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The perfect stocking filler for lovers of Scottish History.From prehistoric Scotland to the Brexit referendum, this pocket-sized book covers all of the main events in Scottish history.A concise and excellent guide to Scottish history and how Scotland has come to be what it is today.Key events, people and places include:• The Union of Crowns• Bonnie Prince Charlie• Battle of Bannockburn• Culloden• Burns’ Night• Hogmanay• Alexander Graham Bell• Devolution• Indy Ref 1 and 2Beautifully produced, Collins Little Book of Scottish History is a treasure in itself and makes a perfect gift for any Scotland enthusiast.

A fascinating cartographic study of urban development, perfect for map and history lovers.The city, a concept nearly as old as history itself, is a paradox of human innovation and intervention, order and conflict. From ancient civilisations to modern-day metropolises, maps have played a crucial role in urban progress. This book explores the development of cities through more than 70 captivating maps.Each map in this beautifully designed volume gives a unique visual representation of and historical context to the city it surveys. Spanning more than 4,500 years, this book expertly curates more than 70 historical maps which tell the fascinating story of human civilisation: from cities founded on sacred places, ideas and power, to early examples of town planning and later innovations such as skyscrapers and urban transport.Featuring maps of renowned capital cities as well as lesser-known urban areas, including: Mohenjo-Daro, c. 2500 BCBabylon, c. 600 BCRome, c. 210 ADBaghdad, 762 ADConstantinople, 1422Tenochtitlan, 1524Dublin, 1610Kyoto, 1626New Amsterdam, 1660Edinburgh, 1780Adelaide, 1838Lagos, 1885Los Angeles, 1908Brasilia, 1957Chongqing, 2016Dubai, 2020

Every map tells a story and this book tells the incredible history of our world through maps. From Babylonian tablets to digital mapping, the world has evolved rapidly, along with the ways in which we understand and depict it. In this time, cartography has not only kept pace with these changes, but has often driven them. In this fully revised and updated edition spanning more than 4,500 years, each individual map provides a unique visual insight into our past.This beautifully designed collection includes many famous examples of cartography, along with some that deserve to be better known. Witness countries and cities come and go, empires rise and fall, significant geographical discoveries, and key historical events unfold.Key maps shown include: Babylonian clay tablets, c.2300 BC and c.600 BC – some of the world’s oldest surviving mapsHereford Mappa Mundi, c. 1290 – medieval map of the worldAztec City Maps 1524/1541 – precious images of the Aztec capital and their migrations before the Spanish cameCook Chart of New Zealand, 1770 – the first complete chart of the coastline showing that New Zealand was made up of two islandsSelden Map of China, c. 1620 – Ming map of China and South-east AsiaThe Scramble for Africa, 1852/1898 – the European powers rush to colonise AfricaBooth Poverty Map, 1898 – mapping deprivation in Victorian LondonYpres, 1918 – mapping the deaths in one of the First World War’s bloodiest battlesCuban Missile Crisis, 1962 – map used by President John F. Kennedy during the crisisCOVID map, 2021 – a map of the Global Pandemic

100 beautiful places in Scotland to walk, eat and sleepPeter Irvine, bestselling author of SCOTLAND THE BEST,has selected 100 extraordinary places that epitomise what istruly great about Scotland. This personal and diverse compendium is illustrated with beautiful and evocative images by some of Scotland’s best photographers.Peter Irvine has drawn on a lifetime of experiences to create this list of the 100 best places in Scotland: reflective, magnificent and human places. Some choices may be surprising but all are exceptional.This book is Pete’s ultimate collection selected from the hundreds of places that feature in the bestselling independent guide to Scotland, SCOTLAND THE BEST. As well as expert commentary, all 100 places include highly selective recommendations of where to walk, eat and sleep nearby.Some of Scotland’s finest photographers have captured the essence of each place. From wild glens to ancient buildings, remote islands to vibrant cities, this is Pete’s list of the places in Scotland that you really should visit in your lifetime.

Fully updated essential guide to exploring Britain by train, Railway Day Trips is ideal for anyone planning or looking for inspiration for a rail journey. From bestselling railway author Julian Holland.This pocket companion is perfect for both casual and seasoned rail travellers. Plan adventures, follow the changing landscape through the train window and discover fascinating destinations.Each journey incorporates a location map, route diagram and descriptive text on its history and geography, plus some of the highlights awaiting you at each destination. High-quality photographs illustrate every route throughout the book.Based on his extensive knowledge of British rail travel, the author reveals appealing quirks of the various routes and provides practical tips on how to make the most of your journey.160 day trips from all over the country are featured, departing from major towns and cities and culminating at a variety of interesting destinations.This 2nd edition includes 10 new routes:• Cambridge to Ipswich• Hereford to Newport• Cardiff to Ebbw Vale• Carmarthen to Fishguard• Manchester to Southport• Sheffield to Lincoln• Middlesbrough to Newcastle• Glasgow to Perth• Edinburgh to Tweedbank• Inverness to Wick

The perfect stocking filler for lovers of Bridge.When you open this little book, the state secrets of the game of bridge lie in your hands. They cover everything you need to know to go from being a bridge beginner to an international mastermind!The book is split into short, concise and easy-to-follow tips that will help to improve all aspects of your game and strategy. They reveal how to play a good defensive hand, how to devise a bidding system, what you can read from an opponent’s play, plus lots more.The beautifully decorated pages and luxury pocket style make this book something a little bit special. With it by your side you’ll always come up trumps!

A highly popular and informative guide to the Scots language in an attractive format. Contains words and phrases from both literary and everyday language, this is the perfect wee dictionary of Scots for native and non-native speakers alike.This is by far the most popular guide to the language of today’s Scotland, with nearly 1800 everyday words and phrases from all over Scotland clearly explained and with lots of helpful examples of usage. Colour text makes this best-selling dictionary even more user-friendly. With its durable and eye-catching cover, this is a must for every bookshelf.

The perfect stocking filler for lovers of English History.A concise guide to key events, people and places in English history and how England has come to be what it is today. From prehistoric England, Stonehenge and the Romans to modern times.Key events, people and places include: The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings1066, Battle of HastingsRichard 1 and The CrusadesHenry VIII, Thomas More, The Spanish Armada, Gunpowder PlotCromwellWorld Wars 1 and 2The NHSThe 1953 CoronationWorld Cup winThe BeatlesMargaret ThatcherPrincess DianaBrexitBeautifully produced, Collins Little Book of English History is a treasure in itself and makes a perfect gift for any visitor to England or enthusiast about its history.

The perfect stocking filler for lovers of English Castles.A handy guide to England’s most dramatic castles and strongholds, many of which are open to visitors. Includes an eight-page map section showing the locations of castles covered in the book.Features historical background and architectural details for each of the castles, accompanied by beautiful colour photographs. The book covers the major sites of Windsor, Warwick and Leeds Castle, as well as lesser known fortresses scattered across the country.Includes details on the property’s custodianship, whether cared for by the National Trust, English Heritage or another body, a description of the gardens where relevant, location, website and phone number. A concise guide to English castles in an accessible format.Of interest to English, local and architectural historians, as well as international visitors to England.

A concise guide to key events, people and places in English history and how England has come to be what it is today. From prehistoric England, Stonehenge and the Romans to modern times.Key events, people and places include: The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings1066, Battle of HastingsRichard 1 and The CrusadesHenry VIII, Thomas More, The Spanish Armada, Gunpowder PlotCromwellWorld Wars 1 and 2The NHSThe 1953 CoronationWorld Cup winThe BeatlesMargaret ThatcherPrincess DianaBrexitBeautifully produced, Collins Little Book of English History is a treasure in itself and makes a perfect gift for any visitor to England or enthusiast about its history.

The perfect gift for lovers of Card Games.40 popular card games, with clear instructions and guidance on how to master each one.Easy to follow helpful advice on learning more than 40 of the most popular card games. This beautifully presented edition will offer all the help and guidance you need to learn how to play these ever-popular games.Illustrated throughout with colour diagrams showing hands, moves and simple to follow instructions.

A handy guide to around 140 of Ireland’s most dramatic castles and strongholds, all of which are open to the public, with structures from across the whole island of Ireland. A handy 8-page map of all locations featured is included.Historical background and architectural details for each of the castles, accompanied by a beautiful colour photograph. Includes all major sites.Contains an introduction on Ireland's castles – history, description of classification of building type with examples.Includes details on the property’s custodianship, a description of the gardens where relevant, location, website and phone number.

From mesolithic Ireland to the peace process, this little book covers all of the main historical and cultural events, places and figures in Irish history. A must for all lovers of Ireland and the Irish.An excellent, concise guide to how Ireland has come to be what it is today.Some key events, people, topics and places include: Monastic Ireland, Vikings and NormansThe Irish language, the Book of KellsPatrick, Colm Cille, Brian Boru, Granuaile (Grace O’Malley)Colonial Ireland, EmigrationRebellion, Famine and PartitionThe Troubles, Good Friday Agreement and BrexitA helpful index is found at the back of the book.Beautifully produced, Collins Little Book of Irish History is a treasure in itself and makes a perfect gift for any Ireland enthusiast.

Transform your home with tips from expert gardener Joe Swift.Indoor plants brighten our homes, connect us with the natural world and improve our physical and mental health. If you want to turn your living space into an Indoor Green haven, expert gardener Joe Swift shows you how with practical, easy-to-follow advice.Joe’s no-nonsense approach covers everything you need to know from choosing and buying plants to placing them where they’ll be happiest. He then guides you through caring for them including watering, feeding, re-potting, and combatting common plant problems.In this book Joe covers a vast range of wonderful, varied and exotic plants from all over the world including flowering and foliage plants, palms, succulents, cacti, bonsai and citrus.He demonstrates how to put them together in impactful and innovative ways whether they’re grown in an old tin can, a classic pot, a glass terrarium, or part of an ambitious interior green wall!Joe also explains how to propagate plants to save you money, increase your collection and transform your home further into an Indoor Green paradise!Joe Swift is an author, TV presenter and garden designer. He makes regular appearances on BBC’s Gardener’s World and the RHS Flower Shows

Create your own small garden with expert gardener Joe Swift.Green spaces are the perfect antidote to fast city living. Learn how to create your own small garden with expert gardener Joe Swift’s practical, easy-to-follow advice. From courtyards to rooftops, transform awkward and unexciting spaces with inspirational ideas and solutions.Whatever you want your green space to look like and be used for, Joe’s no-nonsense approach guides you through issues such as privacy, boundaries and shade, to growing plants in areas with little to no soil.The wider environmental benefits are significant – helping to reduce pollution and minimise the heat island effect (a result of the hardscape in towns and cities). The plants will increase biodiversity, and many will be an important year-round resource for wildlife.In this book, Joe covers a vast range of exciting, impactful and innovative ways to stamp your personality on your outdoor space.He demonstrates how to use paving, boundaries, containers, furniture, water and sculpture to help structure and define, and how to give the starring role to the plants you choose to draw the seasons into our towns and cities.Joe Swift is an author, TV presenter and garden designer. He makes regular appearances on BBC’s Gardener’s World and the RHS Flower Shows

Support and protect the natural world with tips from expert gardener Joe Swift.With around 16 million UK gardens covering a larger area than all our nature reserves, you could say our largest nature reserve is one big garden! In this practical guide, Joe shows you how to support and protect our rich and varied wildlife habitats.Joe’s no-nonsense approach covers everything you need to know about doing your bit for wildlife. Learn how to manage soil and carefully select plants to create rich and varied habitats, from tall trees down to tiny, spring-flowering bulbs.In this book, Joe demonstrates how to manage your outdoor space sensitively, and debunks the common misconception that ‘wildlife-friendly gardens’ have to be unkempt.From bug hotels to pollinators, he also shares his ideas on fun and innovative projects to help kids, as the future custodians of our planet, engage with nature.Joe Swift is an author, TV presenter and garden designer. He makes regular appearances on BBC’s Gardener’s World and the RHS Flower Shows

Design your own modern green space with expert gardener Joe Swift.Gardens connect us with the natural world, improve our physical and mental health, and allow us to showcase our personalities. Expert gardener Joe Swift’s practical, easy-to-follow advice will inspire readers to envision what is possible in even the smallest spaces.There is no one way to design a garden. Joe’s no-nonsense guide on modern gardens provides innovative, creative and exciting advice on how to create your perfect escape.This book explores every aspect of designing a garden, from assessing your plot and soil to choosing a style as your inspiration and tackling challenging spaces.Covering topics such as colours, plants, placement, connecting to a view and dealing with awkward spaces, Joe will inspire gardeners to create and maintain a green haven all year long.Joe Swift is an author, TV presenter and garden designer. He makes regular appearances on BBC’s Gardener’s World and the RHS Flower Shows

Grown your own food with expert gardener Joe Swift.Creating our own edible garden connects us with the natural world, improves our physical and mental health and contributes to eco-friendly and sustainable food production. If you want to learn to grow your own fruit and veg, Joe Swift shows you how with practical, easy-to-follow advice.Joe’s no-nonsense approach covers everything you need to know from choosing and buying plants to planning a plot and preparing for the different seasons.He then guides you through caring for them including watering, feeding, and combatting common plant problems.In this book Joe covers a vast range of wonderful and varied edible plants. He demonstrates how to grow your own food indoors or outdoors, whether in plots, containers, raised beds or green houses.You’ll also learn about sowing seeds, compost, fertilisers and pests and diseases. If you’ve ever wanted to save money and grown your own greens, this is the place to start!Joe Swift is an author, TV presenter and garden designer. He makes regular appearances on BBC’s Gardener’s World and the RHS Flower Shows.

The true Scot's insider's guide to the very best Scotland has to offer. Fully revised and updated in Peter Irvine’s own unique style, the 14th edition includes more than 2,000 recommendations for every type of adventure.Trusted for 30 years, this fully comprehensive and independent guide to Scotland gives you only the very best recommendations, whatever your budget. Discover stunning scenery, landscapes and historical highlightsFind the best coastal walks, city strolls and sight-seeing spotsEat at the best local cafés and regional restaurantsGreat advice on where to sleep, from wild camping to boutique hotelsExplore the true culture of Scotland and discover local, hidden gemsPeter Irvine is your personal guide to the very best of Scotland. From the streets of Edinburgh to the Western Isles, he’s visited, rated and remarked on the must-see highlights of Scotland. The 14th edition is the perfect travel companion, complete with essential information including websites, phone numbers, costs and insider tips to let you experience the best of everything Scotland has to offer.

We communicate through the spoken and written word and language has evolved over the centuries. Many languages have survived although only in small pockets throughout the world. This book explores a selection of those languages.Did you know that some people believe that the speakers of Burushaski, the language of a distant valley below the Himalayas, are actually the descendants of the soldiers of Alexander the Great? And that, even though the Venetian language is not official in Venice, it is spoken in several locations in Latin America?From ‘language isolates’ such as Basque, spoken in Spain and France, and Ainu in Japan and Russia, to language islands including a Welsh speaking colony in Argentina–discover how geography shapes communication and societies.What can we learn from the existence of Gutnish, a dialect of the extinct Eastern Germanic Gothic, on several islands of the Baltic Sea? And how widely spoken is Cornish? These and many more intriguing linguistic questions are answered in this absorbing exploration of lesser known languages.

The true Irish insider's guide to the very best Ireland has to offer. This fully comprehensive and independent guide to Ireland gives you only the very best recommendations, whatever your budget.Brought to you by the McKennas, who have more than 30 years’ experience writing and talking about Ireland’s amazing food, drink and hospitality.Easy-to-use guide with over 2000 recommendations: Eat and drink at the best local pubs, cafes and regional restaurantsGreat advice on where to sleep, from wild camping to boutique hotelsDiscover stunning scenery, landscapes and historical highlightsFind the best coastal walks, city strolls and sightseeing spotsExplore the true culture of Ireland and discover local hidden gemsNew highlights for this edition: Pala Pizza & Trattoria, FoxrockBrowne’s Bar, Slane CastleDrumhierny Woodland Hideaway, Leitrim VillageCastle Point, West CorkThe Park Cafe, DublinLocal experts John and Sally McKenna are your personal guides to the very best of Ireland, from the streets of Belfast to the hills of Galway. They have visited, rated and remarked on every entry to help you get the most out of the Emerald Isle.

Explore the unique stories behind every Formula One World Championship circuit in this fully updated second edition. Written by award-winning journalist Maurice Hamilton and complete with bespoke digital maps of each course, this is the ultimate guide to the circuits of Formula One.Each venue is listed in chronological order from the first time it hosted a World Championship Grand Prix, starting with Monza, then taking in renowned locations such as Spa, Nürburgring, Monaco and Silverstone, all the way up to F1’s latest destination: Las Vegas. Uncover little-known facts about famous circuits and discover the story behind some of the sport’s lesser-known venues.This fully updated second edition includes:• All 77 Formula 1 World Championship circuits, featuring six additional venues from the previous edition• Bespoke digital maps of every racetrack• Statistics including circuit lengths, lap records, and names of corners and straights• Alphabetical and ‘by country’ indices for ease of reference

Explore Ireland’s fascinating story with more than 100 maps.From the early history of the Emerald Isle to the modern day, Ireland has evolved rapidly – along with the ways in which it has been mapped. Cartography has not only kept pace with these changes, but often driven them.Combining the artistic world of early cartography with modern computerised surveys, this is a beautiful and unique addition to any map- or history-lover’s collection. Irish author and historian Pat Liddy produces an invaluable history of Ireland and its relationship with its neighbours, and indeed, the world.Featured maps include: Ptolemaic Map of Ibernia, 15th centuryMercator’s Irlandiae Regnum, c. 1560Battle of Kinsale, 1601John Speed’s Map of Ireland, 1610Down Survey, 1683Siege of Londonderry, 1689Survey of Dublin Bay, 1800INFOMAR’s Map of the Seabed, 2019Other books in the Collins History in Maps series: History of War in Maps by Philip Parker (ISBN 9780008506490)History of World Trade in Maps by Philip Parker (ISBN 9780008409296)

An ideal gift for anyone with an intrigue for geographical curiosities.Defined as sovereign states with a very small population, land area, or both, microstates serve as fascinating case studies of geopolitical significance. This atlas explores the unique history, politics, and self-determination of the world's smallest states.Under what conditions do microstates form in the first place? Is there a correlation between the size of a political unit and its relative sovereignty? What contributes to the success of ministates, or, in certain cases, their failure?From modern day city-states, island countries as well as sparsely populated territories, to historical anomalies, tax havens, aspirant states and micronations, this atlas considers a wide range of countries largely defined by their relative smallness.A beautifully-designed collection ideal for those with an interest in geopolitics and cartographic curiosities, some of the microstates explored in this book include:• Liechtenstein one of the smallest countries in the world today – and also one of the wealthiest – with a territory that covers approximately 25km from north to south, the only country located entirely in the Alps• Cocos (Keeling) Islands consisting of two coral atolls with a total area of 14m2, where fewer than 600 people live and the majority of the population is Muslim• Couto Misto a de-facto semi-independent state which many believe had special sovereign rights granted to it by a 12th century princess, later disputed by Spain and Portugal and eventually partitioned in 1864These along with many more examples are captured in this engaging atlas full of geographical intrigue.

The perfect Christmas gift for geography-lovers.Defined as sovereign states with a very small population, land area, or both, microstates serve as fascinating case studies of geopolitical significance. This atlas explores the unique history, politics, and self-determination of the world's smallest states.Under what conditions do microstates form in the first place? Is there a correlation between the size of a political unit and its relative sovereignty? What contributes to the success of ministates, or, in certain cases, their failure?From modern day city-states, island countries as well as sparsely populated territories, to historical anomalies, tax havens, aspirant states and micronations, this atlas considers a wide range of countries largely defined by their relative smallness.A beautifully-designed collection ideal for those with an interest in geopolitics and cartographic curiosities, some of the microstates explored in this book include:• Liechtenstein one of the smallest countries in the world today – and also one of the wealthiest – with a territory that covers approximately 25km from north to south, the only country located entirely in the Alps• Cocos (Keeling) Islands consisting of two coral atolls with a total area of 14m2, where fewer than 600 people live and the majority of the population is Muslim• Couto Misto a de-facto semi-independent state which many believe had special sovereign rights granted to it by a 12th century princess, later disputed by Spain and Portugal and eventually partitioned in 1864These along with many more examples are captured in this engaging atlas full of geographical intrigue.

A fascinating cartographic study of urban development, perfect for map and history lovers.The city, a concept nearly as old as history itself, is a paradox of human innovation and intervention, order and conflict. From ancient civilisations to modern-day metropolises, maps have played a crucial role in urban progress. This book explores the development of cities through more than 70 captivating maps.Each map in this beautifully designed volume gives a unique visual representation of and historical context to the city it surveys. Spanning more than 4,500 years, this book expertly curates more than 70 historical maps which tell the fascinating story of human civilisation: from cities founded on sacred places, ideas and power, to early examples of town planning and later innovations such as skyscrapers and urban transport.Featuring maps of renowned capital cities as well as lesser-known urban areas, including: Mohenjo-Daro, c. 2500 BCBabylon, c. 600 BCRome, c. 210 ADBaghdad, 762 ADConstantinople, 1422Tenochtitlan, 1524Dublin, 1610Kyoto, 1626New Amsterdam, 1660Edinburgh, 1780Adelaide, 1838Lagos, 1885Los Angeles, 1908Brasilia, 1957Chongqing, 2016Dubai, 2020

‘A powerful and timely book’ PETER KENNARD 'Really good read' DERMOT O'LEARY 'Tremendous…it strikes me it fills a gap somehow' AL MURRAY 'Fantastic' DOMINIC SANDBROOK Delve into the history, politics, literature and popular culture that defined the Cold War era. The Cold War defined the history of Britain in the second half of the twentieth century as much as it did that of the US and the Soviet Union. Cold War Britain is an exploration into the multifaceted dimensions of Britain’s experience during the Cold War era.By weaving together history, politics, literature, and popular culture, this book invites readers to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Cold War Britain, offering fresh insights and perspectives into how this global conflict shaped the fabric of British society. Matching superb narrative storytelling with scholarly analysis and visually stunning photography from the archives of the Imperial War Museum, this book gives a fascinating insight into a pivotal period in world history. Chapter One: Origins Dive into the tumultuous aftermath of World War II, where Britain grappled with its status as a world power amidst economic devastation. Explore pivotal moments such as the carving up of Europe and the influential voices of figures like Orwell and Churchill in defining the Cold War era. Chapter Two: The Special Relationship Uncover the deep political and cultural ties between the UK and the USA, navigating through testing times that nevertheless strengthened their bond. Examine how this special relationship influenced Britain’s Cold War trajectory. Chapter Three: The Bomb Engage in the debates surrounding Britain’s pursuit of an independent nuclear deterrent, amidst the backdrop of cloak-and-dagger intrigue epitomised by the Cambridge Spies. Explore the moral dilemmas and strategic imperatives that shaped Britain’s nuclear policy. Chapter Four: The Peace Movement Delve into the grassroots movements advocating for peace amidst Cold War tensions. Through oral histories and archival photographs, witness the voices and faces of those who sought to challenge the status quo, examining the establishment of CND, Aldermaston, and Greenham Common. Chapter Five: Hot Wars Explore Britain’s entanglements in global conflicts with a Cold War context, from Cyprus and Korea to Northern Ireland and the Falklands. How did Britain avoid the quagmire of Vietnam? Uncover the geopolitical complexities and ideological battles that defined these conflicts. Chapter Six: Popular Culture Experience the Cold War through the lens of popular culture, from the dystopian visions of George Orwell to the glamorous espionage of James Bond. Explore how cultural artifacts reflected and influenced public perceptions of the Cold War era. Chapter Seven: Endings and Legacies Navigate through the tumultuous events that marked the end of the Cold War, from Thatcher and Gorbachev to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Reflect on the lasting legacies of this era and examine how institutions like the Imperial War Museums interpret and commemorate the Cold War.

The history of our world is the history of empires From the sprawling domains of the Achaemenid Empire, which spanned three continents and ruled over more than 40% of the world's population at its peak, through to the Ottoman Empire which dominated Eurasia for centuries, the rise and fall of empires have been central to shaping our world.Historian and Sunday Times bestselling author Philip Parker examines the rise and fall of more than 60 empires, charting their growth and decline while examining the roots of their success and, ultimately, their demise and the legacies they left behind.Their stories are accompanied by stunning mapping which offers a vivid new perspective on the forces that have shaped our history. Each story of empire is accompanied by a map that illustrates its extent and helps illuminate the historical phenomenon of imperialism and question whether the age of empires is truly at an end.Empires featured include:· The Roman Empire: The ancient world's greatest superpower, whose laws, language and legacy still shape our world today· The Mongol Empire: The largest contiguous land empire in history, forged by Genghis Khan across an entire continent· The Ottoman Empire: Six centuries of dominance across three continents, from the fall of Constantinople to the birth of modern Turkey· The Aztec Empire: A breathtaking civilisation at the heart of Mesoamerica, brought to its knees by a handful of Spanish conquistadors· The Mughal Empire: Rulers of the richest empire on earth, whose art, architecture and culture produced the Taj Mahal· The Macedonian Empire: Alexander the Great's astonishing conquest stretched from Greece to the borders of India in just a decade

‘A powerful and timely book’ PETER KENNARD 'Really good read' DERMOT O'LEARY 'Tremendous…it strikes me it fills a gap somehow' AL MURRAY 'Fantastic' DOMINIC SANDBROOK Delve into the history, politics, literature and popular culture that defined the Cold War era. The Cold War defined the history of Britain in the second half of the twentieth century as much as it did that of the US and the Soviet Union. Cold War Britain is an exploration into the multifaceted dimensions of Britain’s experience during the Cold War era.By weaving together history, politics, literature, and popular culture, this book invites readers to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Cold War Britain, offering fresh insights and perspectives into how this global conflict shaped the fabric of British society. Matching superb narrative storytelling with scholarly analysis and visually stunning photography from the archives of the Imperial War Museum, this book gives a fascinating insight into a pivotal period in world history. Chapter One: Origins Dive into the tumultuous aftermath of World War II, where Britain grappled with its status as a world power amidst economic devastation. Explore pivotal moments such as the carving up of Europe and the influential voices of figures like Orwell and Churchill in defining the Cold War era. Chapter Two: The Special Relationship Uncover the deep political and cultural ties between the UK and the USA, navigating through testing times that nevertheless strengthened their bond. Examine how this special relationship influenced Britain’s Cold War trajectory. Chapter Three: The Bomb Engage in the debates surrounding Britain’s pursuit of an independent nuclear deterrent, amidst the backdrop of cloak-and-dagger intrigue epitomised by the Cambridge Spies. Explore the moral dilemmas and strategic imperatives that shaped Britain’s nuclear policy. Chapter Four: The Peace Movement Delve into the grassroots movements advocating for peace amidst Cold War tensions. Through oral histories and archival photographs, witness the voices and faces of those who sought to challenge the status quo, examining the establishment of CND, Aldermaston, and Greenham Common. Chapter Five: Hot Wars Explore Britain’s entanglements in global conflicts with a Cold War context, from Cyprus and Korea to Northern Ireland and the Falklands. How did Britain avoid the quagmire of Vietnam? Uncover the geopolitical complexities and ideological battles that defined these conflicts. Chapter Six: Popular Culture Experience the Cold War through the lens of popular culture, from the dystopian visions of George Orwell to the glamorous espionage of James Bond. Explore how cultural artifacts reflected and influenced public perceptions of the Cold War era. Chapter Seven: Endings and Legacies Navigate through the tumultuous events that marked the end of the Cold War, from Thatcher and Gorbachev to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Reflect on the lasting legacies of this era and examine how institutions like the Imperial War Museums interpret and commemorate the Cold War.