The Traveller, Alexander and Stolen Revolution.

George Forster was a revolutionary figure who travelled to the furthest corners of the globe, questioning the prevailing beliefs of 18th-century Europe. He has, however, been largely erased from history.

This work re-establishes Forster as a preeminent visionary of his time, characterised by an exceptional intellect fuelled by insatiable curiosity and a profound conviction in equality and freedom.

From Europe to Tahiti, and drawing on extensive correspondence, much of which has not been published in English, Andrea Wulf, author of the acclaimed The Invention of Nature, illuminates the life of an extraordinary and passionate man who defied geographical, social, and institutional boundaries.

Our economy is flawed. The climate crisis is speeding up. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening. Governments cannot cope.

Mazzucato’s ground-breaking ideas lead to a fresh theory of the common good, one that emphasises collective action, participation, and reciprocity, empowering governments and businesses to proactively shape markets and generate value.

With her renowned expertise, the economist presents a “common good compass” as a means to radically alter our economic course. What emerged is a swift, in-depth reconceptualization of economics and a bold statement for an economy designed for people and the planet. 

For hundreds of years, historians have recounted the tale of Alexander, a man who rapidly ascended to kingship, heroism, and divinity. However, Alexander has remained an enigma.

 This remarkable new biography of Alexander the Great, penned with exceptional skill and vividness, relies on recent discoveries and the author’s translations of source material from twelve ancient languages.

In this scholarly and splendid work of non-fiction, Richardson escorts readers on a captivating voyage, stretching from the catacombs of Egypt to the rugged terrain of Afghanistan, and for the first time, we meet Alexander the man, not just the legend.

You can buy the 1976 original edition from our rare books catalogue.

The revolution of 1979, fuelled by Iranian dreams of social justice and political freedom, dismantled the Shah’s weak and repressive monarchy, paving the way for Ayatollah Khomeini’s theocratic fundamentalist rule.

Bozorgmehr Sharafedin and Yeganeh Torbati, through the entwined tales of six Iranians, shed a powerful new light on Iran’s recent past, capturing its harsh realities and steadfast hope. 

This book provides a fresh perspective on Iran, offering palpable insights into daily life within a contemporary authoritarian regime, along with an absorbing account of power and corruption, as well as the unyielding spirit of resistance.

How does modern physics show we are all connected in ways old science said were impossible?

Black shows that mystical traditions have influenced many prominent scientists, from Marie Curie to contemporary AI creators, in their pursuit of cosmic understanding. 

The author of The Secret History of the World has written a new, epic history exploring the connection between spiritual belief and modern science.

​The V1, the world’s first rocket-powered warhead, was Hitler’s idea to weaken British morale after the D-Day landings in June 1944. 

However, with the V1 launch sites now in Allied hands, a new and more frightening rocket, the V2, was set to strike London in mid-September. This weapon, a terrifying reality of Hitler’s regime, resulted in over 30,000 deaths.

Walters details the full scope of what SOE’s intelligence chiefs knew about this modern weapon and the Polish resistance’s operation, allowing Britain and its allies to get ready for the inevitable confrontation.

Son of a wealthy American conman, 24-year-old Jamison R. Firestone sought his fortune in Gorbachev’s USSR, establishing Russia’s first independent foreign law firm.

In a downward spiral, Jamison was caught in the chaos of Russia, involved in its most crucial events. An account of a first-hand witness in Russia’s metamorphosis under Yeltsin and Putin, this book is rich with fascinating personalities, criminal intrigues, and international political machinations.

Hilariously dark and terrifying, this work serves as a stark warning about the dangers of a budding democracy falling under the absolute control of a single corrupt leader.

Imagine if we could support nature in finding its equilibrium again.

The universe’s greatest changes, from the formation of galaxies to the development of life, are a result of subtle feedback loops where one species or natural element creates an environment conducive to others. 

Using advanced ecological research and current global projects, Professor Thomas Crowther illustrates the remarkable potential of natural feedback loops, underlining that our interconnected natural world is key to a brighter future.

A decade after his death, George Michael’s influence persists, cementing his reputation as a pioneering artist and a cultural icon who unapologetically challenged norms in his music and life. 

This magnificent piece serves as both a multifaceted portrayal of an adored British artist and a report of a turbulent chapter in British history.

The acclaimed author of Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera, delivers a captivating and unorthodox book, dissecting the relationship between music and politics and exposing how celebrity erodes one’s identity.

"An invaluable guide to queer literature. Both the avid reader and the newcomer will find riches and recommendations in these pages, which are studded with gems spanning from ancient times to the present day. Layla McCay is a brilliant guide through the galaxy of queer writing."

Seán Hewitt, author of Open, Heaven

In what ways can we reanimate old words?

Celebrated classicist, author, and translator Emily Wilson guides us through the meanings and messages of translators from ancient times to the present, suggesting a completely new perspective on her own Homeric translations.

Through a whimsical and engaging exploration of classical literature, this book examines its promise, potential, and perpetual renewal, drawing on examples ranging from the evolving portrayals of Helen of Troy to Athenian comedy and the novels of Han Kang. 

As with all of Wilson’s works, this is an absolute must-read.

Berlin, 1943. It’s a late summer afternoon, and a group of high-society anti-Nazi rebels are having a tea party.

In the darkness, these brave and principled rebels worked, rescuing Jews and planning for a Germany liberated from the Führer. But there’s a traitor among them who will hand them all over to the Gestapo.

With meticulous research and high engagement, this book delivers a gripping story of heroism and deception, a thriller in style despite its harrowing, true historical events.

Following the Taliban’s attack, Malala became renowned for her courage and resilience. Yet, far from the cameras and crowds, she struggled for years to fit in.

“Finding My Way” is an endearing and touching book, with a good dose of humour.

Malala details her transformation, moving from a high school recluse to a reckless college student, and ultimately to a young woman at ease with her past.

This book symbolises her return to the public eye, detailing her journey through life’s challenges when her deepest struggles seemed to overshadow her identity, all while striving to discover her authentic self and build her future.

​Following the 1929 Wall Street bull market crash, the world was shocked into the infamous Great Depression. 

Using previously unreleased documents, this book depicts the chaos of the conflict between Wall Street and Washington and the individuals whose ambition led to ruin. His prior book, Too Big to Fail, transformed the discourse on financial crises. 

Today, Sorkin provides a compelling narrative of the most significant market downturn in history, a story of manipulation, joy, destruction, and false beliefs whose effects linger today. Given the alarming parallels between this era’s extreme fluctuations and our present, this work is critically needed. 

At the beginning of human history, Homo Sapiens lived within egalitarian communities. 

But disparities in resources quickly led to imbalances of power and the formation of hierarchical systems. The world was shaped by colossal empires that eventually crumbled under the weight of growing inequality. Today, our world functions as one highly connected system, which means that a future decline would probably be global and irreversible.

Kemp provides a masterful narrative on how human society has evolved, coupled with an urgent warning that democracy is imperative for our survival.

"Gracefully and insightfully, Empire Without End demonstrates the profound interconnectedness of the contemporary world: the ways in which Britain was made, and the Caribbean unmade, and how politics and culture were profoundly shaped in very different societies. Anyone seeking to understand the upsurge of racial imperialism in our own time cannot afford to miss it."

​Pankaj Mishra, author of The World After Gaza

War and violence have had a greater impact on human institutions and economic development than anything else throughout history.

From the Viking Age to the war in Ukraine, Weldon’s captivating and remarkable book delves into the economics of conflict, studying how incentives and institutions have evolved. The toll of war is steep, encompassing lives and money. Yet, they have occasionally driven progress.

This book argues that by examining economic influences on warfare, from medieval weaponry to the effect of New World riches on Spain, we can better understand both war history and modern economics.

From the bestselling author of How to Read a Tree comes a magical literary work on understanding the signals of the natural world. 

Gooley guides readers through nature’s seasonal calendar and its concealed signs by indicating where to look. From unique cloud forms to hidden grass designs, mushrooms and fall aromas to winter skies, you’ll see the seasons differently.

Purely delightful, this book is both charming and informative.

We associate Orwell to a man of ‘Crucial Messages’ about the creeping spread of authoritarianism and the repercussions of omnipresent technology. We seldom see him as someone enmeshed in the ordinary affairs of life. Nevertheless, the ordinary permeates Orwell’s writings.

The principles that dictate our actions, according to Waddell, emerge from the mundane. From waking and showering to eating breakfast, Orwell remained keenly aware of the daily rhythms of life.

Utterly original in its architecture, this new biography of George Orwell, told through the anatomy of his everyday life, also explains how power and freedom are discernible in the details of each day.

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"Educational, smart and funny." 

Richard Osman, author of The Imposs!ble Fortune

"Brilliant. Fascinating. Hilarious." Jonn Elledge,author of A History of the World in 47 Borders

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