John Man

The Great Wall of China – stretching from the arid rises of Gansu province to the cold waters of the Bohai Sea – remains an enduring symbol of Chinese might. And yet, for all its grandeur, the Wall also marks a vulnerability: an ever-present reminder of old battle lines and never-ending tension with China’s northern neighbours. Travelling by sacred mountains...

The first popular biography of the great warlord, Attila the Hun. The name Attila the Hun has become a byword for barbarism, savagery, and violence. His is a truly household name, but what do we really know about the man himself, his position in history, and the world in which he lived? This riveting biography reveals the man behind the...

The definitive biography of Saladin. Saladin remains one of the most iconic figures of his age. As the man who united the Arabs and saved Islam from Christian crusaders in the 12th century, he is the Islamic world's preeminent hero. Ruthless in defence of his faith and brilliant in leadership, he also possessed qualities that won admiration from his Christian...

The untold story of the world's greatest empire and the creation of modern China. Genghis Khan is one of history's immortals—a leader of genius, driven by an inspiring vision for peaceful world rule. Believing he was divinely protected, Genghis united warring clans to create a nation and then an empire that ran across much of Asia. Under his grandson, Kublai...

The incredible story of China's greatest archaeological treasure - the Terracotta Army - revised and updated for 2018. The Terracotta Army is one of the greatest, and most famous, archaeological discoveries of all time. 6,000 life-size figures of warriors and horses were interred in the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of China. Each is individually carved, and they are thought...

A panoramic history of the roots of China and Mongolia’s historic rivalry… and why it matters now. ‘A beguiling blend of history and intimate narrative – and a delight to read.’ Colin Thubron, author of Shadow of the Silk Road The Great Wall of China – stretching from the arid rises of Gansu province to the cold waters of the...

An Illustrated Guide to One of the Greatest Events of World War II The Allied landing in German-occupied Normandy on June 6, 1944, was the greatest amphibious operation in military history. In the months that followed, German forces, outnumbered and outgunned, fought one of the most tenacious and skilful defensive campaigns of the entire war. This magnificent graphical reconstruction details...