs were removed up and down the country to thwart potential enemy spies. An invisible web of cunning spread across the United Kingdom; secret laboratories were hidden in marshes, underground bases were built to conceal key strategic plans and grand country houses became secret and silent locations for eccentric boffins to do their confidential cryptography work.In Secret Britain, Sinclair McKay maps out the UK through the hidden bases and battlegrounds of WWII. These locations are full of history and intrigue, but if you don''t know where to look, you might just misTrade ReviewEngrossing . . . well-researched, powerfully written, and balanced. For all interested in military history and World War II. * Library Journal *Secret Britain successfully combines coverage of the importance of the interception and deciphering of messages in the UK and abroad, with insights into the private lives of the employees who did this work. * Times Literary Supplement *
£9.74
Princeton University Press The Golden Legend
Book SynopsisA collection of stories that offers an important guide for readers interested in medieval art and literature and, more generally, in popular religious culture.Trade Review"[The Golden Legend] came to serve as the literary equivalent of wall-paintings and stained glass... For the translation of the work in its entirety into English we have had to wait 700 years for the energy and learning of a distinguished American academic, William Granger Ryan."--Gerard Irvine, Times Literary Supplement "Art historians depend on it. Medievalists should know it inside-out... [F]or the rest of us it remains a treasure-house of European culture, crammed full of the things which everyone, once upon a time, used to know."--Noel Malcolm, Sunday Telegraph "Princeton University Press's volume must rank as one of the most useful reprints of the year for church historians, art historians, and students of medieval and early modern literature."--Dr. Alison Shell, Church Times "[A]lthough this is a translation with a fine introduction, it also provides the reader with an understanding of the rich diversity of medieval culture. The text itself offers a glimpse of the imagination and dynamic life of Medieval Christian Europe and, therefore, has a real value for students of that era."--Donald J. Dietrich, European LegacyTable of Contents*FrontMatter, pg. i*Contents, pg. vii*Introduction to the 2012 Edition, pg. xi*Acknowledgments, pg. xxi*Prologue, pg. 1*1-24, pg. 4*25-54, pg. 105*55-89, pg. 225*90-119, pg. 350*120-149, pg. 484*150-169, pg. 616*170-182, pg. 709*Index, pg. 783
£38.25
Orion Publishing Co Pax Romana
Book SynopsisThe Pax Romana is famous for having provided a remarkable period of peace and stability, rarely seen before or since. Yet the Romans were first and foremost conquerors, imperialists who took by force a vast empire stretching from the Euphrates in the east to the Atlantic coast in the west. Their peace meant Roman victory and was brought about by strength and dominance rather than co-existence with neighbours. The Romans were aggressive and ruthless, and during the creation of their empire millions died or were enslaved.But the Pax Romana was real, not merely the boast of emperors, and some of the regions in the Empire have never again lived for so many generations free from major wars. So what exactly was the Pax Romana and what did it mean for the people who found themselves brought under Roman rule?Acclaimed historian Adrian Goldsworthy tells the story of the creation of the Empire, revealing how and why the Romans came to control so much of the world and asking whTrade Review'Goldsworthy brings a wonderful vitality to his subject; his account possesses an immediacy usually associated with contemporary history. The reader is treated to an enthralling view of a highly complex system of governance. Too often, Rome's brutality has overshadowed the brilliance of her administrators. Goldsworthy gives statecraft its proper emphasis' -- Gerard DeGroot * THE TIMES *'In this thick but entirely compelling account, acclaimed British historian Adrian Goldsworthy, who has written extensively about the Roman Empire, explains how it enforced genuine and long-lasting, if not idyllic peace . . . An engrossing account of how the Roman Empire grew and operated' * KIRKUS REVIEWS *The latest in the line of tomes about the toga wearers on the Tiber is Goldsworthy's admirably thorough account of how they conquered then controlled their empire -- John Lewis-Stempel * EXPRESS *'The best of his many excellent books on ancient Rome for its range and depth' -- Peter Jones * BBC HISTORY *'The reign of Augustus - when the Romans learned to stop worrying and love the emperors - is the center of Adrian Goldworthy's powerful reassessment of Roman imperialism' -- Greg Woolf * WALL STREET JOURNAL *Goldsworthy persuasively describes daily life for ordinary people, both Roman citizens and the indigenous populations who lived under Roman rule as subjects or slaves -- Greg Jameson * ENTERTAINMENT FOCUS.COM *'For Goldsworthy, the author of a series of excellent books on the Roman world, the idea of empire gets an unfairly bad press. In this refreshing and thoughtful book, he argues that military power alone fails to explain why the Romans managed to rule such a huge domain for so long' -- Dominic Sandbrook * SUNDAY TIMES Christmas Books *Adrian Goldsworthy is on top form with Pax Romana. Pointing out that war was virtually endemic in the ancient world, he explains clearly and persuasively how Rome was able to maintain the peace for such a long period -- Peter Jones * BBC HISTORY *Goldsworthy's lively and thought-provoking history gives a vivid impression of Roman peace from the point of view of both the conquerors and those conquered * DAILY MAIL *It is a satisfying and thought-provoking book for anyone determined to dislike the Romans while admiring their imperial achievement -- Christopher Kelly * TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *Adrian Goldsworthy has made a reputation for himself as a scholar who writes in an accessible way on Roman history. In Pax Romana he argues that Roman power did not exclusively rely upon military force and brutality but on a series of complex arrangements with conquered peoples * IAIN DALE.COM *Two lessons for today stand out in the book: First, it is hard to make and keep a peace. Second, the greatest threat to the Pax Romana came not from foreigners but from the internal power struggles of the Romans themselves. -- Thomas E Ricks * NEW YORK TIMES *
£13.49
Yale University Press Europe Between the Oceans
Book SynopsisEurope is, in world terms, a relatively minor peninsula attached to the Eurasian land mass, yet it became one of the most innovative regions on the planet. This title sees Europe not in terms of states and shifting land boundaries, but as a geographical niche particularly favoured in facing many seas.Trade Review"When history is written in this way, conventional priorities are overthrown. . . . An admirable distillation of an enormous amount of evidence—full of what is beautiful, interesting and true."—James Fenton, The Sunday Times (London)"Colorfully weaves history, geography archaeology and anthropology into a mesmerizing tapestry chronicling the development of Europe. . . . Richly told, Cunliffe's tale yields a wealth of insights into the earliest days of European civilization."—Publishers Weekly(starred review)"Vibrant. . . . Europe Between the Oceans is eminently readable [and] synthesizes major themes in archaeology and history. . . . One of the most accessible discussions available."—Cheryl Ward, International Journal of Maritime History"Nothing less than a masterwork, a gloriously sweeping survey of the early history of Europe drawn by a scholar and archaeologist at the very peak of his powers. . . . Magnificent. . . . Beautifully illustrated and simply written. . . . There are hundreds of examples of great erudition and innovative thinking in this wonderful book, but its chief pleasure is the sheer sweep of the thing, its confidence—born of a lifetime of study—its brio and its crystal-clear thinking."—Alistair Moffat, The Scotsman"Barry Cunliffe’s latest book represents the synthesis of half a century studying the archaeology of Europe … He has established a pre-eminent reputation for mastery of a huge corpus of Europe-wide data, and an ability to construct panoramic overviews of past epochs. His latest book is his most ambitious so far. . ."—Current Archaeology, No. 229"The scope of Professor Cunliffe’s new book is staggering . . . the text is liberally sprinkled with beautifully reproduced photographs and colour-coded maps – a wonderfully clear accompaniment . . . essential introductory reading . . . a wonderful overview. . . . Few scholars could seriously have attempted to write a work covering such a vast expanse of time and space, let alone have succeeded so admirably in condensing the great mass of information into a book that is such a manageable and rewarding read."—James Beresford, Minerva"To somebody like myself, who enjoys big history (and prehistory), this supplies it with a vengeance. . . . The author is one of our greatest living archaeologists, writing at the height of his powers and with decades of accumulated knowledge brought into play. The result is a cascade of maps, illustrations and (above all) vivid, informed, assured prose."—History Today"[An] impressive study. . . . It is a scholarly tale told in enjoyable prose and capably illustrated with excellent maps and relevant artefacts in colour."—Good Book GuideWinner of the 2008 PROSE Award for Excellence in the World History & Biography/Autobiography category, sponsored by the Association of American PublishersTop Seller in European History as compiled by YBP Library Services (2009)"Cunliffe has written an extraordinary book, which is the culmination of a lifetime’s research and thinking about early European history. This is archaeology that truly is history, a definitive account of early Europe from its beginnings to medieval times that draws effortlessly on a myriad of sources. Archaeologists, general readers, and historians alike will delight in this historical tapestry."—Brian Fagan, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, and author of The Long Summer"Cunliffe provides an enthralling history of Europe from end of the last ice age to the brink of global exploration, an extraordinary story told with unsurpassed knowledge and insight."—Steven Mithen, author of After the Ice: A Global Human History 20,000-5000 BC"A fluent and authoritative overview from one of our best known and most respected archaeological writers highlighting the formative influence of contacts, coasts and rivers on the development of European societies from earliest times."—Chris Scarre, University of Durham, editor of The Human Past"An astonishment: a transformation of prehistoric and early Europe from a minor outpost of the five continents into a restless and influential maritime member of an expanding world. Provocative but persuasive."—Aubrey Burl, author of A Guide to the Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland and Brittany"This is a truly remarkable book. . . . It is immensely readable and totally authoritative. . . . No one could read this book, one of its distinguished author's finest achievements, without pleasure and profit. Simply put, it is excellent: original, exciting and a delight to read."—Roger Collins, author of Visigoth Spain, 409-711 and Early Medieval Europe, 300-1000
£23.75
HarperCollins Publishers The War on the West
Book SynopsisSUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLERThe most important book of the year' Daily MailThe brilliant and provocative new book from one of the world's foremost political writersThe anti-Western revisionists have been out in force in recent years. It is high time that we revise them in turn'In The War on the West, international bestselling author Douglas Murray asks: if the history of humankind is one of slavery, conquest, prejudice, genocide and exploitation, why are only Western nations taking the blame for it? It's become perfectly acceptable to celebrate the contributions of non-Western cultures, but discussing their flaws and crimes is called hate speech. What's more it has become acceptable to discuss the flaws and crimes of Western culture, but celebrating their contributions is also called hate speech. Some of this is a much-needed reckoning; however, some is part of a larger international attack on reason, democracy, science, progress and the citizens of the West by dishonest scholars, hatemongers, hostile nations and human-rights abusers hoping to distract from their ongoing villainy.In The War on the West, Douglas Murray shows the ways in which many well-meaning people have been lured into polarisation by lies, and shows how far the world's most crucial political debates have been hijacked across Europe and America. Propelled by an incisive deconstruction of inconsistent arguments and hypocritical activism, The War on the West is an essential and urgent polemic that cements Murray's status as one of the world's foremost political writers.Trade Review‘Murray shows not just how every aspect of western society has come under the iconoclasts’ gaze – from mathematics to music, Kew Gardens to Jane Austen – but how flimsy their case often is.’ – The Sunday Times ‘Murray writes with wonderful lucidity about the many fronts on which the West is waging war against itself. And he writes with a sense of urgency.’ – Real Clear Politics ‘Well executed… a spirited defence against the Left's assault on the Western tradition.’ – The Daily Telegraph ‘The War on the West is a monumental book leading to several pivotal realisations.’ – Lotus Eaters ‘Meticulous, measured… The War on the West is Douglas Murray’s latest blast against loony left wokery.’ – The Spectator Praise for Douglas Murray and The Madness of Crowds ‘Whether one agrees with him or not, Douglas Murray is one of the most important public intellectuals today.’ – Bernard-Henry Levy ‘This is an author who specialises in expressing what everyone sort of knows already and is afraid to say…Well argued, well supported, and well observed.’ – Lionel Shriver ‘Simply brilliant. Reading it to the end, I felt as though I’d just drawn my first full breath in years. At a moment of collective madness, there is nothing more refreshing – or indeed, provocative – than sanity.’ – Sam Harris ‘His latest book is beyond brilliant and should be read, must be read, by everyone. He mercilessly exposes the hypocrisy and embarrassingly blatant contradictions that run rife through the current ‘woke’ vouge.’ – Richard Dawkins ‘Douglas Murray fights the good fight for freedom of speech… A truthful look at today’s most divisive issues.’ – Jordan B. Peterson ‘Extraordinary. Magnificent. Searing. Necessary. I salute il miglior fabbro. ‘And whether they listen or fail to listen… they will know that the prophet has been among them’ (Ezekiel 2:5)’ – Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
£17.00
John Murray Press The King's Grave: The Search for Richard III
Book SynopsisNow with a new chapter.The official inside story of the life, death and remarkable discovery of history's most controversial monarch.On 22 August 1485 Richard III was killed at Bosworth Field, the last king of England to die in battle. His victorious opponent, Henry Tudor (the future Henry VII), went on to found one of our most famous ruling dynasties. Richard's body was displayed in undignified fashion for two days in nearby Leicester and then hurriedly buried in the church of the Greyfriars. Fifty years later, at the time of the dissolution of the monasteries, the king's grave was lost - its contents believed to be emptied into the river Soar and Richard III's reputation buried under a mound of Tudor propaganda. Its culmination was Shakespeare's compelling portrayal of a deformed and murderous villain, written over a hundred years after Richard's death. Now - in an incredible find - Richard III's remains have been uncovered beneath a car park in Leicester. The King's Grave traces this remarkable journey. In alternate chapters, Philippa Langley, whose years of research and belief that she would find Richard in this exact spot inspired the project, reveals the inside story of the search for the king's grave, and historian Michael Jones tells of Richard's fifteenth-century life and death. The result is a compelling portrayal of one of our greatest archaeological discoveries, allowing a complete re-evaluation of our most controversial monarch - one that discards the distortions of later Tudor histories and puts the man firmly back into the context of his times.Trade ReviewIn almost the exact spot where Langley had first become convinced she was standing on top of Richard's grave, a careful flick of a trowel revealed the leg bone of what would turn out to be the remains of the king, complete with the twisted, scoliosis spine so compellingly placed centre stage by Shakespeare. Now the remarkable story of King Richard's life and death - and the amazing journey of the intuitive woman who never gave up believing that she would one day find his body - has been brought together in this fascinating and informative book * Lancashire Evening Post *A history-making book which I had trouble putting down * Historical Novel Society *It is being called once of the most significant finds in archaeological history, shedding light on a king's last resting place and solving a 500-year old mystery over his death -- Daily TelegraphArchaeologists described the find as one of the most significant 'in recent times' and said history books will be rewritten -- Daily MailJones's historical chapters are measured, reasonable and elegantly written -- Sunday Times[Philippa Langley] has just written a compelling book with historian and friend Michael Jones . . . It is cleverly constructed: in alternate chapters she tells the story of her quest, while Michael details the life of Richard colourfully. It reads like an up-all-night thriller -- Mail on SundayThis is the year that Richard III rose up from his unmarked grave in a Leicester car park, and this is the book that describes the painstaking quest for the king's body, and the battle that destroyed him. Philippa Langley pursued his remains, Michael Jones pursued his reputation and together they have written a book which explains and defines the battle where he died, the grave that was lost, and the legend that followed him. This book is about an important excavation indeed, of the body from a lost grave, and of a king from a long libel -- Philippa GregoryThe King's Grave . . . reveals the remarkable story of how the remains came to be unearthed. And the result is a compelling portrayal of one of this century's most important archaeological discoveries -- BBC History MagazineHistory at its most fascinating -- Books Monthly magazine[A] page-turner -- Current ArchaeologyLangley's invaluable contribution to the investigation is undisputed; she envisioned, facilitated and drove it for years. Her confidential, breathy, diary-style chapters recreate the immediacy of the dig for the reader . . . The Search for Richard III makes for compelling reading -- TLSInteresting [and] engaging -- Daily ExpressThe King's Grave tells two remarkable stories in alternating chapters -- Wall Street JournalFascinating -- BooksellerJones's cogent and nuanced narrative provides the historical ballast to Langley's search -- GuardianJones's historical chapters are measured, reasonable and elegantly written * Sunday Times *[Philippa Langley] has just written a compelling book with historian and friend Michael Jones . . . It is cleverly constructed: in alternate chapters she tells the story of her quest, while Michael details the life of Richard colourfully. It reads like an up-all-night thriller * Mail on Sunday *This is the year that Richard III rose up from his unmarked grave in a Leicester car park, and this is the book that describes the painstaking quest for the king's body, and the battle that destroyed him. Philippa Langley pursued his remains, Michael Jones pursued his reputation and together they have written a book which explains and defines the battle where he died, the grave that was lost, and the legend that followed him. This book is about an important excavation indeed, of the body from a lost grave, and of a king from a long libel * Philippa Gregory *The King's Grave . . . reveals the remarkable story of how the remains came to be unearthed. And the result is a compelling portrayal of one of this century's most important archaeological discoveries * BBC History Magazine *History at its most fascinating * www.booksmonthly.co.uk/nonfic.html *A . . . page-turner * Current Archaeology *Langley's invaluable contribution to the investigation is undisputed; she envisioned, facilitated and drove it for years. Her confidential, breathy, diary-style chapters recreate the immediacy of the dig for the reader . . . The Search for Richard III makes for compelling reading * TLS *Jones's cogent and nuanced narrative provides the historical ballast to Langley's search * Guardian *Interesting [and] engaging * Daily Express *The King's Grave tells two remarkable stories in alternating chapters * Wall Street Journal *Fascinating * Bookseller *
£11.69
Little, Brown Book Group The Coming of the Wolf The Wild Hunt series
Book SynopsisThe long-awaited prequel to Elizabeth Chadwick''s bestselling and beloved first novel The Wild Hunt''Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride''Daily TelegraphThe Welsh Borders, 1069 When Ashdyke Manor is attacked, Lady Christen is forced to witness her husband''s murder and the pillaging of her lands at the hands of brutal Norman invaders. It seems the pain is finally over when Miles Le Gallois, Lord of Milnham-on-Wye, calls off the attack. But he has Christen''s brother under armed guard and a deal to offer: her brother''s freedom for her hand in marriage. Christen finds herself hastily married into the enemy side, with her brother swearing his vengeance on her new husband. Miles and Christen''s precarious union invites enemies from all sides and when Miles is summoned for a lengthy campaign by the King, Christen is left to watch hi
£8.09
Oxford University Press Gods Playground A History of Poland
Book SynopsisThis new edition of Norman Davies''s classic study of the history of Poland has been revised and fully updated with two new chapters to bring the story to the end of the twentieth century. The writing of Polish history, like Poland itself, has frequently fallen prey to interested parties. Professor Norman Davies adopts a sceptical stance towards all existing interpretations and attempts to bring a strong dose of common sense to his theme. He presents the most comprehensive survey in English of this frequently maligned and usually misunderstood country.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition Anyone who wants to understand what has happened in Poland must dig into Norman Davies's great opencast mine of Polish History...it is very accessible, strewn with vivid quotations from original sources, good anecdotes, and much verse... * Sunday Times *The magnificence of God's Playground is that Norman Davies has given ust the music as well as the libretto, the passion, poetry, myth, and ancedote as well as the facts...Davies writes with spirit, and his enjoyment is infectious. * Observer *A yawning gap in Anglophone historical literature has now been filled...Dr Davies writes interestingly and well. His moods vary between cool detachment, passionate involvement, and ironic comment. His range of sources is wide and imaginative...a very substantial achievement. * Times Literary Supplement *Table of Contents1. MILLENIUM: A THOUSAND YEARS OF HISTORY ; 2. Polska: The Polish Land ; 3. Piast: The Polanian Dynasty (to 1370) ; 4. Anjou: The Hungarian Connection (1370-1386) ; 5. Jogaila: The Lithuanian Union (1386-1572) ; 6. ANTEMURALE: THE BULWARK OF CHRISTENDOM (RELIGION) ; 7. The Nobelman's Paradise (Society) ; 8. Handel: The Baltic Grain Trade (Economy) ; 9. Miasto: The Vicissitudes of Urban Life (The Cities) ; 10. Anarchia: The Noble Democracy (The Constitution) ; 11. Serenissima: Diplomacy in Poland - Lithuania (Foreign Affairs) ; 12. Valois: The French Experiment (1572-1575) ; 13. Bathory: The Transylvanian Victor (1576-1586) ; 14. Vasa: The Swedish Connection (1587-1668) ; 15. Michal: The Austrian Candidate (1669-1673) ; 16. Sobieski: Terror of the Turk (1674-1696) ; 17. Wettin: The Saxon Era (1697-1763) ; 18. Agonia: The End of the Eussian Protectorate (1764-1795)
£46.07
Simon & Schuster Ltd The History of Modern France
Book SynopsisWith the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, the next two centuries for France would be tumultuous. Bestselling historian and political commentator Jonathan Fenby provides an expert and riveting journey through this period as he recounts and analyses the extraordinary sequence of events of this period from the end of the First Revolution through two others, a return of Empire, three catastrophic wars with Germany, periods of stability and hope interspersed with years of uncertainty and high tensions. As her cross-Channel neighbour Great Britain would equally suffer, France was to undergo the wrenching loss of colonies in the post-Second World War as the new modern world we know today took shape. Her attempts to become the leader of the European union is a constant struggle, as was her lack of support for America in the two Gulf Wars of the past twenty years. Alongside this came huge social changes and cultural landmarks but also fundamental questioning
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd Ten Days That Shook the World
Book SynopsisTen Days That Shook the World is John Reed's eyewitness account of the Russian Revolution. A contemporary journalist writing in the first flush of revolutionary enthusiasm, he gives a gripping record of the events in Petrograd in November 1917, when Lenin and the Bolsheviks finally seized power. Containing verbatim reports both of speeches by leaders and the chance comments of bystanders, set against an idealized backcloth of the proletariat, soldiers, sailors, and peasants uniting to throw off oppression, Reed's account is the product of passionate involvement and remains an unsurpassed classic of reporting.
£10.44
British Museum Press Treasures from Sutton Hoo
Book SynopsisThis beautifully designed introduction to the treasure details the most significant pieces contained within it and explores the circumstances of its burial, discovery and excavation, as well as its lasting legacy and fame.
£7.87
Hodder Education Weimar and Nazi Germany
Book Synopsis
£30.40
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Modernity Britain
Book SynopsisThis edition collects both volumes of Modernity Britain for the first timeFollowing Austerity Britain and Family Britain, the third volume in David Kynaston''s landmark social history of post-war Britain''Triumphant ... A historian of peerless sensitivity and curiosity about the lives of individuals'' Financial Times''This superb history captures the birth pangs of modern Britain ... It is a part of Kynaston's huge achievement that such moments of insight and pleasure should accompany what has become a monumental history of our recent past'' The Times____________________David Kynaston's history of post-war Britain has so far taken us from the radically reforming Labour governments of the late 1940s in Austerity Britain and through the growing prosperity of Family Britain's more placid 1950s. Now Modernity Britain 195762 sees the coming of a new Zeitgeist as Kynaston gets up close to a turbTrade ReviewThis superb history captures the birth pangs of modern Britain ... It is a part of Kynaston’s huge achievement that such moments of insight and pleasure should accompany what has become a monumental history of our recent past * The Times *Richly detailed series … Indefatigable, judicious, with a magpie’s eye for detail and a lovely grasp of tone and balance, David Kynaston is one of the great chroniclers of our modern story ... Every paragraph contains some glittering nugget * Sunday Times *Triumphant ... A historian of peerless sensitivity and curiosity about the lives of individuals. His method is to immerse first himself, then his readers, in a deep quotidian fabric of the time, making every strand visible before gradually lifting his gaze and revealing the wider pattern * Financial Times *This compelling history of the nation is wise, funny, impeccably researched and beautifully written ... Not for one second does his writing sag under the weight of his research: if you asked him to plod, he simply wouldn’t know how … This latest volume will be every bit as addictive as its predecessors … Like a great composer, Kynaston dots little melodies into the opening minutes which he later allows to swell into major themes … The best way to review this book would be to take a leaf from Lewis Carroll and map it all out, word for word. As it is, you’ll just have to save me the effort by reading it for yourself * Craig Brown, Mail on Sunday *An exciting read, containing moments of suspense and lengthy sections of analysis … Kynaston’s book makes salutary and urgent reading, suggesting that we might do well to live with half an eye on the Kynastons of the future * Lara Feigel, Observer *He is chewing his way through the giant lettuce-leaf of his chosen decades like a particularly thorough tortoise. Hares: watch out ... Kynaston is interested in getting the feel of life close up, and his range of sources is formidable * Spectator *Masterful ... Kynaston has an enviable ability to see both the trees and the wood, and patterns start to appear ... Kynaston’s project is already being acclaimed as one of the great achievements of modern history, and this fourth instalment, with its entrancing mix of entertainment, erudition and enlightenment, will enhance its status further * Daily Telegraph *The latest volume of Kynaston's history of post-war Britain chronicles an era of tumultuous cultural, political, and commercial change - Harold Macmillan's 'never had it so good' years. * The Mail on Sunday *
£15.29
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Great Contemporaries
Book SynopsisWinston S. Churchill won the Nobel Prize for Literature for his mastery of historical and biographical description. Nowhere is that mastery more evident than in Great Contemporaries, first published in 1937.Written in the decade before Churchill became prime minister, these portraits of notable figures of his age offer wisdom for our own. With keen observations and telling anecdotes, Churchill points out what he learned from them about greatness and also their limitations. His subjects range from Franklin Roosevelt, Adolf Hitler, Lawrence of Arabia, and Leon Trotsky to Charlie Chaplin, H. G. Wells, Rudyard Kipling, and George Bernard Shaw.Published in the Bloomsbury Revelations series to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Churchill''s birth, this is the most complete edition, including five additional essays, more than thirty photographs, with a new foreword and annotations by Churchill scholar James W. Muller. This volume revives Churchill's unmatched insig
£23.39
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Ju 88 Aces of World War 2
Book SynopsisInitially designed as a fast medium bomber, the Junkers Ju 88 was also used as a Zerstörer heavy fighter by the Luftwaffe. It saw its combat debut over Poland in 1939, and heavy fighter variants saw action on every front up to VE Day. The ultimate Ju 88 fighter variant was the G-model of 1944, which boasted a FuG 220 or 227 radar, an astounding array of cannon and machine gun armament and advanced Junkers Jumo or BMW engines. A dedicated nightfighter, the first Ju 88G-1s entered service with the Nachtjagd in the summer of 1944, replacing Ju 88C/Rs as well as some Bf 110Gs. Despite suffering heavy losses in the final months of the war, Ju 88Gs also inflicted serious casualties on Bomber Command throughout the war.From patrolling over the Bay of Biscay, to the Arctic circle opposing Allied convoys and, most successfully, as radar-equipped nightfighters engaging RAF heavy bombers during defence of the Reich operations from late 1941, this is the story of tTable of ContentsChapter One: Early Beginnings Chapter Two: Radarless Nightfighters Chapter Three: Bloody Bay of Biscay Chapter Four: Arctic Operations Chapter Five: Ju 88G – Ultimate Nightfighter Appendices Index
£14.39
Yale University Press Matilda
Book SynopsisA life of Matilda—empress, skilled military leader, and one of the greatest figures of the English Middle AgesTrade Review“Impressive study.”—Kathryn Hughes, The Guardian“A fine example of the genre.”—Tony Barber, Financial Times“A lively and authoritative account.”—Katherine Harvey, Times Literary Supplement“This volume is designed for a wide readership and deserves to find one.”—Sean McGlynn, The Spectator“A lively and illuminating biography.”—Peter Marshall, Literary Review“[A]n excellent and provocative study that straddles the line between the scholarly and the popular.”—Lois Huneycutt, Royal Studies Journal“An accessible and engaging history.”—Rod McLary, Queensland Reviewers Collective“The biography of Matilda I’ve been waiting for: as clear-sighted, forthright and formidable as the Empress herself. Catherine Hanley combines lucid scholarship with page-turning narrative; military expertise with a fine-grained understanding of the challenges facing a twelfth-century woman who sought to rule. The result—authoritative, human, and utterly compelling—is a triumph.”—Helen Castor, author of She-Wolves“Ambitious and compelling. Matilda brings the female ruler alive for a new generation of readers, capturing her early experiences as the young bride of the Holy Roman Emperor, her difficult marriage to Geoffrey of Anjou, her bitter rivalry with her cousin King Stephen for the English throne, and her vitally important role in supporting the accession of her son King Henry II.”—Louise J. Wilkinson, author of Eleanor de Montfort“A lucid and long-needed study of Matilda, the mother of the Plantagenets, England’s longest ruling dynasty, and a pivotal figure in the power struggle that followed the death of her father, Henry I. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand this remarkable woman and the tangled politics of those years when ‘Christ and his saints slept.’”—Derek Wilson, author of The Queen and the Heretic
£12.99
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The English Civil War
Book Synopsis''The English Civil War is a joy to behold, a thing of beauty this will be the civil war atlas against which all others will judged and the battle maps in particular will quickly become the benchmark for all future civil war maps.'' - Professor Martyn Bennett, Department of History, Languages and Global Studies, Nottingham Trent UniversityThe English Civil Wars (163851) comprised the deadliest conflict ever fought on British soil, in which brother took up arms against brother, father fought against son, and towns, cities and villages fortified themselves in the cause of Royalists or Parliamentarians. Although much historical attention has focused on the events in England and the key battles of Edgehill, Marston Moor and Naseby, this was a conflict that engulfed the entirety of the Three Kingdoms and led to a trial and execution that profoundly shaped the British monarchy and Parliament. This beautifully presented atlas tells the whole story of Britain's revolutionary civiTrade ReviewThis superb work provides a visually stunning guide to Britain’s civil wars from the opening Bishops’ War to the rule of Cromwell’s major generals. Based on the latest historical and archaeological research, the 156 detailed maps show not only the better known large battles and sieges, but also numerous smaller engagements and key political events. Essential for comprehending the full extent of the war and for understanding it conduct and outcome. * Professor Peter Wilson, Chichele Professor of the History of War, University of Oxford *There has long been a need for a good atlas of the English Civil War, and Nick Lipscombe, who has already fully met the need for one for the Peninsular War, now does so again. Effective and clear maps are ably combined with a text that reflects Lipscombe’s understanding of weapons characteristics, the complexity of battle, and the nuances of command. An important work that deserves wide attention. * Professor Jeremy Black, author of World War Two in 100 Maps *Nick Lipscombe’s The English Civil War is a joy to behold a thing of beauty, but much more than that book is clearly of no small importance. I am convinced that this will be the first port of call for all enthusiasts and scholars looking for a cartographic interpretation of the civil wars. This will be the civil war atlas against which all others will judged and the battle maps in particular will quickly become the benchmark for all future civil war maps. * Professor Martyn Bennett, Department of History, Languages and Global Studies, Nottingham Trent University *Without doubt one of the most foremost reference sources on the Civil Wars available today. * Tim Williamson, History of War *An absolutely essential volume for anyone interested in the period. -- Duncan Evans * The Armourer *The Atlas is an excellent work, which is a must for anyone who has any interest in the War of the Tree Kingdoms. -- Chris May * Battlefield *...An expert commentary and analysis, by a good historian linked into the Battlefields Trust. Highly recommended. * Miniature Wargames *This is a wonderful volume, hugely impressive in its breadth and depth, very attractive in its cartography and presentation, which makes a weighty contribution to the history of the civil war in every sense. -- Professor Peter Gaunt * University of Chester for The Protector's Pen *Table of ContentsForeword Preface Chronology – The Wars of The Three Kingdoms, 1639–52 Legend to Maps Introduction – Origins of Conflict Civil War Armies, Fighting Components and their Tactics 1 – The Early Stuarts and the Divine Right of Kings, 1603–37 2 – The Bishops’ Wars, 1639–40 3 – Rebellion in Ireland, 1640–42 4 – The Road to Civil War, 1641–42 5 – The Campaign and Battle of Edgehill, June to October 1642 6 – Advance to London, October to November 1642 7 – Nationwide Struggle, December 1642 to March 1643 8 – The Nation Divides, Mid-March to end of May 1643 9 – Events in The South-West, March to June 1643 10 – The Struggle for the North and Centre, June to August 1643 11 – The Struggle for Bristol and the South-West, June to August 1643 12 – Operations in the North, September to December 1643 13 – Events in Devon, September to the end of 1643 14 – The First Battle of Newbury, September 1643 15 – Irish Cessation and the Scottish Covenant, 1643 16 – The Scottish Invasion, Early 1644 17 – Nantwich And Newark: The Battles for Central England, January to March 1644 18 – Wales: The Conquest of Pembrokeshire, January to March 1644 19 – Waller’s Operations in the South, January to April 1644 20 – The Great Siege and Battle in Yorkshire,April to August 1644 21 – The Oxford Campaign, May to August 1644 22 – Events in the South-West, April to August 1644 23 – War in the Centre: the Second Battle of Newbury, August to November 1644 24 – Wales, Scotland and the North of England, August to the end of 1644 25 – A Time to Reflect: the end of 1644 26 – Nationwide Developments, Early 1645 27 – The Great and Decisive Battle at Naseby, 14 June 1645 28 – Taunton and Langport: Events in The South-West, January to July 1645 29 – Scotland in 1645: Montrose’s Royalist Campaign 30 – Post-Naseby, Part 1: Wales and the South, to the end of 1645 31 – Post-Naseby, Part 2: the North, to the end of 1645 32 – Sweeping up the South-West, January to April 1646 33 – The end of the First Civil War, 1646 34 – Wales, Scotland and Ireland in 1646 35 – Ireland 1647: Beyond Redemption 36 – The King’s Intransigence, 1647 37 – War Reignites in Wales, 1648 38 – War Reignites in England, 1648 39 – The Battle of Preston: the Death Blow to Royalism, 1648 40 – The ‘Endgame’: Regicide, 1649 41 – Cromwell and Parliament’s Army in Ireland, 1649–52 42 – The Invasion of Scotland, July 1650 to September 1651 43 – Worcester, 1651: The Final Battle 44 – The Interregnum, 1649–60 Notes to Maps Appendices Glossary Bibliography
£42.50
Faber & Faber When the Lights Went Out
Book SynopsisA necessity if we want to understand now as well as then.' Hanif KureishiThe seventies are frequently misunderstood, oversimplified and misrepresented. When the Lights Went Out goes in search of what really happened, what it felt like at the time and where it was all leading through vivid interviews with leading participants, from Edward Heath to Jack Jones to Arthur Scargill and brings the decade back to life in all its drama and complexity.
£999.99
Alfred A. Knopf Gay Berlin Birthplace of a Modern Identity
Book SynopsisWinner of Randy Shilts AwardIn the half century before the Nazis rose to power, Berlin became the undisputed gay capital of the world. Activists and medical professionals made it a city of firsts—the first gay journal, the first homosexual rights organization, the first Institute for Sexual Science, the first sex reassignment surgeries—exploring and educating themselves and the rest of the world about new ways of understanding the human condition. In this fascinating examination of how the uninhibited urban culture of Berlin helped create our categories of sexual orientation and gender identity, Robert Beachy guides readers through the past events and developments that continue to shape and influence our thinking about sex and gender to this day.
£15.29
Vintage Publishing Matilda
Book SynopsisTracy Borman studied and taught history at the University of Hull and was awarded a PhD in 1997. She went on to a successful career in heritage and has worked for a range of historic properties and national heritage organisations, including the National Archives and English Heritage. She is now Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust and also works part-time for Historic Royal Palaces.Tracy has regularly appeared on television and radio, and has featured in a range of magazine and newspaper articles. She is a regular contributor to history magazines, including articles in BBC History Magazine on the history of beauty and eighteenth-century 'It' Girls'. In addition, she also gives public talks and lectures on a wide range of subjects.Trade ReviewTracy Borman tells this story with a steady eye and a steady hand, tracing what can be known of Matilda's part in the events that were to change the course of English history -- Helen Castor * Literary Review *Borman shows that Matilda was a capable regent and political operator... Matilda remains relevant: one legacy is her bloodline, which still rules in Britain today * Sunday Times *A richly layered treatment of a stormy reign * Kirkus *Borman moves deftly between the difficult written sources... The often scanty details of Matilda's life are given more rounded form by viewing them in context * History Today *Borman has expertly forged an absorbing biography from fragments of her personal history * Independent *
£13.49
Pan Macmillan Absolute War Soviet Russia in the Second World
Book SynopsisAbsolute War tells the story of the greatest and most terrible land-air conflict of all time: the war between Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. There have been many individual accounts of particular moments in the vicious war between the Nazi regime and the Sovet behemoth, but none which sets out to tell the full and dreadful story of that absolute war: absolute because both sides aimed to 'exterminate the opponent, to destroy his political existence' and total because it was fought by all elements of society, not simply the armed forces, but civilians - men, women, children - too. Chris Bellamy, Profesor of Military Science at Cranfield University, is one of the wolrd's leading experts on this subject and has been working on this book for almost a decade. It benefits from his remarkable insight into strategic issues as well as exhaustive research in hitherto unopened Russian archives. It is the definitive study of what the Soviets called - and what their fifteen succe
£17.00
Penguin Books Ltd The Longest Afternoon
Book Synopsis''A superb little book that is micro-history at its best'' Washington Post''The brevity of this remarkable book belies the amount of work that went into it. One can only marvel at how well Professor Simms has gone through the original sources - the surviving journals, reminiscences and letters of the individual combatants - to produce a coherent and gripping narrative'' Nick Lezard, GuardianThe true story, told minute by minute, of the soldiers who defeated Napoleon - from Brendan Simms, acclaimed author of Europe: The Struggle for SupremacyEurope had been at war for over twenty years. After a short respite in exile, Napoleon had returned to France and threatened another generation of fighting across the devastated and exhausted continent. At the small Belgian village of Waterloo two large, hastily mobilized armies faced each other to decide the future of Europe.Unknown either to Napoleon or Wellington the bTrade ReviewThe brevity of this remarkable book belies the amount of work that went into it. One can only marvel at how well Professor Simms has gone through the original sources - the surviving journals, reminiscences and letters of the individual combatants - to produce a coherent and gripping narrative -- Nick Lezard * The Guardian *A superb little book that is micro-history at its best -- Paul O’Keeffe * Washington Post *Mr. Simms's fluent and meticulously researched narrative provides enough context to engage not only specialists, but also readers unfamiliar with the broader historical background...by focusing upon a particular episode, rather than the bigger picture, Mr. Simms manages to reflect the grim reality of Waterloo better than some more comprehensive surveys -- Stephen Brumwell * The Wall Street Journal *[Simms] tells more about realities of boots-on-the-ground combat than any other Waterloo book I have encountered. A five-gun read. -- Joseph C. Goulden * Washington Times *
£10.44
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Napoleon
Book Synopsis''Vibrant and illuminating ... [Dywer] tells a fascinating tale'' The Times''Refreshing scholarship Energetic, readable and filled with colourful detail Napoleon: Passion, Death and Resurrection is a thoroughly enjoyable book which divides well the reality of exile from the legend that sprang from it'' Literary ReviewThis meticulously researched study opens with Napoleon no longer in power, but instead a prisoner on the island of St Helena. This may have been a great fall from power, but Napoleon still held immense attraction. Every day, huge crowds would gather on the far shore in the hope of catching a glimpse of him. Philip Dwyer closes his ambitious trilogy exploring Napoleon's life, legacy and myth by moving from those first months of imprisonment, through the years of exile, up to death and then beyond, examining how the foundations of legend that had been laid by Napoleon during his lifetime continued to be built uTrade ReviewVibrant and illuminating ... [Dywer] tells a fascinating tale -- Lawrence James * The Times *Refreshing scholarship … Energetic, readable and filled with colourful detail … Napoleon: Passion, Death and Resurrection is a thoroughly enjoyable book which divides well the reality of exile from the legend that sprang from it -- Ambrogio A Caiani * Literary Review *Remarkable ... a satisfying, psychologically convincing account ... Even-handed and authoritative, this fascinating and highly enjoyable book will be an eye opener even to those who think they know the subject well -- Praise for 'Napoleon: The Path to Power 1769-1799' * Sunday Times *The work that Dwyer was placed on earth to write ... We are clearly in the presence of what will be a monumental work ... meticulously researched and well-written -- Praise for 'Napoleon: The Path to Power 1769-1799', Andrew Roberts * Literary Review *A very fine book, which explains Napoleon’s extraordinary rise to power and equally meteoric fall, with great erudition, skill and verve -- Praise for 'Citizen Emperor: Napoleon in Power 1799-1815' * Spectator *Exemplary scholarship ... A book of meticulous research and beautifully detailed descriptions of Napoleon’s military adventures, brings home the full horrific cost of the march on Russia -- Praise for 'Citizen Emperor: Napoleon in Power 1799-1815' * New Statesman *
£13.49
