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"Not only an engrossing read about the distant past, both informative and entertaining, but also a profoundly thought-provoking view of our not-really-so-‘new’ present . . . All medieval history is here, beautifully narrated."—Wall Street Journal"A lively history . . . [Jones] has managed to touch every major topic. As each piece of the puzzle is placed into position, the modern world gradually comes into view . . . Powers and Thrones provides the reader with a framework for understanding a complicated subject, and it tells the story of an essential era of world history with skill and style."—The New York TimesThe New York Times bestselling author returns with an epic history of the medieval world—a rich and complicated reappraisal of an era whose legacy and lessons we are still living with today.When the once-mighty city of Rome was sacked by barbarians in 410 and lay in ruins, it signaled the end of an era—and the beginning of a thousand years of profound transformation. In a gripping narrative bursting with big names—from St Augustine and Attila the Hun to the Prophet Muhammad and Eleanor of Aquitaine—Dan Jones charges through the history of the Middle Ages. Powers and Thrones takes readers on a journey through an emerging Europe, the great capitals of late Antiquity, as well as the influential cities of the Islamic West, and culminates in the first European voyages to the Americas.The medieval world was forged by the big forces that still occupy us today: climate change, pandemic disease, mass migration, and technological revolutions. This was the time when the great European nationalities were formed; when the basic Western systems of law and governance were codified; when the Christian Churches matured as both powerful institutions and the regulators of Western public morality; and when art, architecture, philosophical inquiry and scientific invention went through periods of massive, revolutionary change.The West was rebuilt on the ruins of an empire and emerged from a state of crisis and collapse to dominate the world. Every sphere of human life and activity was transformed in the thousand years covered by Powers and Thrones. As we face a critical turning point in our own millennium, Dan Jones shows that how we got here matters more than ever. Read more

"Ambitious... With meticulous research and in lively style, Jones presents us with the man beyond the Shakespeare character."—The New York Times“The best biography yet of England’s greatest king."—Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of The Romanovs and JerusalemThe New York Times bestselling author returns with a biography examining the dramatic life and unparalleled leadership of England's greatest medieval king Henry V reigned over England for only nine years and four months and died at the age of just thirty-five, but he looms over the landscape of the late Middle Ages and beyond. The victor of Agincourt, he is remembered as the acme of kingship, a model to be closely imitated by his successors. William Shakespeare deployed Henry V as a study in youthful folly redirected to sober statesmanship. For one modern medievalist, Henry was, quite simply, “the greatest man who ever ruled England.”   For Dan Jones, Henry V is one of the most intriguing characters in all medieval history, but one of the hardest to pin down. He was a hardened, sometimes brutal warrior, yet he was also creative and artistic, with a bookish temperament. He was a leader who made many mistakes, who misjudged his friends and family, but he always seemed to triumph when it mattered. As king, he saved a shattered country from economic ruin, put down rebellions, and secured England’s borders; in foreign diplomacy, he made England a serious player once more. Yet through his conquests in northern France, he sowed the seeds for three generations of calamity at home, in the form of the Wars of the Roses.   Henry V is a historical titan whose legacy has become a complicated one. To understand the man behind the legend, Jones first examines Henry’s years of apprenticeship, when he saw the downfall of one king and the turbulent reign of another. Upon his accession in 1413, he had already been politically and militarily active for years, and his extraordinary achievements as king would come shortly after, earning him an unparalleled historical reputation. Writing with his characteristic wit and style, Jones delivers a thrilling and unmissable life of England’s greatest king. Read more

A missing father...A splintered family...Will the son escape those who destroyed his life?Can Richard navigate his way through a medieval world full of knights, battles, blood and iron?Book One in The Legend of Richard Keynes series follows Richard's varied trials as he battles through a period of history famed for its violence and uncertainty. Mounted on his faithful warhorse, Richard must learn how to fight his enemies with his lance as well as his wits, and sometimes with the help of his friends.The story follows Richard in his very medieval quest to win the symbol of knighthood, his golden spurs.Featuring characters and a story set within real historical events, Golden Spurs is a small window into the middle ages, a time when men had to stand up and fight for what they believed in.Begin your journey through this rich and captivating world to discover Richard's fate. Read more

“Dan Jones is an entertainer, but also a bona fide historian. Seldom does one find serious scholarship so easy to read.” – The Times, Book of the YearA New York Times bestseller, this major new history of the knights Templar is “a fresh, muscular and compelling history of the ultimate military-religious crusading order, combining sensible scholarship with narrative swagger" – Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of Jerusalem   A faltering war in the middle east. A band of elite warriors determined to fight to the death to protect Christianity’s holiest sites. A global financial network unaccountable to any government. A sinister plot founded on a web of lies.Jerusalem 1119. A small group of knights seeking a purpose in the violent aftermath of the First Crusade decides to set up a new order. These are the first Knights Templar, a band of elite warriors prepared to give their lives to protect Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. Over the next two hundred years, the Templars would become the most powerful religious order of the medieval world. Their legend has inspired fervent speculation ever since. In this groundbreaking narrative history, Dan Jones tells the true story of the Templars for the first time in a generation, drawing on extensive original sources to build a gripping account of these Christian holy warriors whose heroism and alleged depravity have been shrouded in myth. The Templars were protected by the pope and sworn to strict vows of celibacy. They fought the forces of Islam in hand-to-hand combat on the sun-baked hills where Jesus lived and died, finding their nemesis in Saladin, who vowed to drive all Christians from the lands of Islam. Experts at channeling money across borders, they established the medieval world’s largest and most innovative banking network and waged private wars against anyone who threatened their interests.Then, as they faced setbacks at the hands of the ruthless Mamluk sultan Baybars and were forced to retreat to their stronghold in Cyprus, a vindictive and cash-strapped King of France set his sights on their fortune. His administrators quietly mounted a damning case against the Templars, built on deliberate lies and false testimony. On Friday October 13, 1307, hundreds of brothers were arrested, imprisoned and tortured, and the order was disbanded amid lurid accusations of sexual misconduct and heresy. They were tried by the Pope in secret proceedings and their last master was brutally tortured and burned at the stake. But were they heretics or victims of a ruthlessly repressive state? Dan Jones goes back to the sources tobring their dramatic tale, so relevant to our own times, to life in a book that is at once authoritative and compulsively readable. Read more

A threat of bankruptcy...A new land full of hostile enemies...Will Richard be able to survive and make some money while he's at it?Richard faces a new world in an effort to stabilise his life. Surrounded by enemies and with his friends including a potentially hostile captive knight, will he navigate his new challenges in an alien land far from home?Book Three in The Legend of Richard Keynes series follows Richard as he crosses the Irish sea with an invasion fleet. In an atmosphere of fear and prejudice, Richard must find a place for himself and his friends in a confusing world where nothing is as it seems. The expedition will change the face of Ireland forever, and Richard will arrive first as the tip of an Anglo-Norman spear. With Bowman at his side, and his uncle waiting for him at every turn, Richard will have to muster up all of his wits and courage to prevail.Featuring characters and a story set within real historical events, Dogs of War is a small window into the middle ages, a time when men had to stand up and fight for what they believed in.Continue your journey through this rich and captivating world to discover Richard's fate. Read more

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A masterful narrative of the Middle Ages, when religion became a weapon for kings all over the world.In her earlier work, The History of the Ancient World, Susan Wise Bauer wrote of the rise of kingship based on might. But in the years between the fourth and twelfth centuries, rulers had to find new justification for their power, and they turned to divine truth or grace to justify political and military action. Right began to replace might as the engine of empire.Not just Christianity and Islam but also the religions of the Persians, the Germans, and the Mayas were pressed into the service of the state. Even Buddhism and Confucianism became tools for nation building. This phenomenon—stretching from the Americas all the way to Japan—changed religion, but it also changed the state.The History of the Medieval World is a true world history, linking the great conflicts of Europe to the titanic struggles for power in India and Asia. In its pages, El Cid and Guanggaeto, Julian the Apostate and the Brilliant Emperor, Charles the Hammer and Krum the Bulgarian stand side by side. From the schism between Rome and Constantinople to the rise of the Song Dynasty, from the mission of Muhammad to the crowning of Charlemagne, from the sacred wars of India to the establishment of the Knights Templar, this erudite book tells the fascinating, often violent story of kings, generals, and the peoples they ruled. Read more

An illustrated history and guide to the Battle of Hastings by two leading medieval military historians. The Battle of Hastings, fought on 14 October 1066, changed the course of English history. This most famous moment of the Norman Conquest was recorded in graphic detail in the threads of the Bayeux Tapestry, providing a priceless glimpse into a brutal conflict.In this fresh look at the battle and its surrounding campaigns, leading medieval military historians Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries combine the imagery of the tapestry with the latest modern investigative research to reveal the story of Hastings as it has never been told and guide visitors around the battlefield today.This absorbing new account of the battle will be fascinating reading for anyone keen to find out what really happened in 1066: the journeys by which Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy came to the battlefield, and the latest reconstructions of the course of the fighting on that momentous day. It is also a practical, easy-to-use guide for visitors to the sites associated with the conquest as well as the Hastings battlefield itself.This is essential reading and reference for anyone interested in the battle and the Norman Conquest.“The writing is concise, with many side bars to identify people, explain technical terms, and so forth, and each chapter ends with a recommended tour route. A very good book for anyone who knows little about the conquest, and one which even those well up on the subject may find interesting.” —The NYMAS Review“Followers of Bernard Cornwell’s Dark Ages series, The Last Kingdom, will be absolutely fascinated by Michael and Kelly's book, which fast forwards just a few years to the conquest of England by the Normans. Superbly illustrated.” —Books Monthly Read more

Honour and Greed collide in mighty tournaments...Fortunes can be won and lost in an instant...Will Richard triumph over jealousy and adversity?Richard throws himself into the bright and glamourous world of the medieval tournament. Mighty teams clash together on vast battlefields in pursuit of ransoms and glory. He could win untold riches, but his friends and his horse will be on the line.Book Four in The Legend of Richard Keynes series follows Richard as he enters a company of knights who follow the European tournament circuit. Intrigue will dog him and the envy of others will place him in great danger. Richard will have to use his head as well as his sword in order to stay alive and save the life of a king.Featuring characters and a story set within real historical events, Knight Errant is a small window into the middle ages, a time when men had to stand up and fight for what they believed in.Continue your journey through this rich and captivating world to discover Richard's fate. Read more

A powerful new history detailing the most significant military clashes between Islam and Christendom over the 1,300 years of the Muslim caliphate.From the taking of the holy city of Jerusalem in the 7th century AD by Caliph Umar, to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire following the end of World War I, Christian popes, emperors and kings, and Muslim caliphs and sultans were locked in a 1300-year battle for political, military, ideological, economic and religious supremacy. In this powerful new history of the era, acknowledged expert on the history of the Middle East and the Crusades Simon Mayall focuses on some of the most significant clashes of arms in human history: the taking and retaking of Jerusalem and the collapse of the Crusader states; the fall of Constantinople; the sieges of Rhodes and Malta; the assault on Vienna and the 'high-water mark' of Ottoman advance into Europe; culminating in the Allied capture of Jerusalem in World War I, the final collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the dissolution of the sultanate and the caliphate, and the formation of modern Europe and the modern Middle East. The House of War offers a wide, sweeping narrative, encompassing the broad historical and religious context of this period, while focussing on some of the key, pivotal sieges and battles, and on the protagonists, political and military, who determined their conclusions and their consequences. Read more

The renowned historian “combines exhaustive research and accessible prose for this . . . definitive study” of the Mongol empire’s military practices (Publishers Weekly). The armies of the Mongol empire are one of the most successful, yet least understood, military forces in history. Often viewed as screaming throngs of horsemen who conquered by sheer force of numbers, they were in fact highly organized regiments who blindsided their opponents with innovative tactics and combat skills. Through the leadership of brilliant military strategists, they achieved the largest land empire ever established, stretching across Asia and into eastern Europe. In this pioneering study, historian Timothy May demonstrates how the Mongol military developed from a tribal levy into a disciplined and complex military organization. He describes the make-up of the Mongol army from its inception to the demise of the empire. With profiles of Mongol military leaders such as Chinggis Khan—also known as Genghis Khan—May shows how their strength, quality and versatility made them the pre-eminent warriors of their time. Read more

A history of the evolution of military technology among knights in Renaissance Europe from the fifteenth century to the seventeenth century.The Art of Renaissance Warfare tells the story of the knight during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries—from the great victories of Edward III and the Black Prince to the fall of Richard III on Bosworth Field.During this period, new technology on the battlefield posed deadly challenges for the mounted warrior; but they also stimulated change, and the knight moved with the times. Having survived the longbow devastation at Crécy, Poitiers and Agincourt, he emerged triumphant, his armor lighter and more effective, and his military skills indispensable.This was the great age of the orders of chivalry and the freemasonry of arms that bound together comrades and adversaries in a tight international military caste. Men such as Bertrand du Guesclin and Sir John Chandos loom large in the pages of this book—bold leaders and brave warriors, imbued with these traditions of chivalry and knighthood. How their heroic endeavors and the knightly code of conduct could be reconciled with the indiscriminate carnage of the “chevauchee” and the depredations of the “free companies” is one of the principal themes of this informative and entertaining book. Read more

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The story of an era shrouded in mystery, and the gradual changing of a nation’s cultural identity.   We speak English today, because the Anglo-Saxons took over most of post-Roman Britain. How did that happen? There is little evidence: not much archaeology, and even less written history. There is, however, a huge amount of speculation. King Arthur’s Wars brings an entirely new approach to the subject—the answers are out there, in the British countryside, waiting to be found.   Months of field work and map study allow us to understand, for the first time, how the Anglo-Saxons conquered England, county by county and decade by decade.  King Arthur’s Wars exposes what the landscape and the place names tell us. As a result, we can now know far more about this “Dark Age.” What is so special about Essex? Why is Buckinghamshire an odd shape? Why is the legend of King Arthur so special to us? Why don’t Cumbrian farmers use English numbers when they count sheep? Why don’t we know where Camelot was? Why did the Romano-British stop eating oysters? This book provides a new level of understanding of the centuries preceding the Norman Conquest. Read more

A fascinating account of the fifty years of major conquests that established the vast Arabian empire shortly after Muhammad’s death, changing the Middle East forever.This record of the history of Arabian expansion and its Bedouin people is the perfect read for fans of T.E. Lawrence, Hugh Kennedy, Justin Marozzi, and Robert G. Hoyland.For the Bedouin tribes of Central Arabia, the years A.D. 630 to A.D. 680 were transformative as, through their religious fervour and courage, they established one of the greatest empires in all history, second only to the achievements of Alexander the Great. Their scope and success were all the more remarkable for the lack of a trained, disciplined army or any central organisation, and despite the existence of tribal divisions and the personal ambitions of this warlike people.Using his deep personal understanding of the history and characteristics of the Bedouin people, gained during time living amongst them, original Arabic sources, and European translations, Glubb provides an insightful and thought-provoking read.‘Among the most astonishing and significant events in human history.’ — Times Literary Supplement‘Sir John Glubb’s unique insight into Arab mentality has enabled him to write a fascinating account of his subject.’ — The Sunday Telegraph'A scholarly work by Sir John Glubb whose obvious fascination with his subject transforms the driest and dustiest desert war into a thing of excitement and suspense' — Evening NewsPraise for John Bagot Glubb’s Great Arab History:‘Sir John Glubb … as always a clear guide, illuminating history by the fruits of his own experience.’ — The Times‘Few men are better qualified to bring such a period to life.’ — The Sunday Times Read more

Discover the remarkable life of King Richard III in just an hour... Free BONUS Inside! Richard III has gone down in history as one of the most hated and vilified British monarchs of all time. His two-year-long reign as king of England ended in 1485 when he was defeated at the Battle of Bosworth by Henry Tudor, making him the last English king to die on the battlefield. Despite the brevity of his reign, Richard III managed to earn an enduring—albeit unflattering—reputation which lives on to this day. William Shakespeare painted him as a ruthless, hunch-backed usurper, who killed not only his brother but also his two young nephews to get his hands on the crown. Amazingly, Shakespeare’s claims are not completely unfounded. This book attempts to separate fact from fiction to present the true life story of one of Britain’s most controversial kings: Richard III. Discover a plethora of topics such as Richard of York and the Wars of the Roses Early Life as a Knight Lord of the North Richard’s Rise to Power Buckingham’s Rebellion Death at the Battle of Bosworth And much more!So if you want a straightforward book on King Richard III, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access! Read more

The book takes a new look at the archaeological and literary evidence and focuses on the fragmenting Diocese, provincial and civitas structures of post-Roman Britain. It places events in the context of increased Germanic immigration alongside evidence for significant continuation of population and land use. Using evidence from fifth century Gaul it demonstrates dynamic changes to cultural identities both within and across various groups. Covering the migration period it describes the foundation stories of Hengest and Horsa in Kent, Cerdic and Cynric, first kings of the West Saxons and Ælle founder of the kingdom of the South Saxons. Ælle is the first king Bede describes as holding imperium and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle calls Bretwalda. Covering the figures of Ceawlin, Æthelberht and Rædwald it ends with the death of Penda, the last great pagan king. As life under Roman authority faded into history we see the emergence of a ‘warband’ culture and the emergence of petty kingdoms. The mead hall replaced crumbling villas and towns as the center of social life. These halls rang with the poems of bards and the stories of great warriors and battles. Arthur and Urien of Rheged. The famous Mons Badonicus and the doomed charge of the Gododdin at Catraeth. A chapter on weapons, armor, warfare and accounts of contemporary battles will help paint a picture of dark age warfare. From the arrival of Saxon mercenaries in the fifth century to the death of Penda, the last pagan king, at Winwaed in 655. Read more

A fascinating and detailed account of the 200-year dominance of the Arab Empire, the leading world power from A.D. 650 to 850.This record of the Arabian Empire is the perfect read for fans of Marshall G. S. Hodgson, Robert G. Hoyland, Tom Holland, and Rodney Collomb.Throughout history, certain nations have dominated the world to varying extents through strength, military prowess, ambitious expansion, leadership, and advances in society and civilization. Just as Greek dominance gave way to the Romans, so too did the Arab Empire rise to international leadership from A.D. 650 to 850, emerging from the period of confusion following the collapse of the Roman Empire.In this book, John Bagot Glubb extensively uses source material from original Arab historians, European scholars, poetry translations, and his own reading and translations of Arabic works. His background as a military leader and his personal experiences living and working in the Arab world allow him to interpret the history he conveys in a relatable, engaging, and well-informed manner. Glubb provides deep insights into the lives and personalities of the Khalifs, adding interesting details that bring this history to life.Beginning with the life of Muhammad in the 7th century, Glubb traces the ambitious rise and expansion of the Arab Empire, which dominated almost the entire Mediterranean region, cutting off access to Europe and contributing to the 'Dark Ages.' He follows the successes and failures of the Khalifs: their military ventures, in-fighting, rebellions, tribal feuds, and the eventual decline in leadership as the empire begins to disintegrate.Praise for John Bagot Glubb’s Great Arab History:‘Sir John Glubb … as always a clear guide, illuminating history by the fruits of his own experience.’ — The Times Read more