Step into the tumultuous age of Stuart England with Peter Ackroyd's enlightening Civil War. Beginning with James I, the first Scottish king of England, it tracks an era of massive upheaval, ending with the dramatic flight of his grandson, James II, into exile. Civil War transports you to the heart of the 17th-century Britain, where you meet figures like James I with his shrewd perspectives on diverse matters, and Charles I, whose inept rule ignited the flames of the English Civil War. Ackroyd offers a brilliant – warts and all – portrayal of Charles's nemesis Oliver Cromwell, Parliament's great military leader and England's only dictator, who began his career as a political liberator but ended it as much of a despot as the king he executed. Beyond this political turmoil, Ackroyd also explores the rich cultural and literary contributions of the Jacobean era. This was a world where Shakespeare's masterpieces were penned, John Donne weaved his poetry and Thomas Hobbes crafted his philosophical marvel, Leviathan. Most importantly, get a glimpse of the extraordinary lives of common English men and women, their existence seeped in constant disruption and uncertainty. Civil War is a stirring account of a pivotal epoch, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts.

Eyewitness accounts of what American soldiers thought, felt, saw, heard, and tried to do in World War II.

As the largest, deadliest conflict in history, World War II was one of the defining events of the 20th century. Between 1939 and 1945, this massive conflict affected almost every corner of the globe. Readers will get an up-close look at the battles, weapons, and military forces that drove this landmark war. Over the course of World War II, nations fought countless battles throughout Europe and Asia. Readers will examine some of the war most pivotal conflicts, from the invasion of Normandy on D-Day to the massive Battle of the Bulge. They will also learn how the war started and why it was fought on multiple fronts. Features: Engaging sidebars highlight some of the war's most important events, people, and technology Timelines illustrate the way the war developed from start to finish Glossaries explain a range of technical military terms Eye-catching images give readers an up-close look at the war's most defining moments