Secondhand History & Biography Bargain Book Box DSH838

Secondhand History & Biography Bargain Book Box

Delve into the past with this curated collection of secondhand history and biography titles. Explore the lives of influential figures, journey through pivotal historical periods, and gain insights into the forces that shaped civilizations. From ancient texts on strategy to modern memoirs and scholarly analyses, this box offers a rich tapestry of non-fiction narratives waiting to be discovered and appreciated anew.

Contents:

1. Patrick White by David Marr
   A comprehensive biography of the Nobel Prize-winning Australian author, this book explores his complex life, personality, and literary career, offering insights into the man behind the iconic novels and serving as a definitive account of a major literary figure.
2. The Crisis of Medieval Russia 1200-1304 by John Fennell
   Examining a turbulent period in Russian history marked by Mongol invasions and internal strife, this detailed scholarly account analyzes the political, social, and economic changes of the era, providing essential reading for understanding the challenges faced by Russian principalities and the foundations of the Russian state.
3. The Formation of Muscovy 1304-1613 by Robert O. Crummey
   Tracing the rise of the Grand Principality of Moscow from a minor state to a dominant power, this key text on the origins of the Russian empire covers the period leading up to the Time of Troubles, exploring the political consolidation and territorial expansion of Muscovy.
4. Civilisation by Kenneth Clark
   Based on the acclaimed television series, this beautifully illustrated and highly influential book surveys the history of Western art, architecture, and philosophy, exploring the major movements and figures that shaped Western culture in a sweeping and insightful look at the development of civilization.
5. The Diaries of Evelyn Waugh edited by Michael Davie
   A revealing collection of the personal writings of the celebrated English novelist, this book offers candid observations on society, literature, and his own life, providing a fascinating glimpse into Waugh's world and his sharp wit, making it essential reading for fans and literary historians.
6. Bede: A History of the English Church and People by Bede
   This foundational work of English history, written in the 8th century, chronicles the arrival of Christianity and the development of the English church, providing invaluable insights into early Anglo-Saxon society and serving as a primary source for understanding the conversion of England, essential for students of early medieval history.
7. Illustrated English Social History: 1 by G. M. Trevelyan
   The first volume in a classic series exploring the social life of England through the ages, this book covers the period from Chaucer's time to the early 17th century, richly illustrated with contemporary images that bring history to life in a vivid and engaging account of how ordinary people lived.
8. Lawrence of Arabia: Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence
   Lawrence's epic memoir of the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I, this literary masterpiece and historical document is a compelling account of guerrilla warfare, cultural immersion, and personal struggle, exploring the complexities of leadership and identity in a foreign land.
9. Edward the Confessor by Frank Barlow
   A definitive biography of the penultimate Anglo-Saxon king of England, this book examines his reign, his piety, and the political landscape leading up to the Norman Conquest, providing scholarly analysis of the sources and historical context essential for understanding 11th-century England.
10. Talleyrand by Duff Cooper
    A biography of the cunning and influential French diplomat Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, this fascinating portrait of a master of diplomacy covers his career through the French Revolution, Napoleon, and the Restoration, exploring his political maneuvering and survival through turbulent times.
11. The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
    A groundbreaking work exploring the common patterns and archetypes found in myths across cultures, this profoundly influential book introduces the concept of the "monomyth" or hero's journey, analyzing stories from around the world to reveal universal human experiences in literature, film, and psychology.
12. Inside the Third Reich by Albert Speer
    The memoir of Adolf Hitler's chief architect and Minister of Armaments and War Production, this crucial, though self-serving, historical document offers a unique, albeit controversial, insider's perspective on the Nazi regime, providing details on the inner workings of the Third Reich and Speer's role.
13. Illustrated English Social History 2 by G. M. Trevelyan
    The second volume in Trevelyan's acclaimed social history series, this book continues the narrative from the 17th century through the 18th century, exploring the lives of people during the Civil War, Restoration, and Georgian eras in another engaging and well-illustrated look at English society.
14. The Surgeon of Crowthorne by Simon Winchester
    The fascinating true story of the making of the Oxford English Dictionary and one of its most prolific contributors, this captivating tale of language, madness, and dedication reveals the surprising connection between a brilliant lexicographer and a convicted murderer, also known as The Professor and the Madman.
15. The Best We Can Do by Sybille Bedford
    An account of the 1957 trial of Dr. John Bodkin Adams, accused of murdering elderly patients, this classic example of true crime writing and legal history features renowned writer Sybille Bedford providing a compelling and detailed reportage of the courtroom drama, offering insights into the British justice system of the era.
16. The Rise of European Liberalism by Harold J. Laski
    Examining the historical development and philosophical underpinnings of liberalism in Europe, this foundational text in political science and history traces its origins and evolution through various political and social changes, analyzing the key thinkers and movements associated with liberal thought.
17. The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The Book of Lord Shang
    This volume presents two classic texts on strategy and governance from ancient China; Sun Tzu's Art of War is a timeless treatise on military tactics and philosophy, while The Book of Lord Shang outlines Legalist principles of statecraft and law, making it essential reading for understanding ancient Chinese thought and strategy.
18. A Monk Swimming by Malachy McCourt
    A humorous and poignant memoir by the Irish-American actor and writer, this book continues the story from his previous work, detailing his life in America with candid and entertaining anecdotes about his struggles with alcoholism, his acting career, and his family in an account of a life lived fully.