Secondhand History & Biography Bargain Book Box (19 Books) DSH1075

Secondhand History & Biography Bargain Book Box (19 Books)

This extensive collection of nineteen books is a journey through the corridors of power and the trenches of war. It features definitive biographies of legendary figures like "Weary" Dunlop, Winston Churchill, and Louis XIV, alongside serious historical analyses of the British Empire, World War II, and European politics. From the glittering court of Versailles to the jungles of Southeast Asia, this box offers a wealth of knowledge for the dedicated historian.

1. The War Diaries of Weary Dunlop by E.E. Dunlop This is one of the most important documents in Australian military history. Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop’s secret diaries, written while he was a prisoner of war on the Burma-Thailand Railway, reveal a man of immense courage, compassion, and leadership amidst unspeakable horror.

2. Small Wars, Small Mercies by Jeremy Harding A gripping account of life in the crossfire. Harding recounts his journeys through Africa's disputed nations—from Angola to Western Sahara—offering a stark and human perspective on the continent’s brutal post-colonial conflicts.

3. Mark Twain in Australia and New Zealand (Penguin Colonial Facsimiles) See the antipodes through the eyes of America's greatest humorist. This facsimile edition captures Twain’s 1895 lecture tour, filled with his signature wit, sharp observations on colonial life, and bemusement at the local flora and fauna.

4. Pocket History of Australia: From 1770 to Federation A concise and handy guide to the formative years of the Australian nation. It covers the essential dates, events, and figures from Captain Cook’s arrival to the birth of the Commonwealth.

5. Menzies & Churchill at War by David Day A controversial and riveting study of the relationship between two wartime leaders. Day argues that Robert Menzies, Australia's Prime Minister, was not just a loyal dominion leader but a serious rival who challenged Churchill's leadership during the darkest days of WWII.

6. Sovereign of the Seas by David Howarth The story of British sea power is the story of the modern world. Howarth traces the rise of the Royal Navy from the adventurous days of the Tudors to the vast imperial fleets that ruled the waves, exploring how maritime dominance shaped an empire.

7. Factbook of History A vibrant, illustrated reference guide packed with timelines, data, and key events. It serves as a quick and colorful companion for students or anyone wanting to brush up on world history.

8. The Age of Empire 1875-1914 by Eric Hobsbawm A masterpiece of historical analysis. Hobsbawm dissects the era of high imperialism, a time of peace and prosperity that paradoxically laid the groundwork for the catastrophic wars and revolutions of the 20th century.

9. 1942: Australia's Greatest Peril by Bob Wurth The year the war came home. Wurth provides a dramatic account of the terrifying months when Japan seemed unstoppable and the threat of invasion loomed over Australia, examining the political panic and military desperation of the time.

10. They Dared Mightily by Lionel Wigmore This is the definitive record of the Victoria Cross and George Cross recipients of Australia. It chronicles the supreme acts of valour performed by Australian servicemen and women, preserving the stories of the nation's bravest heroes.

11. On All Fronts: Australia's World War II by Jim Haynes A collection that captures the breadth of the Australian experience in WWII. Haynes brings together stories from the deserts of North Africa to the islands of the Pacific and the home front, celebrating the spirit of the "Digger".

12. A Light History of Hot Air by Peter Doherty Written by a Nobel Prize winner, this is a delightful and eclectic history of science and ballooning. Doherty explores the human fascination with the atmosphere, mixing scientific insight with engaging historical anecdotes.

13. Politicians, Diplomacy and War in Modern British History by Keith Robbins A scholarly examination of how Britain has managed its affairs on the world stage. Robbins looks at the interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy, analyzing how statesmen have navigated the challenges of war and peace.

14. The Sun King by Nancy Mitford Nancy Mitford brings her sparkling wit and narrative flair to the court of Louis XIV. This biography paints a vivid picture of the grandeur, the scandals, and the absolute power of the monarch who built Versailles and defined an age.

15. Madame de Pompadour by Nancy Mitford A companion to The Sun King, this book tells the story of Louis XV’s most famous mistress. Mitford reveals a woman of intelligence and taste who, despite her non-royal origins, became the unspoken queen of French culture and politics.

16. The Mighty Continent by John Terraine Based on a BBC series, this volume offers a panoramic view of Europe in the 20th century. Terraine analyzes the seismic shifts—from the two World Wars to the Cold War—that transformed a continent of empires into a divided land.

17. Royal Heritage: The Reign of Elizabeth II by J.H. Plumb & Huw Wheldon A celebration of the British Monarchy's artistic legacy. This book tours the royal palaces and collections, showing how kings and queens have acted as patrons of the arts and built a heritage that belongs to the nation.

18. The Loss of the Bismarck by Graham Rhys-Jones A naval tragedy and a tactical masterclass. This book details the dramatic hunt for the German battleship Bismarck, analyzing the command decisions and the sheer luck that led to the sinking of the Kriegsmarine’s pride.

19. The Colditz Myth by S.P. MacKenzie We all know the stories of heroic escapes, but what was Colditz really like? MacKenzie peels back the romanticized legend to reveal the grim reality of life in the famous POW castle, exploring the politics, boredom, and class divisions among the prisoners.