Books in the All you need to know series

Hastings tells the story of the war in a clear and compelling narrative, ranging across a vast canvas from the agony of Poland in 1939 and the horrors of the Soviet front to the dropping of the atom bombs on Japan in August 1945. This is a book which shows vividly what war meant for individuals from allied soldiers, sailors and airmen, to SS killers, to civilians caught up in the war like British housewives who endured the Blitz

In its Victorian heyday, when Britannia ruled the waves, the British Empire consisted of 58 countries with a population of 400 million. Covering 14 million square miles, or about a quarter of the earth's surface, it was seven times larger than the territories of Rome at their greatest extent. By then it was a far-flung but loosely-amalgamated assortment of dominions and dependencies that dwarfed its tiny base.

A vivid portrait of Russia at the most turbulent period of modern history, and of one of the most violent and repressive regimes in history.

There is no easy way to sum up the Third Reich, but in this short book Caroline Sharples tells the story of Hitler's rise to power and looks at the arguments which have raged about the Third Reich, in particular the argument about how much power Hitler actually had. Was he, as some believe, an omnipotent leader with clear ideological goals and a clear programme for implementing them? Or was the Third Reich much more confused, with ad hoc decision making and intense power rivalries generating a "cumulative radicalism" which eventually brought it down?

Napoleon has long divided historians. In this short, graphic discussion of his life and influence, the well-known historian Adam Zamoyski offers his own verdict on one of history's most influential figures.

Trade paperback. New titles in the "All You Need To Know..." series providing a punchy and accessible introduction to areas of historical knowledge, led through by selected experts.

What's the secret of a stylish essay, or story, or email? How do you make your sentences sparkle? In this slim volume, a leading editor who is also a pop critic and sportswriter shows readers much fun they can have while sharpening a pen. In a few breezy chapters, Tim de Lisle hands them the keys to good writing: how to be clear, concise and vivid.

Beautifully told, this biography is an epic tale of tale of battles, love, jealousy, persecution and betrayal.