Take a journey to a vanished world with the ADVENTURES IN TIME series - stories so exciting you won't believe they're all true'Winter has come; and in a far distant land, a warrior queen is expecting a child...'Step through these pages into the Tudor world: a dangerous place, where one miss-step could cost your life. Through the eyes of Henry VIII's six very different queens, from a brave Spanish princess to a wise English widow, historian Dominic Sandbrook takes us on a thrilling journey through the twists and turns of a dramatic age. For no one is safe from the wheel of fortune: it can take you from a golden throne to the Tower of London...The Adventures in Time series brings the past alive for twenty-first century children. These stories are every bit as exciting as those of Harry Potter or Matilda Wormwood. The only difference is they actually happened... Read more

Among Molière's best-known works is "Tartuffe" (AKA "The Hypocrite"), written in 1664. Though "Tartuffe" was received well by the public and even by Louis XIV, its popularity was lessened when the Archbishop of Paris issued an edict lasting 5 years threatening excommunication for anyone who watched, performed in, or read the play.Molière's masterpiece 'Tartuffe'' is a story about a man who falls prey to misplaced adoration. The dramatic work presents several dramatic features which define the play as a comedy of manners. Of particular importance is Molière's satirical look at religious hypocrisy. Tartuffe, a pious fraud who pretends to speak with divine authority, has insinuated himself into the household of Orgon. When Orgon announces that his daughter Mariane is to marry Tartuffe instead of her fiance Valère, the rest of the family realizes the extent of Tartuffe's influence over Orgon. Tartuffe tries to seduce Orgon's wife Elmire, who traps him into revealing to Orgon his intentions toward her. Orgon throws Tartuffe out of the house, Tartuffe returns with an order of eviction for the family, and at the final moment the tables are turned and the play ends happily. Read more

In battle he fought with legendary valor . . . At court, dressed in silks and ribbons, he openly favored his male lovers . . . Despised but feared by his brother, he was the perpetual loser in a lifelong sibling rivalry . . . Brother to the Sun King: Philippe, Duke of Orleans. Read more

Henry Tudor is probably the best known king in English history, most famous for having had six wives.Henry wanted immortality, not as a notorious husband, but as a king who made England strong and powerful. Essential to that, he believed, was the provision of a male heir, but Henry became so desperate to father a legitimate son that he divorced one wife, beheaded another, disposed of two chief ministers and declared himself head of the Church in England. His personality was overwhelming. He could be boisterously playful and passionately in love, but, as disappointments mounted, he became increasingly bitter and tyrannical.This seminal Pitkin guide to one of England's greatest monarchs has been revised and updated for 2019. Fully illustrated throughout in a fresh, contemporary style, and featuring all the lavish paintings of the time, it also includes all the latest representations of Henry VIII in the media, as well as a list of relevant locations to visit. Read more

Step back into the world of 1985 with a beautifully designed tribute to a year rich with unforgettable moments, groundbreaking innovations, and vibrant cultural shifts. "1985: What A Year To Be Born!" is more than just a history book; it’s a heartfelt journey crafted for those who wish to celebrate this iconic year. With over 180 pages, each filled with engaging stories, nostalgic photographs, and interactive activities, this book is a delightful gift for parents, grandparents, friends, and family members alike, making it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions.Why Choose This Book as the Ideal Gift?Whether it's for a family member, friend, or a personal keepsake, "1985: What A Year To Be Born!" offers an immersive look into an era that transformed society. This meticulously crafted book lets readers reconnect with a world of elegance, innovation, and cultural renaissance. With its captivating design and thoughtful details, this book is a cherished keepsake that promises to delight and inspire those who explore it.Inside This Historical Treasure:Historic Events and Global MilestonesRediscover the major events of 1985, from the signing of the Locarno Treaties in Europe to the Harlem Renaissance flourishing in New York.Bonus Feature: "Breaking News Quiz" allows readers to test their knowledge of this dynamic year.Golden Age of CinemaDive into the world of silent film with classics like The Gold Rush and The Big Parade, capturing the magic of Hollywood’s earliest stars.Bonus Activity: "Movie Match-Up" connects famous films, characters, and actors from 1985.The Rhythm of 1985: Jazz and RadioExperience the music that defined an era, from Bessie Smith's blues to the captivating sounds of jazz clubs in the US and Europe.Interactive Feature: "1985 Music Mashup" lets readers guess the lyrics from beloved songs of the time.Sports Highlights and HeroesRelive the triumphs of sports legends like Suzanne Lenglen in tennis and the Pittsburgh Pirates in baseball, celebrating a year of unforgettable athletic achievements.Bonus Activity: "1985 Sports Challenge" offers readers a fun way to test their sports knowledge.Fashion & Pop Culture TrendsJourney through the world of 1985 fashion, where flapper dresses, bobbed hairstyles, and Art Deco designs redefined style and elegance.Bonus Feature: "Fashion Memory Quiz" to revisit iconic styles and cultural trends that set the tone for a generation.Technological Advances and InventionsDiscover the groundbreaking innovations that reshaped society, including the dawn of television and the first motel opening in California.Bonus Activity: "Innovation & Invention Trivia" connects readers to the transformative inventions of 1985.The Cost of Living & Everyday LifeTake a nostalgic look at the prices of essentials, from groceries to theater tickets, offering a glimpse into everyday life in 1985.Interactive Activity: "Then & Now Price Comparison" to compare 1985 prices with today's, adding a nostalgic twist.Notable Births and TributesCelebrate the legacies of icons born in 1985, along with tributes to those we lost, making this year unforgettable in history.Memories Through the Eyes of YouthA sentimental journey into how birthdays and holidays were celebrated, capturing the innocence and joy of life in 1985.A Thoughtful Gift for All OccasionsWhether for a parent, grandparent, friend, or simply for yourself, "1985: What A Year To Be Born!" is a timeless gift. Perfectly blending nostalgia, history, and fun, this book brings the past to life in a way that resonates with every generation.Order now to give your loved ones the gift of 1985 and let them rediscover the spirit and legacy of a truly memorable year. Read more

Are you concerned your child might miss out on learning about the greatest minds of history? Do you want to ensure they’re inspired by a genius who mastered both art and science, leaving an extraordinary legacy?Leonardo Da Vinci: A Book For Smart Kids is a captivating and educational biography perfect for young readers eager to discover the life of one of history’s most brilliant and creative thinkers. This book takes children on a fascinating journey through the life of Leonardo Da Vinci, the Renaissance man who painted masterpieces and invented ideas ahead of his time.Inside, you’ll find:An Inspiring Story for Young Readers: Follow Leonardo’s life from his early years in Italy to becoming a painter, inventor, scientist, and visionary, all while shaping the future through his many talents.Engaging and Easy-to-Understand: This biography makes Leonardo’s incredible life story accessible for young readers, helping them understand how his artistic and scientific achievements continue to inspire the world.Encourages Curiosity and Creativity: As your child learns about Leonardo’s endless curiosity and innovative thinking, they’ll be inspired to explore their own interests in art, science, and invention.Perfect for Family Discussions: Use this book to discuss important values like creativity, imagination, and the pursuit of knowledge, and help your child see how thinking outside the box can shape the future.Give your child the chance to explore the genius of the Renaissance. Leonardo Da Vinci: A Book For Smart Kids is more than just a biography — it’s a story of creativity, discovery, and the limitless possibilities of human potential.Click the Buy Now button and introduce your child to the inspiring life of Leonardo Da Vinci today! Read more

"King Lear" is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. set in the court of an ageing British monarch and based on the mythological Leir of Britain. Shakespeare probably wrote it in around 1604, sandwiched between two other great tragedies, "Othello" and "Macbeth." The first known performance of any version of Shakespeare's play was on St. Stephen's Day in 1606Having reached the age of 80, the widowed King Lear calls his nobles together to announce his intention to pass on the cares and responsibility of monarchy to his three daughters, with whom he means to live on a rota basis. His eldest, Goneril, is married to the Duke of Albany and his middle child, Regan, is married to the Duke of Cornwall. At the court are the Duke of Burgundy and the King of France, both hoping to marry Lear's youngest (and favourite) daughter Cordelia... Read more

A beautiful step-by-step walk-through of Charles III Coronation.In full color throughout. A fantastic gift for children to remember the 2023 events in London THE FIRST CORONATION IN 70 YEARS!Follows the route of King Charles III Royal Coronation in London on May 6th 2023Kids can follow the pictures and words.Follows the sadness of the late Queen passing, with the joy and FUN of the CORONATION of the new Kinglarge size 8.5" x 8.5"Educational: Includes a full list of all Commonwealth Countries by continent. Scroll down please for larger images. Read more

Did you know that in 1520, at the age of 29, the English king Henry VIII challenged his French counterpart, King Francis I of France, to a wrestling match?Even more bizarrely, the entire affair took place at a lavish diplomatic conference in the middle of a field in Calais—with the English king eventually being outplayed and beaten by his French rival. (Happily, despite his notoriously fierce temper, Henry so admired King Francis that he took the defeat on the chin, and the pair steadfastly remained good friends!)Speaking of bizarre royal tales, did you know that another French king was so convinced that his internal organs were made of glass that he would sit for hours at a time on his throne, refusing to move a single muscle? And did you know that more than 100 different men once came forward claiming to be the long-lost son of Marie Antoinette, and therefore a claimant of the throne of France?And speaking of hoaxes and deceptions, have you heard the one about the architectural magazine that invented a town in Massachusetts just so it could use up all the unused photographs in its archive? Or how about the story of the two high-society women in Georgian London who so violently fell out with one another that they ended up dueling in their petticoats in the middle of Hyde Park more than 200 years ago?All of these remarkable tales—and dozens more like them!—are included in this new and fascinating collection of INTERESTING STORIES.Features more than 60 extraordinary and unbelievable talesTopics covered include sport, history, movies, science, music, nature, and languageCovers thousands of years of historyFeaturing stories from all around the worldBonus chapters include lists of mad monarchs, hit songs written in less than an hour, and even a list of unusual animals that seemingly came back from the dead!As varied as all these stories and tales are—and as many subjects and places as this fascinating new book covers—they all have one thing in common. They’re all definitely interesting! Read more

A GREAT 54th or 55th BIRTHDAY GIFT for anyone born in 1971 who is now celebrating a birthday, marriage, or an anniversary. Ideal for someone who is 54 in 2025 or 55 in 2026Looking for a heartfelt and unique way to honor a loved one’s birthday? 1971 What a year to be born is the ideal gift to make their special day truly unforgettable. With engaging stories, beautifully crafted chapters, and nostalgic charm, this keepsake brings the past to life in a way that will captivate and inspire.Whether for someone who lived through the era or a history enthusiast with a love for the golden age, this book offers a thoughtful journey through the moments that shaped 1971. From groundbreaking innovations to timeless music and fashion, it’s more than just a history book—it’s a celebration of life’s milestones and memories.Don’t miss out on this perfect tribute! Celebrate the legacy of 1971 by gifting this timeless keepsake.Inside This Remarkable Book:Chapter 1: In the NewsStep into the headlines and uncover the events that shaped the world in 1971.Chapter 2: Hollywood & Global CinemaRelive the golden age of the silver screen, exploring the magic and allure of film in 1971.Chapter 3: The Sound of 1971Celebrate the rhythms that defined a generation, from jazz and radio hits to cultural milestones.Chapter 4: Sports in 1971Journey into the world of sports and witness unforgettable victories and iconic moments.Chapter 5: Fashion and Pop CultureExplore the styles, trends, and cultural phenomena that brought flair to everyday life.Chapter 6: Innovations, Automobiles, and TechnologyDiscover the ingenuity and advancements that propelled the world forward in 1971.Chapter 7: The Cost of LivingTake a nostalgic look at what life cost in 1971, from daily essentials to indulgent treats.Chapter 8: Notable Births and DeathsReflect on the individuals whose lives began or left lasting legacies in this pivotal year.Chapter 9: Through the Eyes of YouthRekindle the joys and memories of growing up in a simpler time.Why Choose This Tribute?This isn’t just a history book—it’s a treasure trove of memories, stories, and experiences from 1971. With thoughtfully curated pages, it offers an engaging way to revisit a year filled with historic achievements and timeless charm. Whether for family, friends, or yourself, it’s a delightful way to relive a transformative era. Order your copy today and let the memories of 1971 shine! Read more

First appeared in the 1130s and originally composed in Latin as "Historia regum Britanniae", "The History of the Kings of Britain" by Geoffrey of Monmouth claims to be a history of Britain’s kings from the island’s founding by Trojan descendent Brutus in 1200 BCE, to the Britons’ abandonment of the island in the seventh century CE."The History of the Kings of Britain" was immediately popular, inspiring retellings and adaptations by writers and artists through the centuries. Because its historical merit is almost non-existent, it has been called an epic in prose and treated as a literary text whose primary purpose is patriotic. It is credited with introducing the figure of Merlin and elevating King Arthur to mythic status. Read more

Learn to draw all the magical things with this step-by-step guide. Read more

This is a story of HM Queen Elizabeth II from her birth in London to becoming Queen in 1952 and up to her 90th birthday in 2016. She is the longest monarch in British history to wear the 'sparkly crown'.This rhyming story of "The Sparkly Crown" with its beautiful illustrations, allows the whole family to read and learn together about the monarch and the Royal Family. Read more

William Shakespeare's "dark" comedy "Measure for Measure" was written about 1603–04 and published in the First Folio of 1623 from a transcript of an authorial draft. The play doesn't fit as nicely into the comedy pigeonhole as "A Midsummer Night's Dream". After reading "Measure for Measure", the audience is not left with a happily-ever-after feeling. Though the plot is resolved with marriages-a-plenty, like in most of Shakespeare's comedies, they are not exactly marriages that have anything to do with love. In fact, several of the characters are basically sentenced to marriage as a punishment. Therefore, most scholars lump "Measure for Measure" as one of Shakespeare's problem plays, containing a mixture of tragic and comic elements, making them more difficult to classify.In "Measure for Measure", Vienna is teeming with brothels and loose morality, but the Duke doesn't want to use his authority to clean up the city. He departs, dressed as a friar, leaving his deputy, Angelo, in charge. Angelo is at first reluctant, but he soon starts to make changes.Thinking the Duke absent, Angelo wrongfully imprisons a young nobleman who has impregnated his fiancé, Juliet. Disguised as a Friar, the Duke manipulates events so that Angelo faces the consequences of his actions. Read more

Scholars generally agree that "All's Well That Ends Well" is a comedy written by William Shakespeare between 1600 and 1605, although some believe that the play is the lost Shakespearean drama titled "Love's Labour Won", which was written before 1598.Despite its optimistic title, Shakespeare's "All's Well That Ends Well" has often been considered one of his "problem play.s" Ostensibly a comedy, the play also has fairy tale elements, as it focuses on Helena, a virtuous orphan, who loves Bertram, the haughty son of her protectress, the Countess of Rousillon. When Bertram, desperate for adventure, leaves Rousillon to serve in the King's army, Helena pursues him and, in the end, Helena and Bertram are happy, all's well that ends well. Read more

“[Victoria Princewill's] real skill, in this highly engaging book, is to create a convincing Victorian heroine to whose emotional highs and lows any modern reader will relate. ” - The Daily Telegraph Highly Commended for the Historical Association's Young Quills Award 2024 A powerful retelling of the extraordinary life of orphaned African princess, Sarah Forbes Bonetta."You are not an aristocrat. An aristocrat is born to a noble family. You were born into royalty. You are a princess."Set in 1860, this is the story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, the intelligent, multilingual Yoruba princess from West Africa who became the protégé of the British Queen Victoria.On the evening of her seventeenth birthday, she is told that her old name, her real name is Aina. Oma'ba Aina from the fallen Oyo Empire.Equipped with this knowledge, Sarah attempts to navigate life as a foster daughter, a protégé and a young black girl in Victorian England. But can one really feel like royalty when the freedom of autonomy is something so far out of reach for a person of her gender and race?Victoria Princewill reimagines Sarah's life in England, telling the story of a girl living between two cultures, trying to create, and assert, her own identity.The first of two titles from Victoria that will focus on real Black women born into royaltyA very exciting new voice in YA fictionVictoria aims to to shed light on women's stories that have been forgotten by historyFrom the author of In the Palace of the Flowers. Read more

The story of King Charles II is one of enduring fascination. The golden childhood of the boy Prince in the Van Dyck pictures gave way to an adventurous youth in Civil War England and abroad, ending traumatically when his father was executed in 1649. Charles II, King at eighteen, succeeded to `nothing but the name'. After his valiant attempt to regain the throne was defeated by Cromwell at Worcester, the King made his epic escape - to years of exile, poverty and humiliation in Europe. The `miraculous' Restoration ushered in a reign coloured by a series of equally dramatic events: the Great Plague, the Fire of London, two Dutch Wars, the bizarre Popish Plot, and finally the efforts of the Whigs to exclude his Catholic brother James from the succession, culminating in the King's unexpected triumph over them at the Oxford Parliament of 1681.A lover of women, passionate planner of parks and palaces and friend of the arts, this was the man who was to overcome the many problems of his reign and die not only in control of his country but in the affection of his countrymen. In this meticulously researched biography, Antonia Fraser offers important judgements and reassessments on central questions of the reign, such as Charles's relationships, his attitude to Kingship, his patriotism and his religious beliefs. Above all she has succeeded in writing a totally compelling narrative, both moving and exciting, and showing all the skills and insights which have secured her place as one of the foremost biographers of our time.`A rich feast of instruction, drama and entertainment' TLS`The fullest and most sophisticated account of the most charming and approachable of English Kings' OBSERVER Read more

In the middle ages, there were nobles and knights who performed special roles in society. Open this book to read about what they do and why they do such functions. A glimpse into the past would provide you with facts to model the modern way of living. So what are you waiting for? Get a copy and read this book today! Read more

Mary Croom Brown´s "Mary Tudor, Queen of France" narrates the fascinating story of Mary Tudor, the third daughter of Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York and the younger sister of King Henry VIII, who was Queen of France. Mary became the third wife of Louis XII of France, more than 30 years her senior. Following his death, she married Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk. The marriage, which was performed secretly in France, took place without her brother's consent. This necessitated the intervention of Thomas Wolsey and the couple were eventually pardoned by Henry VIII, although they were forced to pay a large fine. Mary's second marriage produced four children; and through her eldest daughter Frances, Mary was the maternal grandmother of Lady Jane Grey, who was the de facto monarch of England for a little over a week in July 1553.  Read more

Accused of being a demon by those who could not tolerate her independence, Eleanor of Aquitaine made her mark as one of the most dynamic and extraordinary figures of the Middle Ages. Born in 1122, Eleanor refused to be confined by the traditional gender roles of her time. She became well educated, gaining political and governing know-how from her father, William X, duke of Aquitaine, and armed herself with the skills necessary to become an influential queen-first of France, and later, England. With an impact that reached beyond politics, Eleanor shaped the future of the arts and humanities. And in a time when women were viewed as inferior to men, the virtues of chivalry and courtly love were born. Once described by a contemporary as "a woman beyond compare," Eleanor of Aquitaine is a figure who will remain controversial, powerful, and enchanting in the twenty-first century. Read more