It can be said of few men that without them the course of their nation's history would have been very different, yet through the force of his ideas and sheer bloody-mindedness, James Brindley, the first great canal builder, provided the spark that ignited the Industrial Revolution, united the nation and set Britain on course to become the world's first superpower. Born into poverty and barely literate, Brindley had a vision for the country that defied both established society and natural order, dividing mid-eighteenth-century scientific and political options. Crowds flocked to marvel at his new canals and the engineering feats that accompanied them, with Brindley's inventiveness earning him the nickname 'The Schemer'. Nick Corble's book retells Brindley's story, the legacy he left behind and why it is relevant today.

Hugh Mallet tells the story of the duke's personal life and the story of his great achievement, he created the country's first major canal by his own efforts and a national network by his example.

The Bridgewater Canal is distinguished as England's first canal and its development marked the beginning of a transport revolution that provided a crucial foundation for industrial and commercial development in England. Since its completion in 1765, the canal has been regularly used by commercial and passenger traffic; it was one if the major routes of the North West that helped Manchester to develop as a centre of trade and industry in the 19th century. In The Duke's Cut: The Bridgewater Canal, Cyril J. Wood recounts the fascinating history of the Bridgewater canal from its conception and construction to its subsequent successes including its use as a leisure waterway today. His detailed commentary is complemented by his descriptive guide to cruising the canal and valuable navigational information. Illustrated with more than 150 images, this comprehensive history and guide will appeal to local historians and canal enthusiasts alike.

Thomas De Quincey (1785-1859) is considered one of the most important English prose writers of the early-19th century. This is the first part of a 21-volume set presenting De Quincey's work, also including previously unpublished material.

History for Common Entrance: Britain and Empire 1750-1914 ensures a thorough understanding of the 'Britain and Empire' element of the Common Entrance exam syllabus. Clearly presented content, lively illustrations and challenging end-of-chapter questions encourage learning and inspire a love of History. - Endorsed by ISEB - Written by the chief exam setter for ISEB History Common Entrance - Arranged chronologically, to help pupils understand historical context - Includes source-based questions to develop essential exam skills Answer book available separately. See History for Common Entrance: Britain and Empire 1750-1914 Answers Also available from Galore Park www.galorepark.co.uk: - History for Common Entrance 13+ Exam Practice Questions - History for Common Entrance 13+ Exam Practice Answers - History for Common Entrance 13+ Revision Guide - History for Common Entrance: Medieval Realms Britain 1066-1485 - History for Common Entrance: The Making of the UK 1485-1750 Suitable for ISEB 13+ History exams from Autumn 2013 onwards.