Mediaeval City

From the schism between Rome and Constantinople to the rise of the T'ang Dynasty, from the birth of Muhammad to the crowning of Charlemagne, this erudite book tells the fascinating, often violent story of kings, generals, and the peoples they ruled.

Gritty medieval history reveals the shocking reality of everyday survival in a filthy, bustling city. Ditch the shining armor and romantic myths to plunge into a darkly humorous, immersive journey through mud, waste, and deafening noise. Perfect for a gripping daily commute, this rich narrative...

This richly detailed and dramatic account takes listeners deep into the heart of feudal conflict—from the roar of charging cavalry to the silence before a siege. Whether you're a student of history, a fan of epic warfare, or simply curious about how medieval people fought, survived, and conquered, this book delivers a vivid and immersive journey.

The millennium between the breakup of the western Roman Empire and the Reformation was a long and hugely transformative period - one not easily chronicled within a single book. Yet distinguished historian Chris Wickham has taken up the challenge in this landmark book, and he succeeds in producing the most riveting account of medieval Europe in a generation.

Embark on an enthralling journey through the heart of Medieval England in this captivating exploration of one of history's most dynamic periods. Delve into the lives of kings and queens, knights and peasants, as the story of England unfolds against the backdrop of feudalism, chivalry, and religious upheaval. Experience the turbulence of the Magna Carta, the devastation of the Black Death, and the intrigue of the Wars of the Roses, all of which shaped the destiny of England. 

In this classic of social history, the author describes the lives of six obscure men and women of the Middle Ages. She draws on account books, records, letters, diaries, and wills to make the life of those times as concrete and comprehensible as our own.

Rome 998 AD. Galen and his friends have taken shelter in an abbey where there is much to learn from the local scribes and illustrators. Galen is grateful for the order and tranquillity of their temporary new home, but is it a false peace?

Journey to the heart of an empire: a jaw-dropping historical adventure from master storyteller S.J.A. Turney. Arnau de Vallbona and his fellow Templar Brother Ramon are bound for the Holy Land to take part in the great Crusade when fate intervenes. Delayed in Cyprus, they learn of a growing rift...

Brought to you by Penguin. Fourteen-year-old Quint Verginix is the only remaining son of famous sky-pirate Wind Jackal. He and his father have journeyed to the city of Sanctaphrax - a great floating rock, bound to the ground below by a chain, its inhabitants living with their heads literally in...

Explore the gritty urban history of the Middle Ages to see how crowded towns battled a rising tide of human waste. Perfect for an educational commute, this eye-opening journey dispels the myth of the unwashed European cesspit. Experience the sights, smells, and chaotic streets of early coastal...

Seal of the Worm is the tenth and final book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. An ancient enemy stirs once more . . . The Empire has vanquished its enemies at last, but at a terrible price. With her chief rival cast into the abyss, Empress...

Makoud, a middle-aged apothecary, has come to Málaga with his family to work. Shortly after they arrive, the khalifa Yahya I dies. Rumors say he was poisoned. Makoud is worried that the poison used by the assassins was bought from his shop. His son Umar, now a soldier in the khalifa’s army, decides to investigate - but soon finds himself arrested and accused of murder. His father, family, and friends pool all their resources to try and help him, but the closer they get to the truth, the greater the danger they find themselves in.

Supported by diverse textual and archaeological evidence, a detailed reconstruction of Edward I’s shipbuilding programme of 1295. With the looming threat of an imminent French invasion, Edward I wrote to 26 English ports in November 1294 and told each of them to build, or help others to build...

The days of peace are over. Empire in Black and Gold is the first instalment in the critically-acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. It is a world populated by kinden – species of human that have taken on the characteristics of animals, from spiders and ants...

A brilliantly dark and compelling historical crime novel set in Venice from 'the medieval CJ Sansom' (Jeffery Deaver) 1358. Oswald de Lacy, Lord Somershill, is in Venice, awaiting a pilgrim galley to the Holy Land. While the city is under siege from the Hungarians, Oswald lodges with an English...

The greatest foe is the enemy within . . . Heirs of the Blade is the seventh book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Tynisa is on the run, but she cannot escape the demons of her own mind. Amidst the fragmenting provinces of the Dragonfly...

Ancient powers are waking . . . The Scarab Path is the fifth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. The war with the Wasp Empire has ended in a bitter stalemate, and Collegium has nothing to show for it but wounded veterans. Cheerwell Maker...

An empress demands her birthright . . . The Air War is the eighth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. All is in turmoil as the world moves towards war. In Solarno, spies eye one another and ready their knives – while the people of Myna...

Danger lurks beneath dark waters . . . The Sea Watch is the sixth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. A shadow is falling over Collegium. Despite the tenuous peace, Stenwold Maker knows that the Empire will return for his city. Even as...

An ancient enemy stirs once more . . . Seal of the Worm is the tenth and final book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. The Empire has vanquished its enemies at last, but at a terrible price. With her chief rival cast into the abyss, Empress...