What did people really believe in the Middle Ages? Much of our sense of the medieval period has come down to us from the writings of the learned: the abbots, priors, magnates, scholastic theologians, and others who between them, and across Christendom, controlled the machinery of church and state. For G. R. Evans too much emphasis has been placed on a governing elite and too little on those-the great mass of the semi-literate and illiterate, and the emergent middle classes-who stood outside the innermost circles of ecclesiastical power, privilege, and education. Her book finally gives proper...

In 1917 revolutionary fervour swept through Russia, ending centuries of imperial rule and instigating political and social changes that would lead to the formation of the Soviet Union. Arising out of proletariat discontent with the Tsarist autocracy and Lenin's proclaimed version of a Marxist ideology, the revolutionary period saw a complete overhaul of Russian politics and society and led directly to the ensuing civil war. The Soviet Union eventually became the world's first communist state and the events of 1917 proved to be one of the turning-points in world history, setting in motion a...

In 1917 revolutionary fervour swept through Russia, ending centuries of imperial rule and instigating political and social changes that would lead to the formation of the Soviet Union. Arising out of proletariat discontent with the Tsarist autocracy and Lenin's proclaimed version of a Marxist ideology, the revolutionary period saw a complete overhaul of Russian politics and society and led directly to the ensuing civil war. The Soviet Union eventually became the world's first communist state and the events of 1917 proved to be one of the turning-points in world history, setting in motion a...

The American Civil War (1861-65) remains a searing event in the consciousness of the United States. Melding social, cultural and military history, the author explores iconic battles like Shiloh, Chickamauga, Antietam and Gettysburg as well as the bitterly contesting forces underlying them.

Using archaeological insights and discoveries, the author describes the birth, growth and demise of ancient people, whose nemesis was the growing power of Rome. She discusses the mysterious Etruscan language; the 6th-century BCE growth of Etruscan cities and Mediterranean trade; and the fatal incorporation of Etruria into Rome's political orbit.

Of all civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean, it is perhaps the Etruscans who hold the greatest allure. This is because, unlike their Greek and Latin neighbours, the Etruscans left behind no textual sources. Using fresh archaeological insights and discoveries, the author describes the birth, growth and demise of this enigmatic ancient people.

Few island nations have stirred the soul like Cuba. From Hemingway's intoxicating Havana to Ry Cooder's Buena Vista Social Club, outsiders have persistently been fascinated by Cuba for its music (jazz to rumba), its rich literature, its art and dance (danzon to mambo) and perhaps above all for its bold experiment of a socialist revolution in action.

Antoni Kapcia shows how the thaw in relations between Cuba and the USA now makes a fresh appraisal of the country and its modern history essential. He authoritatively explores the "essence" of the Cuban revolution, revealing it to be a...

Few island nations have stirred the soul like Cuba. From Hemingway's intoxicating Havana to Ry Cooder's Buena Vista Social Club, outsiders have persistently been fascinated by Cuba for its music (jazz to rumba), its rich literature, its art and dance (danzon to mambo) and perhaps above all for its bold experiment of a socialist revolution in action.

Antoni Kapcia shows how the thaw in relations between Cuba and the USA now makes a fresh appraisal of the country and its modern history essential. He authoritatively explores the "essence" of the Cuban revolution, revealing it to be a...

The conflict that swept over France from 1337 to 1453 remains the longest military struggle in history.