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History & Society

History books allow you to travel back in time. They let you discover a whole different era than our own with different lifestyles, morale compases and crises. To understand history is to understand, who you are, and what you come from. It is the foundation of today’s society and culture. In Tales’ selection of history and society books you can investigate both religion, mythologies, and wars with competent authors and scholars giving their interpretation of how events happened as they did and how we ended up with today’s society. Are you ready to get wiser of both past and present?
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  • by Eknath Easwaran
    £9.49

    Easwaran's best-selling translation of the Bhagavad Gita is reliable, readable, and profound. Easwaran's 55-page introduction places the Bhagavad Gita in its historical context, presents key concepts, and brings out the universality and timelessness of its teachings. This edition includes chapter introductions, notes and a Sanskrit glossary. Easwaran grew up in the Hindu tradition in India, learned Sanskrit from a young age, and became a professor of English literature before coming to the West. He is a gifted teacher and an authority on the Indian classics and world mysticism. The Bhagavad Gita opens, dramatically, on a battlefield, as the warrior Arjuna turns in anguish to his spiritual guide, Sri Krishna, for answers to the fundamental questions of life. Yet the Gita is not what it seems - it's not a dialogue between two mythical figures at the dawn of Indian history. "e;The battlefield is a perfect backdrop, but the Gita's subject is the war within, the struggle for self-mastery that every human being must wage if he or she is to emerge from life victorious."e;

  • - The Classic Guide to Meditation by the World's Most Revered Master
    by Thich Nhat Hanh
    £9.49

    In this beautifully written book, Buddhist monk and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh explains how to acquire the skills of mindfulness. Once we have these skills, we can slow our lives down and discover how to live in the moment - even simple acts like washing the dishes or drinking a cup of tea may be transformed into acts of meditation.Thich Nhat Hanh's gentle anecdotes and practical exercises help us to arrive at greater self-understanding and peacefulness, whether we are beginners or advanced students. Irrespective of our particular religious beliefs, we can begin to reap the immense benefits that meditation has been scientifically proven to offer. We can all learn how to be mindful and experience the miracle of mindfulness for ourselves.

  • - A Life of Intimacy with God
    by John Bevere
    £10.99

    In Drawing Near, John Bevere invites readers to explore a life of intimacy with God. Study questions in each chapter offer opportunity for reflection, and a 'How to draw near to God' section offers practical steps toward developing true intimacy with Him.

  • by Robert Greene
    £15.49

    The 33 Strategies Of War is an enlightening book by the renowned author, Robert Greene. Published in 2007 by Profile Books Ltd, this book is a masterclass in understanding the art of strategic thinking. The book belongs to the genre of self-help and strategy, providing readers with an in-depth understanding of the psychological dynamics that can lead to victory in any area of life. Greene's writing style is engaging and insightful, making the book a must-read for anyone interested in strategy, psychology, or history. The 33 Strategies Of War is not just a book, but a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying the principles of warfare in everyday life. The author's expertise and the publisher's commitment to quality make this book a valuable addition to any reader's collection.

  • by Buson
    £10.99

    The first English translation of one of Japan's most important haiku poets.

  • by Joseph Campbell
    £17.49

    The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Author: Joseph Campbell, Publication Year: 2008-07-01, Publisher: New World Library, Language: eng

  • - The Ancient Classic
    by Sun Tzu
    £9.49

    The original and bestselling leadership book! Sun Tzu's ideas on survival and success have been read across the world for centuries. Today they can still be applied to business, politics and life. The Art of War demonstrates how to win without conflict.

  • - My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World's Most Coveted Handbag
    by Michael Tonello
    £8.99

    Michael's newfound career started with an impulsive move to Barcelona, a vanished job assignment, no work visa, and an Hermes scarf sold on eBay to generate some quick cash. But soon the resourceful Michael discovered the truth about the waiting list and figured out the secret to getting Hermes to part with one of these precious bags.

  • - English translation with parallel Arabic text
     
    £21.99

    The Qur'an is a profound and complex book that was published by Oxford University Press on April 8, 2010. This book, which lacks a specific author due to its divine origins, is a significant religious text that has shaped millions of lives worldwide. It encompasses various genres, including theology, law, morality, and guidance for personal conduct. The Qur'an is a timeless piece of literature that provides historical context, spiritual guidance, and moral teachings. Oxford University Press, a renowned publisher, has ensured that this edition of The Qur'an is of the highest quality, making it a valuable addition to any collection. This book is a must-read for those interested in understanding the principles and teachings of Islam.

  • - The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust (With New Material)
    by Viktor E Frankl
    £11.99

    Man's Search For Meaning is a compelling and thought-provoking book by Viktor E Frankl. Published by Ebury Publishing in 2011, this book falls under a genre that blends psychology, philosophy, and autobiography. This masterpiece by Frankl encapsulates his experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II, and describes his psychotherapeutic method, which involved identifying a purpose in life to feel positive about, and then immersively imagining that outcome. The central theme of the book is that meaning can be found in life in every moment of living; life never ceases to have meaning, even in suffering and death. Ebury Publishing is proud to have this profound and influential book in their collection. Read this book to embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

  • - The World War Two Pacific Classic
    by Robert Leckie
    £10.99

    The inspiration behind the HBO series THE PACIFICHere is one of the most riveting first-person accounts to ever come out of World War 2. Robert Leckie was 21 when he enlisted in the US Marine Corps in January 1942. In Helmet for My Pillow we follow his journey, from boot camp on Parris Island, South Carolina, all the way to the raging battles in the Pacific, where some of the war's fiercest fighting took place. Recounting his service with the 1st Marine Division and the brutal action on Guadalcanal, New Britain and Peleliu, Leckie spares no detail of the horrors and sacrifice of war, painting an unsentimental portrait of how real warriors are made, fight, and all too often die in the defence of their country.From the live-for-today rowdiness of Marines on leave to the terrors of jungle warfare against an enemy determined to fight to the last man, Leckie describes what it's really like when victory can only be measured inch by bloody inch. Unparalleled in its immediacy and accuracy, Helmet for My Pillow tells the gripping true story of an ordinary soldier fighting in extraordinary conditions. This is a book that brings you as close to the mud, the blood, and the experience of war as it is safe to come.'Helmet for My Pillow is a grand and epic prose poem. Robert Leckie's theme is the purely human experience of war in the Pacific, written in the graceful imagery of a human being who - somehow - survived' Tom Hanks

  • - The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters
    by Dick Winters & Cole C Kingseed
    £11.99

    On D-Day, Dick Winters took off with 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment and prepared to parachute into German-held north France. Ground troops landing on Utah beach were relying on Easy Company to secure one of the causeways that were vital if the troops were to get off the beaches and reach the solid ground of Normandy. The plane carrying many of the commanding officers was shot down, leaving Dick Winters suddenly in command of his company. But during the drop he, and many of his men, had been separated from his equipment and was unarmed except for a trench knife.In this remarkable World War 2 memoir, Dick Winters tells the tales left untold by Stephen Ambrose in his 1992 epic Band of Brothers. Starting with an account of the gruelling training designed to make the 506th the most elite unit in the US Army, Beyond Band of Brothers is fascinating account of one man's experience of commanding Easy Company from D-Day, to the Battle of the Bulge and into Germany. Dick Winters gives real insight into leadership under the most difficult conditions - every man in the company had been injured by the time they reached Germany - and tells the real story of the Allies' final defeat of Hitler, from the point of view of someone who was really there.

  • - Diagnosis in Curative Education
    by Karl Konig
    £14.49

    What does it mean to be human? Human development unfolds in a twofold way. On the one hand, there is an ever-more profound incarnation, or "inhabitation," of the physical body. On the other hand, there is the increasing discrimination of the individual objects of the world. Difficulties and obstacles along this path can lead to so-called disabilities. Knig's approach to curative education allows us to see these disabilities as meaningful ways of coping with or resolving the various problems that arise in living in a physical body. From this point of view, "disabilities" are exaggerated forms of ways we all use to cope with life.

  • - The World War Two Pacific Classic
    by Eugene B Sledge
    £11.99

    The inspiration behind the HBO series THE PACIFICThis was a brutish, primitive hatred, as characteristic of the horror of war in the Pacific as the palm trees and the islands...Landing on the beach at Peleliu in 1944 as a twenty-year-old new recruit to the US Marines, Eugene Sledge can only try desperately to survive. At Peleliu and Okinawa - two of the fiercest and filthiest Pacific battles of WWII - he witnesses the dehumanising brutality displayed by both sides and the animal hatred that each soldier has for his enemy.During temporary lapses in the fighting, conditions on the islands mean that the Marines often can't wash, stay dry, dig latrines, or even find time to eat. Suffering from constant fear, fatigue, and filth, the struggle of simply living in a combat zone is utterly debilitating.Yet despite horrendous conditions Sledge finds time to keep notes that he would later turn into a book. Described as one of the finest memoirs to emerge from any war, With the Old Breed tells with compassion and honesty of the cruelty, bravery and deaths of the men he fought alongside, and of his own journey from patriotic innocence to battle-scarred veteran.'Eugene Sledge became more than a legend with his memoir, With The Old Breed. He became a chronicler, a historian, a storyteller who turns the extremes of the war in the Pacific - the terror, the camaraderie, the banal and the extraordinary - into terms we mortals can grasp' Tom Hanks

  • - A Memoir of the Craft
    by Stephen King
    £9.49

    There is a reason why Stephen King is one of the bestselling writers in the world, ever. Described in the Guardian as 'the most remarkable storyteller in modern American literature', Stephen King writes books that draw you in and are impossible to put down.Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King's advice is grounded in the vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999 - and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery.

  • by New International Version
    £7.99

    NIV Holy Bible - Anglicised Black Gift and Award is a profound work by the renowned author, New International Version. This masterpiece, published in 2011 by John Murray Press, is a unique blend of divine wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. The book belongs to the genre of religious literature and offers a deep understanding of the holy scriptures. The Anglicised Black Gift and Award edition of the NIV Holy Bible is an excellent gift for those who seek knowledge and spiritual growth. The author's interpretation of the scriptures is insightful and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for all. Published by John Murray Press, a name synonymous with quality religious literature, this edition of the Bible is a testament to their commitment to spreading spiritual wisdom.

  • by Noam Chomsky
    £13.49

    With exceptional clarity and power of argument, Noam Chomsky lays bare as no one else can the realities of contemporary geopolitics. Divided into four sections, originally published in the US only as individual short books, collectively selling over half a million copies, How the World Works covers:* What Uncle Sam Really Wants: the main goals of US foreign policy; the devastation caused abroad; the brainwashing at home* The Prosperous Few and the Restless Many: the new global economy; food and Third World 'economic miracles'; the roots of racism* Secrets, Lies and Democracy: the US, the CIA, religious fundamentalism; global inequality; the coming eco-catastrophe* The Common Good: equality, freedom, the media; the myth of Third World debt; manufacturing dissent

  • by C. S. Lewis
    £8.99

    C.S. Lewis's famous inspirational work on the nature of love.'The Four Loves' divides love into four categories: Affection, Friendship, Eros and Charity. The first three are loves which come naturally to the human race. Charity, however, the Gift-love of God, is divine in its source and expression, and without the sweetening grace of this supernatural love, the natural loves become distorted and even dangerous.

  • by C. S. Lewis
    £8.99

    For many years an atheist, C. S. Lewis vividly describes the spiritual quest that convinced him of the truth and reality of Christianity, in his famous autobiography."e;In the Trinity Term of 1929 I gave in, and admitted that God was God ... perhaps the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England."e; Thus Lewis describes memorably the crisis of his conversion.'Surprised by Joy' reveals both that crisis and its momentous conclusion that would determine the shape of Lewis's entire life.

  • by Richard Rhodes
    £13.49

    With a new introduction from the author, this is the 25th anniversary edition of the Pulitzer prize-winning story of how the atomic bomb came to be.

  •  
    £21.99

    ESV Study Bible, Personal Size, is a remarkable book that was published by Crossway Books on January 31, 2012. This book is not just a regular read, but a journey into deeper understanding and reflection. It is designed to help you understand the Bible in a deeper way and is a perfect addition to your spiritual journey. The ESV Study Bible, Personal Size, is a comprehensive and practical guide for anyone who seeks to understand the holy scriptures better. With its compact size, this study Bible is easy to carry around, making it perfect for travel or on-the-go study. Published by Crossway Books, a reputable publisher known for their high-quality religious books, you can be sure that this book offers a profound and insightful interpretation of the Bible. So, whether you're a scholar of religion, a devout believer, or someone who's just exploring their spirituality, this book is a must-have for your collection.

  • - The Definitive Edition
    by Anne Frank
    £7.99 - 15.49

    One of the most famous accounts of living under the Nazi regime of World War II comes from the diary of a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl, Anne Frank. Today, The Diary of a Young Girl has sold over 25 million copies world-wide.It is one of the most celebrated and enduring books of the last century and it remains a deeply admired testament to the indestructible nature of human spirit.Anne Frank and her family fled the horrors of Nazi occupation by hiding in the back of a warehouse in Amsterdam for two years with another family and a German dentist. Aged thirteen when she went into the secret annexe, Anne kept a diary. She movingly revealed how the eight people living under these extraordinary conditions coped with hunger, the daily threat of discovery and death and being cut off from the outside world, as well as petty misunderstandings and the unbearable strain of living like prisoners.The Diary of a Yong Girl is a timeless true story to be rediscovered by each new generation. For young readers and adults it continues to bring to life Anne's extraordinary courage and struggle throughout her ordeal.'One of the greatest books of the century' Guardian'A modern classic' The Times'Rings down the decades as the most moving testament to the persecution of innocence' Daily Mail'Astonishing and excruciating. Its gnaws at us still' New York Times Book ReviewAnne Frank was born on 12 June 1929. She died in Bergen-Belsen, three months short of her sixteenth birthday.

  • by Dark Horse
    £27.49

    Embark on a fascinating journey through the world of Hyrule with 'The Legend Of Zelda: Hyrule Historia'. This masterpiece is penned by none other than Shigeru Miyamoto, one of the most respected figures in the gaming industry. Published in 2013, this book offers an in-depth look into the rich history and intricate lore of the Legend of Zelda series. From its captivating characters to its iconic locations, every aspect of Hyrule is brilliantly brought to life in this book. As a bonus, it also features an exclusive comic by Akira Himekawa. Published by Dark Horse Comics, this book is a must-have for any avid fan of the franchise. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer, 'The Legend Of Zelda: Hyrule Historia' promises to provide an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of gaming's most beloved franchises.

  • - The Only First-hand Account of the Navy Seal Mission that Killed Osama bin Laden
    by Mark Owen & Kevin Maurer
    £9.49

    THE GRIPPING FIRST-PERSON ACCOUNT OF BIN LADEN'S EXECUTION For the first time, read the first-hand account of the planning and execution of the extraordinary mission to kill the terrorist mastermind. No Easy Day puts readers inside the elite, handpicked twenty-four-man team known as SEAL Team Six as they train for the most important mission of their lives. From the crash of the Black Hawk helicopter that threatened the mission with disaster, to the radio call confirming their target was dead, the SEAL team raid on bin Laden's secret HQ is recounted in nail-biting second-by-second detail. Team leader Mark Owen takes readers behind enemy lines with one of the world's most astonishing fighting forces, in the only insider's account of their most spectacular mission. 'No Easy Day amounts to a cinematic account of the raid to kill Bin Laden: you feel as if you're sitting in the Black Hawk as it swoops in' NY Times 'A blistering first-hand account' The Sun

  • - The Fabric that Made the Modern World
    by Giorgio (University of Warwick) Riello
    £29.99

    A fascinating account of how cotton transformed the world we live in today: it industrialised Europe and became the first item to be traded globally. It ranges from Asian and European technologies and African slavery to cotton plantations in the Americas and consumer desires across the globe.

  • - Alexander the Great in Afghanistan
    by Frank L. Holt
    £20.99 - 42.49

    The so-called first war of the twenty-first century actually began more than 2,300 years ago when Alexander the Great led his army into what is now a sprawling ruin in northern Afghanistan. Frank L. Holt vividly recounts Alexander's invasion of ancient Bactria, situating in a broader historical perspective America's war in Afghanistan.

  • - Essays
    by Wendell Berry
    £12.99

    Ranging from America's insatiable consumerism and household economies to literary subjects and America's attitude toward waste, here Berry gracefully navigates from one topic to the next. He speaks candidly about the ills plaguing America and the growing gap between people and the land. Despite the somber nature of these essays, Berry's voice and prose provide an underlying sense of faith and hope. He frames his reflections with poetic responsibility, standing up as a firm believer in the power of the human race not only to fix its past mistakes but to build a future that will provide a better life for all.

  • - How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them
    by John Yorke
    £9.49

    'The best book on the subject I've read. Quite brilliant' Tony Jordan, creator/writer, Life on Mars, HustleWe all love stories. But why do we tell them? And why do all stories function in an eerily similar way? John Yorke, creator of the BBC Writers' Academy, has brought a vast array of drama to British screens. Here he takes us on a journey to the heart of storytelling, revealing that there truly is a unifying shape to narrative forms - one that echoes the fairytale journey into the woods and, like any great art, comes from deep within. From ancient myths to big-budget blockbusters, he gets to the root of the stories that are all around us, every day.'Marvellous' Julian Fellowes 'Terrifyingly clever ... Packed with intelligent argument' Evening Standard 'The most important book about scriptwriting since William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade' Peter Bowker, writer, Blackpool, Occupation, Eric and Ernie

  • by T. H. White
    £10.99

    The extraordinary story of a boy called Wart - ignored by everyone except his tutor, Merlin - who goes on to become King Arthur.T.H. White's masterful retelling of the Arthurian legend is an abiding classic. The Once and Future King, contains all five books about the early life of King Arthur (The Sword in the Stone , The Witch in the Wood , The Ill-Made Knight, The Candle in the Wind and The Book of Merlyn).Exquisite comedy offsets the tradegy of Arthur's personal doom as White brings to life the major British epic of all time with brilliance, grandeur, warmth and charm

  • by Simone de Beauvoir
    £11.99 - 13.49

    THE SECOND SEX stands, four decades after its first appearance, as the first landmark in the modern feminist upsurge that has transformed perceptions of the social relationship of man and womankind in our time.

History
The concept history covers a large range of topics all with its different focus. On top of Tales’ history books list, you find history books giving their in-depth view of some of World History’s most tragic events in modern time - World War 1 and World War 2. The two world wars affected most of the world and so many people lost their lives to them - both soldiers and civilians. The wars changed the world forever, and to understand how and why you need to dive into one of our many brilliant history books about the historic wars, giving you all the analysis and nuances you need - because we all know history books best, when they are thorough and give us new perspectives on historical events. 
If you instead are interested in politics during different historical periods, our selection of history books also contains that. The political system of a nation is a defining factor for how the citizens are treated and what conditions of life they have. The political factors can also lead to crises and wars, and in that way politics can make its mark on a whole historical era, but it can also lead to better times, giving the citizens better conditions and possibilities of social mobility. If you are interested, you will find all the history books in english right here. 
If you want to travel back to the fascinating Antiquity you should try reading the classics The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer. However they can be hard to understand in their original form. That is why we recommend you to dive into Stephen Fry’s fascinating interpretations of the antic classics. The works of the Antic Greeks, especially Homer, have that special kind of universality that all the classics refer to, even though the lyrics are about ancient mythological heroes such as Achilleus and Heracles (better known as Hercules) and their challenging adventures. The historical tales leave the reader with universal morales of life. In Stephen Fry’s version called Heroes the tales are giving a modern language and new relevans - especially for young people. 
It is also important to teach your kids about our common history and that is why you also find history books for kids in Tales’ wide selection. 

Society
A society is formed by a community of individuals and has gone through many changes throughout history. The history of our society has gone through many different stages, and in order to contain this diversity Tales’ collection has a rich amount of societal books from different time periods. You can find society books concerning and analyzing all from the traditional society, the modern society, and the post-modern society to the humanistic society. 

Educational textbooks
If you study history or social science Tales’ collection of History and Society is the perfect place to find your next educational textbook. History is one of the most important humanistic disciplines educating the future historians and museum inspectors. Without historians there will be nobody to investigate the historical data and texts and no one to evaluate them critically, and most importantly there would be no one to arrange history and the historical sources. Without them we would in fact lack a lot of vital information about who we are and what we come from, and we would not have the same ability to learn from history, which would be a great loss. That is why you need to start your journey as a history student in Tales’ selection of history books. 
Social science is also a cornerstone in understanding who we are and why we act as we act. As a social science student you should dive into our selection of societal books in order to get inspired for your next case study. 

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