A monumental new volume. . . . Revelatory, even revolutionary. . . . Clark has done a masterful job explaining the inexplicable. -- Boston Globe

One of The New York Times Book Review's 10 Best Books of the Year - Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize (History)

Historian Christopher Clark's riveting account of the explosive beginnings of World War I.

Drawing on new scholarship, Clark offers a fresh look at World War I, focusing not on the battles and atrocities of the war itself, but on the complex events and relationships that led a group of well-meaning leaders into brutal conflict.

Clark traces the paths to war in a minute-by-minute, action-packed narrative that cuts between the key decision centers in Vienna, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Paris, London, and Belgrade, and examines the decades of history that informed the events of 1914 and details the mutual misunderstandings and unintended signals that drove the crisis forward in a few short weeks.

Meticulously researched and masterfully written, The Sleepwalkers is a dramatic and authoritative chronicle of Europe's descent into a war that tore the world apart.

A rich and vivid history of Britain's second city through the people who made it

A Financial Times Book of the Year 2024

'What Manchester thinks today, England thinks tomorrow.'

Long before Manchester gave the world titans of industry, comedy, music and sport, it was the cosmopolitan Roman fort of Mamucium. But it was as the 'shock city' of the Industrial Revolution that Manchester really made its mark on the world stage. A place built on hard work and innovation, it is no coincidence that the digital age began here too, with the world's first stored-program computer, Baby.

A city as radical as it is revolutionary, Manchester has always been a political hotbed. The Peterloo Massacre is immortalised in British folklore and the city was a centre for pioneering movements such as Chartism. Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst hailed from here and the city still treasures its wilful independence.

Manchester's spirited individuality has carried through into its artistic output too, bringing the world Anthony Burgess, L.S. Lowry, Jeanette Winterson, Joy Division and Oasis. Mention United or City almost anywhere and you'll find fans, and opinions.

Until now, this magnificent city did not have its definitive history. From the author of the bestselling Northerners, this work of unrivalled authority and breadth tells the story of a changing place and its remarkable people.

On the eve of Queen Elizabeth II's historic 70th anniversary on the throne, Tracy Borman's sweeping narrative of the British monarchy illuminates one of history's most iconic and enduring legacies

Since William the Conqueror, duke of Normandy, crossed the English Channel in 1066 to defeat King Harold II and unite England's various kingdoms, forty-one kings and queens have sat on Britain's throne: shining examples of royal power and majesty alongside a rogue's gallery of weak, lazy, or evil monarchs, as Tracy Borman evocatively describes them in her sparkling chronicle, Crown & Sceptre. Ironically, during very few of these 955 years has the throne's occupant been unambiguously English--the Norman French, the Welsh-born Tudors, the Scottish Stuarts, and the Hanoverians and their German successors to the present day have dominated the throne.

Appealing to the intrinsic fascination with British royalty, Borman lifts the veil to reveal the remarkable characters and personalities who have ruled and, since the Glorious Revolution of 1688, have more ceremonially reigned--a crucial distinction explaining the staying power of the monarchy as the royal family has evolved and adapted to the needs and opinions of its people, avoiding the storms of rebellion that brought many of Europe's royals to an abrupt end. Richard III; Henry VIII; Elizabeth I; George III; Victoria; Elizabeth II: their names evoke eras and dramatic events, forming the sweep of British history that Borman recounts. She is equally attuned to the fabric of monarchy: the impact of royal palaces; the way monarchs have been portrayed in art, on coins, in the media; the ceremony and pageantry surrounding the crown.

In 2024, Elizabeth II would eclipse France's Louis XIV as the longest reigning monarch in history. Crown & Sceptre is a fitting tribute to her remarkable longevity and that of the magnificent institution she represents.

A rich and exuberant kaleidoscopic portrait of a great, messy, noisy, daunting, inspiring, maddening, enthralling, constantly shifting Rorschach test of a place. . . . Delightful. . . . In Taylor's patient and sympathetic hands, regular people become poets, philosophers, orators. -- New York Times Book Review

Londoners is a fresh and compulsively readable view of one of the world's most fascinating cities-a vibrant narrative portrait of the London of our own time, featuring unforgettable stories told by the real people who make the city hum.

Acclaimed writer and editor Craig Taylor has spent years traversing every corner of the city, getting to know the most interesting Londoners, including the voice of the London Underground, a West End rickshaw driver, an East End nightclub doorperson, a mounted soldier of the Queen's Life Guard at Buckingham Palace, and a couple who fell in love at the Tower of London--and now live there. With candor and humor, this diverse cast--rich and poor, old and young, native and immigrant, men and women (and even a Sarah who used to be a George)--shares indelible tales that capture the city as never before.

Together, these voices paint a vivid, epic, and wholly original portrait of twenty-first-century London in all its breadth, from Notting Hill to Brixton, from Piccadilly Circus to Canary Wharf, from an airliner flying into London Heathrow Airport to Big Ben and Tower Bridge, and down to the deepest tunnels of the London Underground. Londoners is the autobiography of one of the world's greatest cities.

Edition originale non censur e. Sommaire: Cr ation de l'homme nouveau. Socialisme et Racisme. La pens e de l'homme nouveau. Le raciste et son peuple. Le raciste et son parti. Le raciste et la libert . Le raciste et la morale. Un parti et son programme. Une renaissance personnelle et le parti. Un dernier mot.

A new edition of this best-selling history of Britain, from Roman times, now updated to cover the first decade of the 21st century.

The Oxford History of Britain tells the story of Britain and its people over two thousand years, from the coming of the Roman legions to the present day. Encompassing political, social, economic, and cultural developments throughout the British Isles, the dramatic narrative is taken up in turn by ten leading historians who offer the fruits of the best modern scholarship to the general reader in an authoritative form.

A vivid, sometimes surprising picture emerges of a continuous turmoil of change in every period, and the wider social context of political and economic tension is made clear. But consensus, no less than conflict, is a part of the story: in focusing on elements of continuity down the centuries, the authors bring out that special awareness of identity which has been such a distinctive feature of British society. By relating both these factors in the British experience, and by exploring the many ways in which Britain has shaped and been shaped by contact with Europe and the wider world, this landmark work brings the reader face to face with the past, and the foundations of modern British society.

This updated new edition (by the original editor) adds great richness by taking the story down from the economic crisis of 2008 to the conflict over Europe at the present day.

'A must-read exposé of one of Britain's biggest hidden scandals' Frances Ryan, Guardian journalist and author of Crippled: Austerity and the Demonisation of Disabled People

'This is the definitive proof of how government austerity hasn't just harmed disabled people, it has killed them' John McDonnell MP

In the early 2010s, reports began to emerge of deaths linked to a government department. Suicide notes, coroners' reports, and research by disabled activists pointed to failings within the Department for Work and Pensions - the DWP - the government body responsible for the disability benefits system.

As years passed, and austerity tightened its grip, the death toll mounted, and an even more disturbing picture emerged: bureaucracy, politicians, and the private sector had combined over thirty years to reckless, deadly effect.

For the last decade, disabled journalist John Pring has meticulously pieced together how the DWP ignored pleas to correct fatal flaws in the social security system and covered up its role in the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of disabled people. Having spent years researching the heartbreaking stories of twelve individuals who died, he describes how their bereaved families have fought for justice and accountability.

John Pring is the founder and editor of the news agency Disability News Service. He is the co-creator of the Deaths by Welfare timeline and co-editor and specialist advisor on the award-winning Museum of Austerity project. His stories have appeared in the Guardian, Daily Mirror, and Private Eye. He is also the author of Longcare Survivors: The Biography of a Care Scandal.

Someone's Else's Empire coolly reassesses Britain's relationship with the United States. Elite descriptions of Britain's position in the world ('punching above our weight') are untenable, Tom Stevenson argues. Yet there is a refusal, in most parts of society, to examine the assumptions behind them. Half a century after British withdrawal from east of Suez, why has the Indo-Pacific tilt become a Whitehall priority? Why are newly opened Persian Gulf bases working side by side with Saudi and Emirati forces engaged in the catastrophic war on Yemen?

The impetus for so many decisions about British foreign policy comes from a desire to maintain lieutenant rank with Washington. But British leaders and defence specialists tend to dislike seeing Britain framed by American power. A great effort is required to clear away the build-up of irrelevant, nostalgic detritus around Global Britain. Stevenson looks at the infrastructure of a US world order re-energised by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and fits the UK into the picture without the usual euphemisms. It is one thing to station military forces around the world to maintain your empire, he observes, but quite another to do so for someone else's.

A detailed, accessible account of the ancient traditions and symbolism surrounding the accession and coronation of a new British monarch.

His Majesty King Charles III succeeded to the throne on 8 September 2022, immediately after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch. For most of us, this historic change of reign was the first in living history. But what really happens when one monarch succeeds another?

This official publication charts an extraordinary period of transition: from the proclamations across the United Kingdom, The King's first address to the nation and Their Majesties' early engagements during a period of national mourning, to the Vigil of the Princes and the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Explore how the new reign was marked with changes to coins, banknotes, ciphers, and stamps, the first State Visits at home and abroad, as well as the continuation of long-held fixtures in the royal calendar, including the much-loved Christmas broadcast. Discover unique insights into the behind-the-scenes preparations for the Coronation and spectacular photography from the day itself, as well as the stories and symbolism behind the regalia used during the ceremony. As the monarchy embarks on a new era, learn more about the new King and Queen, their individual areas of interest as sovereign and consort, and their shared passion for sustainability, inclusivity, and public service.

At a time when politics in Britain is experiencing unprecedented turmoil, this Very Short Introduction examines the past, present, and possible future of British politics. Tony Wright puts current events into a longer and larger perspective, ranging from political ideas to political institutions, and offering an overview of the British political tradition. Throughout, he identifies key characteristics and ideas of British politics, and investigates what makes it distinctive, while emphasizing how these characteristics are reflected in the way the political system functions.

This new edition includes key material on Brexit, analysing the divisions revealed by the Brexit vote and the extent to which Britain now has a politics of identity, and considering whether the referendum itself has fundamentally altered the constitutional landscape.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

An introductory guide to the roots and contemporary context of, and resistance to carceral politics in Britain

George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis triggered abolitionist shockwaves. Calls to defund the police found receptive ears around the world. Shortly after, Sarah Everard's murder by a serving police officer sparked a national abolitionist movement in Britain. But to abolish the police, prisons and borders, we must confront the legacy of Empire.

Abolition Revolution is a guide to abolitionist politics in Britain, drawing out rich histories of resistance from rebellion in the colonies to grassroots responses to carceral systems today. The authors argue that abolition is key to reconceptualising revolution for our times - linking it with materialist feminisms, anti-capitalist class struggle, internationalist solidarity and anti-colonialism.

Perfect for reading groups and activist meetings, this is an invaluable book for those new to abolitionist politics - whilst simultaneously telling a passionate and authoritative story about the need for abolition and revolution in Britain and globally.

The British vote to leave the European Union stunned everyone 2016, but was it really a surprise? In this revised and updated edition of A History of Britain: 1945 Through Brexit, award-winning historian Jeremy Black expands his reexamination of modern British history to include the Brexit process, the tumultuous administrations of Theresa May and Boris Johnson, the spectacular failure of Liz Truss, and the early days of Rishi Sunak's premiership.

This sweeping and engaging book traces Britain's path through the destruction left behind by World War II, Thatcherism, the threats of the IRA, the Scottish referendum, and on to the impact of waves of immigration from the European Union.

A History of Britain: 1945 Through Brexit overturns many conventional interpretations of significant historical events, provides context for current developments, and encourages the reader to question why we think the way we do about Britain's past.

Are you fascinated by the rich and diverse history of the British Isles? Do you want to explore the key events, people, and ideas that have shaped England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland over the centuries? If so, then British History: 4 in 1 History of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland is the book for you.

This comprehensive and engaging book provides a detailed overview of the history of these four nations, from the earliest settlements to the modern-day era of Brexit. With a wealth of primary and secondary sources at their disposal, the authors provide a rich and detailed account of the historical developments that have made the British Isles the complex and diverse region it is today.

Organized chronologically, the book covers key periods such as the Middle Ages, the Tudor and Stuart eras, the Industrial Revolution, and the two World Wars. It also explores contemporary issues facing the four nations, including the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the rise of Scottish and Welsh nationalism, and the impact of Brexit on the future of the UK.

But British History: 4 in 1 History of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland is not just a dry recitation of facts and figures. The book provides detailed analysis of the key figures who have shaped the history of the British Isles, from William the Conqueror to Margaret Thatcher, and explores the lives of ordinary people and the impact of social movements such as feminism, labor unions, and civil rights.

Whether you are a history buff, a student of British culture, or simply curious about the rich and complex history of the British Isles, British History: 4 in 1 History of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland is an essential read. With its engaging prose, rich detail, and fascinating insights, this book is sure to captivate readers of all backgrounds and interests. Order your copy today and discover the story of the British Isles.

During Brexit, political questions were continually framed in emotional terms. The referendum was presented as a conflict between reason and resentment, fear and hope, heads and hearts. The Leave vote was interpreted as the triumph of passion over rationality, and its aftermath triggered concerns about the divisive impact of feelings on political culture. This book examines how these stories about feelings shaped public experiences and determined political possibilities.

The politics of feeling uses first-hand accounts to explore how 'ordinary' people understand their own feelings about the referendum, and how they reacted to the feelings of others. It shows how they drew on public narratives, while also rejecting and reworking them. The authors highlight a dangerous contradiction whereby feelings were simultaneously understood as dangerous and illegitimate, and as an authentic reflection of our inner selves. This had its own political consequences.

George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis triggered abolitionist shockwaves. Calls to defund the police found receptive ears around the world. But to abolish the interlocking systems of police, prison, and border power in Britain, we must confront the legacy of Empire. Abolition Revolution is a historical, theoretical, and practical guide to revolutionary abolitionist politics in Britain. The authors trace the evolution of policing and criminalization from their colonial roots to their contemporary expression, as found in 'Prevent' and drug laws targeting Black communities. They also draw out a rich history of grassroots resistance, from the founding of Notting Hill Carnival in 1959 to transformative responses to repressive community policing today. With a forceful critique of carceral feminism, alongside an exposition of how these systems fail as a response to social dynamics such as crime, the book offers a compelling and grounded vision for abolition that takes us away from punitivity from above and into community-based forms of accountability from below.George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis triggered abolitionist shockwaves. Calls to defund the police found receptive ears around the world. Shortly after, Sarah Everard's murder by a serving police officer sparked a national abolitionist movement in Britain. But to abolish the police, prisons and borders, we must confront the legacy of Empire. Abolition Revolution is a guide to abolitionist politics in Britain, drawing out rich histories of resistance from rebellion in the colonies to grassroots responses to carceral systems today. The authors argue that abolition is key to reconceptualising revolution for our times - linking it with materialist feminisms, anti-capitalist class struggle, internationalist solidarity and anti-colonialism. Perfect for reading groups and activist meetings, this is an invaluable book for those new to abolitionist politics - whilst simultaneously telling a passionate and authoritative story about the need for abolition and revolution in Britain and globally.

Will Brexit boost jobs? Or wreck the NHS? Or cause food shortages?

From strawberries to passports, Gavin Esler sets out how the most momentous change in Britain for decades will change everyday life. In seven succinct chapters, he reveals how leaving the European Union will affect:

Food and diet
Health and the NHS
Jobs and industry
Education
Travel to Europe

From the food markets of Kent to NHS operating theatres to the boardrooms of big employers, Brexit throws up many surprises. Many are unpleasant.

Brexit Without the Bullshit is not about the Brexit you were told you were getting. It's about the one that is arriving.

Tales of the Human Spirit contains a remarkable array of creative non-fiction, human interest stories you will not want to put down. There are fascinating profiles of people you thought you knew. Now you can really find out all about them. Discover as well gripping historical events, and the religious and spiritual experiences of famous and ordinary people that add so much meaning to our everyday lives, and our world. Learn about the lives of Inger Stevens, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Manny Pacquiao, and events like the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, and the Holy Shroud of Turin.

This book examines the relationship between concepts of heroic gallantry, as projected by the British honours system, and the sociocultural, political, military and international transitions of the supposed Sixties cultural revolution. In so doing, it considers how a conservative, hierarchical and state-orientated concept both evolved and endured during a period of immense change in which traditional assumptions of deference to elites were increasingly challenged. Covering the period often defined as The Long Sixties, from 1955-79, this study concentrates on four distinct transitions undergone by both state and non-state gallantry awards, including developments within the welfare state, class and gender discrimination, counterinsurgency and decolonisation. It ultimately sheds fresh light upon the importance of postwar decades to the continued evolution of concepts of gallantry and heroism in British culture using a range of underexplored government and media archives. It will be of interest to scholars, students and general researchers of heroism in modern Britain, the Sixties revolution, postwar military history and both the social and political evolution of British honours, decorations and medals.

'Punchy, pithy and short.' - POLLY TOYNBEE, GUARDIAN COLUMNIST

'In an ideal world every citizen would read this essential book, and think hard.' - PROFESSOR AC GRAYLING, ACADEMIC

The broadcaster and journalist Gavin Esler reveals how the most momentous change in Britain for decades will change everyday life. In 7 succinct chapters, he charts the profound impact of leaving the European Union on key areas of life in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland:

- Food and diet

- Health and the NHS

- Jobs and industry

- Education

- Travel to Europe

From the food markets of Kent to NHS operating theatres to the boardrooms of big employers, Brexit is packed with surprises.

Brexit Without the Bullshit is not about the Brexit you were told you were getting. It's about the one we're getting.

From the author of How Britain Ends: English Nationalism and the Rebirth of Four Nations, A Scandalous Man, and Lessons From The Top, this is a pithy guide to the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, following the referendum in 2016.

It's the ideal accompaniment to books on Brexit such as the Fintan O'Toole's Brexit Chronicles and Michel Barner's Secret Brexit Diaries. Instead of concentrating on the campaign itself, however, it looks at the fundamental changes caused by Brexit - and what it means for ordinary life.


WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK - BY GAVIN ESLER

In 2016 I did something I had never done before. I voted in the Brexit referendum without knowing what I was voting for or against. No one explained to me - or you - what Brexit would mean for our lives. Whether you voted Leave or Remain, we did not know the facts about Brexit, how it would affect our jobs, food, schools, universities, the NHS, our families, pets, travel arrangements, and even the supposed unity of the United Kingdom. In the years since the Brexit vote, the British government has continued to fail to explain the facts about Brexit, and so I decided to find out for myself. The result is my latest book, Brexit Without The Bullshit.

At first I thought that if Brexit were stripped of the bullshit -- lies and deceit, scare stories and fantasies -- there would be nothing left. But the facts about Brexit are so stark, there's plenty to discuss and think about. The key fact is this: Brexit is not an event. It is a process. Whether it happens or not, whatever version of leaving the EU we end up with, we will be forced to discuss Brexit for years to come. If we are to survive and perhaps thrive, we need to start with the facts.