Secondhand History and Biography Bargain Book Box DSH1080

Secondhand History & Biography Bargain Book Box

Travel through the corridors of power and the battlefields of the past with this extensive collection of seventeen history and biography books. This curated set spans continents and centuries, offering deep dives into Australian politics, the forging of the American nation, and the rise and fall of the British Empire. From Pulitzer Prize-winning biographies and seminal military histories to fascinating social studies of Georgian London and ancient Rome, this library is a treasure trove for any serious student of history. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. This Fabulous Century by Peter Luck Peter Luck presents a vibrant and nostalgic pictorial history of Australia during the twentieth century, capturing the nation's coming of age. Through a rich collection of photographs and anecdotes, the book explores the cultural shifts, sporting triumphs, and political dramas that defined the era. It serves as a time capsule of Australian life, celebrating the unique character and resilience of its people.

2. Hayden: An Autobiography by Bill Hayden One of Australia's most prominent political figures reflects on his journey from a humble background to becoming the Governor-General. Bill Hayden writes with candor about his time as leader of the Labor Party, the dramatic dismissal of the Whitlam government, and his own complex relationship with power. This memoir offers a fascinating insider's perspective on the turbulent landscape of Australian politics.

3. The Water Dreamers by Michael Cathcart Michael Cathcart explores the profound and often desperate relationship that Australians have with water in the world's driest inhabited continent. He traces the history of settlers who envisioned inland seas and lush gardens, often ignoring the environmental reality of the land. It is a compelling cultural history that reveals how the dream of water has shaped the national identity and imagination.

4. Gamble for Power by Anne Summers Anne Summers provides a gripping account of the intense political struggle between Bob Hawke and Paul Keating for the leadership of Australia. Written with the immediacy of a political thriller, it details the backroom deals, shifting alliances, and personal rivalries that played out in Canberra. This book is an essential record of a defining moment in the history of the Australian Labor Party.

5. Constitutional History of England by George Burton Adams This scholarly text traces the evolution of the English constitution from the Norman Conquest to the modern era. George Burton Adams analyzes the development of key institutions such as Parliament and the monarchy, examining how legal principles were established over centuries. It provides a foundational understanding of the laws and customs that have influenced democratic governance worldwide.

6. The Great War: 1914-1918 by Cyril Falls Cyril Falls delivers a comprehensive and authoritative military history of the First World War, drawing on his own experience as a staff officer. The book covers the major campaigns on all fronts, analyzing the strategies, tactics, and political decisions that determined the outcome. It remains a classic work for those seeking a clear and detailed overview of the conflict that changed the world.

7. The Men Who United the States by Simon Winchester Simon Winchester celebrates the explorers, engineers, and visionaries who stitched together the vast American landscape into a single nation. He chronicles the development of the canals, railways, and highways that connected the continent, blending biography with travelogue. This engaging narrative highlights the physical and intellectual labor required to create the United States.

8. Pompey Elliott by Ross McMullin Ross McMullin tells the story of Major General H.E. "Pompey" Elliott, one of Australia's most charismatic and controversial military leaders during World War I. The biography captures Elliott's volatile temperament, his fierce loyalty to his men, and his brilliance on the battlefield. It is a moving tribute to a complex hero whose career was marked by both triumph and tragedy.

9. Invading Australia by Peter Stanley Historian Peter Stanley investigates the widespread fear of a Japanese invasion of Australia during the dark days of 1942. He examines the military plans, the propaganda, and the reality of the threat, debunking myths about the "Brisbane Line" and the battle for the country. The book offers a meticulous analysis of a critical period when Australia felt most vulnerable.

10. The Wisdom of Bones by Alan Walker & Pat Shipman This scientific detective story details the discovery of the "Nariokotome Boy," a nearly complete Homo erectus skeleton found in Kenya. The authors explain how this fossil revolutionized our understanding of human evolution, offering clues about our ancestors' biology and behavior. It is a fascinating look at the field of paleoanthropology and the quest to uncover our origins.

11. The Long Road to Changi by Peter Ewer Peter Ewer recounts the harrowing story of the Allied troops who fought to defend Singapore and the Dutch East Indies before becoming prisoners of war. Drawing on diaries and interviews, he highlights the often-overlooked bravery of the men who faced the Japanese onslaught with limited resources. It is a powerful narrative of endurance and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.

12. The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden This beautiful facsimile reproduction of a 1906 naturalist's diary captures the changing seasons of the English countryside. Edith Holden's delicate watercolors and handwritten notes record the flora and fauna she observed throughout the year. It is a charming and peaceful work that celebrates the simple beauty of nature and the artistic eye.

13. The Roads That Led to Rome by Victor W. Von Hagen Victor Von Hagen explores the extraordinary engineering feat of the Roman road system, which connected an empire stretching from Scotland to the Sahara. The book details the construction techniques and the strategic importance of these highways for trade and military conquest. It is a tribute to the durability and ambition of Roman civilization.

14. Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World by Niall Ferguson Niall Ferguson presents a provocative and sweeping history of the British Empire, arguing that it was a force for global modernization. He examines the economic and cultural impact of British rule, from the spread of capitalism to the English language. This controversial bestseller challenges readers to reconsider the legacy of the largest empire in history.

15. End of Empire by Brian Lapping Based on the acclaimed television series, this book chronicles the dismantling of the British Empire and the birth of new nations. Brian Lapping details the political negotiations, crises, and conflicts that accompanied the withdrawal of British power from India, Africa, and the Middle East. It provides a vital context for understanding the post-colonial world.

16. John Adams by David McCullough David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography brings to life the character and career of the second President of the United States. It explores Adams' crucial role in the Revolution, his diplomatic missions abroad, and his enduring partnership with his wife, Abigail. The book paints a rich portrait of a brilliant but often underappreciated founding father.

17. Georgian London by G. E. Mingay G. E. Mingay offers a detailed social history of London during the eighteenth century, a period of rapid growth and cultural transformation. The book examines the lives of all classes, from the wealthy aristocracy to the struggling poor, covering topics like housing, crime, and entertainment. It is an immersive guide to the sights, sounds, and smells of a bustling historical metropolis.