Historical, Political and Military Biography books

This classic memoir of the First World War is now a major motion picture starring Alicia Vikander and Kit Harington. Includes an afterword by Kate Mosse OBE.

The first major biography of Oscar Wilde in thirty years is the most complete telling of his life and times to date.

Two months before the outbreak of WWII, 17-year-old Geoffrey Wellum becomes a fighter pilot with the RAF. Desperate to get in the air, he makes it through basic training to become the youngest Spitfire pilot in the prestigious 92 Squadron. Thrust into combat immediately, Wellum finds himself caught up in terrifying dogfights with German Me 109s.

5 stars

The Black leader discusses his political philosophy and reveals details of his life, shedding light on the ideas that enabled him to gain the allegiance of a still growing percentage of the Black population

The life of Bruce is one of the greatest comeback stories in history. Heir and magnate, shrewd politician, Bruce became a gifted military leader and a wise statesman. This book aims to encourage popular reassessment of Bruce as politician, warrior, monarch and saviour of Scottish identity from extinction at the hands of the Edwardian superstate.

The life and exploits of the world's greatest sniper, Simo Hayha, who brought death to hundreds of Russian soldiers during the Winter War of 1939-1940.

"In this jaw-dropping expose, Oliver Shah uncovers the truth behind one of Britain's biggest business scandals, following Sir Philip Green's journey to the big time, the wild excesses of his heyday and his dramatic demise." --publisher's web site, viewed 7/11/18

Rescuing Franklin from the cliche of the genial codger, the bestselling author of KISSINGER celebrates the most advanced and earthy of the founding fathers in a riveting biography that brings Benjamin Franklin to life.

Now available in a fresh, new format, this is the story of the remarkable Tom Crean who ran away to sea aged fifteen and played a memorable role in Antarctic exploration. An unforgettable story of triumph over unparalleled hardship and deprivation does justice to this enigmatic figure.

The unsung and remarkable stories of the women who held London's East End together during not one, but two world wars....

The author of the acclaimed bestsellers Benjamin Franklin, Einstein, and Steve Jobs delivers an engrossing biography of Leonardo da Vinci, the world's most creative genius.

Richard Johns' illustrious career gave him the privilege of a rare, if not singular, perspective of the RAF, our sister services and national defence matters

A major new title in the Penguin Monarchs series In his fascinating new book in the Penguin Monarchs series, Richard Abels examines the long and troubled reign of Aethelred II the 'Unraed', the 'Ill-Advised'. It is characteristic of Aethelred's reign that its greatest surviving work of literature, the poem The Battle of Maldon, should be a record of heroic defeat. Perhaps no ruler could have...

From the bestselling author of The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England, comes the story of King Edward III, who - like Elizabeth and Victoria after him - embodied the values of his age, forged a nation out of war and re-made England.

Presents the biography of Napoleon who lived one of the extraordinary of all human lives. This book shows how after seizing power in a coup d'etat he ended the corruption and incompetence into which the Revolution had descended.

A timely reexamination of the fate of the Princes in the Tower, crucially asking: `what if there was no murder?'

This book recounts the horror of World War II on the eastern front, as seen through the eyes of a teenaged German soldier.

In this nuanced portrait of Athelstan, Sarah Foot offers the first full account of the king ever written.

One of the first ever memoirs by a Royal Navy nuclear submarine officer, this is the inside story of the men who ensured that 'Mutually Assured Destruction' was maintained at all times during the Cold War.

'Malala is an inspiration to girls and women all over the world.' - J.K. Rowling Written by Malala in collaboration with critically acclaimed author, Patricia McCormick, this children's edition tells the remarkable story of a girl who knew from a young age that she wanted to change the world - and did.