Books published by Amberley Publishing

The 1960s saw the final hurrah of steam on the railways - the final period of steam-powered locomotives dominating the main line. This meant that a colourful array of traffic could be found across the length and breadth of Great Britain, and an army of enthusiasts both young and old dutifully recorded the nation's rail scene. Here, in the first of a new series of book celebrating the steam of 1960s Britain, Keith W. Platt looks back at the fascinating array of traffic that could be found around the railway town of Doncaster. Packed with previously unpublished images, this is a book that will delight anybody with memories of steam around Doncaster or an enthusiasm for the area's railways or history.

Between the 1930s and 1960s, during the peak of Britain's railways, road hauliers were in stiff competition to transport goods. The commercial vehicles used during this period varied from articulated lorries to vans, trucks, recovery vehicles and wreckers. With photographs featuring a range of vehicle types and manufacturers both popular and obscure, Royston Morris offers an interesting insight into a range of surviving commercial vehicles dating from before 1960.

An American general in Wellington's army?At the age of fourteen, Frederick Robinson fought for the Loyalists in the War of Independence. With their defeat, his now impoverished family took refuge in England. After serving against the French in the West Indies, he worked in army recruitment in London. In 1813 he joined the Peninsular campaign as a Brigade Major General. His journals and letters shed light on the local topography and the personalities he encounters - the British grandees of Oporto, landed gentry, priests and peasants, Wellington and his generals and the common soldier. He also describes the marches across country and the battles of Vitoria, San Sebastian, the Nime and Toulouse. Subsequently, he commanded a division in America during the War of 1812. After colonial governorships in Upper Canada and Tobago, he continued to contribute as a Regimental Colonel. At his death in 1852, he was the longest-serving soldier in the British Army.

William Barron is one of the unsung heroes of British garden design, often overshadowed by other famous horticulturists such as Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton. William Barron: The Victorian Landscape Gardener tells the story of an unassuming man who made an everlasting impression on the British landscape. Tamsin Liddle and Peter Robinson explore Barron's humble beginnings, delve into the influences that shaped his work and look at his engineering and horticultural innovations. Barron's designs have been enjoyed for more than 150 years, and this book celebrates spaces across the country - in particular the jewel in his crown, Elvaston. Having paved the way for the generations of gardeners that followed him, Barron's work continues to touch the lives of families and individuals seeking space, enjoyment, and relaxation in an increasingly urban society. The authors' royalties for this book will support the longevity of Elvaston, its gardens and restoration.

Once upon a time it was easy to tell one make of car from another. The shape of the grille or a distinctive badge was all that was required to tell the onlooker what they were looking at. Sadly those days are behind us, but the rich history of those identifying features lives on for those with an inquisitive mind. Some marques, such as Aston Martin, only ever had one badge, while others went through a range of insignia over the years. Some badges, such as Ferrari, were inspired by local heraldic devices, while others were based on flags. The names of these companies have equally fascinating stories. Some, like Ford, were derived from the names of their founders, while local history played a role in the naming of companies such as Lada. This book tells the stories of many of these names and badges, detailing their origins and development and accompanied by a range of interesting illustrations.

"A portrait of London and its people - from the richest to the poorest--when it was the world's greatest and most quickly expanding city. Everyday Life in Victorian London explores the daily lives of adults and children, aristocracy and middle classes, working poor and the 'submerged tenth' underclass."--

A guided tour through the town of Builth Wells, showing how the areas you know and love have changed over the centuries.

When did celebrity culture begin? In the Regency period, when people hungered for news of the illegitimate actress who became a duchess and the richest woman in England; and the hard-drinking Regency buck who horse-whipped anyone who criticised his terrible novels.

The recent discovery and filming of Frankin's HMS 'Terror' has brought the tragic story of the expedition into the international spotlight. The only man who knows the true narrative is Ernest Coleman.

From the highest halls of power to the remote corners of rural America, featuring amazing technological innovation and an epic battle between the captains of a corrupted industry and America's most politically astute president, here is the story behind the greatest peacetime achievement in US history the electrification of an entire nation.

My Friends, The Enemy is the only first-hand account of the Falklands War written by somebody involved in the military intelligence operation. It tells the inside story of the huge efforts made behind the scenes as Britain sought to complete its most ambitious campaign of the post-Second World War era.

The five hundredth anniversary of a momentous and spectacular meeting between two rival Renaissance monarchs; a failed bid for peace in Europe.

Have the squadron leaders over southern England in that long autumn of 1940, and their supporting flight commanders who led the squadrons into battle, had been neglected in the history books? Patrick Eriksson thinks so.

This collection of true-life crime stories gives a vivid insight into life in Cheshire in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Rare and previously unpublished images documenting the interesting and varied local bus scene in Sheffield.

Jan-Marie Knights documents the social calendar of Plantagenet high society in a series of bite-sized chunks. The book covers weddings, feasts, funerals and more - allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the glamour, affluence and human drama of a gilded world.

Stunning photographs capturing diesels at work across six continents, from the mid-1970s to present day.

Terrific previously unpublished photos telling the story of Bury Corporation Transport buses prior to being absorbed into SELNEC.

Secret Bournemouth explores the lesser-known history of the town of Bournemouth through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

A wonderful collection of 180 photographs, some previously unpublished, celebrating the London's Enviro200 Buses.

Adam Parker looks at some of the fascinating treasures that have been unearthed around the beautiful county of Yorkshire.

With previously unpublished photographs documenting the period's industrial and mineral railways scene.

This book explores the little-known legacy left behind by soldiers on the Western Front of the First World War - wall markings that offer a revealing insight into the thoughts and feelings of young men far from home.

Published in partnership with the company, this illustrated book celebrates 50 years of National Express.

Like many cities in the UK, Manchester has changed dramatically over the years and continues to do so. The 'Second City of Empire' was a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution, especially in textile manufacture, and for a time was the most productive centre of cotton processing in the world. The boom ended as dramatically as it had begun, with the death of the textile industry and waning of the city's role as a major inland port, and the post-war decades were marked by industrial decline, urban decay and mass unemployment as factories and warehouses lay dormant and derelict. By the end of the twentieth century, however, Manchester's fortunes had changed as a massive programme of inner-city regeneration saw the city successfully transform itself into a thriving post-industrial centre of arts, culture and commerce. Lost Manchester describes this remarkable transformation in words and pictures, highlighting the many well-known buildings that are no longer part of the city's landscape. This is a book that will appeal not only to the city's residents but also the many visitors who come here every year to savour its delights.

The glorious county of Wiltshire boasts two World Heritage sites: Stonehenge and Avebury. These magnificent monuments have fascinated people for thousands of years and continue to draw millions of visitors from across the world. There is a vast array of other Neolithic sites in the county, including Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow. Together with its impressive heritage, Wiltshire is known for its beautiful landscape - almost half of the county is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Salisbury Plain covers 300 square miles and is famous for its archaeology, although it is now used mainly for military training and is closed to the public, which makes it an impressive wildlife haven. In this book, professional photographer Diane Vose captures the spirit, essence and identity of Wiltshire in a series of exceptional images. This stunning visual treasury highlights the history and variety of places to be found in this south-western shire and reveals how it is a place where the past and present work in perfect harmony. White horses carved into the chalk hillsides are a symbol of Wiltshire at locations including Westbury, Cherhill, Devizes, Alton Barnes, Pewsey and Marlborough. The city of Salisbury has its medieval cathedral, and dotted throughout the county are historic market towns and charming, picturesque villages. Places such as Lacock and Castle Combe are popular filming locations and visitors will recognise the gold stone cottages, pretty bridges and quaint high streets. Taken throughout the seasons, these pictures reflect the scenic splendour, rich heritage and contrasting treasures of this enchanting county. Wiltshire in Photographs is a superb collection of images that will appeal to residents and visitors alike.

Readers may be surprised to learn the real origins of Lancashire hotpot and discover that some of those all-time-favourites like Jelly Babies, Vimto, and Fox's biscuits all have their roots in the county. While Eccles and Chorley cakes are well-known Lancashire staples, gingerbread production and simnel cakes are also at the heart of the county's baking heritage. Together with big names such as Richmond sausages and Hartley's jam, there is a surprise for everyone in this book, revealing the identities of numerous best-loved British culinary classics based in Lancashire. Author Emma Kay looks at the regional fare and dishes that have characterised Lancashire over the years, picking out the many interesting stories that contribute to this county's food and drink narrative. Alongside its traditional food festivals and products, the county boasts diverse food and drink markets and well-known producers and cooks. Foots, Lonks and Wet Nellies will appeal to all those who are interested in the history of Lancashire and its food and drink legacy.

Shrewsbury, Shropshire's county town, has been an important trading and administrative centre since medieval times because of its position on the River Severn close to the Welsh border. Today, much of the town follows its original medieval street layout and remains largely unspoilt, with its intriguingly named streets and alleyways. For visitors and residents alike there is much history to discover, from the red-sandstone castle to the fifteenth- and sixteenth-century timber-framed buildings reflecting the wealth from the wool trade. In A-Z of Shrewsbury local author Dorothy Nicolle seeks out stories from the past about the town's places and its famous sons and daughters. Notable people, including Charles Darwin, Robert Clive and Wilfred Owen, intermingle with those who are, perhaps, lesser-known, ranging from Aethelflaeda and Percy Thrower (the gardening expert) to Cadman (the tightrope artiste) and Judge Jeffreys (the 'Hanging Judge'). Among the events covered are the Battle of Shrewsbury and the Civil War, as well as visits by royalty through the centuries and the Shrewsbury Flower Show, which is one of the oldest in the country. Finally, many people ask is the name pronounced 'Shrowesbury' or 'Shruesbury'? Well, that depends largely on whoever you ask, but it seems that locals like to tell visitors that neither is right and neither is wrong - as long as they make time to explore this lovely town.

Southdown Motor Services, renowned for their impressive fleet of green and cream buses and coaches, also operated an impressive fleet of ancillary vehicles. In this book, Simon Stanford shares some of the great variety of vehicles between the 1960s and the company's acquisition by Stagecoach in 1989. This includes training buses, tree-loppers, lorries, vans and more.

Gnaeus Julius Agricola was a man fated for conquest and tied to the island of Britannia. He cut his teeth on military command during the revolt of Boudicca, later commanded a legion against the warlike Brigantes and was finally given the governorship of the province and was able to lead the armies north, incorporating into the empire the wild northern lands that had remained unclaimed for three decades. He broke the back of the Scottish tribes at Mons Graupius and achieved what no other Roman ever managed. Agricola had a settled Britannia in his hands, only to be removed and see it evaporate without him. Agricola's biography was written by his son-in-law Tacitus, and his life has otherwise never been examined in detail. Here, using the archaeological record and contemporary accounts to compare with Tacitus, we work to uncover the truth about the man who made Roman Britain. Was Tacitus an unreliable narrator?