Category Archives: Non-Fiction & Reference
Persian Fire
In 480 BC, Xerxes, the King of Persia, led an invasion of mainland Greece. Its success should have been a formality. For seventy years, victory – rapid, spectacular victory – had seemed the birthright of the Persian Empire. In the space of a single generation, they had swept across the Near East, shattering ancient kingdoms,
Rome in Africa
Nearly three thousand years ago the Phoenicians set up trading colonies on the coast of North Africa, and ever since successive civilizations have been imposed on the local inhabitants, largely from outside. Carthaginians, Romans, vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, TUrks, French and Italians have all occupied the region in their time. The Romans governed this part of
Botswana Time
Will Randall travels with a purpose, as well as an outrageous sense of fortune. In INDIAN SUMMER he found himself, by chance, having the extraordinary experience of helping slum schoolchildren put on a play to help save their school. In Botswana he was taken up by a headmaster to teach a class of six year
Atlas of Eastern Europe in the 20th Century
An invaluable guide to a complex subject, this atlas: * gives a general introduction to the physical, ethnic and religious composition of the region * includes summary maps of Eastern Europe in 1900, 1923, and 1945 * charts the ebb and flow of the first and second world wars in Eastern Europe * presents detailed
The Thames England`s River
The Thames is liquid history` John Burns MP (1858-1943) As the silver thread woven through Britain`s centuries, the Thames is the subject of this significant biography. Following its course, geologically and chronologically, THE THAMES will chart the growing importance of the river and some of the dramatic historic events it was central to. Since Tudor
London City Walks
Are you visiting London for the first time? Or are you fascinated by England`s capital city? Whether you`re new to London or born and bred in the capital City Walks London brings London to life. Walk through the most interesting city in the world and see London`s historic sites and top attractions, from Tower Hill
100 Outstanding British Walks
This magnificent compendium of outstanding British walks brings together the finest selection of Pathfinder (R) Walks in Britain`s officially designated places of scenic beauty and historic interest: National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Scenic Areas, Heritage Coast, National Trails and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.There are 100 walking gems in this collection, recommended by
Oxford City Walks
Are you visiting Oxford for the first time? Or are you an avid walker interested in taking a stroll around Oxford`s scenic and famous sites? Whether you visit Oxford regularly or are a first-time visitor, City Walks Oxford provides a new look at this charming city with unique insights and imaginative tours. Take any route
The Sea
`A masterly study of grief, memory and love recollected` Professor John Sutherland, Chair of Judges, Man Booker Prize 2005 When art historian Max Morden returns to the seaside village where he once spent a childhood holiday, he is both escaping from a recent loss and confronting a distant trauma. The Grace family had appeared that
Hood Rat
BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK SHORTLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE 2012 SHORTLISTED FOR THE CRIME WRITERS ASSOCIATION NON-FICTION DAGGER AWARD `THE MOST IMPORTANT CRIME STORY OF THE DECADE` Scottish Mail Manchester. London. Glasgow. In the summer of 2011 violence erupted in our inner cities and many blamed gang culture. But is the truth
History of The Arabs
This authoritative study of the Arabians and the Arabic-speaking peoples is a hugely valuable source of information on Arab history. Suitable for both scholars and the general reader, it unrolls one of the richest and most instructive panoramas in history, telling with insight the story of the rise of Islam in the Middle Ages, its
A History of Russia
Russia is the largest country on the planet, a multi-ethnic empire, a great power of global significance. For much of its history it has been a `peasant state`, in which peasant society and values interacted critically with those of the ruling elites. In modern times its society has produced artists, writers, musicians, scientists and cosmonauts
A History of Israel
A History of Israel examines Israel`s turbulent history from the first Zionist Congress of 1897 to the present day. Drawing on his considerable experience as historian and journalist, Ahron Bregman offers a balanced exploration of Israel`s past in which the three principal driving themes of Jewish immigration, wars, and attempts to forge peace with Arabs
When Asia was the world
While European intellectual, cultural, and commercial life stagnated during the early medieval period, Asia flourished as the wellspring of science, philosophy, and religion. Linked together by a web of religious, commercial, and intellectual connections, the different regions of Asia`s vast civilization, from Arabia to China, hummed with commerce, international diplomacy and the brisk exchange of
A History of Germany
Even a brief glance at the maps of what has, or might have, been called Germany through the ages reveals a kaleidoscope of alterations in shape and composition. Though there are elements of continuity, the history of Germany has been the history of nearly constant change. In this concise introduction to Germany`s fascinating past, Peter
Dubai – Gilded Cage
In less than two decades, Dubai has transformed itself from an obscure Gulf emirate into a global centre for business, tourism, and luxury living. It is a fascinating case study in light-speed urban development, hyperconsumerism, massive immigration, and vertiginous inequality. Its rulers have succeeded in making Dubai into a worldwide brand, publicizing its astonishing hotels
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
About this seriesThese days many Caribbean islands seem to be no more then cruise ship docks or beach destinations. This series of guides has been written with the intention of introducing the reader to the real place behind the destination. Architecture, natural history, museums, places of interest, local traditions are detailed in short illustrated chapters.
Cheshire Pevsner Architectural Guide
This is a comprehensive guide to the buildings of Cheshire in all their variety, from Pennine villages to coastal plains and seaside resorts. Chester, the regional capital and cathedral city, is famous for its Roman walls and black-and-white timber architecture, its noble Neoclassical monuments, and its unique medieval shopping `rows` with their upper walkways. But
England, Our England
An anthology and miscellany of everything an Englishman should know: – From Austen to Wordsworth – Jerusalem to the Scout`s Honour – Kings and Queens of England to Land of Hope and Glory – Savile Row tailors to Jermyn St Shirt Makers – Tying a Windsor knot to making a pot of tea – Victoria
Fishing: How the Sea Fed Civilization
Humanity`s last major source of food from the wild, and how it enabled and shaped the growth of civilization In this history of fishing–not as sport but as sustenance–archaeologist and best-selling author Brian Fagan argues that fishing was an indispensable and often overlooked element in the growth of civilization. It sustainably provided enough food to
