The Hastings Hours


Book Description

The medieval Book of Hours was a richly decorated manual of private devotion comprised of a calendar of saints' days and eight short services in honor of the Virgin Mary. The Hastings Hours is one of the finest of these to have survived. Intimate in scale and richly decorated with miniatures from the life of Christ and of the saints, it was made in the Netherlands by expert craftsmen during the last quarter of the fifteenth century.In this beautifully illustrated introduction to the manuscript, twenty-five of the surviving thirty-two large miniatures are reproduced--close to their actual size--along with many decorative borders and details. An essay by Janet Backhouse explores this outstanding achievement of Renaissance Flemish illumination.




The Secret War


Book Description

"Monumental." --New York Times Book Review NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From one of the foremost historians of the period and the acclaimed author of Inferno and Catastrophe: 1914, The Secret War is a sweeping examination of one of the most important yet underexplored aspects of World War II—intelligence—showing how espionage successes and failures by the United States, Britain, Russia, Germany, and Japan influenced the course of the war and its final outcome. Spies, codes, and guerrillas played unprecedentedly critical roles in the Second World War, exploited by every nation in the struggle to gain secret knowledge of its foes, and to sow havoc behind the fronts. In The Secret War, Max Hastings presents a worldwide cast of characters and some extraordinary sagas of intelligence and resistance, to create a new perspective on the greatest conflict in history.




The Battle of Hastings


Book Description

A rousing historical narrative of the best-known and arguably most significant battle in English history. The effects of the Battle of Hastings were deeply felt at the time, causing a lasting shift in British cultural identity and national pride. Jim Bradbury explores the full military background of the battle and investigates both what actually happened on that fateful day in 1066 and the role that the battle plays in the British national myth. The Battle of Hastings starts by looking at the Normans—who they were, where they came from—and the career of William the Conqueror before 1066. Next, the narrative turns to the Saxons in England, and to Harold Godwineson, successor to Edward the Confessor, and his attempts to create unity in the divided kingdom. This provides the background to an examination of the military development of the two sides up to 1066, detailing differences in tactics, arms, and armor. The core of the book is a move-by-move reconstruction of the battle itself, including the advance planning, the site, the composition of the two armies, and the use of archers, feigned retreats, and the death of Harold Godwineson. In looking at the consequences of the battle, Jim Bradbury deals with the conquest of England and the ongoing resistance to the Normans. The effects of the conquest are also seen in the creation of castles and developments in feudalism, and in links with Normandy that revealed themselves particularly in church appointments. This is the first time a military historian has attempted to make accessible to the general reader all that is known about the Battle of Hastings and to present as detailed a reconstruction as is possible. Furthermore, the author places the battle in the military context of eleventh-century Europe, painting a vivid picture of the combatants themselves—soldiery, cavalry, and their horses—as they struggled for victory. This is a book that any reader interested in England’s history will find indispensable.




Soldiers: Great Stories of War and Peace


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‘A gripping new collection from Max Hastings that puts you at the heart of the battle ... Compelling’ Daily Mail‘An unmissable read’ Sunday Times




Vietnam: An Epic History of a Divisive War 1945-1975


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THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ‘His masterpiece’ Antony Beevor, Spectator ‘A masterful performance’ Sunday Times ‘By far the best book on the Vietnam War’ Gerald Degroot, The Times, Book of the Year




Report


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The Hastings Road and the "Happy Springs of Tunbridge"


Book Description

In Charles G. Harper's 'The Hastings Road and the 'Happy Springs of Tunbridge', readers are taken on an engaging journey through the historic Hastings Road and the renowned spa town of Tunbridge Wells. Harper's descriptive and detailed writing style transports readers back in time to the late 19th century, capturing the essence of the English countryside and its vibrant social scene. The book serves as both a travelogue and a social commentary, shedding light on the significance of these locations in British history and literature. Charles G. Harper, a prolific English writer and illustrator, demonstrates his expertise in both travel writing and historical research in this intriguing book. His passion for exploring the nooks and crannies of English towns and villages is evident throughout, making 'The Hastings Road and the 'Happy Springs of Tunbridge' a valuable addition to any reader's collection of travel literature. I highly recommend 'The Hastings Road and the 'Happy Springs of Tunbridge' to readers interested in British history, travel narratives, and the beauty of the English countryside. Harper's insightful observations and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone with a curiosity about the past and a love for picturesque landscapes.




Golden Hours


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Sessional Papers


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H.O. Pub


Book Description