History
Here you will find all our history books; from Military, Biography, Personal History, Politics and More.
USD $24.99 Tax Included
And What They Teach Us About Gardening
Available now
Welcome to the lives of 35 botanists from our past and present, driven by an insatiable desire to learn and discover, whose study of plants revolutionised the scientific world and increased our understanding of the importance plants have on our survival. Illustrated with beautiful period botanical watercolours and vibrant photographs, this inspiring and practical guide delves into the qualities that brought them success and shows what ordinary gardeners can learn from their legacies
Specifications: Paperback | 230 x 170mm | 224 Pages
The life of a flying doctor and paediatrician
Due for release in April 2025 (ANZ only)
A beautifully written and deeply affecting account of a woman raised in the Australian Outback, who then returned there as a doctor in the Royal Flying Doctor Service. It explores the beautiful and harsh realities of providing life-saving care in extreme conditions, as well as the quiet moments of seeing a patient’s bravery, gaining their trust, and being inspired to become a better doctor. A fascinating story about courage, human connection, and the people and places that shape us.
Specifications: Paperback | 229 x 152mm | 264 Pages |8 pp picture section – colour
USD $27.99 Tax Included
‘Quite a talent for fighting’
Due for release in July 2025
Explores the life of Lucian Truscott, one of the greatest, yet least celebrated, US combat commanders of World War II. The book traces Truscott’s rise, highlighting his unique record as the only US officer to command military formations from regiment up to a full army. It also examines how he became the US’s foremost expert in amphibious operations. Perfect for military enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge beyond the well-known names of World War II canon.
Specifications: Paperback | 229 x 152mm | 196 Pages |20 photographs 6 maps | Great Combat Commanders series, No 1
From: USD $24.99
The Extraordinary Lives of Lighthouse Women
Out now in Australia & New Zealand. Coming to the rest of the world in September 2024
Click here for Audiobook | eBook
Women have a long history of keeping the lights burning, from tending ancient altar flames or bonfires to modern-day lighthouse keeping. Yet most of their stories are little known. Guiding Lights includes stories from around the world spanning two millennia, as we discover the physical and mental risks of isolation, the heroism of the female keepers, how they came to be hired (especially in the 19th century), and the mysteries and legends that are inextricably part of lighthouse history.
Specifications: Paperback / Hardback, Cased & Jacket | 229 x 152mm | 256 pages
A nautical history of the world
Due for release in November 2024 (ANZ only)
Fifty Ships that Changed the Course of History is more than just a delight for lovers of the sea—it’s a virtual history of the world told through the boats and ships that influenced how and where people lived. Beautifully illustrated with historic artwork and modern photography, it contains not only maritime marvels from ages past, but also some of the most iconic Australian and New Zealand watercraft. Included are Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour and Greenpeace’s once flagship Rainbow Warrior.
Specifications: Paperback | 227 x 170mm | 224 Pages |200+ Colour Images
The Story of Croats in New Zealand through publications</strong
The book gives an insight into the life of Croats in New Zealand throughout history, providing a systematic presentation of publications, cultural societies and communication on social networking sites.
The life of the early Croatian settlers was not easy – working all days in the gumfields witho no knowledge of the English language, and no money to return to their homeland. Newspapers were an important source of information, not only about their old, but also about their new country.
Specifications: Paperback | 229 x 152mm | 380 pages
Re-issued as a gorgeous hardback to celebrate it’s 10th anniversary, meet a bear who is more extraordinary than most in this best-selling story about the Anzac spirit.
These days, Anzac Ted doesn’t score any votes at classroom Show and Tell, with his worn patches and missing parts. But when he belonged to Grandpa Jack, he travelled across the world to be a mascot for Anzac soldiers, giving them comfort, courage and hope that they would return home. Told with heart and sensitivity, Anzac Ted is a celebration of the Anzac spirit.
This special edition includes additional content such as a page of information on the history of the ANZACS and the shared experience of ANZAC and Turkish soldiers, as well as a ‘How to draw Anzac Ted’ activity page.
SPECIFICATIONS: Hardback | 32 Pages | EkBooks
From camouflage techniques to deception tactics
Only available in Australia & New Zealand
Bluff and camouflage were vital wartime tactics. At home and in the Pacific, artists and photographers like William Dobell and Max Dupain were drafted into bold and creative efforts. Enjoy the ingenious and outrageous acts of military subterfuge of WWII. From disguising military bases as market gardens to creating mythical brigades in the Pacific, to fictitious spy networks feeding the enemy false information, these absorbing stories unveil the war-winning deceptions – and their masterminds.
Specifications: Hardback | 230 x 172mm | 224 Pages
Spies, scientists and other heroes
Only available in Australia & New Zealand
Look behind the curtain and meet the engineers, resistance fighters, spies, physicists and more who committed incredible acts of heroism amidst the chaos and danger of WWII. From the priest who hid thousands of POWs and Jews in the Vatican, to the Antipodean servicewoman who led a formidable Resistance group, prepare to be awed and captivated.
Specifications: Hardback | 230 x 172mm | 224 Pages
USD $34.99 Tax Included
As featured on ABC Conversations – Listen here
A compelling history of the button, from the Stone Age to today
All Buttons Great and Small is an exploration of the craftsmanship and peculiar history of buttons. From antiques to contemporary design and production, it will inspire a new era of button-makers and enthusiasts, who have an exciting challenge ahead with emerging technologies and pressures on sustainability. Full of fascinating facts and crafty inspiration, this is the perfect gift for designers, sewers, collectors, and anyone else who shares an interest in the humble button.
SPECIFICATIONS: 242mm x 184mm | Hardback | 304 Pages | Colour Photographs | Exisle Publishing
USD $22.99 Tax Included
Adventures across Aotearoa
Over the years, countless sea kayakers, climbers and alpine trampers have attempted journeys across New Zealand’s incredible landscape. In Epic, the stories of a dozen memorable Kiwi explorers are brought together, with detailed maps, backstories and stunning images. From the first traverse of the Southern Alps, to the nineteen-year-old who travelled 8000km of coastline, Epic is a testament to endurance, and a reminder to get out there and experience the wild, stunning places of our planet.
Specifications: Hardback | 229 x 152mm / 9 x 6 in | 264 Pages | Coloured Photographs & Maps
Watch some of the interviews conducted by author Ray Salisbury:
New Zealanders Share Their Stories
In this collection of memories sent in by families across New Zealand, you will find a rare insight into wartime life across generations and vocations. Fascinating and genuine, it is both a tribute to the resilience and bravery of those who served in WWII, and a historical account which will teach younger generations about the lives of their ancestors.
Descriptions are given by a solider lying in his tent, hearing bombs land close by; young school children explain what it was like to have bomb shelter practices at school; a Land Girl meets the farmer she would work with for the first time.
This book is a visually captivating compendium of photographs and written accounts, it provides a snapshot of what life was like during WWII, from the point of view of those who lived through it.
SPECIFICATIONS 280mm x 210mm | Flexi-Bound| Illustrated | 296 pages
USD $27.99 Tax Included
The Road to Gondwana takes the reader on a journey in search of the lost southern supercontinent. It traces the steps science took to find Gondwana, and the journey Gondwana itself took through 500 million years of Earth history. Our tour guide on this journey is Glossopteris, — an extinct tree that dominated the supercontinent for 50 million years, before vanishing in the most devastating event ever to strike life on this planet, the Permian mass extinction.
“It is a scholarly and persuasive work, dazzling in its detail, but immensely entertaining and intriguing “
SPECIFICATIONS: Hardback | 229 x 152 mm | 272 Pages
USD $19.99 Tax Included
Celebrating new ideas that can make a world of difference, Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination is the true story of Jørn Utzon, the architect of the world-renowned Sydney Opera House. In this gorgeously illustrated book, we follow Jørn through his life as he discovers his love of building and creating, gathering ideas from everything around himself.
Along the way, young readers will be reminded of the importance of taking the time to dream and create, and of the incredible power of the imagination.
Click here to view Teacher’s Notes.
Awards
Notable Book 2023 – Children’s Book Council Australia Book of the Year Awards
Shortlisted Book of the Year 2023 – Speech Pathology Australia
SPECIFICATIONS: 245mm x 255mm | Hardback | 32 Pages | Full Colour | EK Books
USD $35.99 Tax Included
Also available in eBook
From acclaimed historian Stephen Robinson comes an account of a battle which has taken on mythic dimensions in Chinese and international military history. From 26th October to 1st November 1937, the ‘800 Heroes’ defended Sihang Warehouse from wave after wave of Japanese assaults. This is the exciting story of the Battle of Sihang Warehouse told as never before, bringing together Chinese and western accounts for the first time to create a thorough and compelling depiction of the legendary battle.
SPECIFICATIONS: Hardback | 234 x 151 mm | 304 Pages | B & W Photographs & Maps
New Zealanders Share Their Stories
In this collection of memories sent in by families across New Zealand, you will find a rare insight into wartime life across generations and vocations. Fascinating and genuine, it is both a tribute to the resilience and bravery of those who served in WWII, and a historical account which will teach younger generations about the lives of their ancestors.
Descriptions are given by a solider lying in his tent, hearing bombs land close by; young school children explain what it was like to have bomb shelter practices at school; a Land Girl meets the farmer she would work with for the first time.
This book is a visually captivating compendium of photographs and written accounts, it provides a snapshot of what life was like during WWII, from the point of view of those who lived through it.
SPECIFICATIONS 280mm x 210mm | Hardback PLC | Illustrated | 296 pages | 9781775594314
From: USD $24.99
Available in paperback and hardcover
Colonel John Boyd, a maverick fighter pilot, revolutionized the American art of war but his research relied on accounts written by Wehrmacht veterans who fabricated historical evidence to cover up their participation in Nazi war crimes. The Blind Strategist separates fact from fantasy and exposes the myths of maneuver warfare through a detailed evidence-based investigation and is a must-read for anybody interested in American military history.
Also available in eBook
Specifications: Hardback: 9781925820348 | Cover and Jacket |234 x 151mm/9.25 x 6 in | 360 pages / Paperback: 9781922539861| 234 x 151mm/9.25 x 6 in | 360 pages
From the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the Alexander Turnbull Library, this glorious, fully illustrated discovery of New Zealand’s key times brings history to life. The 3rd edition, now in paperback! Each day of the year features a story ranging from the nation-forming to the quirky. A timeline lists key events that have shaped the course of New Zealand’s political and constitutional development, while Born on this Day boxes scattered throughout provide details on around 100 figures of significance to New Zealand history.
SPECIFICATIONS: Paperback| 280 x 210 mm | Approximately 500 Colour Photographs | 304 Pages |
USD $14.99 Tax Included
Australia’s prime ministers from Barton to Morrison
Since Federation in 1901, 29 men and one woman have served in the position of Australian prime minister. Some have had the position thrust upon them. Some have plotted and schemed their way to the top. Four have served more than once. Three have died in office. Eight have been unceremoniously dumped by their own party.
Revised and updated to include Scott Morrison, this new edition tells the story of each of these prime ministers, setting their actions in the context of their time.
SPECIFICATIONS: 9781925820485 | Paperback | 210 x 135mm | 208 Pages