Illustrated Book: D-Day Photographic History
The 80th anniversary of one of the biggest turning points in the Second World War is approaching this June: D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy, opened up a new front against the Third Reich and contributed significantly to the end of the war in Europe just under a year later. In this new book compiled by Stephen Hart, the invasion and its aftermath are explored through the photographic lens. Original colour and black-and-white images vividly illustrate the landings on the five beaches, the accompanying airborne campaign, and the crucial help of the French resistance fighters in ensuring D-Day was a success.
D-Day Photographic History, Stephen Hart, Amber Books, hbk (£19.99), ISBN 978-1838863661
Sparta’s Sicilian Proxy War: the grand strategy of classical Sparta, 418-413 BC
In this latest instalment in his series on Spartan history, historian Paul A Rahe explores Sparta’s attempt to prevent Athens from conquering Syracuse during 415-413 BC. Drawing on Thucydides’ memorable campaign narratives as well as a range of secondary sources, Rahe brings expertise and clarity to this new account of what has been dubbed Sparta’s ‘proxy war’.
Sparta’s Sicilian Proxy War: the grand strategy of classical Sparta, 418-413 BC, Paul A Rahe , Encounter Books, hbk (£24.99), ISBN 978-1641773379
The British Army: a new short history
The story of the British army is – as would be expected – very closely intertwined with the history of the country itself. In this concise new volume, Ian F W Beckett, a retired Professor of Military History at the University of Kent, traces the evolution of the British army from the 17th century through imperialism and world wars to the present day.
The British Army: a new short history, Ian F W Beckett, Oxford University Press, hbk (£20), ISBN 978-0198871040
The Book at War
For centuries and across the entire world, conflict has generated literature in many forms, from classic novels to scientific papers, propaganda sheets and pulp fiction. In this new study of the book at war, acclaimed literary historian Andrew Pettegree traces the many often surprising ways in which the written word has shaped, and has been shaped by, the wars of the modern age.
The Book at War, Andrew Pettegree, Profile Books, hbk (£30), ISBN 978-01800814936
Battle of the Island Kingdom: England’s destiny 1000-1066
In the six decades leading to the momentous year of 1066, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans clashed violently for the English crown. In this epic retelling, historian Don Hollway (author of The Last Viking and At the Gates of Rome) recounts the intrigue, plotting, and open warfare that characterised an era that changed the course of British history.
Battle of the Island Kingdom: England’s destiny 1000-1066, Don Hollway, Osprey Publishing, hbk (£20), ISBN 978-1472858931
Youth at War: young people and their schools in Britain in the Second World War
Young people throughout Britain were on the front line as never before during the Second World War, seeing their school and home lives violently disrupted – as well as contributing to the war through work in industry, agriculture, healthcare, and the armed forces. Mike Osborne explores their experiences of the era in vivid detail.
Youth at War: young people and their schools in Britain in the Second World War, Mike Osborne, Fonthill Media, hbk (£25), ISBN 978-1781558812
