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Too Much: How Victorian Constraints Still Bind Women Today
Lacing cultural criticism, Victorian literature, and storytelling together, Too Much explores how culture corsets women’s bodies, souls, and sexualities – and how we might finally undo the strings.
Written in the tradition of Shrill, Dead Girls, Sex Object and other frank books about the female gaze, Too Much encourages women to reconsider the beauty of their excesses – emotional, physical, and spiritual.
Rachel Vorona Cote braids cultural criticism, theory, and storytelling together in her exploration of how culture grinds away our bodies, souls, and sexualities, forcing us into smaller lives than we desire. An erstwhile Victorian scholar, she sees many parallels between that era’s fixation on women’s ‘hysterical’ behavior and our modern policing of the same; in the space of her writing, you’re as likely to encounter Jane Eyre and Lizzie Bennet as you are Britney Spears and Lana Del Rey. This book will tell the story of how women, from then and now, have learned to draw power from their reservoirs of feeling, all that makes us ‘too much’.
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The Spanish Holocaust: Inquisition and Extermination in Twentieth-Century Spain
Selected as the Sunday Times History Book of the Year for 2012, this is a meticulous work of scholarship from the foremost historian of 20th-century Spain.
The culmination of more than a decade of research, ‘The Spanish Holocaust’ seeks to reflect the intense horrors visited upon Spain during its ferocious civil war, the consequences of which still reverberate bitterly today.
The brutal, murderous persecution of Spaniards between 1936 and 1945 is a truth that should have been told long ago. Paul Preston here offers the first comprehensive picture of what he terms “the Spanish Holocaust”: mass extra-judicial murder of some 200,000 victims, cursory military trials, torture, the systematic abuse of women and children, sweeping imprisonment, the horrors of exile. Those culpable for crimes committed on both sides of the Civil War are named; their victims identified.
‘The Spanish Holocaust’ illuminates one of the darkest, least-known eras of modern European history.
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Tattoo: An Illustrated Miscellany
‘Beautiful, inspiring and informative’ – Bidisha
London tattoo legend Lal Hardy reveals the fascinating hidden world of tattoo, past and present.
With a wealth of previously unpublished photographs, details and anecdotes, Tattoo preserves many unique and valuable items of tattoo culture, including:
· Historical stencils and flash
· Customised machines, traditional hand-tools and animal-marking equipment
· Collector’s cards, bubblegum cards and transfers
· Memorabilia and tributes relating to tattoo legends such as George Burchett and The Great Omi
· Postcards, toys, ornaments, T-shirts and other merchandise
· Supply catalogues, magazines, books and art
· Rare ephemera – awards, badges, business cards, convention passes, postage stamps and hand-drawn signsLAL HARDY was born in London in 1958. He opened New Wave Tattoo in north London’s Muswell Hill when he was just twenty-one years old. Lal is part of an international community of highly respected tattoo artists. This is his sixth book.
MATT LODDER is an expert on body art and body modification. He is the author of Tattoo: An Art History and is Director of American Studies at the University of Essex.
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Superpower China – Understanding the Chinese world power from Asia: History, Politics, Education, Economy and Military (Global Superpowers)
Superpower China – Understanding the Chinese world power from Asia
History, Politics, Education, Economy and Military
Developments in China have become a constant concern to the media and society over the last few years.
But what is the truth among the many future scenarios of this superpower which operates in the shadows? How do they tick in the most highly populated country in the world? What are their aims and how does the indigenous population think? What types of developments are they making and where are their strengths and weaknesses?
Make up your own mind about this aspiring world power by understanding the figures and facts behind this expanding economy. In order to make yourself a comprehensive picture about the current export world champions, it is necessary to take into consideration their history, politics, education systems, economy and their military.
In this book you will get a glimpse of all of the aspects that make China what it is today. It is only when you look at everything together that you can begin to understand China, the country and its aims.
About the Author of this book, Hermann Rupold:
Ever since he completed his studies in political science, more than 25 years ago, he has been interested in the marginal subjects revolving around politics, society and history. As a teacher, he likes to share his knowledge with his students, but is also able to reach a much wider range of people through his various publications.
In his books he concentrates mainly on the effects such subjects have on various sections of society but which are largely unknown. All of his publications are based not only on general scientific research but also encompass his own very personal experiences and knowledge.
Read the fascinating background information and knowledge about the “middle realm” and you will discover a whole new side of the superpower of the east.
Get your copy of this book today and discover…
- … how the country became a global superpower,
- … how this enormous empire is structured and how it works,
- … what to expect from China in the next few years.
Content of this book:
- About the author
- Preface
- The History of China
- The Current Political System in China
- The Education System in China
- China’s Economy
- China’s Military Forces
- Conclusion
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Death, Disease & Dissection: The Life of a Surgeon-Apothecary 1750–1850
“A deep dive into the education and lives of a medical professional’s life over the span of 100 years . . . A good addition to any medical historian’s library” (The Lazy Historian).
Imagine performing surgery on a patient without anesthetic or administering medicine that could kill or cure. Welcome to the world of the surgeon-apothecary.
During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, significant changes occurred in medicine. New treatments were developed and medical training improved. Yet, with doctors’ fees out of the reach of ordinary people, most relied on the advice of their local apothecary, among them, the poet John Keats, who worked at Guy’s Hospital in London. These men were the general practitioners of their time, making up pills and potions for everything from toothache to childbirth.
Death, Disease & Dissection examines the vital role these men played within their communities, their training, the treatments they offered, the quacks, and the shocking sights and sounds in hospitals and operating theaters of the time. Suzie Grogan transports readers through 100 years of medical history, exploring the impact of illness and death and bringing the experiences of the surgeon-apothecary vividly to life.
“I think the author has done a wonderful job of researching the topic and presenting the history of the profession, and biographical information on some of the most influential Surgeon-Apothecaries of the period. . . . This book is well organized and full of fascinating information on the topic.” —A Line from a BookRead more
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The Greatest Battles of World War II: A World at War:World War II Battles that Shaped the Course of History
Harrowing stories of Auschwitz, Pearl Harbor, and D-Day continue to live on, but this unbridled look at The Greatest Battles of World War II explores the lesser-known monstrosities unlike other World War II books.
WWII did more than just change the fate of world history—in just six years, every corner of the globe became involved in some of the most violent crimes against humanity to ever occur.
From the Battle of Stalingrad to the Battle of Midway, each of the World War 2 battles directly influenced the trajectory of the war and the world as we know it.
The strength of every country’s military, intelligence, and political powers were put to the test in a war that gruesomely claimed an estimated 60 million lives, including casualties.
Whether you have a great fascination for history, or you’re just looking to uncover new facts, The Greatest Battles of World War II paints a picture of the key battles of World War 2 and the impact of each on the course of the war and future of global affairs.
Despite the relatively short war, there are mountains of heinous yet hugely impactful events that took place—battles to war crimes alike.
You may already know about the evils of concentration camps and terrible murders of innocent people. Now, it’s time to take a look at what the history books may not have taught you.
Inside The Greatest Battles of World War II, you will discover:
- every major event and battle from the invasion of Poland and Dunkirk to Operation Overlord and the fateful day of June 6, 1944, when Nazi efforts all came crashing down.
- the intricately planned military and intelligence efforts on the part of the US and its allies, which were key to the victory and end of the war.
- what the fate of the war might have been if these battles had gone differently, and how even the minutest details enabled the takedown of Hitler and the Nazi Party.
- how each and every event contributed to the drawn-out war, the eventual victory of the Allied Powers, and their far-reaching impact on the world, politics, and modern history.
…plus key facts of every battle and military move for a well-rounded WWII education without the distracting and unnecessary details.
The impact that World War II had on global military affairs, international politics, and national security is everlasting, and the battles of World War II played a crucial role in its influence.
If you’re ready to discover World War II with clear detail and unfiltered historical accuracy, then this book is written specifically for you.
Uncover the raw truth of The Greatest Battles of World War II and learn the full story!
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The Twelve Dels of Christmas: My Festive Tales from Life and Only Fools
“What a brilliant Christmas gift” Chris Moyles
“Like sitting down by the fire with [Sir David] and hearing your stories … Full of surprises” Lorraine Kelly
Think of this memoir as a Christmas special in book form, from someone who has been involved in a few of those and understands a bit about the concept. But a Christmas special very much like Only Fools and Horses, in the sense that the stories will be always heading outwards, ranging far and wide and well beyond the traditional festive gags involving giblets left in turkeys.
As I sift through various festive-related episodes in my career, loosening the ribbons, parting the wrapping paper, I’ll be doing my best to reach any relevant conclusions about life, work and the meaning of it all that I can usefully pass on to you – baubles of wisdom if you like. Or certainly baubles. You’ll learn why I have the perfect face to play Scrooge. And if you’re lucky I’ll also share what it’s like to fly in a helicopter with my old mucker Tom Cruise. Merry Christmas, you plonkers.
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Empire of the Deep: The Rise and Fall of the British Navy
The bestselling complete history of the British Navy – our national story through a different prism.
The story of our navy is nothing less than the story of Britain, our culture and our empire. Much more than a parade of admirals and their battles, this is the story of how an insignificant island nation conquered the world’s oceans to become its greatest trading empire. Yet, as Ben Wilson shows, there was nothing inevitable about this rise to maritime domination, nor was it ever an easy path.
EMPIRE OF THE DEEP: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE BRITISH NAVY also reveals how our naval history has shaped us in more subtle and surprising ways – our language, culture, politics and national character all owe a great debt to this conquest of the seas. This is a gripping, fresh take on our national story.
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GCSE History Edexcel Topic Guide – Early Elizabethan England, 1558-1588: for the 2024 and 2025 exams (CGP Edexcel GCSE History)
Perfect for achieving the best grades in 2024 and 2025. From CGP ― the GCSE experts!
For unbeatable Edexcel 9-1 GCSE History exam prep don’t miss CGP’s Topic Guide covering Early Elizabethan England (1558-1588). It’s packed with crystal-clear revision notes, heaps of activities and exam-style questions (with answers) for students to test their understanding of the topic and the skills they’ll need for the British Depth Study section of the exam. Our handy worked answers and advice mean students can walk into the exam feeling confident they know what good answers look like. Plus there are exam tips throughout the book.
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The Time Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century (Ian Mortimer’s Time Traveller’s Guides)
Discover an original, entertaining and illuminating guide to a completely different world: England in the Middle Ages.
Imagine you could travel back to the fourteenth century. What would you see, and hear, and smell? Where would you stay? What are you going to eat? And how are you going to test to see if you are going down with the plague?
In The Time Traveller’s Guide Ian Mortimer’s radical new approach turns our entire understanding of history upside down. History is not just something to be studied; it is also something to be lived, whether that’s the life of a peasant or a lord. The result is perhaps the most astonishing history book you are ever likely to read; as revolutionary as it is informative, as entertaining as it is startling.
‘Ian Mortimer is the most remarkable medieval historian of our time’ The Times
‘After The Canterbury Tales this has to be the most entertaining book ever written about the middle ages’ Guardian
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A Short History of England: Simon Jenkins
From the invaders of the dark ages to the aftermath of the coalition, one of Britain’s most respected journalists, Simon Jenkins, weaves together a strong narrative with all the most important and interesting dates in a book that characteristically is as stylish as it is authoritative.
A Short History of England sheds light on all the key individuals and events, bringing them together in an enlightening and engaging account of the country’s birth, rise to global prominence and then partial eclipse.There have been long synoptic histories of England but until now there has been no standard short work covering all significant events, themes and individuals.
Now updated to take in the rapid progress of recent events and beautifully illustrated, this magisterial history will be the standard work for years to come.
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£4.70£9.50A Short History of England: Simon Jenkins
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Empires of the Normans: Makers of Europe, Conquerors of Asia
‘Powerful’ The Economist
‘Fascinating, panoramic . . . Roach brings an expert eye and page-turning energy’ Helen Castor, bestselling author of She Wolves
‘Narrated with pace, clarity, authority and style, Roach’s book is a bracing tour of the world that the Normans made their own’ Thomas Williams, bestselling author of Viking Britain
‘A fresh retelling . . . written with enthusiasm and brio’ Marc Morris, bestselling author of The Anglo-Saxons
How did descendants of Viking marauders come to dominate Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle East?
It is a tale of ambitious adventures and fierce freebooters, of fortunes made and fortunes lost. The Normans made their influence felt across all of western Europe and the Mediterranean, from the British Isles to North Africa, and Lisbon to the Holy Land. In Empires of the Normans we discover how they combined military might and political savvy with deeply held religious beliefs and a profound sense of their own destiny. For a century and a half, they remade Europe in their own image, and yet their heritage was quickly forgotten – until now.
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On the Road to Victory: The Rise of Motor Transport with the BEF on the Western Front
The story of a revolution in moving troops and supplies: “A rare gem that will fill a gap in your World War I library. Highly recommended.” —Indy Squadron DispatchThe Great War produced many innovations, in particular the spectacular development by the British and French armies of motor transport.
The age-old problem of moving soldiers and their supplies was no different in 1914 than it had been some 2,400 years ago, when the great Chinese military thinker Sun Tzu informed his readers that the further an army marched into enemy territory, the more the cost of transport increased, even to the point that more supplies were consumed by the transportation of men and their horses than was delivered to the troops.
Using many previously unpublished illustrations, including artists’ impressions, this book tells the story of the men and women who made motor transport work for the victorious British Army on the Western Front, so that in 1918, the humble lorry did indeed help propel the British Army forward on the road to victory.
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Early Ships and Seafaring: Water Transport Beyond Europe
In this volume Professor Sen McGrail introduces the reader to a relatively new branch of Archaeology the study of water transport how early rafts, boats and ships were built and used. Concepts, such as boatbuilding traditions, ship stability and navigation without instruments, are first described. Archaeological research is then discussed, including sea levels in earlier times, how to distinguish the vestigial remains of a cargo vessel from those of a fighting craft; and the difference between a boat and a ship.Chapters 2 and 3, the heart of the text, deal with the early water transport of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Europe, from the Stone Age to Medieval times. Each chapter includes a description of the region’s maritime geography and an exposition of its boat-building traditions. The third element is a discussion of the propulsion, the steering and the navigation of these early vessels.The sparse, often jumbled, remains of excavated vessels have to be interpreted, a process that is assisted by consideration of early descriptions and illustrations. Studies of the way traditional builders of wooden boats ply their trade today are also a great help. Experimental boat archaeology is still at an early stage but, when undertaken rigorously, it can reveal aspects of the vessel’s capabilities. Such information is used in this volume to further our understanding of data from boat and ship excavations, and to present as coherent, comprehensive and accurate a picture as is now possible, of early European boatbuilding and use.Read more
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Revise Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History: Superpower Relations and the Cold War Revision Cards (with free online Revision Guide and Workbook): For 2024 and … and exams (Revise…
Exam Board: Edexcel
Level & Subject: GCSE History
First teaching: September 2016 First exams: June 2018REVISE Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History: Superpower Relations and the Cold War Revision Cards are perfect for students who want to turbocharge their revision time! Each pack includes access to a FREE online edition of the REVISE Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History: Superpower Relations and the Cold War Revision Guide and contains:
- 30 Revision Cards and three organising dividers (with a handy ‘how to use’ guide)
- Multiple choice questions and answers
- Worked examples
- Topic summaries and key facts to remember
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The German Invasions of France during the World Wars: The History of Germany’s Campaigns in World War I and World War II
World War I, also known in its time as the “Great War” or the “War to End all Wars”, was an unprecedented holocaust in terms of its sheer scale. Fought by men who hailed from all corners of the globe, it saw millions of soldiers do battle in brutal assaults of attrition which dragged on for months with little to no respite. Tens of millions of artillery shells and untold hundreds of millions of rifle and machine gun bullets were fired in a conflict that demonstrated man’s capacity to kill each other on a heretofore unprecedented scale, and as always, such a war brought about technological innovation at a rate that made the boom of the Industrial Revolution seem stagnant. The enduring image of World War I is of men stuck in muddy trenches, and of vast armies deadlocked in a fight neither could win. It was a war of barbed wire, poison gas, and horrific losses as officers led their troops on mass charges across No Man’s Land and into a hail of bullets.If trench warfare was an inevitability during the war, it is only because the events leading up to the First Battle of the Marne were quite different. The armies at the beginning of the war moved quickly through the land, but the First Battle of the Marne devolved into a bloody pitched battle that led to the construction of trenches after the Germans retreated, blocked in their pursuit of Paris. When the aftermath disintegrated into a war between trenches, some Germans thought they had the upper hand since they were occupying French territory, but with fewer soldiers than the combined Allied nations and fewer resources and supplies, it was possibly only a matter of time before they were ultimately defeated. The commander of the German armies, General Helmuth von Moltke, allegedly said to Kaiser Wilhelm II immediately after the First Battle of the Marne, “Your Majesty, we have lost the war.” Winston Churchill himself would later reference that anecdote, writing, “Whether General von Moltke actually said to the Emperor, ‘Majesty, we have lost the war,’ we do not know. We know anyhow that with a prescience greater in political than in military affairs, he wrote to his wife on the night of the 9th, ‘Things have not gone well. The fighting east of Paris has not gone in our favour, and we shall have to pay for the damage we have done.’”
One of the most famous people in the world came to tour the city of Paris for the first time on June 28, 1940. Over the next three hours, he rode through the city’s streets, stopping to tour L’Opéra Paris. He rode down the Champs-Élysées toward the Trocadero and the Eiffel Tower, where he had his picture taken. After passing through the Arc de Triomphe, he toured the Pantheon and old medieval churches, though he did not manage to see the Louvre or the Palace of Justice. Heading back to the airport, he told his staff, “It was the dream of my life to be permitted to see Paris. I cannot say how happy I am to have that dream fulfilled today.” Four years after his tour, Adolf Hitler would order the city’s garrison commander, General Dietrich von Choltitz, to destroy Paris, warning his subordinate that the city “must not fall into the enemy’s hand except lying in complete debris.”
Of course, Paris was not destroyed before the Allies liberated it, but it would take more than four years for them to wrest control of France from Nazi Germany after they took the country by storm in about a month in 1940. That said, it’s widely overlooked today given how history played out that as the power of Nazi Germany grew alarmingly during the 1930s, the French sought means to defend their territory against the rising menace of the Thousand-Year Reich. As architects of the most punitive measures in the Treaty of Versailles following World War I, France was a natural target for Teutonic retribution, so the Maginot Line, a series of interconnected strongpoints and fortifications running along much of France’s eastern border.
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My Revision Notes: Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91 (Hodder GCSE History for Edexcel)
Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel
Level: GCSE
Subject: History
First teaching: September 2016
First exams: Summer 2018Endorsed for Edexcel
Target success in Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History with this proven formula for effective, structured revision.
Key content coverage is combined with exam-style questions, revision tasks and practical tips to create a revision guide that students can rely on to review, strengthen and test their knowledge.
With My Revision Notes every student can:
> Plan and manage a successful revision programme using the topic-by-topic planner
> Enjoy an interactive approach to revision, with clear topic summaries that consolidate knowledge and related activities that put the content into context
> Build, practise and enhance exam skills by progressing through activities set at different levels
> Improve exam technique through exam-style questions and model answers with commentary from expert authors and teachers
> Get exam ready with extra quick quizzes and answers to the activities available online
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The Napoleonic Wars (1805 – 1815)
The Napoleonic Wars (1805 – 1815) were an epoch of unprecedented upheaval and destruction that reshaped the landscape of the history of ancient France and the broader European continent. In this comprehensive book, we embark on a captivating journey through this tumultuous decade, offering a detailed exploration of the triumphs and tragedies that marked Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign as the self-crowned Emperor of the French.
From the brilliance of Napoleon’s early victories, including his masterpiece at Austerlitz in 1805 and the smashing of Prussia at Jena in 1806, to the catastrophic invasion of Russia in 1812 and the bloodiest day at Borodino, we traverse the peaks and valleys of his fortunes. This narrative takes us through the horrors of the French occupation of Spain and Portugal, the great struggles of 1813, and Napoleon’s doomed defense of Paris in 1814. Along this historical voyage, we encounter moments of military genius and fatal blunders that left an indelible mark on the history of ancient France.
The climax of this narrative occurs in 1815, where we bear witness to history’s most renowned generals meeting on the battlefield for the first and only time: Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French, and the Duke of Wellington. The epic and brutal Battle of Waterloo unfolds, ultimately determining the fate of Europe.
This book provides a comprehensive chronicle of the entire span of the Napoleonic Wars, from the zenith of Napoleon’s power in 1805 to his final defeat at Waterloo in 1815. It is a compelling journey through one of the most captivating and tumultuous periods in history, interwoven with the grand campaigns, dramatic battles, and the rise and fall of an extraordinary leader, all set against the backdrop of the history of ancient France.
Order your copy now!
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No More Secrets: My part in codebreaking at Bletchley Park and the Pentagon
‘Engaging’ Daily Telegraph
The true and extraordinary story of one of the last surviving women to have worked in codebreaking at both Bletchley Park and the Pentagon.
Born one hundred years ago, Betty Webb MBE, LOH (Legion of Honour) has had a ringside seat to history. After graduating from school, she faced the usual limited opportunities for employment on offer to women at the time. However, with the war in full swing, fate intervened and in 1941, wanting to play her part in the war effort, Betty joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (Women’s Army).
After being interviewed by an intelligence officer, she found herself at Euston station with her kit-bag, a travel warrant in her pocket and instructions to get off the train at Bletchley Park.
Between 1941 and 1945 Betty played a vital role in the top-secret efforts being made to decipher the secret communications of the Germans and later the Japanese. In 1945, as other members of the forces returned home from the war in Europe, she was sent to the Pentagon and was in Washington DC when the atomic bombs fell and when Eisenhower announced the end of the war.
Betty was unable to reveal the true nature of her work, even to her parents, until years later. In this fascinating book, she revisits the key moments of her life and recounts the incredible stories from her time at Bletchley Park.
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The Elite Few: A History of the UK Royal Marines
“The Elite Few: A History of the UK Royal Marines” is a book that traces the history of the Royal Marines from their origins in the 17th century to the present day. Written by Marc Ferrari, the book covers the Royal Marines’ role in major conflicts, such as the Battle of Trafalgar, the Falklands War, and the Gulf War, as well as their involvement in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions around the world.
The book also explores the Royal Marines’ unique training and selection process, including the grueling Commando Course and the Special Boat Service selection. It delves into the various roles and units within the Royal Marines, from the Commandos to the Band Service, and examines their traditions, mottos, and insignia.
“The Elite Few” provides a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most elite military forces. It highlights the courage, determination, and unselfishness that are the core values of the Royal Marines, and how they have earned their reputation as one of the toughest fighting forces in the world.
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BLM: Notebook, Black-Lives-Matter, Movement, Unity, Solidarity, Strength, Raised Fist, 120 lined pages, Large sized 8.5″ x 11″, Civil Rights, Show Support, Journal for work or…
Symbolic of what is important today, right now. Show your support and pride for BLM. This is a peaceful way to show everyone around you where you stand. This notebook can be used at home, in your office, business, school or anywhere you want to write, create, take notes, make lists or reminders. Stand in the gap and be on the right side of history.Read more
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A History of Central Asia (‘In Brief’ Books for Busy People)
For most of its history, Central Asia has been ruled by powerful dynasties, fallen under the vassalage of neighbouring empires or been invaded by foreign powers. Only the more remote, inaccessible tribal areas have maintained a degree of independence. However, since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, five distinct independent nation states have emerged that are now generally referred to as ‘Central Asia’, namely Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Regardless of who has been in power over the centuries, the one constant has been the significance of the land bridge that straddles the region connecting Europe and Asia, otherwise known as the Silk Road, or Roads. In ancient times, silks and spices travelled westwards, while furs, wools and precious metals took an eastward route. Consequently, those who controlled the trade-route accrued immense wealth and built great cities such as ancient Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
The ancient Silk Road is now being revitalised. But rather than silks and spices, today the commodities being transported include natural gas, oil, minerals and communication systems.
This book tells the story of conquest and invasion, of empire building and colonialism. The earlier chapters include the great Persian/Iranian Empires, such as the Achaemenids, the Sassanids and the Safavids, as well as the exploits of Alexander the Great. Further chapters cover the Turkic migrations, arrival of Islam and the invasion of the Mongols. The final chapters tell of the conflict between the imperial powers of Russia and Britain, which was an event known as the Great Game. The 20th Century period of Soviet rule in Central Asia marks the final chapter and the book concludes with an Epilogue that brings the reader up to current events.
As with other books in the ‘In Brief’ series, this book is aimed at the general reader who wants to understand a particular historical topic but does not have the time or inclination to read a heavy academic tome. With this mind, footnotes have been omitted.While there will inevitably be gaps in a book of this size, the intention is to cover the most significant events that moulded Central Asia’s history. Should the reader be inspired to further reading on the subject, a small selection of the main works that have been consulted is provided at the end.
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A Brief History of the Dynasties of China (Brief History) (Brief Histories)
Although China’s great empire lasted for longer than any other, no country has suffered so great an imbalance between the fame of its art and obscurity of its history. The names of the great dynasties are familiar, yet who can actually locate a T’ang horse or a Ming vase in its social or cultural context?
By focusing on the key colourful characters of the eight major dynasties, Bamber Gascoigne brings to life 3500 years of Chinese civilization. His bird’s-eye view starts on the borders of myth. It moves swiftly on to the greatest achievements of language and thought, the cultural treasures and imperial palaces, wars won and lands lost to the Mongols, finally to arrive at the 1912 Revolution, which contained within it the seeds of Communism that ensured the overthrow of the last emperor. Via this portrait of an empire and its peoples he has opened the door to a world for too long inaccessible to the West.
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The Tommy of the First World War
‘Tommy Atkins’ has been the nickname given to soldiers of the British Army since the eighteenth century. The origin of the name is shrouded in mystery, but it has stuck. By 1914, the Tommy had changed dramatically since the days of Queen Victoria’s redcoats. Edwardian army reforms had improved recruitment and training and had re-organised the regular forces and reserves.When the First World War broke out, the system went smoothly into action and the BEF was carried across the Channel to France. But the British Army was relatively small and the First World War required a rapid expansion of the ranks. Lord Kitchener’s call for men raised the so-called New Army, half a million strong, but more were needed and conscription came into force. Many of those who volunteered together were also trained together and fought side by side in battle. In the fire of machine guns and amid the shell-fire, large numbers of men from city parishes, towns and villages fell together. Neil Storey takes us through the recruitment, equipment, training and experiences of these soldiers in the First World War: the Tommies, ‘the poor bloody infantry’.
This book is part of the Britain’s Heritage series, which provides definitive introductions to the riches of Britain’s past, and is the perfect way to get acquainted with the Tommy of the First World War.
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The History of Gambling in England
This is a history of different types of gambling over the centuries in England, from cards to horse races. From the intro: “Gaming is derived from the Saxon word Gamen, meaning joy, pleasure, sports, or gaming—and is so interpreted by Bailey, in his Dictionary of 1736; whilst Johnson gives Gamble—to play extravagantly for money, and this distinction is to be borne in mind in the perusal of this book; although the older term was in use until the invention of the later—as we see in Cotton’s Compleat Gamester (1674), in which he gives the following excellent definition of the word:—“Gaming is an enchanting witchery, gotten between Idleness and Avarice: an itching disease, that makes some scratch the head, whilst others, as if they were bitten by a Tarantula, are laughing themselves to death; or, lastly, it is a paralytical distemper, which, seizing the arm, the man cannot chuse but shake his elbow. It hath this ill property above all other Vices, that it renders a man incapable of prosecuting any serious action, and makes him always unsatisfied with his own condition; he is either lifted up to the top of mad joy with success, or plung’d to the bottom of despair by misfortune, always in extreams, always in a storm; this minute the Gamester’s countenance is so serene and calm, that one would think nothing could disturb it, and the next minute, so stormy and tempestuous that it threatens destruction to itself and others; and, as he is transported with joy when he wins, so, losing, is he tost upon the billows of a high swelling passion, till he hath lost sight, both of sense and reason.” Gambling, as distinguished from Gaming, or playing, I take to mean an indulgence in those games, or exercises, in which chance assumes a more important character; and my object is to draw attention to the fact, that the money motive increases, as chance predominates over skill. It is taken up as a quicker road to wealth than by pursuing honest industry, and everyone engaged in it, be it dabbling on the Stock Exchange, Betting on Horse Racing, or otherwise, hopes to win, for it is clear that if he knew he should lose, no fool would embark in it. The direct appropriation of other people’s property to one’s own use, is, undoubtedly, the more simple, but it has the disadvantage of being both vulgar and dangerous; so we either appropriate our neighbour’s goods, or he does ours, by gambling with him, for it is certain that if one gains, the other loses. The winner is not reverenced, and the loser is not pitied. But it is a disease that is most contagious, and if a man is known to have made a lucky coup, say, on the Stock Exchange, hundreds rush in to follow his example, as they would were a successful gold field discovered—the warning of those that perish by the way is unheeded.”Read more
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Who is Mahdi: The Complete History of Imam Mahdi According to the Quran and Sunnah: 3 (Learn More about Islam)
How is the Imam Mahdi
This Book presents the complete history of Imam Mahdi according to the Quran and Sunna.Read more
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Frontline: A Soldier’s Story (War in Afghanistan)
Frontline, is the story of a single soldier out of the many thousands of soldiers fresh out of school or college who joined the British Army and found themselves within a few months of completing basic training. Being deployed to Afghanistan fighting for their lives. These modern-day heroes risked their lives on a daily basis to help bring peace to a troubled country.Imagine being 18 and sent to a foreign country with 40-degree heat, an environment that is dusty and areas that are quite inhospitable with a primeval beauty. Every step on a dusty track could be your last as your eyes strain to catch a glimpse of an IED before it is too late, just before the rounds start impacting in the dirt all around you.
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The History of Sri Lanka: From Sigiriya to Serendipity
Discover the amazing story of Sri Lanka, an island nation renowned for its vibrant culture, rich heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. In “The History of Sri Lanka,” embark on a captivating journey through the ages, exploring the ancient civilizations, colonial encounters, and the country’s path towards modernity.
Delve into the enchanting origins of Sri Lanka, unearthing the myths, legends, and ancient settlements that shaped its early history. Experience the majesty of Sigiriya, the rock fortress of King Kasyapa, and marvel at the architectural wonders of Anuradhapura, the glorious capital of the Sinhalese kingdom.
Uncover the transformative influence of Emperor Ashoka and the arrival of Buddhism, which left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan society and culture. Witness the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms, the encounters with European colonizers, and the struggle for independence that shaped the country’s destiny.
Explore the diverse facets of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, from the golden age of Sinhalese literature to the revitalization of traditional arts and crafts. Immerse yourself in the country’s culinary delights, a fusion of flavors that tantalize the taste buds and reflect the cultural diversity of the island.
Uncover the economic development and global integration that have propelled Sri Lanka into the modern era. From trade and tourism to infrastructure development and technological innovation, witness the country’s journey towards prosperity and its growing role on the global stage.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a traveler seeking to deepen your understanding of Sri Lanka, this book is a must-read. It will transport you to a world of ancient wonders, colonial encounters, and modern aspirations, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the beauty and complexities of Sri Lanka.
Indulge in the pages of “The History of Sri Lanka” and embark on a journey that will captivate your imagination, broaden your horizons, and deepen your appreciation for this remarkable island nation.Read more
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The Royal Marines: 1664 to the present: History of the Royal Marines 1664-2000
A unique Corps, recruited as soldiers but trained to serve at sea, the Royal Marines are the recognized experts in amphibious warfare, possessors of an invaluable combination of military and naval skills. Despite their ability to survive the most hostile environments, however, the institutional survival of the Royal Marines has often been in doubt. Their curious existence, between land and sea services, has placed them in danger of disbandment by those anxious to cut defence costs. They have survived by their willingness to undertake almost any job – as the first garrison of Australia, ship’s butchers, immaculate naval bandsmen – and do it better than anyone else. Always at the forefront, they trained as fusiliers, with flintlock muskets when other infantry still carried matchlocks. Marines made the first heli-borne assault at Suez in 1956 and in the 1960s switched overnight from jungle warfare to duty in Arctic waters.
This absorbing book, revealing the story behind the Marines’ historical fortitude and gallantry, is published to tie in with the bi-centenary of the service receiving the distinction ‘Royal’, and with the twentieth anniversary of the Falklands War.
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Zulu
Saul David’s Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 is a fascinating look at the most controversial and brutal British imperial conflict of the nineteenth century.
The real story of the Anglo-Zulu war was one of deception, dishonour, incompetence and dereliction of duty by Lord Chelmsford who invaded Zululand without the knowledge of the British Government. But it did not go to plan and there were many political repercussions. Using new material from archives in Britain and South Africa, Saul David blows the lid on this most sordid of imperial wars and comes to a number of startling new conclusions.
‘Saul David’s brilliant and magisterial account must now be regarded as the definitive history of the Zulu War’ Frank McLynn, Literary Review
‘This meticulously detailed book…give[s] a fully rounded and judicious account of this dismal conflict Guardian
‘Fascinating, thrilling, convincing… reads like a novel’ Economist
Saul David is Professor of War Studies at the University of Buckingham and the author of several critically acclaimed history books, including The Indian Mutiny: 1857 (shortlisted for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature), Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 (a Waterstone’s Military History Book of the Year) and, most recently, Victoria’s Wars: The Rise of Empire.
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£5.40£12.30Zulu
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Killers of the Flower Moon: Oil, Money, Murder and the Birth of the FBI
WINNER OF THE EDGAR AWARD FOR BEST FACT CRIME
SHORTLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN NON-FICTION
SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA ALCS GOLD DAGGER FOR NON-FICTION
**SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE DIRECTED BY MARTIN SCORSESE STARRING LEONARDO DICAPRIO AND ROBERT DE NIRO**‘A riveting true story of greed, serial murder and racial injustice’ JON KRAKAUER
‘A fiercely entertaining mystery story and a wrenching exploration of evil’ KATE ATKINSON
‘A fascinating account of a tragic and forgotten chapter in the history of the American West’ JOHN GRISHAMFrom the bestselling author of The Lost City of Z, now a major film starring Charlie Hunnam, Sienna Miller and Robert Pattison, and the Number One international bestseller The Wager, comes a true-life murder story which became one of the FBI’s first major homicide investigations.
In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Indian nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, they rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions and sent their children to study in Europe.
Then, one by one, the Osage began to be killed off. As the death toll climbed, the FBI took up the case. But the bureau badly bungled the investigation. In desperation, its young director, J. Edgar Hoover, turned to a former Texas Ranger named Tom White to unravel the mystery. Together with the Osage he and his undercover team began to expose one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history.
‘David Grann has a razor-keen instinct for suspense’ LOUISE ERDRICHRead more
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GCSE Edexcel History: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941-91 (Oxford Revise: History)
Oxford Revise Edexcel GCSE History: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941-91 is a complete revision and practice book covering the full topic specification.Revise everything you need to know for this choice of period topic in the GCSE Edexcel History exam, from early tension between East and West to the collapse of the USSR. Each development or crisis is clearly covered.
By working through the Knowledge – Retrieval – Practice sections, you will be using proven ways to revise, check and recall so that what you revise sticks in your memory.
Knowledge Organisers arrange the information you need to revise helping you to make connections with what you already know. Timelines and charts are used so that key information is presented in a meaningful way. An online glossary helps you to learn the definitions to key terms.
Use Retrieval questions to check that you have remembered what you have just revised before moving on to the exam practice. Regular retrieval questions help to combat the forgetting curve.
Finally, exam-style Practice questions give you loads of experience of the type of question you will face in your exam. This will strengthen your ability to recall and apply knowledge in their exams. All the answers to the practice questions as well as a helpful mark scheme are provided online.
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The Heart of Islam: Enduring Values for Humanity
As the specter of religious extremism has become a fact of life today, the temptation is great to allow the evil actions and perspectives of a minority to represent an entire tradition. In the case of Islam, there has been much recent confusion in the Western world centered on distorted portrayals of its core values. Born of ignorance, such confusion feeds the very problem at hand.
In The Heart of Islam one of the great intellectual figures in Islamic history offers a timely presentation of the core spiritual and social values of Islam: peace, compassion, social justice, and respect for the other. Seizing this unique moment in history to reflect on the essence of his tradition, Seyyed Hossein Nasr seeks to “open a spiritual and intellectual space for mutual understanding.” Exploring Islamic values in scripture, traditional sources, and history, he also shows their clear counterparts in the Jewish and Christian traditions, revealing the common ground of the Abrahamic faiths.
Nasr challenges members of the world’s civilizations to stop demonizing others while identifying themselves with pure goodness and to turn instead to a deeper understanding of those shared values that can solve the acute problems facing humanity today. “Muslims must ask themselves what went wrong within their own societies,” he writes, “but the West must also pose the same question about itself . . . whether we are Muslims, Jews, Christians, or even secularists, whether we live in the Islamic world or in the West, we are in need of meaning in our lives, of ethical norms to guide our actions, of a vision that would allow us to live at peace with each other and with the rest of God’s creation.” Such help, he believes, lies at the heart of every religion and can lead the followers of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) as well as other religious and spiritual traditions to a new future of mutual respect and common global purpose.
The Heart of Islam is a landmark presentation of enduring value that offers hope to humanity, and a compelling portrait of the beauty and appeal of the faith of 1.2 billion people.
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Fred Dibnah’s Victorian Heroes
Fred Dibnah was a man born out of his time. His era should have been the ‘magnificent age of British engineering’ – the nineteenth century – and his heroes were the great industrial engineers of the period whose prolific innovations and dedicated work ethic inspired a national mood of optimism and captured the hearts of the British public.
Fred Dibnah’s Victorian Heroes tells the stories of some of these men – including George and Robert Stephenson, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Joseph Whitworth – and what it was that made them such inspirational figures to Fred. What were their backgrounds? Where did their drive and vision come from? What sort of people were they at work and at home? And what was their contribution to the history of industry and engineering?
Most of them – like Fred – were colourful, larger-than-life characters for whom no challenge was too great. Taking these fascinating characters as inspiration, Fred Dibnah’s Victorian Heroes gets to the very heart of what allowed nineteenth-century Britannia to rule the waves . . .
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The Palace Papers: The Sunday Times bestseller
WITH AN EXCLUSIVE NEW CHAPTER FOR THE PAPERBACK EDITION
The Amazon No.1 Bestseller
The Sunday Times BestsellerTHE ROYAL BOOK OF THE YEAR
_________________________________‘Eye-poppingly revealing. . . impeccable sources, historical heft and canny insights served up with a zingy wit. There are many royal biographers, but few as good as this. She turns gossip into the first draft of history.’ TELEGRAPH
From the Queen’s stoic resolve to the crisis of Meghan and Harry. From the ascendance of Camilla and Kate to the downfall of Andrew. Full of remarkable inside access, The Palace Papers by Sunday Times bestselling author Tina Brown will change how you understand the Royal Family.
‘Clever, well-informed and disgustingly entertaining’ THE TIMES
‘There are royal books, and there are royal books. But The Palace Papers is in a genre of its own’ RADIO TIMES
‘Jaw dropping! What a book . . . if you ever want to feel like a fly on the wall of any of the palaces, this is it.’
LORRAINE KELLY‘Brown’s prose has the swoosh of an enjoyably OTT ballgown’ FINANCIAL TIMES
‘The world’s sharpish and best-informed royal expert’ PIERS MORGAN
‘Riveting and rigorous’ PANDORA SYKES
‘A witty, rip-roaring read . . . full off perceptive and witty observations’ i Newspaper
‘A rollicking ride through recent royal family history . . . Tina Brown’s sparkling prose and eye for detail enliven an entertaining exposé’ OBSERVER
‘The most explosive royal book of the year’ THE SUN
‘Gloriously irreverent, racily written and often very funny. The early chapters on the long affair between Prince Charles and Camilla read like a non-fiction version of Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles’ NEW STATESMAN
‘A motherlode of delectable gossip . . . Brown has produced a work both scholarly and scandalous that makes us think about what the post-Elizabethan world may bring, alternately amusing and horrifying us along the way . . . vivid and richly-embroidered’ INDEPENDENT
‘The devil is in the delicious detail . . . Brown tackles her subjects with the same brio she brought to her years as a highly regarded magazine editor . . . Her access to those who flit around the royals gives her writing an edgy authenticity’ DAILY MAIL
‘Brown thrashes her way through absolutely everything that has happened to the family since the end of the last book in 1997 . . . Charles and Camilla are vividly brought to life in a series of well-researched stories and anecdotes’ SUNDAY TIMES
‘The Palace Papers is a sharp-nibbed observation of a generation of tumult for the House of Windsor, bookended by the deaths of Princess Diana and Prince Philip. It’s a story about media as much as monarchy, and it draws from almost every chapter in Brown’s career in journalism’ FINANCIAL TIMES
‘It’s hard to look away as Tina Brown delves into decades’ worth of royal scandals’ GUARDIAN
‘Utter brilliance . . . a rip-roaring read’ SCOTSMAN
‘A brilliant book. Tina Brown has inside knowledge and writes so well’ LADY ANNE GLENCONNER (author of Lady in Waiting)
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‘Never again’, became Queen Elizabeth II’s mantra shortly after Diana’s death. More specifically, there could never be ‘another Diana’ – a member of the family whose global popularity upstaged, outshone, and posed an existential threat to the British monarchy. Picking up where The Diana Chronicles left off, The Palace Papers reveals how the royal family reinvented itself after the traumatic years when Diana’s blazing celebrity ripped through the House of Windsor like a comet.
Tina Brown takes readers on a tour de force journey that shows the Queen’s stoic resolve as she coped with the passing of Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother and her partner for seven decades, Prince Philip, and triumphed in her Jubilee years even as the family dramas raged around her. She explores Prince Charles’s determination to make Camilla his queen, the tension between William and Harry who are on ‘different paths’, the ascendance Kate Middleton, the disturbing allegations surrounding Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, and Harry and Meghan’s stunning decision to ‘step back’ as senior royals. Despite the fragile monarchy’s best efforts, ‘never again’ seems fast approaching.
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£5.70£10.40The Palace Papers: The Sunday Times bestseller
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Rocket Propellants at the Royal Gunpowder Mills
South Site was a later addition to the Royal Gunpowder Factory purchased in 1887 for the production of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine and cordite. After the Second World War, it became a research establishment to develop propellants and explosives.
This book, discusses the research undertaken in P1 Branch where Bryan Howard worked from 1964 to until the site closure in 1989. However, it also mentions other activities within P1 and the other branches that Bryan was not personally involved in, giving a hint of the breadth of work carried out.
It has been compiled from Bryan’s notes made in the years following his retirement.Read more
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On Afghanistans Plains: The Story of Britains Afghan Wars
Britain’s military involvement in Afghanistan is a contentious subject, yet it is often forgotten that the current conflict is in fact the fourth in a string of such wars dating back more than 170 years. Aiming to protect British India from the expanding Russian empire, the British fought a series of conflicts on Afghan territory between 1838 and 1919. The Anglo-Afghan wars of the 19th and early 20th centuries were ill-conceived and led to some of the worst military disasters ever sustained by British forces in this part of the world, with poor strategy in the First Afghan War resulting in the annihilation of 16,000 soldiers and civilians in a single week. In his new book, Jules Stewart explores the potential danger of replaying Britain’s military catastrophes and considers what can be learnt from revisiting the story of these earlier Afghan wars.Read more
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GCSE Edexcel History Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–1991: Illustrated Revision and Practice (ClearRevise Edexcel GCSE History 1HI0)
Subject level: GCSE History
Exam board: Edexcel
A new generation of revision guides – from the experts at ClearRevise!
Do images help you learn?
This illustrated revision guide is perfectly matched to the GCSE Edexcel History 1HI0 Superpower relations and the Cold War specification.
Our content is expertly compiled by outstanding teachers, industry professionals and highly experienced examiners. All the key points have been clearly explained in PG Online’s signature style, and there are plenty of practice questions to check the content has really stuck. Even better, each page has been beautifully designed, so it even looks good too! It’s everything you need to be fully prepared ahead of the exam.
PG Online are multi-award-winning specialists with decades of teaching, examining and design experience.
Features:
- Over 200 marks worth of exam-style questions
- Answers provided for all questions with mark allocations
- Illustrated topics to improve memory and recall
- Specification references for every topic
- Handy, lightweight, book-bag size
- Examination tips and techniques
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Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History Workbook: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941-91
Exam board: Edexcel
Level: GCSE
Subject: History
First teaching: September 2016
First exams: Summer 2018Practise and perfect the knowledge and skills that students need to achieve their best grade in the Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History exams.
Packed full of consolidation activities and exam-style questions, this time-saving Workbook makes it easier to reinforce understanding throughout the course and prepare for examination.
– Apply, embed and recap knowledge using tried-and-tested consolidation activities that put the large amount of content into context
– Develop the exam skills required for the 9-1 examinations with a bank of practice questions that covers every question type and includes mark allocations to indicate how much time students should spend on an answer
– Help students identify their revision needs and understand how to improve their responses by consulting the online answers/answer guidance for each activity and question
– Use flexibly for homework or classwork, during the course or for revision and exam practice
– Feel confident about exam preparation, knowing that the activities and questions have been carefully created by a team of experienced examiners and practising teachers
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£5.70