Secondhand History and Biography Bargain Book Box DSH1081

Secondhand History & Biography Bargain Book Box

Travel through the defining moments of the 20th century and beyond with this compelling collection of seventeen history and biography books. This curated set explores global conflict and personal triumph, from the brutal Kokoda Track and the trenches of Gallipoli to the political life of Bob Hawke and the court of Henry VIII. Whether you are interested in military history, social revolution, or the lives of great leaders, this library offers a rich tapestry of human experience. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. Infinite Sorrow by Craig Collie & Hajime Marutani This groundbreaking book tells the story of the Kokoda Track campaign from both the Australian and Japanese perspectives. Drawing on diaries, letters, and interviews, the authors reveal the brutal reality of jungle warfare and the shared suffering of soldiers on both sides. It is a powerful and balanced account that challenges national myths and humanizes the enemy in a conflict often defined by hatred.

2. 1914 by Lyn Macdonald Lyn Macdonald vividly reconstructs the first months of World War I, capturing the initial enthusiasm and the rapid descent into the horror of trench warfare. Through the voices of the soldiers themselves, she details the battles of Mons, the Marne, and Ypres. This oral history provides an intimate and devastating look at the loss of innocence for a generation of young men.

3. A Prayer for Gallipoli by Kenneth Best This collection of war diaries offers a unique perspective on the Gallipoli campaign through the eyes of the chaplains who served there. It details their struggle to provide spiritual comfort and maintain morale amidst the carnage and disease of the peninsula. The book highlights the quiet heroism of these men of faith in one of the war's most tragic episodes.

4. Robert J. Hawke: A Biography by Blanche d'Alpuget Blanche d'Alpuget delivers the definitive biography of one of Australia's most charismatic and successful Prime Ministers. It traces Bob Hawke's journey from a Rhodes Scholar and trade union leader to the pinnacle of political power. The book offers a candid psychological portrait of a man driven by ambition, intellect, and a deep connection to the Australian people.

5. Hitler: A Study in Tyranny by Alan Bullock This seminal biography remains one of the most comprehensive studies of Adolf Hitler and the rise of the Nazi party. Alan Bullock analyzes Hitler's political genius, his manipulative rhetoric, and the terrifying logic of his destructive ideology. It is a chilling examination of how a single individual can lead a civilized nation into barbarism and war.

6. London: The Biography of a City by Christopher Hibbert Christopher Hibbert paints a magnificent portrait of London, tracing its development from a Roman settlement to a modern metropolis. The book explores the city's architecture, social life, and the colorful characters who have walked its streets through the ages. It is a rich and immersive history that captures the enduring spirit and constant reinvention of the British capital.

7. Bradman's Band by Ashley Mallett Former Test cricketer Ashley Mallett tells the story of the 1948 "Invincibles," the Australian cricket team that toured England undefeated. Through interviews and match reports, he brings to life the personalities of Don Bradman and his teammates. It is a nostalgic tribute to a golden era of sport and a team that lifted a nation's spirits after the war.

8. Over the Top by H.G. Hartnett This memoir recounts the experiences of a "digger" on the Western Front, offering a raw and honest soldier's-eye view of the Great War. H.G. Hartnett describes the mud, the fear, and the camaraderie of the trenches with remarkable clarity. It is a personal testament to the resilience of ordinary men thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

9. The Embarrassment of Riches by Simon Schama Simon Schama explores the Golden Age of Dutch culture in the 17th century, a time of unprecedented wealth and artistic achievement. He examines how the Dutch reconciled their strict Calvinist morality with their material success and global trade empire. This brilliant cultural history reveals the anxieties and contradictions beneath the surface of a prosperous society.

10. The Twelve Apostles by Ronald Brownrigg Ronald Brownrigg investigates the lives and legacies of the twelve men chosen by Jesus to spread his message. Drawing on scripture, history, and legend, he pieces together the stories of these diverse individuals who shaped the early Christian church. It is a fascinating study of faith, discipleship, and the human instruments of a divine mission.

11. The Battle of the Atlantic by John Costello & Terry Hughes This comprehensive history covers the longest and most critical naval campaign of World War II. The authors detail the technological duel between U-boats and Allied convoys, as well as the strategic decisions that determined the fate of Britain. It is a gripping account of the war at sea, illustrated with photographs and maps.

12. Russia in Revolution 1900-1930 by Harrison E. Salisbury Harrison E. Salisbury chronicles the turbulent three decades that transformed Russia from a tsarist empire into a communist superpower. The book captures the chaos of the revolution, the civil war, and the ruthless consolidation of power by the Bolsheviks. It is a visual and narrative journey through one of the most consequential periods of modern history.

13. The Illustrated Pepys edited by Robert Latham This selection from the famous diaries of Samuel Pepys offers a vivid eyewitness account of 17th-century London life. It covers major events like the Great Fire and the Plague, as well as intimate details of Pepys's career, marriage, and social circle. The illustrated edition brings the Restoration era to life with contemporary art and maps.

14. Alistair Cooke's America by Alistair Cooke Based on his legendary television series, Alistair Cooke presents a personal history of the United States. With his signature wit and insight, he explores the American experiment from the early settlers to the complexities of the 20th century. It is a loving but critical tribute to the land he adopted as his home.

15. The War Diaries of Weary Dunlop by E.E. Dunlop Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop's secret diaries from the Thai-Burma Railway are a testament to the indomitable human spirit. As a prisoner of war and surgeon, he recorded the atrocities, disease, and starvation faced by his men with unflinching honesty. This book is a profound document of leadership, compassion, and survival in the face of inhumanity.

16. Everyday Life in Elizabethan England by A.H. Dodd A.H. Dodd provides a detailed social history of life during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The book covers everything from food and fashion to education and entertainment, offering a glimpse into the daily routines of ordinary people. It is an accessible and informative guide to the world of Shakespeare and the Tudors.

17. Henry VIII: King and Court by Alison Weir Alison Weir peels back the layers of myth surrounding Henry VIII to reveal the man behind the crown. She explores the vibrant and dangerous world of his court, filled with intrigue, ambition, and betrayal. The biography offers a fresh perspective on the King's political maneuvers and his tumultuous personal life.