Non-Fiction

This fascinating history debunks the notion of a fallow ‘Dark Ages’ following the decline of Rome's political influence, revealing an eastern Mediterranean blossoming with theological and cultural innovation.

Celebrated writer and historian Cecil Woodham-Smith turns her acerbic eye on the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade.

This sparkling study of the ancient world pays tribute to Herodotus, whose Histories made him a forefather of the modern historian.

The chilling account of the Nazi conference to finalise the plans for genocide, with a new preface by author Mark Roseman.

A maritime voyage like no other with historian and travel writer Jan Morris, in this unique illustrated edition.

A charming account of Stevenson’s adventure in the wilds of southern France, accompanied only by his stubborn but loveable donkey.

From the civil wars in Africa to revolutions in the Middle East, if there was a major news story during the Cold War Ryszard Kapuściński was there, always with a copy of Herodotus’ Histories in his luggage. In this fascinating memoir Kapuściński compares his experiences with those of Herodotus writing more than 1,500 years before him.

Funny, learned and frank, this book explores what life was really like in the Middle Ages. With specially commissioned illustrations by Robert Venables.

The first illustrated edition of Steinbeck's absorbing dispatches for the New York Herald Tribune.

The revelatory personal writings of a lady at the court of Empress Sadako, luxuriously illustrated with watercolour paintings.

The First World War is brought to life with first-hand accounts and comprehensive research in this compelling two-volume set.

The life of Thomas More was one marked by political intrigue, religious unrest and a great shifting of ideologies. In this masterful biography, Peter Ackroyd not only reveals the truth behind history's great ‘man for all seasons’, but also paints a fascinating portrait of an age that saw cataclysmic change.

Ian Stewart guides us through the complete history of mathematics, from ancient Babylon to chaos theory.

One hundred years on, the enduring impact of the First World War is explored in Paul Fussell’s acclaimed literary and cultural history.

With only two genuine dates, this irreverent romp is history as every schoolboy would wish it – hilarious and memorable.

Carter’s own thrilling testimony, with spectacular colour images by Sandro Vannini and the original photographs by Harry Burton.

J. E. Gordon reveals the unseen forces that hold up buildings, bridges and aeroplanes – but also animals, plants and humans. From space travels to the complexity of the human body – all the answers are here.

The definitive account of a tragic conflict, with more than 100 carefully selected images.

Troubling, fascinating and accessible, this is an outstanding account of how the Middle East was shaped by Western interests. This edition features contemporary photographs and a new foreword by one of today's most respected journalists.

Humble plants have long been the spur to economic growth, the key to political power, the tools of conquest, yet until Henry Hobhouse wrote this pioneering book, they had rarely warranted even a footnote in history.

Bill Bryson's account of his farewell tour of Britain by public transport is a hilarious and affectionate tribute by Britain's funniest adopted son.

A compelling first-hand account of the Fall of France in 1940, written before its author was executed by the Nazis.

A story of tremendous courage and endurance, related first-hand by one of its survivors.

Novelist and linguist Anthony Burgess's study paints a fascinating portrait of a man who is both one of history's most famous figures, and one of its biggest mysteries.

William Gaunt's captivating art history classic features beautiful images of the movement's most significant works.

Sourced from the archives of the Royal Geographical Society, these accounts give an explorer’s eye-view of some of the most extraordinary human journeys ever undertaken.

The essential guide to one of the most fundamental discoveries of modern science.

A gripping and detailed account of the American revolution which sheds a new light on the war that created the United States.

One of the most significant works in English mysticism, and the first known book written in English by a woman.