Secondhand History & Non-Fiction Bargain Book Box DSH1043

Secondhand History & Non-Fiction Bargain Book Box

This eclectic collection of nineteen books offers a fascinating tour through history, biography, nature, and the arts. It features heavyweight historical works on the World Wars, the Russian Revolution, and the Napoleonic era alongside celebrated classics of military strategy and architecture. The box also includes beloved memoirs, from the comedic genius of Spike Milligan to the ethological adventures of Konrad Lorenz, as well as essential Australian histories by Thomas Keneally and Bill Gammage. Whether you are interested in the tactics of Agincourt or the satire of 1066 and All That, this set provides a rich variety of intellectual and entertaining reading. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. King Solomon's Ring by Konrad Z. Lorenz This delightful classic of nature writing explores the behavior of animals with humor and scientific insight. Lorenz recounts his experiences living with a variety of creatures, including jackdaws and geese, inside his own home. He argues that animals possess complex emotions and communication methods, famously claiming he could "talk" to the beasts. It is a charming and foundational text in the field of ethology.

2. A Cornish Childhood by A.L. Rowse In this evocative autobiography, the celebrated historian A.L. Rowse reflects on his upbringing in a working-class village in Cornwall. He vividly describes the struggle to gain an education and escape the limitations of his social station during the early 20th century. The book paints a portrait of a vanished way of life, blending personal ambition with a deep love for the Cornish landscape.

3. The Great Shame by Thomas Keneally Keneally weaves a sprawling narrative about the Irish convict experience in the 19th century, linking the history of Ireland with the colonization of Australia. The book follows the lives of Fenian rebels, political prisoners, and ordinary people transported to the ends of the earth. It explores themes of exile, resilience, and the forging of a new identity in a harsh land.

4. The Fatal Impact by Alan Moorehead Focusing on the voyages of Captain James Cook, this historical account examines the devastating consequences of European exploration in the South Pacific. Moorehead details the ecological and social destruction brought to Tahiti, Australia, and Antarctica. It is a sobering look at the collision of cultures and the tragic legacy of the age of discovery.

5. Landscape Into Art by Kenneth Clark Based on a series of lectures given at Oxford, this book analyzes the development of landscape painting in Western art. Clark explores how artists’ perceptions of nature have shifted over centuries, from medieval symbols to the realism of the 19th century. It is an accessible and erudite guide that connects the history of art with the history of the human spirit.

6. The Broken Years by Bill Gammage Drawing on the diaries and letters of a thousand Australian soldiers, this book reconstructs the personal experience of fighting in World War I. Gammage moves beyond the military strategy to reveal the emotional toll of Gallipoli and the Western Front on the ordinary digger. It is a seminal work in Australian military history, humanizing the legend of the Anzacs.

7. The Thirty Years War by C.V. Wedgwood This comprehensive history details the complex and devastating conflict that ravaged Europe between 1618 and 1648. Wedgwood untangles the religious, political, and dynastic motivations that drove the war, bringing the major figures to life. It is regarded as a masterpiece of historical writing, capturing the tragedy of a continent tearing itself apart.

8. The Use of Lateral Thinking by Edward de Bono Edward de Bono introduces the concept of lateral thinking, a method of solving problems through an indirect and creative approach. He argues that traditional vertical logic can be limiting and offers techniques to break out of established patterns. The book serves as a practical manual for sparking innovation and generating new ideas.

9. Clausewitz on War edited by Anatol Rapoport This edition presents the essential writings of Carl von Clausewitz, the Prussian general whose theories on war have influenced military strategy for centuries. It includes his famous dictum that "war is the continuation of politics by other means." Rapoport provides a critical introduction that contextualizes Clausewitz’s philosophy for the modern reader.

10. Agincourt by Christopher Hibbert Hibbert provides a thrilling narrative of the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, one of the most famous English victories in the Hundred Years' War. He details the campaign leading up to the battle, the desperate condition of Henry V’s army, and the tactical decisions that led to success. The book draws on contemporary chronicles to create a vivid picture of medieval warfare.

11. Letters of an Indian Judge to an English Gentlewoman This charming and unusual book presents a series of letters purportedly written by an Indian judge to a woman he met in England. Through his correspondence, he offers witty and poignant observations on the cultural differences between East and West. It is a gentle, reflective work that explores friendship and the changing world of the British Empire.

12. The Buildings of England: Hertfordshire by Nikolaus Pevsner Part of the renowned Pevsner Architectural Guides, this volume offers a detailed survey of the buildings in the county of Hertfordshire. It covers everything from great country houses and medieval churches to humble cottages, providing historical context and aesthetic criticism. It is an essential reference for anyone interested in English architecture and local history.

13. Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall by Spike Milligan The first volume of Milligan’s war memoirs recounts his conscription and early service as a gunner in World War II with hilarious irreverence. He blends the grim reality of army life with the surreal humor that would later define The Goon Show. It is a unique war story that finds comedy in the absurdity of military bureaucracy and boredom.

14. The History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth Written in the 12th century, this pseudo-historical text is one of the primary sources for the legends of King Arthur and King Lear. Geoffrey traces the lineage of British kings back to Brutus of Troy, mixing fact with abundant mythology. It is a foundational work of medieval literature that shaped the national identity of Britain.

15. 1066 And All That by W.C. Sellar and R.J. Yeatman This classic satire mocks the way history is taught in schools, presenting a "Memorable History of England" filled with bad kings, good things, and comical misunderstandings. It playfully distorts historical facts to highlight the vague and often absurd things people remember from their education. The book remains a beloved example of British humor.

16. The Age of Napoleon by J. Christopher Herold Herold offers a sweeping biography of Napoleon Bonaparte and a cultural history of the era he defined. The book examines the Emperor's military genius, his political ambition, and the intellectual and artistic currents of the time. It provides a balanced view of the man who reshaped Europe, exploring both his triumphs and his ultimate failure.

17. In Flanders Fields by Leon Wolff This historical account focuses on the catastrophic campaign of 1917 in Flanders, often known as the Battle of Passchendaele. Wolff critiques the military leadership and the political decisions that led to hundreds of thousands of casualties for little gain. It is a compelling and tragic study of the futility of trench warfare during World War I.

18. The Penkovsky Papers by Oleg Penkovsky These are the purported journals of Colonel Oleg Penkovsky, a high-ranking Soviet intelligence officer who spied for the West during the Cold War. The papers reveal the inner workings of the Soviet military and espionage apparatus during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It serves as a gripping primary source on one of the most dangerous periods in modern history.

19. The Russian Revolution by Leon Trotsky Written by one of the key figures of the revolution, this book offers a firsthand analysis of the events that led to the fall of the Tsars and the rise of the Bolsheviks. Trotsky combines historical narrative with Marxist theory to explain the social forces at play. It is a passionate and partisan account of a pivotal moment in the 20th century.