WITH A FOREWORD BY TIM HARFORD See the world anew with this unique and beautifully designed infographic atlasWhich nations have North Korean embassies? Which region has the highest number of death metal bands per capita? How many countries have bigger economies than California? Who drives on the 'wrong' side of the road? And where can you find lions in the wild? Revelatory, thought-provoking and fun, Brilliant Maps is a unique atlas of culture, history, politics and miscellanea, compiled by the editor of the iconic Brilliant Maps website. As visually arresting as Information is Beautiful and as full of surprising facts and figures as any encyclopaedia, Brilliant Maps is a stunning piece of cartography that maps our curious and varied planet. For graphic design enthusiasts, compulsive Wikipedia readers and those looking for the sort of gift they buy for someone else and wind up keeping for themselves, this book will change the way you see the world and your place in it. 'Thoughtful, fun and beautifully illustrated guide to our constantly surprising planet... terrifically interesting stuff' Big Issue Read more

A hilarious and entertaining compendium of historical trivia from Dan Snow and the creators of History Hit: the ultimate gift for fans of The Rest is History'History is a bottomless reservoir of all the bonkers, heroic, awful and weird things we eccentric humans have ever done. We can't help generating extraordinary stories . . . Most importantly, like all the best stories, they are true.' - DAN SNOWHave you ever wondered who the third man on the moon was? Did you know that Dick Whittington really was the medieval Mayor of London? Why was a pigeon a hero to the American army? What's the difference between a dolmen and a barrow? Who were the Wu, Wei and Shu Han? Was Napoleon really small? Who said 'Pardon me, sir, I didn't mean to' just before they were executed? When was the oldest known shark attack?The answers to all these questions and so much more are contained within this wonderful miscellany of historical facts, figures and fascinating finds which will enthral, entertain and inform everyone who loves history and wants to know more about more. --------------WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:'Full of facts . . . some eye wateringly funny and some jaw-droppingly astonishing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Easy to pick up and hard to put down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I learnt something new from almost every entry. Highly recommended reading for all history lovers and fact fans!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Full of interesting historical facts and my husband loved this as a Christmas gift' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read more

Do you remember Pathe News? Taking the train to the seaside? The purple stains of iodine on the knees of boys in short trousers? Knitted bathing costumes? Then the chances are you were born in or around 1950. To the young people of today, the 1950s seems like another age. But for those born around then, this era of childhood seems like yesterday. From waking up to ice on the inside of the windows, washing in a tin bath by the fire and spoonfuls of cod-liver oil, home life was very different to today. This delightful compendium of memories will appeal to all who grew up in this post-war decade, whether in town or country, wealth or poverty. With chapters on games and hobbies, holidays, music and fashion, the wonderful memories and delightful illustrations will bring back this decade of childhood, and jog memories about all aspects of life. Read more

NEW BOOK - The perfect companion to Fart's Aren't Invisible! Read the newest fun and interesting fact book from Mick O'Hare, Yawns Freeze Your Brain. Includes quick fire fact sections designed to astound, enlighten and make you laugh. OUT NOWA mind-bending, brain-expanding cornucopia of facts for curious minds from the bestselling author of Why Don't Penguins' Feet Freeze? and Does Anything Eat Wasps?Own the room with this hilarious collection of fact-tastic myth-busters and jaw-dropping trivia exploring science, history, sport and lesser-known facts from across the universe.Did you know that the Moon has a Bishop?That ostriches DON'T bury their heads in the sand?And that powdered rice was used as cement in the Great Wall of China?What do souls weigh?What can't 60% of the human population smell?And what on earth is rhinotillexomania?And the big one...are farts actually invisible?The answers to these questions are all here.Challenge your brain, turn your world upside down and relish the irresistible mix of wit and wisdom.It's also a perfect gift for the brainiac in your life. Read more

Witness our incredible human story unfold - from the very first people in Africa to the collapse of Communism and beyond - exquisitely charted map by map. Come on a journey through global history, told in more than 130 specially made maps that each offer a window on a key event. Step into the action and follow Ghengis Khan sweeping through China, Napoleon conquering Europe, or two world wars raging across the globe. See empires rise and fall - from the Egyptians and the Aztecs to the British Empire and the Soviet Union.History of the World Map by Map also explains how elements of civilization, such as writing, printing, and tool-making, came into being and spread from one country to another. It tells of the rise of the world's great religions and of human endeavour such as the voyages of early explorers. It charts stories of adversity such as the abolition of slavery, and shows how people have always migrated for a better life, from the very first humans moving across Africa, to millions of 19th-century Europeans crossing the Atlantic in search of the American dream.Journey into the past to discover:- Maps which combine beautiful illustration with satellite relief data for unrivalled accuracy and detail- Maps are overlaid with panels of text and information-rich graphics, for a deeper understanding of each episode- Feature spreads offer a closer look at key people, developments, and turning points in history- 80-page reference section contains a full-colour illustrated timeline of world events from prehistory to the present day- Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution in the USEndorsed by renowned broadcaster, historian, and author Peter Snow, this is an unmissable visual guide to ancient, medieval, and modern history in all corners of the world. This updated edition contains eight pages of brand new maps, and has been reviewed and updated for diversity and inclusion. Read more

THE MILLIONS-SELLING BOOK THAT TURNED HISTORY ON ITS HEADFingerprints of the Gods is a revolutionary rewrite of history that has persuaded millions of readers throughout the world to change their preconceptions about the history behind modern society.An intellectual detective story, this unique history book directs probing questions at orthodox history, presenting disturbing new evidence that historians have tried - but failed - to explain.This groundbreaking evidence includes:· Accurate ancient maps that show the world as it last looked during the Ice Age, thousands of years before any civilisation capable of making such maps is supposed to have existed.· Evidence of the devastating scientific and astronomical information encoded into prehistoric myths.· The incredible feat of the construction of the great pyramids of Egypt and of megalithic temples on the Giza plateau.· The mysterious astronomical alignments of the pyramids and the Great Sphinx.· The antediluvian geology of the Sphinx.· The megalithic temples of the Andes.· The myths of Viracocha and Quetzalcoatl.· The pyramids of the Sun and the Moon in Mexico.· The doomsday calendar and eerie memories of the ancient Maya.· The warning from the Hopi of Arizona. Read more

Do you remember collecting birds’ eggs and cigarette cards? Or the first appearances of wrapped sweets like Mars and Milky Way?The 1930s was a time of great progress, as engines took over from horses, and electric light from gas and oil. In the background, change was everywhere, with the Mallard speed record, the abdication of the King, and the increasing spectre of the impending Second World War. It was a time of home cooking, and day-trip holidays, when families kept chickens and children played with bows and arrows.This delightfully nostalgic book will take you right back to a different age, recalling what life was like for those growing up in the 1930s. Read more

Yuval Noah Harari’s bestselling phenomenon now in a beautifully packaged new special edition. Planet Earth is 4.5 billion years old. In just a fraction of that time, one species among countless others has conquered it. Us. We are the most advanced and most destructive animals ever to have lived. What makes us brilliant? What makes us deadly? What makes us Sapiens? In this bold and provocative book, Yuval Noah Harari explores who we are, how we got here and where we’re going. Sapiens is a thrilling account of humankind’s extraordinary history – from the Stone Age to the Silicon Age – and our journey from insignificant apes to rulers of the world. 'Unbelievably good. Jaw dropping from the first word to the last' Chris Evans, BBC Radio 2PATTERNS OF LIFE: SPECIAL EDITIONS OF GROUNDBREAKING SCIENCE BOOKS Read more

A charming, gorgeously illustrated botanical encyclopedia for your favorite romantic, local witch, bride-to-be, or green-thumbed friend.Floriography is a full-color guide to the historical uses and secret meanings behind an impressive array of flowers and herbs. The book explores the coded significances associated with various blooms, from flowers for a lover to flowers for an enemy.The language of flowers was historically used as a means of secret communication. It soared in popularity during the 19th century, especially in Victorian England and the U.S., when proper etiquette discouraged open displays of emotion. Mysterious and playful, the language of flowers has roots in everything from the characteristics of the plant to its presence in folklore and history. Researched and illustrated by popular artist Jessica Roux, this book makes a stunning display piece, conversation-starter, or thoughtful gift. Read more

Challenge yourself at home with word and number puzzlesFrom the puzzles section of The Times our Editors have chosen the best selection of general-knowledge and definition crossword puzzles to keep even the most eager enthusiasts entertained for hours.This collection of 300 accessible puzzles is utterly addictive, yet concise enough to be solved relatively quickly.Encompassing a wide range of subjects including geography, literature, history and culture, these general-knowledge and definition-based puzzles will test your word power and broaden your horizons at the same time.With clues that are satisfyingly skillful and containing no cryptic elements, these crosswords are guaranteed to stretch your mind and entertain you equally.Puzzles taken from previously published titles. Read more

In this beautifully illustrated and updated edition, featuring the coronation of King Charles III following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles Phillips charts the complete history of the royal families of Britain. Beginning in the earliest times with the legend of King Arthur, Eric Bloodaxe and the real-life history of Macbeth, he describes the lives and legends of the kings and queens of Britain, their consorts and children, and the pretenders, usurpers and regents who played a role in the making of the United Kingdom. Fact boxes highlight the essential events of each reign, as well as maps, charts and family trees. Over 500 fine art paintings, sculptures, engravings, artefacts, photographs, maps and illustrations reveal the heritage and pageantry of royal Britain. A valuable reference book for any historian, this guide will fascinate every reader interested in one of the longest-running monarchies in the world. Read more

Ever wondered why we yawn and have eyebrows, what happens at absolute zero and why some tunes get stuck in our heads?If you’ve spent your days searching for the answers to these and life’s other big questions then look no further.Yawns Freeze Your Brain from the bestselling author of Does Anything Eat Wasps and Farts Aren’t Invisible is the gift of enlightenment that you never knew you needed!Shining a light on some of life’s trickiest questions across science, history, life and the universe. Uncover the mysteries woven into the fabric of our very existence with answers to questions such as;How much fuel does the sun burn in a second?What are the most misheard song lyrics?Why does cheese smell?Why is the Eiffel Tower 15cm taller in summer than winter?Who on earth invented existentialism (and what is it)?Increase your IQ and win pub quizzes with this perfect blend of wit, wisdom and wonder.The perfect gift for brainiacs. Read more

A STUNNING VISUAL WALK BACK THROUGH TIME TO A 1950S CHILDHOODDo you remember Pathé News? Taking the train to the seaside? The purple stains of iodine on the knees of boys in short trousers? Knitted bathing costumes? Then chances are you were born in or around 1950. To the young people of today, the 1950s seems like another age. But for those born around then, this era of childhood seems like yesterday.From waking up to ice on the inside of the windows to bathing in a tin bath by the fire and spoonfuls of cod liver oil, home life was very different to today. Capturing all aspects of a 1950s childhood – home life, games and hobbies, holidays, music and fashion, and more – bestselling author Paul Feeney spins his memories and delightful illustrations into a compendium that will jog priceless memories for all who grew up in post-war Britain. Read more

C. S. Lewis offers a magisterial take on the literature and poetry of one of the most consequential periods in world history, providing deep insight into some of the greatest writers of the age, including Edmund Spenser, William Shakespeare, William Tyndale, John Knox, Dr. Johnson, Richard Hooker, Hugh Latimer, Christopher Marlowe, John Donne, and Thomas Cranmer.English Literature in the Sixteenth Century is an invigorating overview of English literature from the Norman Conquest through the mid-seventeenth century from one of the greatest public intellectuals of the modern age. In this wise, distinctive collection, C. S. Lewis expounds on the profound impact prose and poetry had on both British intellectual life and his own critical thinking and writing, demonstrated in his deep reflections and essays. This incisive work is essential for any serious literature scholar, intellectual Anglophile, or C. S. Lewis fan.  Read more

An accessible and succinct account of the story of Europe from its ancient foundations to the twenty-first century, The History of Europe in Bite-sized Chunks details the events, personalities, ideas and disasters that have shaped our continent.The book is broken down into six easily digestible chapters: Classical Antiquity (2600 BCE to 600 CE); Medieval (600-1500); Reform and Enlightenment (1500-1780); Age of Revolutions (1780-1914); the Wars (1914-45); and the Making of Contemporary Europe (1945 to present). It begins with the first ancient culture to emerge in Europe: the Minoans. It then proceeds chronologically to the present day, taking in not just significant historical events but also overarching social, technological and cultural trends and their impact.Throughout the book there are mini-biographies of notable individuals (such as Julius Caesar, Catherine the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte) who have been most significant in European history. It is also packed with amazing facts, details and maps that will give the reader a vivid understanding of Europe’s pastWith the prospect of Brexit looming in Spring 2019, there is no better time to get a handle on European history! Read more

“Vastly informative and vastly entertaining…A scholarly and fascinating book.” —Los Angeles TimesWith dazzling wit and astonishing insight, Bill Bryson explores the remarkable history, eccentricities, resilience and sheer fun of the English language. From the first descent of the larynx into the throat (why you can talk but your dog can’t), to the fine lost art of swearing, Bryson tells the fascinating, often uproarious story of an inadequate, second-rate tongue of peasants that developed into one of the world’s largest growth industries. Read more

Bestselling historian and broadcaster Tom Holland gives a thrilling panoramic account of the birth of the new Western Europe in the year 1000'An exhilarating sweep across European history either side of the year 1000; riveting' ALLAN MASSIE, SPECTATOR'I relished the blood and thunder narrative - the work of a great storyteller at his best' DOMINIC SANDBROOK, EVENING STANDARD'A splendid, highly coloured canvas' NORMAN STONE, GUARDIANIn AD 900, few would have guessed that the splintering kingdoms of Europe were candidates for future greatness. Hemmed in by implacable enemies and an ocean, there were many who feared that they were nearing the time when the Antichrist would appear, heralding the world's end. Instead there emerged a new civilisation. It was the age of Otto the Great and William the Conqueror, of Viking sea-kings, of hermits, monks and serfs. It witnessed the spread of castles, the invention of knighthood, and the founding of the papal monarchy. It was a momentous achievement: for this was nothing less than the founding of the modern West. Read more

Learn about the origins of our species and all things revolution in The History Book.Part of the fascinating Big Ideas series, this book tackles tricky topics and themes in a simple and easy to follow format. Learn about History in this overview guide to the subject, brilliant for novices looking to find out more and experts wishing to refresh their knowledge alike! The History Book brings a fresh and vibrant take on the topic through eye-catching graphics and diagrams to immerse yourself in. This captivating book will broaden your understanding of History, with:- Easy to navigate step-by-step summaries that explain each historical theme - Packed with facts, charts, timelines and graphs to help explain core concepts- A visual approach to big subjects with striking illustrations and graphics throughout- Easy to follow text makes topics accessible for people at any level of understandingThe History Book is a captivating introduction to the key events that have shaped society, from the dawn of civilization to the modern culture of today. Here you'll discover the stories of important historical events and turning points, and the leaders, thinkers, and heroes involved, through exciting text and bold graphics.Your History Questions, Simply ExplainedThis book will outline big ideas, themes and events of world history, from the founding of Baghdad and the colonisation of the Americas, to the inception of Buddhism. If you thought it was difficult to learn about the milestones that have shaped civilization, The History Book presents key information in a clear layout. Here you'll learn about early humans, the empires of ancient history, the voyages of discovery to the tumultuous birth of nationalism, and the violence of two world wars. The Big Ideas SeriesWith millions of copies sold worldwide, The History Book is part of the award-winning Big Ideas series from DK. The series uses striking graphics along with engaging writing, making big topics easy to understand. Read more

Newly updated fifth edition: The remarkable reference that is “absolutely essential in every naval historian’s library” (Warship World).This is the latest updated edition of the book known simply as “Colledge” for its longtime reputation as the first stop for anyone wanting more information on any British warship from the fifteenth century to the present day when only the name is known. Each entry gives concise details of dimensions, armament, and service dates, and the volume’s alphabetical and chronological arrangement makes it easy to track down the right ship—avoiding the confusion and errors that can result due to the Royal Navy’s tradition of re-using the same names.This fifth edition contains some 200 new entries and revisions to many older entries. These reflect the demise of the post-Cold War ships as the Royal Navy was shrunk down as part of the peace dividend and successive defense reviews saw the loss of significant ships classes such as the Type 42 destroyers, Type 22 frigates, and the Illustrious class carriers. It is now being re-equipped in the face of new global challenges and has seen the introduction of the Queen Elizabeth class carriers, the largest ships ever built for the RN; the Type 45 destroyers; and Type 26 frigates and new patrol ships which will take on more global policing roles. Regarding submarines, the Cold War S and T classes are being replaced by the Astute class, and the deterrent role undertaken by the Vanguard class is to be carried forward by the Dreadnought class. Also included are the new RFAs, which are increasingly taking on frontline operations to release the small number of escorts to more combative roles. In addition, there are updates to the Royal Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand navies, which have programs to introduce new destroyers, Arctic patrol vessels, submarines, and support ships.Since the death of Jim Colledge, who was widely respected for his pioneering research on the technical details of warships, his magnum opus has been updated, corrected and expanded with similar enthusiasm and attention to detail by Ben Warlow, a retired naval officer and author of a number of books in the field.“An authoritative guide to British warships through the ages.” —Ships Monthly“The automatic starting point of research on Royal Navy ships.” —Lloyd’s List“[A] quite invaluable reference tool.” —The Mariner’s Mirror Read more

The essential primary-source history of the British Isles through the early Middle Ages, fully annotated and illustrated with paintings and engravings.  The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is one of the most important sets of historical documents concerning the history of the British Isles. These vital accounts, thought to be first set down in the late ninth century by a scribe in Wessex, illuminate events through the Dark Ages that would otherwise be lost to history. Without this chronicle, it would be impossible to write the history of the English from the Romans to the Norman Conquest.   The compilers of this chronicle included contemporary events they themselves witnessed, as well as those recorded by earlier annalists whose work is in many cases preserved nowhere else. With nine known versions of the Chronicle in existence, this translated edition presents a conflation of passages from different versions. Relying heavily on Rev. James Ingram’s 1828 translation, the footnotes provided are all those of Rev. Ingram.   This edition also includes the complete Parker Manuscript. Read more