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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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  • - On the Possibility of Life in Capitalist Ruins
    by Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing
    £14.49

    What a rare mushroom can teach us about sustaining life on a fragile planetMatsutake is the most valuable mushroom in the world-and a weed that grows in human-disturbed forests across the northern hemisphere. Through its ability to nurture trees, matsutake helps forests to grow in daunting places. It is also an edible delicacy in Japan, where it sometimes commands astronomical prices. In all its contradictions, matsutake offers insights into areas far beyond just mushrooms and addresses a crucial question: what manages to live in the ruins we have made? A tale of diversity within our damaged landscapes, The Mushroom at the End of the World follows one of the strangest commodity chains of our times to explore the unexpected corners of capitalism. Here, we witness the varied and peculiar worlds of matsutake commerce: the worlds of Japanese gourmets, capitalist traders, Hmong jungle fighters, industrial forests, Yi Chinese goat herders, Finnish nature guides, and more. These companions also lead us into fungal ecologies and forest histories to better understand the promise of cohabitation in a time of massive human destruction.By investigating one of the world's most sought-after fungi, The Mushroom at the End of the World presents an original examination into the relation between capitalist destruction and collaborative survival within multispecies landscapes, the prerequisite for continuing life on earth.

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    - The Birth of Humankind
    by Yuval Noah Harari
    £16.99

    The first volume of the graphic adaptation of Yuval Noah Harari's global phenomenon and smash SUNDAY TIMES #1 BESTSELLER. Featuring 256 pages of gorgeous full-colour illustrations and wrapped in a beautiful package. One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one-homo sapiens. What happened to the others?And what may happen to us? In this first volume of the adaptation of his ground-breaking book, renowned historian Yuval Harari tells the story of humankind's creation and evolution, exploring the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be "human". From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens challenges us to reconsider accepted beliefs, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and view specific events within the context of larger ideas. Featuring easy-to-understand text covering the first part of the original edition, this adaptation of the mind-expanding book furthers the ongoing conversation as it introduces Harari's ideas to a wider new readership. '[A] wonderful graphic novel... Smart, funny and dipped deep in the reality of what we as a species are...' Big Issue *Books of the Year*

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    - How Degrowth Will Save the World
    by Jason Hickel
    £9.49

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    - A Historical Review of Four Fashion Icons
    by Emma Baxter-Wright
    £35.49

    Little Guides to Style by Emma Baxter-Wright, eng

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    - The Story of the Iconic Fashion House
    by Karen Homer
    £11.49

    Introducing 'Little Book of Louis Vuitton' by the renowned author Karen Homer. This captivating book, published in 2021, takes you on a journey through the world of luxury fashion. The author skillfully weaves the rich history of the iconic brand Louis Vuitton, showcasing its evolution and impact on the fashion industry. This book belongs to the genre of fashion and design, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the legacy of Louis Vuitton. Published by the reputable Welbeck Publishing Group, this book is a testament to the timeless appeal of Louis Vuitton. Don't miss out on this fascinating exploration of one of the world's most influential fashion brands.

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    - 73 Things About the World You Need to Know
    by Vaclav Smil
    £9.49

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    - The Science of Physical Activity, Rest and Health
    by Daniel Lieberman
    £10.99

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    - How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous
    by Joseph Henrich
    £13.49

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    by Justin Scheck & Bradley Hope
    £10.99

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    - Turn Pain into Power, Embrace Your Truth, Live Free
    by Dr Shefali Tsabary
    £13.49

    The New York Times bestselling author and renowned clinical psychologist teaches women how to transcend their fears and illusions, break free from societal expectations, and rediscover the person they were always meant to be: fully present, conscious and happy.

  • Save 21%
    by James Norbury
    £14.99

    Discover the most beautiful book of the year as seen on ITV News and in the GuardianTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'James has a way to speak to your soul. This book is nothing short of comforting and heartwarming' VEX KING'While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs' GUARDIAN________A guiding light in the darker months, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon is the beautifully illustrated and mindful journey of two friends through the seasons, inspired by Buddhist philosophy'Which is more important,' asked Big Panda, 'the journey or the destination?''The company,' said Tiny Dragon.Friends Big Panda and Tiny Dragon journey through the seasons of the year together, day and night, in rain and in sun. Travelling through nature, they find hope and inspiration in the world around them, realising that even in the darkest of days, Spring will always return.Feel the calming influence of Big Panda, who reminds us of the bigger picture while appreciating the simplicity of small moments.Explore your surroundings with the inquisitive eye of Tiny Dragon, our friend who is big in heart if not in stature.And on their journey through the ever-changing seasons, join these two friends as they learn how to live in the moment, be at peace with uncertainty, and find the strength to overcome life's obstacles, together.Inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality, James Norbury has captured in these whimsical characters the ideas that have helped him through his most difficult times.________'The two friends often find themselves lost but discover beautiful sights they never would have found if they had gone the right way. While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs' GUARDIAN

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    by Silvia Federici
    £9.49

    'A groundbreaking work . . . Federici has become a crucial figure for . . . a new generation of feminists' Rachel Kushner, author of The Mars RoomA cult classic since its publication in the early years of this century, Caliban and the Witch is Silvia Federici's history of the body in the transition to capitalism. Moving from the peasant revolts of the late Middle Ages through the European witch-hunts, the rise of scientific rationalism and the colonisation of the Americas, it gives a panoramic account of the often horrific violence with which the unruly human material of pre-capitalist societies was transformed into a set of predictable and controllable mechanisms. It Is a study of indigenous traditions crushed, of the enclosure of women's reproductive powers within the nuclear family, and of how our modern world was forged in blood.'Rewarding . . . allows us to better understand the intimate relationship between modern patriarchy, the rise of the nation state and the transition from feudalism to capitalism' Guardian

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    - 50 Years of the Ultimate Driving Machines
    by Tony Lewin
    £25.49

    East Sussex, England

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    by Alan W Watts
    £10.99

    'The perfect guide for a course correction in life' Deepak ChopraIf we open our eyes and see clearly it becomes obvious that there is no other time than this instant An insightful exploration into the origins and history of Zen Buddhism from pioneering Zen scholar Alan Watts. With a rare combination of freshness and lucidity, Watts explores the principles of Zen and how it can revolutionize our daily life.

  • Save 15%
    by Chip Heath
    £10.99 - 11.99

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    - What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn't, and Why It Matters
    by Steven E. Koonin
    £17.49

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    - The Pillars of Civilization
    by Yuval Noah Harari
    £14.99

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    by Eddie Jaku
    £9.49 - 14.99

    The moving and inspiring story of an Auschwitz survivor who shares what hes learned about gratitude, tolerance and kindness.

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    by Barack Obama
    £25.49

    THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERTwo long-time friends share an intimate and urgent conversation about life, music and their enduring love of America, with all its challenges and contradictions, in this stunningly-produced expansion of their ground-breaking Higher Ground podcast, featuring more than 350 photographs, exclusive bonus content, and never-before-seen archival material.Renegades: Born in the USA is a candid, revealing, and entertaining dialogue between President Barack Obama and legendary musician Bruce Springsteen that explores everything from their origin stories and career-defining moments to their country's polarized politics and the growing distance between the American Dream and the American reality. Filled with full-colour photographs and rare archival material, it is a compelling and beautifully illustrated portrait of two outsiders-one Black and one white-looking for a way to connect their unconventional searches for meaning, identity, and community with the American story itself. It includes: Original introductions by President Obama and Bruce Springsteen Exclusive new material from the Renegades podcast recording sessions Obama's never-before-seen annotated speeches, including his "e;Remarks at the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Marches Springsteen's handwritten lyrics for songs spanning his 50-year-long career Rare and exclusive photographs from the authors' personal archives Historical photographs and documents that provide rich visual context for their conversation. In a recording studio stocked with dozens of guitars, and on at least one Corvette ride, Obama and Springsteen discuss marriage and fatherhood, race and masculinity, the lure of the open road and the call back to home. They also compare notes on their favourite protest songs, the most inspiring American heroes of all time, and more. Along the way, they reveal their passion for-and the occasional toll of-telling a bigger, truer story about America throughout their careers, and explore how their fractured country might begin to find its way back toward unity.

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    by Oliver Burkeman
    £9.49

  • Save 14%
    - Money, Power and the Traders Who Barter the Earth's Resources
    by Jack Farchy & Javier Blas
    £9.49

  • Save 14%
    - A Scientist's Guide to Our Past, Present, and Future
    by Vaclav Smil
    £9.49

  • Save 18%
    by David Keil
    £20.49

    In this full-colour illustrated guide, David Keil brings the anatomy of the body in yoga asanas to life.

  • Save 14%
    - Behind the Lines and Under Fire: The Inside Story of Europe's Last War
    by Tim Marshall
    £9.49

    A gripping eyewitness account of a major 20th-century military conflict by the UK's most popular writer on geopolitics

  • Save 29%
    by Barack Obama
    £31.99

    THE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Times / Guardian / Telegraph / i News / The New York Times / Washington Post / NPR / Marie ClaireA riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making-from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy'Gorgeously written, humorous, compelling, life affirming' Justin Webb, Mail on SundayIn the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency-a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil. Obama takes readers on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to the watershed night of November 4, 2008, when he was elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the nation's highest office. Reflecting on the presidency, he offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of both the awesome reach and the limits of presidential power, as well as singular insights into the dynamics of U.S.

  • Save 23%
    by Robert Greene
    £15.49

  • by Jeffrey Mason
    £10.99

    The Gift Your Father Will Enjoy and AppreciateDad, I Want to Hear Your Story is the popular and cherished way for Fathers to share the memories and joys of their life while also creating a cherished legacy for you and the entire family.This is the Original and Best-Selling Way for Your Dad to Share His Life StoryDad, I Want to Hear Your Story will guide your Father with prompts and questions, making it fun and easy for him to share the stories of his childhood, teens, and adult years. This will be the tales of his life, his victories, his challenges, and his lessons. You will give your Dad a gift he will cherish while also giving yourself the gift of knowing him a little bit better.Think of all you will learn about your Dad when you read the stories of his life experiences. What will he share? What will you discover? What will you learn?Imagine Reading About the Details of His Amazing Life and Journey.Bestselling author Jeffrey Mason and Hear Your Story Books have expertly created this incredibly popular series of guided journals that have helped thousands share their story, chronicle their memories, and create a legacy for their families.Newly Expanded and Upgraded. More Prompts, More Pages, and More Space for your Dad to Share His Life and His Story with You!Over 250 expertly created guided prompts to make it simple for your father to share his memories with you.Each question has plenty of room for your Dad to write and share his life stories.Give your father the original memory-guided journal. Tens of thousands have been bought for and cherished by Dads all over the world.Order Dad I Want to Hear Your Story and give your Father the gift that will continue to give as the years go by."My Dad loved telling us all of his stories." - Samuel Robert"I gave this book to my Dad for Christmas and he told me it was his favorite gift." - Christy Harris"I learned so much about my Dad because of this wonderful book." -Joe Costa

  • Save 10%
    - A Novel
    by Colleen Hoover
    £8.99

    In this ';brave and heartbreaking novel that digs its claws into you and doesn't let go, long after you've finished it' (Anna Todd, New York Times bestselling author) from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of All Your Perfects, a workaholic with a too-good-to-be-true romance can't stop thinking about her first love.Lily hasn't always had it easy, but that's never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She's come a long way from the small town where she grew upshe graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. And when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily's life seems too good to be true. Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He's also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn't hurt. Lily can't get him out of her head. But Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his ';no dating' rule, she can't help but wonder what made him that way in the first place. As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corriganher first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened. An honest, evocative, and tender novel, It Ends with Us is ';a glorious and touching read, a forever keeper. The kind of book that gets handed down' (USA TODAY).

  • Save 10%
    by Paulo Coelho
    £8.99 - 15.49

    A global phenomenon, The Alchemist has been read and loved by over 62 million readers, topping bestseller lists in 74 countries worldwide. Now this magical fable is beautifully repackaged in an edition that lovers of Paulo Coelho will want to treasure forever.

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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