The Glorious Revolution: everything you wanted to know

This book, originally titled 'Actes and Monuments of these Latter and Perillous Days, Touching Matters of the Church', is a comprehensive work of Protestant history and martyrology. It details the persecutions and sufferings of Protestants under the Catholic Church, particularly in England and Scotland. The book includes accounts of various Christian martyrs, from the first-century stoning of Stephen to those who suffered during the reign of Queen Mary I. It has been highly influential in shaping popular notions of Catholicism in England and Scotland and has undergone several editions and abridgments since its initial publication in 1563.

Michael Wood's 'The Story of China' is a sweeping narrative that combines a broad historical overview with personal stories and recent archaeological discoveries. The book begins with China's prehistory, the early dynasties, and the roots of Chinese culture in the teachings of Confucius. It explores significant periods such as the Renaissance of the Song dynasty, the Qing Empire in the 18th century, and the encounter with the West, including the Opium Wars and the debates of the late 19th century. Wood also brings the story up to date with a balanced view of Mao and the emergence of Xi Jinping. The book is enriched with stories from various economic strata, including letters from soldiers, Silk Road merchants, Buddhist travelers, and memoirs of emperors, poets, and peasants.

This book tells the story of Ursula Kuczynski, code-named 'Sonya', a high-ranking Soviet intelligence officer who lived a double life in the English Cotswolds during World War II. With access to her diaries and correspondence, Ben Macintyre reveals her role in gathering scientific secrets that enabled the Soviet Union to build the atomic bomb. Sonya's career spanned decades, evading capture by the Chinese, Japanese, Nazis, MI5, MI6, and the FBI, and her story reflects the ideological clashes of the 20th century between Communism, Fascism, and Western democracy.

This book covers the lives of five remarkable Plantagenet queens: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Berengaria of Navarre, Isabella of Angouleme, Alienor of Provence, and Eleanor of Castile. It explores their roles in medieval European history, including their involvement in wars, crusades, treachery, and the interplay between rival monarchs of Britain and France. The narrative highlights their struggles for power, their marriages, and their impact on English history during a period marked by significant events such as the murder of Thomas Becket and the signing of the Magna Carta[2][5][6].