Showroom Sample Biography & Non-Fiction Bargain Book Box SP2327

Showroom Sample Biography & Non-Fiction Bargain Book Box

Dive into the fascinating lives of icons, the secrets of history, and the mechanics of the Death Star with this eclectic collection of eighteen non-fiction titles. This box spans a wide range of genres, from the high-stakes world of international espionage and drug wars to the cultural history of hip-hop and cricket. Whether you are interested in the true story behind the House of Gucci, the leadership secrets of the SAS, or the engineering of legendary Italian cars, this library offers a wealth of knowledge and entertainment. Please note that while these books are new and unread, they are showroom samples and will have stickers on the covers.

1. 10,000 Years of Art by Phaidon Editors This compact yet comprehensive guide presents an accessible timeline of art history, featuring one thousand masterpieces from different cultures and eras. From ancient cave paintings to contemporary installations, it highlights key works that have shaped the visual language of humanity. It is an essential reference for art lovers, offering a global perspective on creativity.

2. Cyclepedia: 100 Postcards of Iconic Bicycles by Phaidon Celebrate the beauty and engineering of the bicycle with this stunning collection of one hundred postcards. Featuring photography of iconic models from the last century, it showcases the evolution of bicycle design. It is the perfect gift for cycling enthusiasts or design aficionados who appreciate the elegance of two-wheeled transport.

3. Ian Fleming's Favourite Spy: Buster Crabb by Don Hale Don Hale investigates the mysterious life and death of Commander Lionel "Buster" Crabb, the real-life inspiration for James Bond. The book explores his daring underwater missions during World War II and his disappearance during a Cold War spy operation. It is a thrilling biography that reads like a spy novel, uncovering the secrets of British naval intelligence.

4. Pele: His Life and Times by Harry Harris This updated biography pays tribute to the King of Football, tracing Pele's journey from poverty in Brazil to becoming a global sporting icon. Harry Harris captures the magic of his gameplay, his record-breaking goals, and his enduring influence on the beautiful game. It is a definitive account of the man who defined football for a generation.

5. House of Gucci by Sara Gay Forden Delve into the sensational true story of murder, madness, and glamour that rocked the fashion world. Sara Gay Forden chronicles the rise of the Gucci dynasty and the shocking assassination of Maurizio Gucci, orchestrated by his ex-wife. This gripping narrative explores the dark side of luxury, family feuds, and corporate power struggles.

6. Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell & Patrick Robinson Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell recounts the harrowing true story of Operation Red Wings, a mission to capture a Taliban leader in Afghanistan that went terribly wrong. As the only survivor of his team, Luttrell describes his fight for life against overwhelming odds. It is a powerful and emotional tribute to brotherhood, courage, and sacrifice on the battlefield.

7. Hitting Against the Spin by Nathan Leamon & Ben Jones Two cricket insiders use data and analysis to reveal how the game really works, challenging traditional wisdom. They explore the strategies that win matches, debunking myths about batting, bowling, and captaincy. This book is a must-read for cricket fans who want to understand the modern game at a deeper, more analytical level.

8. The Profession of Violence by John Pearson John Pearson offers the classic and definitive biography of the Kray twins, the gangsters who ruled London's East End in the 1960s. Having known them personally, he paints a chilling portrait of their bond, their brutality, and their celebrity status. It remains one of the most important books on British organized crime.

9. The Drowned and the Saved by Primo Levi In his final work, Holocaust survivor Primo Levi reflects on the nature of evil and the moral complexity of survival in Auschwitz. He examines the gray zone of collaboration and the fragility of human memory. It is a profound and philosophical meditation on the darkest chapter of the twentieth century.

10. Commandant of Auschwitz by Rudolf Hoess Written while awaiting execution, this autobiography by Rudolf Hoess provides a terrifying glimpse into the mind of the man who oversaw the mass murder at Auschwitz. He details the logistics of the Final Solution with a detached and bureaucratic tone. This primary source is a stark warning about the banality of evil and the dangers of blind obedience.

11. SAS: Who Dares Wins by Anthony Middleton, Jason Fox, et al. The stars of the hit TV show share the leadership secrets and psychological resilience techniques learned in the Special Forces. They offer practical advice on how to apply the SAS mindset to everyday challenges in business and life. It is an inspiring guide to pushing past your limits and building a winning team.

12. Can't Stop Won't Stop by Jeff Chang Jeff Chang presents a sweeping cultural history of the hip-hop generation, tracing the movement from the Bronx in the 1970s to its global dominance today. The book explores the politics, music, and social conditions that gave birth to rap, graffiti, and breakdancing. It is an essential text for understanding the most influential youth culture of our time.

13. Drug Warrior by Jack Riley Jack Riley, a career DEA agent, takes readers inside the hunt for the world's biggest drug lords, including El Chapo. He describes the high-stakes operations, the undercover work, and the evolution of the cartels over three decades. This memoir is a fast-paced true crime thriller about the endless war on drugs.

14. Imperial Death Star: Owner's Workshop Manual by Ryder Windham et al. Discover the inner workings of the Empire's ultimate weapon with this detailed technical guide, modeled after the famous Haynes manuals. It features cutaway diagrams, history, and specifications of the DS-1 Orbital Battle Station. It is a fun and immersive collectible for Star Wars fans who love to geek out on sci-fi technology.

15. Legendary Italian Cars by Enzo Rizzo This beautifully illustrated book celebrates the passion, style, and speed of Italy's automotive masterpieces. From Ferrari and Lamborghini to Alfa Romeo and Maserati, it profiles the legendary models that defined an era. It is a visual feast for car lovers, highlighting the design and engineering excellence of Italian motoring.

16. Gurkha Brotherhood by Captain Kailash Limbu Captain Kailash Limbu tells his remarkable journey from a remote village in the Himalayas to the front lines of Afghanistan as a Gurkha soldier. He shares the grueling selection process and the intense combat experiences that forged unbreakable bonds with his comrades. It is a moving memoir of courage, tradition, and the realities of modern warfare.

17. Permanent Record by Edward Snowden Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who exposed the US government's mass surveillance program, tells his side of the story. He recounts his childhood, his work for the CIA and NSA, and the moral crisis that led him to leak classified documents. This memoir is a crucial document of the digital age, raising questions about privacy and democracy.

18. Talking with Serial Killers: Dead Men Talking by Christopher Berry-Dee Criminologist Christopher Berry-Dee shares chilling insights from his interviews with notorious killers on Death Row. Through their own words, he attempts to understand the twisted logic and lack of remorse that define their crimes. The book provides a disturbing glimpse into the minds of men who have committed the ultimate taboo.