Beginning with their first development, Nicholas Leach traces the life of the Oakley and Rother class lifeboats with photographs and text. He looks at their origins, their timein service, and t
The first “air force” was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. The American Civil, Franco-Prussian, and First World Wars saw extensive use of balloons, but it was during the Second World War th
The fifty-year reign of one of England's most charismatic leaders isassessed in this lucid and incisive work. W.M. Ormrod traces Edward's life from his birth, when the very future of the monarc
Contrary to popular myth the Vikings had a reputation for neatness and their fashions were copied far beyond the realms of Scandinavia. Those who could afford to displayed a love of fine clothes made
The first Jewish communities in the British Isles were established following William of Normandy’s conquest of Britain in 1066. They settled in London and were at first courted by their Christi
From bombing to rationing, from civil defense to war work, the face of Britain was radically changed as a result of World War I. More than once Britain was almost brought to its knees by unrestricted
More than Shakespeare, more than the invention of the railway, more than fair play, it was Empire which made Britain into Great Britain. By the early 20th century, that Empire covered around a quarter
At the turn of the twentieth century a race was on between the European shipping companies to build the largest liners in the world. From Cunard had come the Mauretania and Lusitania, from White Star
This book is part of the Archive Photographs series, which uses old photographs and archived images to show the history of various local areas in Great Britain, through their streets, shops, pubs, and
Tom McCluskie grew up in Belfast, followed his father, and was apprenticed into Harland and Wolff's shipyard on Queen's Island, Belfast. Harland and Wolff was a hard-working and dangerous environment,
The Celtic myths, involving heroic warriors such as Finn and CuChulinn, can be read as simple primitive stories, but closer examination reveals strange descriptions and relationships. The authors of t
This book is part of the Images ofEngland series, which uses old photographs and archived images toshow the history ofvarious local areas in England, through their streets, shops, p
Brings together a collection of images of noted maritime historian's favourite Greek liners and tells of the history of the Greek fleets that made the world of cruising so exciting over the years.
Gregori Rasputin is probably one of the best known, but least understood of the key figures in the events which ultimately led to the downfall of the Russian Tsars some 90 years ago. His political rol
Perhaps the most enduringlegend of Titanic is the mystery ship, the fabled vessel seen in the distance that could have saved all her passengers from freezing or drowning. But what was the myste
The gladiatorial contest was the high point of the bloody sports witnessed in Rome’s Colosseum and in other amphitheatres throughout the Roman empire. This is the first popular book to explore
John Haldon’s beautifully illustrated book tracks the checkered history of an oriental enigma, a ‘lost empire’ which stood for a1,000 years against the might of Islam. He rete
The Black Death first hit Europe in 1347, ripping through towns, villages, and families. Men, women, children, young and old succumbed to a painful, drawn-out death as pustules, abscesses, and boils
