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Illustrated Book – The Air War in Paintings
During the Second World War, Britain’s skies were transformed by the drone of aircraft, while factory workers toiled to produce new fighters and bombers, and newsreels told stirring stories of the courage of aircrews. These activities were recorded by dozens of artists – among them Eric Ravilious, Paul Nash, and Evelyn Dunbar – commissioned by a committee within the Ministry of Defence. With The Air War in Paintings, Suzanne Bardgett – formerly Head of Research and Academic Partnerships at the IWM – draws on the museum’s collection to explore how art became an intimate record of Britain’s war in the air.
The Air War in Paintings, Suzanne Bardgett, IWM, hbk, 216pp (£25) ISBN 978-1912423750
Hitler’s People: The faces of the Third Reich
Over the past 20 years, our knowledge of the Nazi era has been transformed by the publication of new sources, from the complete Goebbels diaries to the appointment book of Heinrich Himmler. Richard J Evans uses this material to build a compelling portrait of both Hitler’s inner circle and the middle- and low-ranking Nazis who launched the most destructive war in history.
Hitler’s People: The faces of the Third Reich, Richard J Evans, Allen Lane, hbk, 624pp (£35), ISBN 978-0241471500
Nelson’s Pathfinders: A forgotten story in the triumph of British sea power
During the Napoleonic Wars, more than twice as many British warships were lost to shipwreck than in battle. In this landmark account, Michael Barritt reveals how a cadre of specialist pathfinders led by Captain Thomas Hurd sounded the alarm for violent storms, the onset of swell, and other seafaring obstacles – revolutionising the British way of war in the process.
Nelson’s Pathfinders: A forgotten story in the triumph of British sea power, Michael Barritt, Yale, hbk, 272pp (£25), ISBN 978-0300273762
General Hastings ‘Pug’ Ismay: Soldier, Statesman, Diplomat
General Hastings ‘Pug’ Ismay: Soldier, Statesman, Diplomat, John Kiszely, Hurst, hbk, 424pp (£35), ISBN 978-1911723202
General Lord Ismay’s name is little known today, but he participated in decision-making at the highest level of government before, during, and after the Second World War, as well as being a close confidant of Churchill. John Kiszely profiles the life of ‘Pug’, whose contribution to history spanned events in India and Pakistan to the establishment of NATO.
Black Week: The British army and defeat in the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1900
When Britain went to war with the Boer Republicans in 1899, the forces sent to southern Africa were considered more than ample to bring victory very quickly. But before the end of that year the British Army had suffered three humiliating defeats. Quintin Barry explores the many painful lessons that had to be learned before the Boers were finally vanquished
Black Week: The British army and defeat in the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1900, Quintin Barry, Helion, hbk, 208pp (£29.95), ISBN 978-1804511862
At the Gates of Rome: The battle for a dying empire
The Roman general Flavius Stilicho was a titan of the ancient world who defended his empire against repeated invasions, particularly those launched by Alaric, King of the Goths. Stilicho bested his rival in battle, but failed to capture the wily Alaric, leading to a tentative truce that was ultimately undone by corruption at the heart of Rome. Don Hollway charts this turbulent period of history.
At the Gates of Rome: The battle for a dying empire, Don Hollway, Osprey, pbk, 368pp (£10.99), ISBN 978-1472849977
