Books published by Amberley Publishing

A terrific collection of historic photographs documenting the story of Edinburgh, Granton and Leith railways.

Fascinating previously unpublished images of railways built by British companies with British locomotives, rolling stock and other infrastructure. This volume focuses on Africa.

The women of Ancient Rome, were obliged to maintain the 'Mos maiorum', the established order of things. Romulus himself was believed to have devised the almost indissoluble marriage rite, the 'Confarreatio', which put a wife under the absolute power of her husband. She could not divorce him, but he could divorce her.

A fascinating exploration of Cornwall's historic churches that will be of interest to residents and visitors alike.

Discover the history and architectural treasures of Jersey in this fascinating exploration of 50 of its buildings and landmarks from across the centuries.

Explore Essex's local military heritage, from Roman times to the present day, in this illustrated guide.

Examining the modern rail scene of Derbyshire. Takes a whistle stop tour of the county's stations, looking at both the passenger and freight trains.

A fascinating exploration of the architectural heritage, treasures and landmarks in the City of London from across the centuries.

In this book I do not propose to delve to the great depths of our Torah; what I merely desire to do is to focus light on some aspect or other of the area "Around the Tents of the Torah".

50 of the most remarkable objects recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Somerset.

Don Matzat here provides a new perspective on the life of Katherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of the infamous Henry VIII. While most biographers suggest that Katherine chose to marry the obese, irascible monarch in order to further some reformation or obey a divine imperative, the author goes against the tide and concludes that Katherine was an opportunist who married the king in order to enjoy the comforts of being the Queen of England, proven by her sumptuous lifestyle. But everything changed for Katherine when she had a dramatic conversion experience, embracing the primary tenets of the Protestant Reformation as described in her seminal work, The Lamentation of a Sinner. Her newly found belief placed her in a precarious position, not only with her husband but with the heresy hunters who, with the king's blessing, beheaded those who held such beliefs. Yet Katherine had the courage to discuss her faith with her dangerous husband during the final months of his life. The life of Katherine Parr was one of drama, intrigue, danger, deceit, clandestine romance, scandal, tragedy and mystery. She came to a tragic end, and for three hundred years her burial site remained unknown. Katherine ruled England while Henry went to war against France. She was the first woman published in England under her own name. Her Lamentation of a Sinner is a little-known gem of the Protestant Reformation. Her influence upon the children of Henry, the future monarchs Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I, would affect English history for many years to come.

A new edition of Alistair Cooke's classic work, which has sold more than 2 million copies. Full of Cooke's signature erudition, this is an incisive and illuminating history of the United States. Republished to mark the 50th anniversary of the classic BBC series and this title's first publication.

A look at the dark side of life in Frome in centuries past. This book will fascinate anyone with an interest in the history of crime as well as those who want to know more about the history of Frome and the South West of England.

Cranborne Chase is an area of outstanding natural beauty in southern England, encompassing the counties of Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. Here royalty once came to hunt deer and other game in an area that became known as the Chase. It remains a landscape that feels like a painting of the past, with open chalk downland, wide expansive skies, dramatic escarpments and panoramic views. Renowned for its archaeological treasures, it remains largely unspoilt with its own sense of remoteness. Chalk river valleys provide a contrast with hidden villages, churches and manor houses surrounded by ancient woodlands, forming an atmospheric landscape where nature and humanity live hand in hand. In this book, Roger Lane traces elements of the region's history, occasionally with personal anecdotes adding to the interest. He and Roger Holman are acclaimed photographers with an intimate knowledge of the area. Here, their photography informs and delights both visitors and residents alike.

An examination of Magnus Maximus's life indicates that the Roman order survived in Britain for far longer than is usually credited, both politically and to a large extent materially.

Rare and previously images documenting this interesting bus scene. Areas covered includes Liverpool, the Wirral, St.Helens and Southport.

This book will interest anyone keen to know more about Berkshire's remarkable local military history.

Explore Eyam's fascinating hidden history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

A fascinating insight into the world of Saxony's narrow gauge railways, which remain a favourite among rail enthusiasts due to their continuing steam-powered workings.

A stunning collection of rare photographs documenting the last years of industrial steam around the world. This first volume focuses on scenes captured in the twenty-first century.

Previously unpublished photographs documenting buses and coaches around the Thames Valley during this interesting period.

A fascinating collection of merged historic and modern images that reflect the changes in Aberystwyth through the decades.

A pocket-sized, illustrated history tour of Aylesbury showing how Buckinghamshire's county town has changed through the decades.

A fascinating illustrated account of the industrial heritage of the town and county borough of Wrexham across the centuries.

Stunning previously unpublished images documenting the end of steam in London, the South and South West.

The seaside town of Bournemouth was founded as a watering place in the early nineteenth century in an area of barren land on the south coast known for smuggling. After developing as a health resort, the railways arrived and the town grew rapidly, becoming a popular destination for visitors. Today, Bournemouth welcomes millions of visitors every year to its beaches and festivals, its two piers - one at Bournemouth and one at Boscombe - and long promenade, and is a cultural and commercial centre of the area. Many of its outstanding Victorian buildings have been preserved and stand alongside art deco and more recent landmark buildings. In A-Z of Bournemouth, author Bill Hoodless delves into the history of the town, from evidence of the earliest settlers in the area to the present day. He highlights well-known historic landmarks such as the Winter Gardens, former home of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, forgotten stories from yesteryear such as a tram tragedy, and the air crash that killed Charles Rolls, co-founder of Rolls-Royce Ltd. He also writes about famous residents and visitors such as Robert Louis Stevenson and digs beneath the surface to uncover some of Bournemouth's lesser-known facts and its hidden places of interest.

Situated in the south-west of Ireland, the port city of Cork is right on the very edge of Western Europe and has always been open to influences from Europe and the wider world. The amalgamation of these influences has created a vibrant and historic twenty-first-century city. It is no surprise that, with such a wide range of influences, Cork has developed a very distinct culture. Corkonians have an immense variety of strong cultural traditions, from the city's history to its sports, commerce and education. Then there is its maritime heritage, the festivals, literature, art, music and the rich Cork accent. In Celebrating Cork, local author Kieran McCarthy highlights the wealth of the city's heritage and its citizens' diverse achievements. The book explores some of the reasons why Cork is so special in the hearts of Corkonians and its many visitors. It takes the reader through the familiar and lesser-known layers of Cork's importance in Atlantic Europe. Different chapters focus on the history of its port; the documents and maps which defined the city's sense of identity; the Arts and Crafts movements, which can be viewed within the cityscape; its key institutions and charities; its engineering feats; and perhaps why Cork is known for its rebel nature. Illustrated throughout, Celebrating Cork will be of great appeal to residents, visitors and all those with connections to the city. It will be a source of civic pride as well as a valuable contribution to local history.

A red and white dragon fighting tooth and claw in the moonlit sky; mischievous fairy folk luring unwary travellers deep into their underground lairs; a kind-hearted mermaid saving the lives of those in peril on the high seas; and a charmed boy who transforms into an otter and a bird to outrun a wicked witch. In Illustrated Tales of Wales, author Mark Rees explores the fantastical myths, legends and folk stories of Wales which have long fired the imagination of young and old alike. From the medieval tales of the Mabinogion to those rooted firmly in Arthurian mythology, they range from the quirky to the macabre and tell of heroic pets, strange superstitions, devious devils and restless spirits. Wales is home to mighty giants which live on the highest mountains and battle to the death with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. It has a patron saint of hares, who created a safe haven for humans and animals alike, and a patron saint of love, whose idyllic island became a place of pilgrimage. It has a water horse which has been known to give those who mount it the ride of their lives, and the unforgettable Mari Lwyd, one of the world's more unusual Christmastime traditions in which an eerie horse-skulled visitor goes door-to-door in the dead of night. Illustrated Tales of Wales offers an engaging and different look at Wales, with this alternative tour through the country's peculiar past.

Sunderland's proud history encompasses its beginnings as a major centre of religious learning in the early medieval period and its growth into a major port and shipbuilding centre on the mouth of the River Wear. Today, the city and the surrounding Wearside area is a major centre of car manufacturing and other industries in the North East. In this book author Steve Watson investigates the rich supernatural heritage of this city and the surrounding Wearside area, not only the well-known phenomena but also lesser-known hauntings from the past and present day, including ghostly happenings at the North East Land Sea and Air Museum on the site of an old airfield near Washington and mysterious sightings at the Phoenix Lodge, the oldest purpose-built Masonic lodge in the world, and many more. Paranormal Sunderland takes the reader into the world of ghosts and spirits in the city, following their footsteps into the unknown. These tales of haunted places, supernatural happenings and weird phenomena will delight the ghost hunters and intrigue everybody who knows Sunderland and Wearside.