When the winds of war blew for a second time the women of Britain answered the call. Many of the first to volunteer had served in World War I, and now they offered their services again, bringing their daughters with them. During World War II, women proved themselves indispensable to the war effort, serving in both military uniformed units abroad and in home front organizations through the darkest hours of the Blitz. Illustrated with contemporary black and white and some rare color photographs, documents and ephemera, this poignant and moving book tells the stories of these women in their own...

From gaslit city streets to dark wooded estates, crime was rife in Victorian Britain; through a wide array of historical court records, newspaper accounts and prison books, The Victorian Criminal gives a fascinating overview of those involved in it. Within these pages may be found accounts of petty criminals and poachers, baby farmers and notorious murderers, along with stories of the development of detective forces and forensic techniques. Countless novels, plays and films are testament to an enduring fascination with the dark aspects of the time and place that gave us Sherlock Holmes,...

Animals played an important part in helping the Allies win the First World War, well beyond cavalry horses that charged fields and hauled heavy guns, and included a variety of animals in different but essential service. Pigeons were trained to carry messages, dogs sniffed out wounded soldiers on battlefields, and camels were used for desert transport on the frontlines. Some animals acted as vital morale boosters and mascots like ships' cats even baby orangutans This book examines the jobs that these animals did, achieving heroic feats and simple acts of loyalty and companionship, all with...