Non-Fiction

In a newly revised edition, Seward’s riveting biography breathes new life into one of English history’s most divisive and infamous figures.

Gavin Maxwell’s beloved memoir about life with otters is published here with previously unseen colour photographs.

A gripping account of the twilight of the Roman Republic and its bloody transformation into empire; the story of Caesar's generation, thrillingly told.

Erasmus’ biting and brilliant 16th-century satire is ingeniously reimagined with illustrations by award-winning artist Matthew Richardson.

A hundred years of military blunders accompanied by a fascinating psychological analysis.

Roux handles with both precision and lyricism the primary sources that tell us about the medieval history of one the world’s great cities. This edition features an improved translation and an array of visual material.

Patrick Leigh Fermor’s celebrated travel memoirs of Greece, presented in a two-volume set, illustrated by Katyuli Lloyd and with photographs from the first editions by Joan Eyres Monsell.

Described by the Guardian as ‘the book that redefined travel writing’, Chatwin's idiosyncratic account of Patagonia thrums with surprising details and literary finesse. Featuring 22 photographs by the author, 9 of which are previously unpublished.

An enthralling account of the French capital’s transition from German occupation to post-war liberty, with a new introduction by the authors.

No book has revolutionised our view of life on earth more than Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species. Yet its enduring popularity is a testament to the immense energy and startling simplicity with which Darwin makes his revelations.

This sparkling collection of Elizabeth David's articles showcases the work of the woman regarded as the 'best food writer of her time'.

This emotive history constructs an absorbing narrative from the eyewitness testimonies of those who experienced the war. Contemporary photographs illuminate their words.

Exclusive to Folio, this collection of first-hand accounts – compiled by one of the subject’s leading authorities – charts this epic quest through the testimony of the explorers themselves.

A magnificent, spirited portrait of life as a secret agent in occupied France.

An exacting and illuminating dual biography, complemented by colour photographs.

Now reissued in series with our Austen collection, this biography is an affectionate portrait of one of our best-loved writers, and the time in which she wrote.

A brilliant overview of prehistory by a 'towering influence' in archaeology.

Distinguished historian Averil Cameron introduces this seminal book about the origins of the Middle Ages. Numerous photographs show a fascinating array of archaeological sites, illuminations and mosaics.

In his engrossing account, Martin Gilbert traces each step of the war’s progression, from the tensions and alliances leading up to it and the first skirmishes on the French and Belgian borders, to the final peacemaking and remembrance. His geographical scope is equally broad, from Mesopotamia and East Africa to the ‘forgotten war’ waged in the Atlantic.

The story of Italy’s first family is one of political cunning, artistic genius, infidelity, execution and revenge. With sumptuous colour illustrations.

A wonderful collection of bawdy and playful tales of foolish monks and cunning wives, illustrated by Becca Thorne and introduced by Peter Ackroyd.

How do we know that what we think is true is actually true? Can we prove the existence of God? Descartes’ questions endure. The Folio edition of Meditations is wittily illustrated by Shout, with an introduction by psychologist Nicholas Humphrey.

Chateaubriand requested that his memoirs remain unpublished until after his death lest he be forced to be ‘less frank and truthful’. The result is a hugely entertaining autobiography, providing a vivid picture of France during the most tumultuous period of her history.

These autobiographical essays by physicist Richard Feynman show us the formation of a genius. Introduced by Brian Cox.

George Johnson’s superb book explores the method behind some of science’s most dazzling discoveries – from the exquisite ingenuity of Galileo’s experiments on acceleration, to Newton’s fearless use of needles to understand vision.

Jan Morris’s exuberant and witty love letter to the Manhattan of 1945 effortlessly evokes a time when it was ‘the most hopeful city on earth’.

Eric Newby’s story of escape and evasion, dedicated to the ordinary Italian people who saved his life, remains funny, vivid and deeply moving.

Queen Victoria was 39 when her daughter Vicky left home as the bride of Prince Frederick of Prussia. Edited by Andrew Roberts for The Folio Society, this edition of their extraordinary correspondence provides an unparalleled insight into the lives and times of two queens.

In his sequel to the best-selling The Wars of the Roses, Desmond Seward reveals the secret conflict that continued throughout the reigns of both Henry VII and Henry VIII.

In this award-winning history, Mary Beard guides us through the daily life of Pompeii, an existence that is far more complex than we might have realised. Lively, exciting and accessible, this book brings us as close as possible to the real Pompeii.