'This is the book I've been waiting for - for years. It's personal, historical, political, and it speaks to where we are now' Benjamin ZephaniahFrom the first time he was stopped and searched as a child, to the day he realised his mum was white, to his first encounters with racist teachers - race and class have shaped Akala's life and outlook. In this unique book he takes his own experiences and widens them out to look at the social, historical and political factors that have left us where we are today.Covering everything from the police, education and identity to politics, sexual objectification and the far right, Natives speaks directly to British denial and squeamishness when it comes to confronting issues of race and class that are at the heart of the legacy of Britain's racialised empire.Natives is the searing modern polemic and Sunday Times bestseller from the BAFTA and MOBO award-winning musician and political commentator, Akala.*RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK* SHORTLISTED FOR THE JAMES TAIT BLACK PRIZE | THE JHALAK PRIZE | THE BREAD AND ROSES AWARD & LONGLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL WRITING'I recommend Natives to everyone' Candice Carty-Williams'The kind of disruptive, aggressive intellect that a new generation is closely watching' Afua Hirsch, Observer'Part biography, part polemic, this powerful, wide-ranging study picks apart the British myth of meritocracy' David Olusoga, Guardian Read more

Winston Churchill wrote this account of the first 25 years of his life in 1930. It reveals him struggling with Latin grammar at prep school, charging the Dervishes at Omdurman and preparing his first political speech for a Conservative fete. Read more

Take a step back to 1985, a year of unforgettable moments, revolutionary breakthroughs, and iconic trends. This book isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a treasure trove of shared history, created to be a perfect gift for anyone born in or nostalgic about this remarkable year. Whether for a loved one’s birthday, an anniversary, or a special keepsake for friends and family, this book invites readers to rediscover 1985 in a way that celebrates the year’s energy and lasting influence.What’s Inside?This book is carefully curated to capture every essence of 1985—from global news to pop culture, sports to fashion, and music to inventions. Here’s a sneak peek at what readers will find:- In the News: Major events that shocked and shaped the world, from the discovery of the Titanic wreck to the environmental revelation of the ozone layer. Each story is paired with engaging activities like the "Breaking News Quiz," challenging readers to test their knowledge of 1985.- Hollywood & Global Cinema: Dive into the unforgettable films and actors that redefined entertainment. Relive the magic of “Back to the Future,” “The Goonies,” and “Rocky IV,” with fun games like the "1985 Match the Movies, Characters, and Actors of 1975!."- The Sound of 1985: A year of music that resonated globally, from Bruce Springsteen’s "Born in the USA" to the charity anthem "We Are the World." The "1985 Music Mashup" lets readers guess the lyrics and feel the rhythm of this dynamic year.- Sports Triumphs: From the historic win of the Kansas City Royals in baseball to Boris Becker’s Wimbledon breakthrough, relive sports milestones and legendary moments. The "Sports History Puzzle" will challenge sports enthusiasts to match events with the year’s greatest wins.- Fashion and Pop Culture: The bold colors, shoulder pads, and iconic accessories that defined the '80s style are showcased here. Take the "Fashion Memory Quiz" to relive the unforgettable trends that continue to inspire fashion today.- Innovations and Technology: This was a year of game-changing inventions, like the lithium-ion battery, DNA fingerprinting, and the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The "Invention Trivia" game immerses readers in the breakthroughs that shaped our modern world.- The Cost of Living in 1985: A nostalgic look at the everyday prices for homes, groceries, and movie tickets. With the "Time Travel Shopping Spree," readers can compare what things cost then versus now, highlighting the charm and simplicity of the era.- Notable Births and Deaths: From tributes to beloved icons we lost to celebrating famous figures born this year, such as Michael Phelps and Keira Knightley, this chapter highlights the timeless influence of remarkable individuals.- Through the Eyes of Youth: A warm look at how birthdays and milestones were celebrated in 1985, featuring traditional cakes, heartwarming gifts, and cherished memories.Why You’ll Love This Book:"1985: What A Year To Be Born" isn’t just a collection of historical facts. It’s a gift of time travel, letting readers experience the year as though they were living it all over again. Each chapter brings interactive quizzes, memory challenges, and trivia that allow readers to feel part of the story. This unique format makes it more than a book—it’s an experience designed to bring joy, nostalgia, and connection.Perfect for fans of history, music, cinema, or anyone who loves to look back at a time when life felt a little more vibrant, this book offers a truly personalized journey through the highlights of 1985. Its engaging activities and delightful content make it a gift worth giving—a chance to honor a year that has brought so much to our world and left an indelible mark on everyone who experienced it. Read more

‘The best memoir by a senior politician for years.’ Simon Jenkins, Sunday TimesJohn Major’s autobiography is one of the most personal and revealing ever written by a former British Prime Minister. The account of his childhood, rise and fall is candid, scrupulous and unsparing.Major’s early life was extraordinary; his rise through Parliament meteoric. Soon a favourite of Margaret Thatcher, he became Foreign Secretary and then Chancellor of the Exchequer. When Thatcher fell, he fought and won a shrewd campaign to succeed her, and went on to win a remarkable general election victory in 1992. He brought down inflation and ushered in a solid economic recovery, yet within months of the 1992 election, his government was in troubled waters. John Major is candid about his fight to keep sterling in the ERM and his reactions to ‘Black Wednesday’. He is frank about the civil war within his party over Britain’s relationship with the EU. He is honest about what he won and what he lost, about friends and foes within his party as well as outside. Read more

Sir Winston Churchill remains a British hero, lauded for his oratorical skill. He wrote histories, biographies, memoirs, and even a novel, while his journalism, speeches and broadcasts run to millions of words. From 1940 he inspired and united the British people and guided their war effort. Behind the public figure, however, was a man of vast humanity and enormous wit. His most famous speeches and sayings have passed into history but many of his aphorisms, puns and jokes are less well-known. This enchanting collection brings together hundreds of his wittiest remarks as a record of all that was best about this endearing, conceited, talented and wildly funny Englishman.Also available in the series:(9781782433651) The Wicked Wit of Queen Elizabeth II(9781782435426) The Wicked Wit of Oscar Wilde(9781782435662) The Wicked Wit of Jane Austen Read more

Herbert Asquith was a Liberal politician and prime minister from1908-1916. Asquith's administration laid the foundation of Britain's welfare state, but he was plunged into a major power struggle with the House of Lords. The hereditary upper chamber vetoed the budget of 1909, and in 1910 Asquith called and won two elections on this constitutional issue, and the Lords eventually passed the 1911 Parliament Act, ending their veto of financial legislation. Asquith was Prime Minister on the outbreak of World War I, but his government fell in 1916 as a result of the 'Shells Scandal'. Read more

Have you ever wondered how one man could be so influential in decades of political turbulence, religious upheaval, and social transformation?Dive deep into the life of Ian Paisley, a towering figure whose influence shaped Northern Ireland's landscape for over half a century. Ian Paisley: Preacher, Politician, and the Man Who Shaped a New Northern Ireland takes readers on an intimate journey through his life—from his humble beginnings in 1926, through the founding of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster in 1951, and the rise of his political career which lead to the formation of the Democratic Unionist Party in 1971.Throughout the Troubles, and following the Belfast Good Friday Agreement of 1998, Ian Paisley remained a steadfast—yet controversial—figure, blending uncompromising religious beliefs with a commanding political presence.Patrick McElvaney masterfully chronicles both the preacher and the politician, exploring how Paisley's faith and determination shaped his decisions, polarised communities, and ultimately left an indelible mark on Northern Ireland’s history.This compelling biography is a must-read for history buffs and political enthusiasts seeking to understand the complexities of Northern Ireland’s struggles, triumphs, and the enigmatic character of Ian Paisley.Discover the man behind the pulpit, the political leader behind the headlines, and the legacy that continues to provoke passion and debate. Read more

John Major granted Anthony Seldon unique access to write the first complete account of his life and work. It ends with the results of the 1997 general election and its immediate aftermath. Seldon has had a succession of meetings with Major, and has also interviewed more than 300 people close to him. Civil servants have been encouraged to give off-the-record accounts of working with Major. Key points covered include the inside story of Major's election as Tory leader and therefore successor to Margaret Thatcher in 1990, how he led the party to a surprise election victory in 1992, and his equally surprising decision to stand for re-election as party leader in 1995. The author was also granted a ringside seat for the 1997 election campaign. Read more

Not For Turning is the first volume of Charles Moore's authorized biography of Margaret Thatcher, the longest serving Prime Minister of the twentieth century and one of the most influential political figures of the postwar era. Charles Moore's biography of Margaret Thatcher, published after her death on 8 April 2013, immediately supersedes all earlier books written about her. At the moment when she becomes a historical figure, this book also makes her into a three dimensional one for the first time. It gives unparalleled insight into her early life and formation, especially through her extensive correspondence with her sister, which Moore is the first author to draw on. It recreates brilliantly the atmosphere of British politics as she was making her way, and takes her up to what was arguably the zenith of her power, victory in the Falklands. (This volume ends with the Falklands Dinner in Downing Street in November 1982.) Moore is clearly an admirer of his subject, but he does not shy away from criticising her or identifying weaknesses and mistakes where he feels it is justified. Based on unrestricted access to all Lady Thatcher's papers, unpublished interviews with her and all her major colleagues, this is the indispensable, fully rounded portrait of a towering figure of our times. Read more

In "Sweet Killough: Let Go Your Anchor", Maurice Hayes brings to life the sights, sounds and smells of the little County Down village where Maurice Hayes lived until he was ten years old. "Minority Verdict: Experiences of A Catholic Public Servant" is a political memoir focusing on his adult years. In this memoir, Maurice Hayes describes his family's move to Downpatrick to run Denvir's Hotel at the heart of the historic county town. It is a re-creation of the 1940s and 50s. Read more

60 of Churchill's paintings of the South of France, Marrakech, Blenheim and his wife Clementine are reproduced in this book. The text also provides insight into the Churchill's family life. Read more

For over 50 years, one family dominated England's high offices of state. William and Robert Cecil, father and son, held unparalleled power as statesmen, diplomats, counsellors and spymasters throughout Elizabeth's reign and long beyond. From Privy Councillor to Chief Secretary of State and Lord High Treasurer, both exerted far-reaching influence to secure the Queen's realm and legacy. They enjoyed her reliance and trust, and Robert the gratitude of her successor James I, yet each inhabited a perilous world where favour brought enemies and a wrong step could lead to disaster. In "The Cecils", leading Tudor historian David Loades reveals the personal and political lives of these remarkable men.He shows how father and son negotiated volatile court life, battling flamboyant favourites like Robert Dudley and the ill-fated Earl of Essex and playing for time to stabilize a country still torn by religious divide. He discovers the contradictory characters of these advocates of caution who nevertheless took great personal risks, such as William's role in the execution of Mary Queen of Scots and Robert's secret negotiations with James VI of Scotland before Elizabeth's death. Yet these principled public servants - who put the interests of the State before their own - still amassed large personal wealth, and relished its display at their great houses of Burghley, Theobalds and Hatfield. From the early days of turmoil, when William escaped the fate of Thomas Seymour and honed his strategies for survival, to the shadowy intrigues of the Jacobean court, this is a fascinating portrait of men who shaped an extraordinary age. Read more

After Charles I's succession to the English throne in 1625, he transformed the political landscape of the country, dissolved parliament, and began a period of eleven years of personal rule. This authoritative reevaluation of Charles I's personal rule yields rich new insights into his character, reign, politics, religion, foreign policy and finance, as well as the importance of parliament and the process of government without it. In doing so, the book offers a vivid new perspective on the origins of the English Civil War. 'A book written with verve, lucidity, and grace ... It is a magnificent achievement: scholarly history on a grand scale, presented with stylishness and panache.' John Adamson, 'The Sunday Telegraph' 'A truly breathtaking and brilliantly sustained narrative based on a mind-boggling array of sources.' 'History' 'An impressive book ... its discussion of the main characters and their motives is riveting ... Its evidence will remain an invaluable contribution to Stuart studies.' Ronald Butt, 'The Times' 'Discussion of English affairs under Charles will now start from Sharpe's work.' 'Renaissance Studies' 'A monumental new work ... with an enormous amount of valuable information.' Derek Hirst, 'Times Literary Supplement' 'A major work of historical scholarship.' Hugh Trevor-Roper, 'The Weekend Telegraph' 'The largest and most wide-ranging analysis of the personal rule that has ever been written ... This is history on a bold and exciting scale, which seeks to cover all aspects of government in a way that few historians would now dare to attempt ... A treasure-trove of new and exciting material.' Anthony Milton, 'History Today' 'A very considerable tour de force.' Patrick Collinson, 'The Observer' Kevin Sharpe was director of the Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies and professor of renaissance studies at Queen Mary, University of London. Read more

Winston Churchill's inspiring leadership in the Second World War once put him above criticism. In recent years his record has come under attack. This book makes sense of this extraordinary man and his controversial and heroic career. Best brings outChurchill's strengths and weaknesses, looking past the many received versions of Churchill in a biography that balances the private and the public man and offers a fresh insight into his character. Read more

Boris Johnson speaks like no other politician. He jokes, jibes and jousts with his opponents.He entertains supporters with mocking one-liners, wise-cracking puns and vivid metaphors.Sebastian Windsor, author of the in-depth analysis of Boris’s rhetoric: Boris Banter – The Eccentric Oratory of Boris Johnson has now distilled more than 200 of the funniest Boris quips here in this concise book: The Little Gift Book of Boris Johnson’s Funniest Quotes.Boris on bendy buses:“We’ve begun the elimination of the bendy bus. It won’t be long before the last pair of breeding bendy buses is driven from our streets.” Boris on his privileged upbringing:“At Eton I was the beneficiary of a scholarship endowed by Henry VI. If that isn’t state education, I don’t know what is.”Boris on free trade:“Only the free market could produce something as ingenious as an ice cream Snickers bar.”Attacking Labour leader Keir Starmer:“Captain Hindsight is rising rapidly up the ranks and has become General Indecision. That is what is happening, I am afraid, to the right honourable and learned gentleman. He dithers. We get on with the job.”Boris on messing up:Boris: “My strategy is to litter my career with so many decoy mistakes nobody knows which one to attack.”On upsetting people:“It’s absolutely wonderful to be here in Manchester – one of the few great British cities I have yet to insult.” Boris on hotels:“If you think about the image of British versus American hoteliers: I think we may have Fawlty Towers but then they have Psycho. On the whole I think I’d rather be shown to my room by Basil Fawlty than Norman Bates.” Boris citing Kermit the frog:“When Kermit the frog sang It’s Not Easy Being Green I want you to know he was wrong. And he was also unnecessarily rude to Miss Piggy.” Attacking the SNP:“We will take back control of our fisheries and the extraordinary marine wealth of Scotland. And it’s one of the many bizarre features of the SNP that in spite of being called names like Salmond and Sturgeon they are committed to handing back control of those fish to the EU. We want to turbo-charge the Scottish fishing sector: they would allow Brussels to charge for our turbot.” On emperors:“I am proud to say today that one in seven of the world’s Kings, Queens, Presidents, Prime Ministers were educated in this country including the Japanese Emperor. We have a total global monopoly on the higher education of emperors. Thank you – it’s true.” On architecture:“Only in London could they decide to ensconce the mayor in a building which is a cross between a pile of collapsing pancakes and Darth Vader’s helmet.” Enjoy The Little Gift Book of Boris Johnson’s Funniest Quotes. Read more

First published in 1966, Robert Blake's biography of Disraeli is one of the supreme political biographies of the last hundred years.An outsider, a nationalist, a European, a Romantic and a Tory - Disraeli's story is an extraordinary one. Born in 1804, the grandson of an immigrant Italian Jew, he became leader of the Conservative Party and was twice Prime Minister. Famous for the 1867 Reform Act, his purchasing of the Suez Canal and his diplomatic triumphs at the Congress of Berlin, he was also the creator of the political novel and, in Sybil, wrote the major 'Condition of England' work of fiction.'An outstandingly successful biography . . . Disraeli has never been brought so vividly to life.' Sir Philip Magnus, Daily Telegraph'A huge, scholarly and remarkably readable work which makes us revise vast tracts of our assumptions about nineteenth-century politics.' Sir Michael Howard, Sunday Times'A book that people will still be reading in fifty years' time and long after.' Times Literary Supplement Read more

In 1997, Tony Blair won the biggest Labour victory in history to sweep the party to power and end eighteen years of Conservative government. He remains the only living Labour leader to have won a general election.He has been one of the most dynamic leaders of modern times; few British prime ministers have shaped the nation's course as profoundly as Blair during his ten years in power, and his achievements and his legacy will be debated for years to come.His memoirs reveal in intimate detail this unique political and personal journey, providing an insight into the man, the politician and the statesman, and charting successes, controversies and disappointments with an extraordinary candour.A Journey will prove essential and compulsive reading for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of our global world. As an account of the nature and uses of power, it will also have a readership that extends well beyond politics, to all those who want to understand the challenges of leadership today. Read more

Finest Hour: Winston S. Churchill 1939-1941 Read more

Jackie George was one of the first women to be used by the army in the fight against terrorism in Northern Ireland. 'She Who Dared' is her own frank account of the training she undertook and of the covert operations in which she took part during her two tours of duty in Northern Ireland. It is illustrated with her own photographs, some of which readers may find shocking. Read more

Tommy Robinson: Political Prisoner A2084CG is an exposé of the British establishment’s relentless persecution of one man for daring to reveal uncomfortable truths.Robinson has been incarcerated in solitary confinement in a high-security prison—an example to us all of the shocking lengths to which governments and institutions will go to suppress dissent. It’s a wake-up call to all who value free speech and justice.This book doesn’t just ask why you should help—it shows you how. Write to your representatives, amplify the truth on social media, and join a growing movement of individuals fighting for the principles that define a free society.If they can do this to him, what’s stopping them from silencing you? Read Tommy Robinson: Political Prisoner A2084CG and discover why the fight for free speech is a fight for everyone. Read more