{"title":"European History","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDelve into the complex and transformative history of Europe with Book Hero’s European History collection. From the ancient Greeks and Romans to the revolutions, wars, and political upheavals that shaped the modern world, this collection covers the key events, influential leaders, and cultural movements that define Europe's legacy. Explore the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the rise and fall of empires, and the struggles for democracy and unity across the continent. Ideal for history enthusiasts and scholars, these books offer a deep and engaging look into Europe’s rich and multifaceted past. Discover the stories that have shaped the heart of Western civilization.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-chancellor","title":"The Chancellor","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn intimate, insightful portrait of an extraordinarily private leader\u003c\/em\u003e — WALTER ISAACSON\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eEnemies of the People\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn intimate and deeply researched account of the extraordinary rise and political brilliance of the most powerful — and elusive — woman in the world. Angela Merkel has always been an outsider. A pastor’s daughter raised in Soviet-controlled East Germany, she spent her twenties working as a research chemist, only entering politics after the fall of the Berlin Wall. And yet within fifteen years, she had become chancellor of Germany and, before long, the unofficial leader of the West.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAcclaimed author Kati Marton sets out to pierce the mystery of this unlikely ascent. With unparalleled access to the chancellor’s inner circle and a trove of records only recently come to light, she teases out the unique political genius that is the secret to Merkel’s success. No other modern leader has so ably confronted authoritarian aggression, enacted daring social policies, and calmly unified an entire continent in an era when countries are becoming only more divided. Again and again, she’s cleverly outmanoeuvred strongmen like Putin and Trump, and weathered surprisingly complicated relationships with allies like Obama and Macron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFamously private, the woman who emerges from these pages is a role model for anyone interested in gaining and keeping power while staying true to one’s moral convictions. At once a riveting political biography, an intimate human portrait, and a revelatory look at successful leadership in action, \u003cem\u003eThe Chancellor\u003c\/em\u003e brings forth from the shadows one of the most extraordinary women of our time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45598715216108,"sku":"9780008499495","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780008499495_1.jpg?v=1723543579"},{"product_id":"night","title":"Night","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElie Wiesel's \u003cem\u003eNight\u003c\/em\u003e is a harrowing autobiographical account that follows his experiences as a young Jewish boy during one of history's most brutal chapters. 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The deeply personal and intimate nature of his account makes it one of the most poignant records of this dark period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMore than just a memoir, \u003cem\u003eNight\u003c\/em\u003e delves into the complexities of the human spirit, exploring themes of hopelessness, resilience, and the enduring power of hope. Wiesel's testimony is not only a reflection on the darkest aspects of human nature but also a compelling consideration of how humanity can still prevail. His writing serves as a chilling reminder of the atrocities that can result from hatred and prejudice, while also highlighting the extraordinary strength and resilience required to survive such inhumanity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCommemorating the 80th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning author's birth, this edition of \u003cem\u003eNight\u003c\/em\u003e is particularly poignant. Elie Wiesel's powerful narrative remains as important today as it was upon its first publication, continuing to educate and move readers worldwide. It is an essential read that underscores the critical need to remember the past and strive for a future where such atrocities never occur again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45608977563884,"sku":"9780141038995","price":26.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780141038995.jpg?v=1739241187"},{"product_id":"hero-of-the-empire","title":"Hero of the Empire","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHero of the Empire\u003c\/em\u003e by Candice Millard is a compelling historical narrative that delves into the extraordinary early life of one of Britain's most iconic figures, Winston Churchill. This riveting account takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the Boer War, highlighting Churchill's relentless courage, unparalleled ambition, and his unyielding pursuit of glory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the tender age of twenty-four, Winston Churchill was determined to carve out a name for himself that would lead him to the highest office in British politics. However, despite his perilous engagements in colonial wars in both India and Sudan, and his role as a journalist during the Spanish-American War in Cuba, true acclaim had yet to find him. When Churchill arrived in South Africa in 1899, he saw the brutal conflict against the Boers as his ultimate opportunity to achieve historical renown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMere weeks into his time in South Africa, Churchill was captured and taken prisoner. What unfolds next is a tale of remarkable audacity and sheer tenacity: a daring escape through hostile enemy territory, navigating hundreds of miles alone. 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Through meticulous research and rich storytelling, Millard offers an unexpected and riveting perspective on Churchill, portraying him not just as a wartime hero but as a complex and driven individual whose early experiences shaped his remarkable legacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHero of the Empire\u003c\/em\u003e is a gripping, enlightening, and thoroughly engaging read for anyone interested in history, biography, and tales of extraordinary bravery. Millard brings to light the incredible exploits of a young Winston Churchill, providing insight into the events that shaped his path to becoming one of the most significant statesmen of the 20th century. 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This compelling first volume meticulously chronicles Hitler's life from his humble beginnings to the precipice of the Second World War, presenting readers with a comprehensive, multidimensional portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSelected as a Book of the Year by prestigious publications such as the New York Times, the Times Literary Supplement, and The Times, this biography stands out in a field with surprisingly few serious studies of Hitler since the 1930s. Ullrich distinguishes his biography by shifting focus from Hitler’s political rise and tyrannical leadership to examining Hitler as a human being. The book challenges the view that the Führer had no private life, portraying him not as an austere political machine devoid of personality, but as an individual with complex traits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn his detailed exploration, Ullrich uncovers Hitler’s charming yet repulsive characteristics, his innate talents contrasted with glaring weaknesses, and the deep-seated insecurities that fuelled his brutal ambitions. By drawing on a wealth of previously neglected or unavailable sources, Ullrich provides the most rounded and nuanced portrait of Hitler to date. The biography paints Hitler not merely as a psychopath but as a master of seduction and deception, someone whose magnetic influence over the German populace defies the simplistic cliché of an unfeeling monster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMoreover, Ullrich's insightful analysis helps explain the enigma of Hitler's spellbinding hold over his followers. Offering fresh perspectives, the book corrects long-held perceptions, suggesting that understanding Hitler's multifaceted personality is crucial to grasping the broader historical context of his rise to power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHitler: Volume I\u003c\/em\u003e is an essential read for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of Hitler’s character and the dark forces he unleashed upon the world. 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In \u003ci\u003eIn Search of the Trojan War\u003c\/i\u003e, historian Michael Wood embarks on an exhaustive journey to uncover the truth behind these ancient legends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this extensively revised edition, Wood takes into account the latest dramatic developments in the search for Troy. His wide-ranging study delves into the complex archaeological, literary, and historical records, bringing them up to date with the most recent discoveries. The rediscovery of the so-called \"jewels of Helen\" in Moscow and the ongoing re-excavation of the site of Troy, which began in 1988, have yielded new evidence about the historical city.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eIn Search of the Trojan War\u003c\/i\u003e provides a fresh look at some of the most exciting discoveries in archaeology. Wood's analysis is both dazzling and exhaustive, shedding light on whether the epic tales of the Trojan War had a basis in historical fact. 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As he catapulted from a Corsican military officer to the Emperor of France, Napoleon reshaped not only the destiny of France but also the entire continent of Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeizing power in a dramatic coup d'état, Napoleon put an end to the corruption and incompetence that plagued the post-Revolutionary government. His military acumen saw him redefine the art of warfare through a series of tactical masterpieces, while his peacetime policies fundamentally transformed French society. He overhauled the legal system with the Napoleonic Code, remade the education system, and streamlined administrative processes, laying the foundations of modern France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, his relentless ambition and a series of draining campaigns against Great Britain, Spain, and Russia led to significant challenges. His ill-fated invasion of Russia, in particular, resulted in staggering losses and marked the beginning of the end for his empire. 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The book intricately weaves a rich tapestry of stories and characters, illuminating the evolution of Russia from the splendour of 18th-century St Petersburg to the relentless drive of Stalinist propaganda. Through an evocative narrative, Figes brings to life an extraordinary cast of serf artists and aristocrats, revolutionaries and exiles, priests and libertines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by a memorable scene in Tolstoy's \u003cem\u003eWar and Peace\u003c\/em\u003e, where the young Countess Natasha instinctively dances to a peasant melody, Figes delves into the heart of Russian cultural identity. This scene symbolises the deep-rooted and instinctive connection Russians have to their cultural heritage, no matter their social standing or foreign education.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFiges' examination extends beyond literature to encompass the entirety of Russian artistic expression. 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This is a warning for the future, as much as a judgement on the past\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvans's narrative skillfully intertwines grand strategy with personal tragedy, painting a vivid picture of a society in the throes of fanaticism and war. \u003cem\u003eThe Third Reich at War\u003c\/em\u003e is not only a historical masterpiece; it is an essential read for understanding the far-reaching consequences of dictatorship and conflict, serving as both a stark reminder of the past and a cautionary tale for the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45658341703916,"sku":"9780141015484","price":36.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780141015484.jpg?v=1724851905"},{"product_id":"unruly","title":"Unruly","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA seriously \u003cstrong\u003eFUNNY\u003c\/strong\u003e, seriously \u003cstrong\u003eCLEVER\u003c\/strong\u003e history of our early kings and queens by one of our favourite comedians and cultural commentators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis will be the most refreshing, entertaining history of England you'll have ever read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCertainly, the funniest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBecause David Mitchell will explain how it is not all names, dates or ungraspable historical headwinds, but instead show how it's really just a bunch of random stuff that happened with a few lucky bastards ending up on top. 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From its medieval roots, through its golden age as one of Europe’s largest and most diverse states, to its erasure from the map in the 18th century, Zamoyski paints a grand yet intimate portrait of a resilient people.\n\nNo nation’s history has been so misrepresented and misunderstood as that of Poland. In 1797, the once formidable country was partitioned by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, effectively erasing it from world maps and relegating its vibrant culture to oblivion. However, as Zamoyski vividly recounts, the Poland that was destroyed had been a significant power, known for its rich tapestry of cultural and religious traditions as well as bold constitutional experiments. 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This enthralling collection delves into le Carré's personal experiences and the real-life figures who shaped his legendary spy novels. The narrative is a richly woven tapestry of historical engagement and vivid storytelling, drawing the reader into a reality often stranger than fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough an array of fascinating encounters, le Carré reveals a world fraught with danger and intrigue. From tense, perilous meetings with PLO leader Yasser Arafat in war-torn Beirut to insightful, beautifully detailed interactions with cinematic giants like Stanley Kubrick and Alec Guinness, each chapter is an enthralling journey into the heart of the 20th century's most influential and turbulent events. 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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 builds a tapestry of shared memories—woven together with photographs, songs, television shows, and decades of advertisements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough Ernaux's lens, the reader experiences a vivid recollection of pivotal historical moments and personal events, seamlessly blending collective and private life. Her narrative is deeply immersed in the dialect, slogans, brands, and icons of each era, making the passage of time palpable. Despite its richly textured and detailed prose, Ernaux's own voice intriguingly dissolves and re-emerges, allowing time itself to narrate its course, and reflecting the fluidity and inexorability of life. Through an innovative use of the pronouns \"we\", \"they\", and \"one\", she crafts an autobiography that is both subjective and impersonal, a profound exploration of individuality intertwined with the collective experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUpon its initial 2008 publication in France, \u003cem\u003eThe Years\u003c\/em\u003e was met with surprise and acclaim. Although Ernaux was already celebrated as a beloved, bestselling, and award-winning author, this book marked a significant departure from her earlier works. It merges intimate personal reflections with a broader narrative shaped by entire generations. Using a collective voice, Ernaux eloquently captures the essence of times gone by, juxtaposing the communal experiences of her parents' generation with her own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNotably, \u003cem\u003eThe Years\u003c\/em\u003e has garnered multiple accolades, underscoring its impact and importance in contemporary literature. 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Ernaux's \u003cem\u003eThe Years\u003c\/em\u003e is undeniably a landmark in autobiographical literature—an enduring narrative that offers both a deeply personal and a universally relevant perspective on the inexorable passage of time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45692519481580,"sku":"9781609807870","price":29.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781609807870.jpg?v=1725565217"},{"product_id":"thomas-cromwell","title":"Thomas Cromwell","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThomas Cromwell\u003c\/i\u003e, 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 dangerous world of 16th-century politics and religion, painting a vivid portrait of a man who both shaped and was shaped by his times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThomas Cromwell began his career as a fixer for Cardinal Wolsey, yet after Wolsey's fall from grace, he adeptly navigated the treacherous waters of the royal court, eventually becoming one of Henry VIII’s closest and most trusted advisors. 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Readers are immersed in the period’s tension and drama, almost feeling as though they are walking the halls of power alongside Cromwell and his contemporaries. Known for his ruthless and strategic mind, Cromwell was adept at exercising power and quietly advancing the Protestant Reformation, making him the master of events during a critical decade in England’s history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor the first time, MacCulloch uncovers Cromwell's true influence in shaping both modern England and Ireland, revealing the indelible mark he left on history—for both good and ill. With vivid prose and meticulous research, \u003ci\u003eThomas Cromwell\u003c\/i\u003e redefines our understanding of this pivotal figure and his remarkable impact on the course of British history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Hilary Mantel aptly put it, ‘This is the biography we have been awaiting for 400 years.’ Through the expert lens of Diarmaid MacCulloch, readers can at last appreciate the full complexity and significance of Thomas Cromwell’s legacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45692531343596,"sku":"9780241952337","price":28.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241952337.jpg?v=1725565470"},{"product_id":"power","title":"Power","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third and final instalment in the Essential Works of Foucault series, \u003cem\u003ePower\u003c\/em\u003e explores the compelling and profound writings of Michel Foucault on key issues that have shaped Western political and social discourse. This volume offers an expansive collection of Foucault's articles, interviews, and seminars that delve into the intricate dynamics of power in society. He scrutinises institutions such as medicine, prisons, and psychiatry, and addresses the structures of government and the complexities of sexuality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFoucault's interests in human rights, systemic discrimination, and social exclusion are vividly presented throughout the book. His insightful analyses provide a critical framework for understanding how power operates and affects personal freedoms. \u003cem\u003ePower\u003c\/em\u003e includes not only Foucault's rigorous theoretical essays but also his impassioned open letters and articles that directly engaged with the political and social issues of his time. 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The narrative opens in March 1945, when Allied troops stand ready at the banks of the Rhine, poised to deliver a decisive blow to the heartland of Nazi Germany. Optimism is tempered by harsh reality, as the advance into German territory reveals the fierce and relentless nature of the last days of conflict. Each village, each town becomes a battlefield, and every step forward is met with staunch resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe story delves into the strategic decisions, the fierce military engagements, and the human experiences of those on the frontline. From the tense crossing of the Rhine to the liberation of concentration camps and the fall of Berlin, Caddick-Adams paints a vivid and detailed picture of these crucial moments. His extensive research and deep understanding bring to life both the broader military strategies and the personal heroism of the soldiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePraised as \"magisterial\" by the Telegraph, the book offers a \"fine, balanced and superb account\" of the final days of the war. The Allied forces' march into Germany is meticulously recounted, revealing not only the operational challenges but also the sheer determination and resilience of the troops pushing towards victory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEsteemed historian James Holland lauds the work, describing it as \"superbly written and full of wisdom and deep understanding,\" ensuring its place as a seminal study on the concluding months of the war. Military History Magazine calls it \"the most vivid and detailed narrative of the subject that we are likely to see,\" testifying to Caddick-Adams' unparalleled ability to bring history to life with precise detail and engaging prose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCaroline Moorehead of the Spectator praises the book as \"an impressive work,\" highlighting its lively, informative, and comprehensively researched nature. BBC History Magazine acknowledges it as \"an important contribution to military history\" and a \"great read,\" cementing its status as an essential addition to both scholarly and general readers' collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e1945: Victory in the West\u003c\/i\u003e stands not only as a testament to the strategic brilliance and courage that shaped history but also as a vivid, enduring tribute to those who lived, fought, and died in the twilight of the Second World War. 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