European History

The bestselling author of The Parasitic Mind shows why empathy in politics leads to civilizational collapse. What happens when a society elevates victimhood to a virtue and decides that punishment is cruel? You get the disease Dr. Gad Saad calls suicidal empathy. And the West may be terminally infected. In his new book, Suicidal Empathy, Saad unleashes a blistering critique...

‘Tom Bower is the Inspector Morse of investigative biographers, a fluent, phlegmatic storyteller and a master of intricacies.’ Sunday Times The British Crown is in crisis, with constitutional threats at home and abroad. At a landmark moment in royal history, can King Charles overcome the scandals that blight the Royal family? Can the broken bonds between the Houses of Sussex...

Assurancetourix is entering the legendary Gallic bards' competition to win the golden menhir. But with the Romans keeping a close watch, Asterix and Obelix must protect him at all costs. Their mission? Keep him safe-no matter what... even if it means risking their own ears! First released as a book-disc in 1967, this adventure soon became a rare treasure, long...

From the bestselling author of Emperor of Rome and SPQR "The rock star scholar of Ancient Rome" – Financial Times "The reigning Queen of Classics" – Spectator What's exciting about a piece of bread 4,000 years old? Or some pots of paint abandoned in the eruption at Pompeii? Why should we be bothered with the distant past anyway? What's the...

A brilliant memoir of adolescence in New Zealand and of the migration of European manuscripts to the far side of the world. Christopher de Hamel is one of the world's best-known scholars and writers on illuminated manuscripts. He was mostly brought up in the south of New Zealand, where his family moved when he was four. This book magically evokes...

The first joint biography of the women who have shaped - and shaken - the modern Royal Family. Diana. Camilla. Catherine. Meghan. Outsiders by birth, insiders by marriage. Four women united by their decision to enter the most famous family in the world, and by their place in the centre of its greatest upheavals. From Diana's emotional revolution to Camilla's...

'Vivid storytellers.' THE TIMES 'As well as highly entertaining read, How To Kill A Witch is a tour de force of research, understanding and compassion.' PROFESSOR SUE BLACK, author of All That Remains 'Fascinating, angering' THE MAIL ON SUNDAY 'A work of real historical investigation and a fierce warning for our times.' MALCOLM GASKILL, author of The Ruin Of All...

The blockbuster biography of the greatest Briton, by one of Britain's bestselling historians. Winston Churchill towers over every other figure in twentieth-century British history. By the time of his death at the age of 90 in 1965, many thought him to be the greatest man in the world. There have been over a thousand previous biographies of Churchill. Andrew Roberts...

The most pivotal, brutal, and shattering campaign the Allies faced in World War II by bestselling historian James Holland. Holland knows his stuff when it comes to military matters - Daily Mail James Holland is the best of the new generation of WW2 historians - Sebastian Faulks With the invasion of France the following year taking shape, and hot on...

For 40 years, the Cold War dominated the world stage. East and West Germany stood at the frontlines of the global confrontation, symbolised by the infamous Berlin Wall, which separated lovers, friends, families, coworkers, and compatriots. The Wende Museum in Los Angeles, California, is named after the period of change immediately following the Wall's destruction. It was established in 2002...

The Sunday Times Bestseller ‘A lasting work of social history’ — The Times ‘A genuinely new history of our nation’ — Dan Jones ‘This celebration of women is a triumph of popular history’ — Spectator From the multi-million bestselling historical novelist comes the culmination of her life’s work. Did you know that there are more penises than women in the...

On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder is a compelling and insightful guidebook on how to resist and challenge the forces of authoritarianism and preserve democratic values. Bringing together lessons from history, Snyder provides concrete strategies and principles that individuals can employ to protect freedom and stave off the threat of tyranny. This essential read is not only a reflection on the...

The author of Powers and Thrones and presenter of Netflix’s Secrets of Great British Castles offers a vivid account of the events that inspired Game of Thrones and Shakespeare’s Henry IV and Richard III. Discover the real history behind The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses, the PBS Great Performance series of Shakespeare's plays, starring Judi Dench, Benedict Cumberbatch,...

The Anglo-Saxons by Marc Morris meticulously charts the turbulent history of Britain from the end of Roman rule to the Norman Conquest. As the Roman Empire withdrew from Britain in the early fifth century, the island swiftly descended into chaos and decay. This vacuum of power attracted waves of foreign invaders, primarily the Anglo-Saxons, who emerged from across the sea...

NOW WITH A FUN PUB QUIZ 'An idiosyncratic ride through history' Independent 'Holland and Sandbrook have pretty much reinvented popular history for the modern age' The Times The nation’s favourite historians, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, take on the most curious moments in history, answering the questions we didn’t even think to ask... - What was the most disastrous party...

This defining period in world history is explored and explained as never before. World War II- The Definitive Visual Guide is captured in hundreds of compelling images, presenting the people, places, and politics involved in the epic conflict. Inside this complete visual guide is chronological coverage of the lead up to war, major military battles around the globe, and the...

The Years by Annie Ernaux is an extraordinary autobiographical narrative that transcends the traditional boundaries of memoir. Available in English for the first time, this remarkable book has established itself as a literature classic, lauded globally for its unique approach to storytelling and profound introspection. Spanning from 1941 to 2006, Ernaux's work doesn't merely recount her own life, but instead...

A major reassessment of one of Britain's most important monarchs. The Mirror of Great Britain explores the life of James VI & I, who died 400 years ago. He was one of Britain's most consequential and interesting monarchs, renowned for creating the British monarchy itself by uniting the English and Scottish thrones. A major intellectual figure, James's interests ranged from...

An extraordinary historical journey through England. From Alice Loxton, author of the acclaimed bestseller Eighteen. A Waterstones Best History Book of 2025 'Joyous. The perfect walk through history' - Sir Tony Robinson, actor, presenter and author 'Whimsical, charming and cosy. Will make you want to take a long walk, look at some churchyards, and drink a lovely cup of tea'...

Ancient Rome continues to captivate modern readers, and its history is crucial for understanding the foundations of Western civilisation. In SPQR by Professor Mary Beard, one of the world's foremost classicists delves deep into the history of Rome, offering a comprehensive and captivating exploration of this extraordinary empire. This authoritative work traces the evolution of Rome from its humble beginnings...

A stunning new story of Queen Victoria's secret love for her servant John Brown, by the acclaimed historian Fern Riddell. 'So often I told him no one loved him more than I did ... and he answered, "Nor you than me. No-one loves you more" ...' From the moment John Brown arrived as a servant to Queen Victoria's household, he...

Learn everything you need to know about the first war to shake the world and change the course of history. World War I: The Definitive Visual Guide takes you from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand to the Treaty of Versailles, through beautifully illustrated and easy to understand timelines. Recreate the experience of some of the most prominent battles, such...

Napoleon the Great by Andrew Roberts offers an unparalleled insight into the life and times of one of history's most remarkable figures. Spanning the crucial twenty years from 1795 to 1815, this definitive modern biography chronicles how Napoleon Bonaparte rose from relative obscurity to become the master of Europe. As he catapulted from a Corsican military officer to the Emperor...

The first joint biography of William and Catherine to be written in over a decade, by acclaimed royal journalist and broadcaster Russell Myers. From the relentless media scrutiny and controversies of their 2022 Caribbean Tour to the shock cancer diagnoses of both the Princess of Wales and the King, this captivating biography by acclaimed royal journalist Russell Myers intimately traces...

Fully illustrated collection of rare and previously unpublished tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, retold for a new generation by leading Arthurian expert, John Matthews, introduced by Sir John Boorman, director of the classic film, Excalibur, and illustrated with paintings and drawings by Tolkien artist, John Howe. It is a time of magic and adventure,...

The real story of Blair 'Paddy' Mayne, endorsed by the Mayne family Summer 1944: the SAS were charged with the most crucial D-Day missions, taking on the might of the Nazi Reich deep behind enemy lines. Facing Hitler's fearsome Panzer divisions with little more than raw courage and their nimble Willys jeeps, it would take maverick thinking and unconventional warfare...

An unforgettable coming-of-age story, Free by Lea Ypi explores the profound meanings of freedom—personal, collective, and political—through the eyes of a young girl growing up in one of the most isolated countries on earth. Albania, where communist ideals replaced religion, stood as the last Stalinist stronghold in Europe, virtually impossible to visit or leave. It was a land of scarcity...

Vivid biographies of famous characters from the Ancient Greek world, in a revised edition of Ian Scott-Kilvert's seminal translation. The Parallel Lives of Plutarch are cornerstones of Western literature, and have exerted a profound influence on writers and statesmen since the Renaissance, most notably Shakespeare. This selection of ten biographies spans the period from the start of the fourth century...

The definitive account of D-Day from the author of international bestsellers Stalingrad and Berlin: D-Day by Antony Beevor is a landmark historical narrative that captures the epic scale and human cost of the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944. Drawing from first-hand accounts, archival research, and a keen historian's eye, Beevor immerses readers in the gripping details of...

In Thomas Cromwell, Diarmaid MacCulloch offers an unrivalled exploration of one of Tudor England’s most enigmatic and influential figures. From his humble beginnings in Putney to his meteoric rise within the court of Henry VIII, Cromwell's life is a testament to the power and peril of ambition. Firmly rooted in historical context, this biography delves into the intricate and often...

The Coming of the Third Reich by Richard J. Evans is a masterful exploration into the origins and rise of Nazi Germany, vividly recounting the transformation of a modern and culturally rich nation into the epicentre of one of history’s darkest periods. This meticulously researched work takes readers on a journey through the tumultuous years that saw Germany descend from...

Dark Renaissance is the thrilling story of the writer who transformed culture in Elizabethan England, bringing it out of the darkness and into the light. Poor boy. Dark star. Spy. Transgressor. Genius. From one of the greatest writers on the Elizabethan era, Dark Renaissance is the thrilling and subversive life story of Christopher Marlowe—Shakespeare's inspiration and rival, who helped to...

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is one of the most poignant and powerful autobiographical works of the 20th century. This definitive edition, presented by Penguin Black Classics, offers readers an unfiltered look into the life of a young Jewish girl during the harrowing years of World War II. As Anne and her family go into hiding...

In The Learned Banqueters, Athenaeus describes a series of dinner parties at which the guests quote extensively from Greek literature. The work, which dates to the very end of the second century CE, is amusing reading and of extraordinary value as a treasury of quotations from works now lost. Athenaeus also preserves a wide range of information about different cuisines...

The moving life and legacy of Rome's great emperor philosopher.This book guides us through the fascinating life and writings of Marcus Aurelius, Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor. Philosopher William O. Stephens explores Marcus's reluctant rise to power, his marriage, and his efforts to mould his son into a just successor. He examines Marcus's Stoic tenets as he describes the struggles...

The Sunday Times bestseller and Waterstones Book of the Year, now in paperback with seven new commentaries from Paul McCartney. “More often than I can count, I've been asked if I would write an autobiography, but the time has never been right. The one thing I've always managed to do, whether at home or on the road, is to write...

The French Revolution, a pivotal moment in world history, is examined through a comprehensive lens in Citizens by Simon Schama. This authoritative tome meticulously delves into the social, cultural, and political upheavals that characterised the Revolution. Schama offers a richly detailed narrative that brings to life the passions, complexities, and contradictions of the era. From the opulent court of Louis...

The Sunday Times number-one bestseller. A reissue of this classic title brought up to date with never-before-published material from the original taped interviews and a new introduction by Andrew Morton. This edition reflects on the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the original publication, and on the long-term legacy of Diana, the woman who helped reinvigorate the royal family, giving it a more...

A panoramic history of the arrival of the Stuarts, and how the reign of King James I saw England reach new corners of the globe. 'A majestic, brilliant account of the birth of an empire. Spectacularly good.' — PETER FRANKOPAN 'With its gripping storytelling combined with historical rigour, The Sun Rising is just the right kind of zesty treatment a...

PREORDER DAVID GILMAN'S THRILLING NEW HISTORICAL NOVEL THE KNIFE MAKER OF VENICE NOW! THE HUNDRED YEARS’ WAR COMES TO LIFE WITH DAVID GILMAN In this gripping historical adventure, Master of War Sir Thomas Blackstone must travel into enemy lands with a price on his head as he seeks gold and alliances for King Edward's war with France. 1368, Northern Italy....

Four men in a lifeboat. Two weeks without food. One impossible choice that would reshape the boundaries between survival and murder. 'A perfect enunciation of the classic philosophical conundrum: can you sacrifice one innocent life to save many?' (Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi) On May 19, 1884, the yacht Mignonette sailed from England on what should have been...

A compelling and masterly account of the D-Day landings from the No. 1 bestselling historian Max Hastings, author of Vietnam and Operation Pedestal. 'Max Hastings stands in the first rank of writers on modern war' - Financial Times On 6 June 1944 - D-Day - British, Canadian and American troops staged the greatest amphibious landing in history. It was the...

The definitive history of the dynasty that dominated Europe for centuries. In The Habsburgs, Martyn Rady tells the epic story of a dynasty and the world it built - and then lost - over nearly a millennium. From modest origins, the Habsburgs grew in power to gain control of the Holy Roman Empire in the fifteenth century, before their possessions...

The Trouble With Being Born by E. M. Cioran is a deeply introspective and profoundly philosophical exploration of the human condition. The book navigates the bleak and often darkly comic territories of existence, examining fundamental questions such as birth, death, the concept of God, the relentless passage of time, the complexity of human relationships, and the daily struggle to find...

Explore the rich and mystical world of Italian folk traditions, where saints walked with witches and magic was found in the smallest of items. Did you grow up hearing stories of "the evil eye?" Or perhaps, you've always wondered why Italian culture lights candles for saints. In Italian Folklore, Dr. Gina Miele weaves scholarly expertise and cultural passion into a...

In this account of the origins of World War II, Taylor provides a narrative of the years and events preceding Hitler's invasion of Poland on 1st of September 1939. The historian debunks previously accepted truths about World War II, arguing that Hitler did not set out to cause the war as part of an evil master plan, but blundered into...

The first full-length history of England in one volume for many decades—now in paperback. The English first came into existence as an idea, before they had a common ruler and before the country they lived in even had a name. They have lasted as a recognizable entity ever since, and their defining national institutions can be traced back to the...

The first history of all the English cathedrals, from Birmingham and Bury St Edmunds to Worcester and York Minster England's sixty-two Anglican and Catholic cathedrals are some of our most iconic buildings, attracting millions of worshippers and visitors every year. Yet although much has been written about their architecture, there is no complete history of their life and activities. This...

Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer provides a compelling and comprehensive chronicle of the darkest chapter in modern history, delving into the twelve years when Adolf Hitler and his Nazi regime seized and held power in Germany. Shirer, a renowned journalist and historian, offers an unparalleled eyewitness account, charting the meteoric ascent and devastating collapse...

Politics On the Edge offers an unflinching look at the tumultuous world of British politics through the eyes of Rory Stewart, a former Cabinet minister and a compelling voice on the political stage. This searing insider's account charts Stewart's extraordinary ten-year journey in Parliament, beginning as a political outsider in 2010 and culminating in a bold bid for prime minister....

For twenty years, Lucy Worsley had what she calls 'The best job in the world': Chief Curator at Hampton Court, the Tower of London and Kensington Palace, 'leading the presentation, appearance, development and appropriate use of the palaces including their contents and grounds'. Now, in her most personal book yet, Queens and Kings, she takes us behind those palace walls...

Crown & Sceptre by Tracy Borman is an extraordinary exploration of the British monarchy, tracing its history and evolution from the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the present day. This meticulously researched book delves into the lives and reigns of the numerous kings and queens who have shaped the monarchy over the centuries. By examining key events and pivotal moments,...

The Sunday Times Bestseller A new assessment of the West’s colonial record In the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet empire in 1989, many believed that we had arrived at the ‘End of History’ – that the global dominance of liberal democracy had been secured forever. Now however, with Russia rattling its sabre on the borders of Europe and...

A vast archive of documents, unread since the sixteenth century, revises the portrait of Philip II, Spain’s best-known king. "A superbly informed narrative of Philip II’s long career as Europe’s most powerful king."—Henry Kamen, Little Reviews "This authoritative, intelligently revisionist biography must stand now as the primary reference."—Iain Finlayson, The Times Philip II (1527-1598) is not only the most famous...

The internationally bestselling and prize-winning history of German life in the fallout of the Third Reich, filled with eye-opening, shocking, and vitally human stories of ruin, repression, and revival. The Times Top 10 Bestseller Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction Shortlisted for the British Academy Book Prize Shortlisted for the Cundill History Prize A Book of the Year...

Richard J. Evans's The Third Reich at War meticulously charts the history of Germany during the Second World War, from 1939 to 1945. As Hitler led the nation into a total war, the impact reverberated through all levels of German society. Evans brings to life the experiences of generals and front-line soldiers, Hitler Youth activists, and ordinary citizens, documenting their...

Every mother of good blood will be sacred to us, wrote Heinrich Himmler, as he founded his Lebensborn ('Fount of Life') programme in 1935. The Lebensborn programme was founded in Nazi Germany to breed racially pure Aryans, from mothers who believed it was their national duty to provide 'A Child for Hitler', and fathers who served in the SS, selected...

The sensational account of the overwhelming role of drug-taking in the Third Reich - from Hitler and his entourage to ordinary troops. The Nazis styled themselves as warriors against moral degeneracy. Yet, as Norman Ohler's gripping bestseller reveals, the entire Third Reich was permeated with drugs—cocaine, heroin, morphine and, most of all, methamphetamines, or crystal meth. These substances were used...

From the international bestselling author and notable journalist Aldo Cazzullo comes a brilliantly researched and extremely accessible journey through the history and legacy of the Roman Empire. “The only way to narrate over a thousand years of history is to understand what it has left us. To tell the reasons, the things and the stories, thanks to which Roman civilization...

A wonderful, epic story that tells the history of the greatest city in the world, from Roman times to the present day. London has perhaps the most remarkable history of any city in the world. Now its story has a unique voice. In this epic novel, Edward Rutherfurd takes the reader on a magnificent journey across sixteen centuries from the...

The Notebook was named a 'Best Book of the Year 2023' by the New Statesman, Spectator, and Waterstones. "From plans for flying machines to philosophy - the remarkable joy of jotting things down" - Guardian "Surprisingly revealing" - The Sunday Times We see notebooks everywhere we go. But where did this simple invention come from? How did they revolutionise our...

A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum delves into the dark and intriguing world of Ancient Rome, where the best stories are tainted with bloodshed. Romulus, driven by ambition, kills his brother Remus to lay the foundation of Rome. Julius Caesar's assassination is orchestrated in a desperate bid to save the Republic. The theatre becomes a bloody...

Marie Antoinette's dramatic life story continues to arouse mixed emotions. To many people, she is still 'la reine méchante', whose extravagance and frivolity helped to bring down the French monarchy; her indifference to popular suffering epitomised by the (apocryphal) words: 'let them eat cake'. Others are equally passionate in her defence: to them, she is a victim of misogyny. In...

WINSTON CHURCHILL called it ‘the worst journey in the world’. But was even this telling quote, describing the nightmarish torment experienced while transporting military aid to northern Russia during World War Two, an understatement? As this book’s title implies, Battle of the Arctic tells a unique story. For much of the conflict was complicated by terrific storms, snow, ice, fog,...

The home of trusted Latin dictionaries for everyday language learning. Latin Essential Dictionary by Collins Dictionaries is a handy and affordable Latin to English and English to Latin dictionary for everyday use, including guidance on Latin grammar and insights into Roman culture. The clear layout allows for fast and easy access when you most need it. Ideal for use at...

One of the great books in Western history and the very first work of non-fiction, in Tom Holland's compelling new translation. The Histories of Herodotus, completed in the second half of the 5th century BC, is generally regarded as the first work of history and the first great masterpiece of non-fiction writing. Joined here are the sheer drama of Herodotus'...

The Weimar Years by Frank McDonough offers a meticulous and enthralling exploration of one of the most consequential periods in German and world history. Set in the aftermath of Germany's crushing defeat in the First World War, the book delves into the era of the Weimar Republic, an epoch marked by immense social reform, profound cultural renaissance, and hitherto unprecedented...

The History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth is a narrative that blurs the lines between history and legend, chronicling the earliest kings of Britain. Completed in 1136, The History of the Kings of Britain traces the story of the realm from its supposed foundation by Brutus to the coming of the Saxons some two thousand years...

Churchill's Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare uncovers one of the most riveting yet lesser-known stories of the Second World War. Set against the backdrop of a world on the brink of chaos, this book delves into the inception and operations of a unique top-secret organisation established in London during the spring of 1939. Its singular mission: to orchestrate the systematic destruction...

The untold story of Robert Cecil, the ultimate Tudor spy-master. Robert Cecil, statesman and spymaster, lived through an astonishingly threatening period in English history. Queen Elizabeth had no clear successor, and enemies both external and internal threatened to destroy England as a Protestant state, most spectacularly with the Spanish Armada and the Gunpowder Plot. Cecil stood at the heart of...

A lost imperial city, full of wonder and marvels. An empire that was the largest the world had ever seen, established with astonishing speed. A people obsessed with travel, knowledge and adventure. Winner of the Indie Book Awards 2023 Non Fiction Book of the Year Shortlisted for the BookPeople Non Fiction Book of the Year 2023 When Richard Fidler came...

A fascinating description of the beginning of the modern world. For nineteenth-century Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt, the Italian Renaissance was nothing less than the beginning of the modern world—a world in which flourishing individualism and the competition for fame radically transformed science, the arts, and politics. In this landmark work, he depicts the Italian city-states of Florence, Venice and Rome...

A fascinating book about four women - it tells us so much about their world, and about our own… What jumps off the page is the liveliness of the women, their passion, their courage, and their own way of being... PHILIPPA GREGORY, author of The Other Boleyn Girl and Normal Women Brilliantly revealing Observer A celebration of female ambition and...

A seriously FUNNY, seriously CLEVER history of our early kings and queens by one of our favourite comedians and cultural commentators. This will be the most refreshing, entertaining history of England you'll have ever read. Certainly, the funniest. Because David Mitchell will explain how it is not all names, dates or ungraspable historical headwinds, but instead show how it's really...

The acclaimed author of Free returns with an imaginative investigation into dignity and historical injustice through the story of a family. When Lea Ypi discovers a photo of her grandmother, Leman, honeymooning in the Alps in 1941 posted by a stranger on social media, she is faced with unsettling questions. Growing up, she was told records of her grandmother's youth...

A riveting new history of Spanish imperialism, and the men who laid its foundations. The conquistadores, the early explorers and settlers of Spanish America, have become the stuff of legends and nightmares. In their own time they were glorified as heroic adventurers, spreading Christian culture and building an empire unlike any the world had ever seen. Today, they stand condemned...

The first full biography of the great Sun King of France for twenty years and winner of the Franco-British Society Book Prize. Louis XIV dominated his age. He extended France's frontiers into the Netherlands and Germany, and established colonies overseas. The stupendous palace he built at Versailles became the envy of monarchs all over Europe. In his palaces, Louis encouraged...

Revealed for the first time: the true story of the entrapment and deception of Princess Diana The death of Princess Diana in August 1997 was one of the most shocking events in recent history. Many events surrounding the tragedy have been shrouded in mystery, particularly the BBC Panorama interview Diana gave to journalist Martin Bashir less than two years before...

A harrowing true story about a young girl's struggle to survive Nazi persecution, and a man's attempt to unveil his family's secrets. The last time Lien saw her parents was in the Hague, where she was collected at the door by a stranger and taken away to be hidden from the Nazis. She was raised by her foster family as...