{"title":"Praeger Illustrated Military History Ser","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"plassey-1757-book-harrington-9780275986322","title":"Plassey 1757","description":"After relatively lowly beginnings as a writer in the East India Company, Robert Clive rose to be perhaps the most important single figure in the history of British involvement in India. At Plassey on June 23, 1757 Clive's 3,500 native and East India Company troops faced an army of 50,000 under the French supported nawab Siraj-ud-daula. Having succeeded in keeping his powder dry in a torrential rainstorm, Clive's guns were able to open a murderous fire on the enemy. Siraj-ud-daula's attack was beaten off and the counter-attack which Clive launched swept the field, with only the French gunners fighting to the last.    Plassey was the battle which established the reputation of Clive of India. After relatively lowly beginnings as a writer in the East India Company, Clive rose to be perhaps the most important single figure in the history of British involvement in India. At Plassey on 23 June 1757 Clive's 3,500 native and East India Company troops faced an army of 50,000 under the French supported nawab Siraj-ud-daula. Having succeeded in keeping his powder dry in a torrential rainstorm which soaked the nawab's artillery, Clive's guns were able to open a murderous fire on the enemy troops as they attempted to encircle him. Siraj-ud-daula's attack was beaten off and the counter-attack which Clive launched swept the field; only the French gunners under St. Frais fought to the last. This battle decided the fate of Bengal, the nawab being assassinated a few days later and succeeded by Clive's nominee, Mir Jaffa. Clive's losses in the battle totalled only 23 men killed. Plassey was crucial because it helped to ensure British dominion over India.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49521034690833,"sku":"GOR007595405","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":53385148072209,"sku":"CIN0275986322G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275986322.jpg?v=1750973750"},{"product_id":"zulu-war-1879-book-castle-9780275986285","title":"Zulu War 1879","description":"In the late 1870s the British Imperial administration in the Cape colony in southern Africa began to view the Zulu kingdom as a challenge to their authority. To contain this perceived threat, they engineered a war. The early campaigns went terribly wrong, culminating with the decisive Zulu victory at Isandlwana. However, the Zulus, primarily reliant on their skill with the stabbing spear, had no real defense or retaliation against the massed firepower of professional British soldiers, and ultimately the British won the war. Ian Castle examines the British-Zulu war and its two key battles, Isandlwana and Khambula, with excellent black and white photographs accompanying the clear and detailed text.    In the late 1870s the British Imperial administration in the Cape colony in southern Africa engineered a war with the Zulu kingdom which they viewed as a challenge to their authority. The early campaigns went terribly wrong for the British with the decisive Zulu victory at Isandlwana ending the first phase of the invasion of Zululand. Ultimately however, in spite of this setback, the British won the war: the Zulus, primarily reliant on their skill with the stabbing spear at close-quarters, had no real defence or retaliation against the massed firepower of professional British soldiers firing Martini-Henry rifles. These single-shot breech-loading weapons decimated the Zulus as they tried to advance towards the red-coated British troops. Even at Isandlwana the Zulus lost more than a thousand men, and victory was only really guaranteed them when their opponents began to run out of ammunition. This title examines the British-Zulu war in general and its two key battles, Isandlwana and Khambula in particular. The reasons for the initial British defeat are discussed as are the shortcomings of the Zulu forces that led to their ultimate subjugation at the hands of the British.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49521036656913,"sku":"GOR010622832","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50347679744273,"sku":"CIN0275986284G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53360609067281,"sku":"GOR014876088","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275986284.jpg?v=1751356230"},{"product_id":"shiloh-1862-book-james-arnold-9780275984441","title":"Shiloh 1862","description":"The first major battle in the Western theater of the American Civil War, Shiloh came as a shock to American soldiers and civilians alike. For the first time North America recognised the terrible price that would be paid for the preservation of the Union. On April 6, 1862 the Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston caught Grant and Sherman by surprise and very nearly drove them into the River Tennessee, but was mortally wounded in the process. Somehow Grant and Sherman hung on and the next day managed to drive back the hordes of gray-clad rebels.    The first major battle in the Western theater of the American Civil War, Shiloh came as a horrifying shock to both the American public and those in arms. For the first time they had some idea of the terrible price that would be paid for the preservation of the Union. On 6 April 1862 General Albert Sidney Johnston caught Grant and Sherman by surprise and very nearly drove them into the River Tennessee, but was mortally wounded in the process. Somehow Grant and Sherman hung on and the next day managed to drive back the hordes of grey-clad rebels. After Shiloh, Corinth, the Confederate base, became a charnel house packed with wounded and dying soldiers. James Arnold's masterful narrative recounts the tumultuous sequence of events. The opposing commanders, their armies and their plans are all discussed in depth. The battle of Shiloh itself is also looked at in tremendous detail. This, as with so many other Civil War battles, was an extremely bloody affair: improved firepower mixed with outdated Napoleonic tactics created a bloodbath amongst both of the raw armies.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49554131386641,"sku":"GOR013343918","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984443.jpg?v=1751389358"},{"product_id":"jutland-1916-book-charles-london-9780275982935","title":"Jutland 1916","description":"The only major fleet engagement of World War I, and one of the great battles of naval history, the 1916 Battle of Jutland has been surrounded by controversy ever since. The British public felt Admiral Jellicoe had failed - a reaction rooted in a hundred years of the 'Nelson cult', a conviction that anything short of a Trafalgar-style annihilation a poor substitute for victory. True, the German Fleet had sunk more ships and suffered fewer casualties, but never again did they emerge from port to take on the might of the Royal Navy.  British had forced them to disengage and run for port and were still cruising off Denmark spoiling for a fight. This title recounts in detail how on an early summer's evening in 1916, the two fleets clashed head to head: the events that followed would spark a polemic that still rages today.    The only major fleet engagement of World War I, and one of the great battles of naval history, the 1916 Battle of Jutland has been surrounded by controversy ever since. The British public felt Admiral Jellicoe had failed - a reaction rooted in a hundred years of the 'Nelson cult', a conviction that anything short of a Trafalgar-style annihilation a poor substitute for victory. True, the German Fleet had sunk more ships and suffered fewer casualties, but never again did they emerge from port to take on the might of the Royal Navy.  British had forced them to disengage and run for port and were still cruising off Denmark spoiling for a fight. This title recounts in detail how on an early summer's evening in 1916, the two fleets clashed head to head: the events that followed would spark a polemic that still rages today.    The only major fleet engagement of World War I, and one of the great battles of naval history, the Battle of Jutland has been surrounded by controversy ever since. The British public felt Admiral Jellicoe had failed - a reaction rooted in a hundred years of the 'Nelson cult', a conviction that anything short of a Trafalgar-style annihilation a poor substitute for victory. True, the German Fleet had sunk more ships and suffered fewer casualties, but never again did they emerge from port to take on the might of the Royal Navy.  Both sides knew there was no prospect of the Germans winning a surface battle.  This title recounts in detail how on an early summer's evening in 1916, the two fleets clashed head to head: the events that followed would spark a polemic that still rages today.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49584880648465,"sku":"GOR007348469","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50255487664401,"sku":"CIN0275982939G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ WELL_READ \/ SBYB","offer_id":50347660574993,"sku":"CIN0275982939A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50770111430929,"sku":"CIN0275982939VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275982939.jpg?v=1751356228"},{"product_id":"quebec-1759-book-lord-reid-9780275986377","title":"Quebec 1759","description":"What a scene! wrote Horace Walpole. An army in the night dragging itself up a precipice by stumps of trees to assault a town and attack an enemy strongly entrenched and double in numbers! In one short sharp exchange of fire Major-General James Wolfe's men tumbled the Marquis de Montcalm's French army into bloody ruin. Sir John Fortescue famously described it as the most perfect volley ever fired on a battlefield. In this book Stuart Reid details how one of the British Army's consummate professionals literally beat the King's enemies before breakfast and in so doing decided the fate of a continent.    'What a scene!' wrote Horace Walpole. 'An army in the night dragging itself up a precipice by stumps of trees to assault a town and attack an enemy strongly entrenched and double in numbers!' It was indeed a drama that required no embellishment as Major-General James Wolfe and his men scaled the cliffs above the St. Lawrence to stand at daybreak upon the Plains of Abraham with the capital of French Canada before them; and then in one short sharp exchange of fire to tumble the Marquis de Montcalm's French army into bloody ruin. Sir John Fortescue famously described that exchange as the 'most perfect volley ever fired on a battlefield', and while that contention may be disputed, there is no doubt that in just a few hectic minutes one of the British Army's most consummate professional soldiers quite literally beat the King's enemies before breakfast and in so doing decided the fate of a continent.  The battle fought on the Plains of Abraham outside Quebec on the morning of 13 September 1759 is deservedly one of the most famous in British military history and filled with dramatic incident. Yet it is also a controversial battle clouded on the one hand by imperial myth and on the other by the near outraged denunciations of those historians who contend that because Wolfe broke the rules he really had no right to win his great victory and posthumous reputation.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49622818586897,"sku":"GOR006991177","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275986373.jpg?v=1751164840"},{"product_id":"yorktown-1781-book-brendan-morrissey-9780275984571","title":"Yorktown 1781","description":"By 1781 Britain's struggle to contain the rebels in her American colonies had reached an inglorious stalemate. After six years of inconclusive action, George Washington's rebuilt Continental Army marched on Yorktown - with support from the French - and defeated the British forces led by General Cornwallis.  Their triumph led directly to the Treaty of Paris and the birth of the United States as an independent nation.    By 1781 Britain's struggle to contain the rebels in her American colonies had reached an inglorious stalemate. After six years of inconclusive action, George Washington's rebuilt Continental Army marched on Yorktown - with support from the French.  The siege of Yorktown began in late September and ended in mid-October when Cornwallis surrendered. Although the British officers captured were allowed to sail home, the rank and file marched off into captivity. The Franco-American victory at Yorktown ended Britain's chances of winning the war. Their triumph led directly to the Treaty of Paris and the birth of the United States as an independent nation.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49633164427537,"sku":"GOR013237665","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50347709530385,"sku":"CIN0275984575VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984575.jpg?v=1751164837"},{"product_id":"gallipoli-1915-book-philip-j-haythornthwaite-9780275982881","title":"Gallipoli 1915","description":"The Gallipoli expedition of 1915, the brainchild of Winston Churchill, was designed to knock the Turkish Empire out of the First World War and open a supply route to Russia. The campaign is characterized by the military incompetence of the higher commands, particularly the Allies. However, in spite of this, Gallipoli deserves to be, and is, also remembered for the heroism and resourcefulness of both the British and Turkish armies and the men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. This book details the battles, hardships, and eventual evacuation that these men had to go through, in this comprehensive guide to the Gallipoli landings.    The Gallipoli expedition of 1915, the brainchild of Winston Churchill, was designed to knock the Turkish Empire out of the First World War and open a supply route to Russia. Although characterized by the most outstanding courage and determination on both sides, the campaign is also remembered for the military incompetence of the higher commands, particularly that of the Allies. However, in spite of the bungling and incompetence of the Allied higher command, Gallipoli deserves to be remembered not simply for it's failure, but also for the heroism and resourcefulness of both the British and Turkish armies and the men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Here, in this Campaign title Philip Haythornwaite details the battles, hardships and eventual evacuation that these men had to go through. Both the contribution of the Royal Navy and the reaction of the Turks to the landings are also excellently covered in this comprehensive guide to the Gallipoli landings.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49641174565137,"sku":"GOR009143324","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275982882.jpg?v=1750877271"},{"product_id":"majuba-1881-book-castle-9780275986414","title":"Majuba 1881","description":"In 1881 the tension between Britain and the Boer farmers of southern Africa that had existed for 75 years boiled over into open conflict. The British entered the war full of confidence, yet in a few short weeks they had suffered three separate reverses before suffering their final humiliating defeat on the isolated summit of Majuba. George Colley's force were swept off their unassailable position and into headlong retreat. It was a defeat that sent shock waves reverberating around the Empire. Ian Castle examines not only the battle at Majuba, but also the previous engagements at Laing's Nek, Schuinshoogte and Bronkhorstspruit.    In 1881 the tension between Britain and the Boer farmers of southern Africa that had existed for 75 years boiled over into open conflict. The British entered the war full of confidence, yet in a few short weeks they had suffered three separate reverses before suffering their final humiliating defeat on the isolated summit of Majuba. George Colley's force were swept off their 'unassailable' position and into headlong retreat. It was a defeat that sent shock waves reverberating around the Empire. In this masterful examination of the First Boer War Ian Castle looks at the battles of Laing's Nek, Schuinshoogte and the action at Bronkhorstspruit. Majuba is also looked at in particular detail. The commanders of the two sides and the opposing forces themselves are examined, as are their different ways of fighting. The regular British army proved incapable of taking on and beating irregular Boer commandos, who, favouring a defensive strategy, were happy to hold secure positions until such time as the enemy were about to close, at which point they would mount-up and retired to safety: this was, in many ways, the 19th century British army's Vietnam. Ian Castle's account does true justice to the conflict, explaining clearly how the British were comprehensively beaten by a small infant republic with no standing army.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":49801471262993,"sku":"CIN0275986411G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51317019836689,"sku":"GOR006829816","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275986411.jpg?v=1751164840"},{"product_id":"yom-kippur-war-1973-book-simon-dunstan-9780275988982","title":"The Yom Kippur War 1973","description":"Israel's victory in the 1967 'Six Day War' sowed the seeds of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. At 1400hrs on 6 October 1973 the Egyptian army launched an assault crossing of the Suez Canal. The carefully co-ordinated attack achieved complete tactical surprise. The sand embankments of the Israeli Bar-Lev Line were breached and an Israeli counterattack thrown back with heavy losses. In the second of his two-volume analysis of the Yom Kippur War, Simon Dunstan details the fighting in the Sinai, culminating in Operation Gazelle, the Israeli counterattack across the Suez Canal. Although defeated militarily, Egypt did ultimately succeed in forcing the Israelis back to the negotiating table.    The October War, or 'Yom Kippur' War, of 1973 was precipitated by the Arab states of the middle East, primarily Egypt and Syria in an attempt to force Israel to the negotiating table. Protected by the territories she had conquered in the 1967 'Six Day War', Israel had little incentive to negotiate. The carefully co-ordinated attacks launched by Egypt and Syria in the Sinai and on the Golan Heights respectively achieved complete tactical surprise.  On 6 October 1973, following massive air strikes and artillery bombardments, the Egyptians launched an assault crossing of the Suez Canal and breached the sand embankments of the Bar Lev line using demolitions and water cannon. An Israeli counterattack was repulsed with heavy losses, and the Israelis dug in. The renewed Egyptian offensive on 14 October was thrown back however and in a lightning counterattack Ariel Sharon's armoured division seized a bridgehead across the Suez Canal. The Egyptians cut Sharon's troops off and in desperate fighting around the 'Chinese Farm' General Abraham Adan's Israeli division broke through to Sharon's bridgeheads. On 20 October the Israeli's broke out from their bridgeheads towards Ismailia and the Suez-Cairo road. Despite an initial failed UN attempt at a ceasefire on 22 October, a ceasefire finally did take effect on 24 October 1973. In the second of his two-volume analysis of the Yom Kippur war, Simon Dunstan details the fighting in the Sinai.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":49801481912593,"sku":"CIN0275988988G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275988988.jpg?v=1750695511"},{"product_id":"antietam-1862-book-norman-s-stevens-9780275984427","title":"Antietam 1862","description":"Antietam was one of the critical battles of the American Civil War. The fortunes of the South were riding high after the resounding victory at Second Manassas. While Bragg and Kirby Smith invaded Kentucky, Lee's invasion of Maryland was intended to maintain the momentum of the Southern offensive and win the recognition of the European powers. But the Confederates' bold plan was compromised and at the Antietam River the Army of Northern Virginia found itself fighting for its very life. This title examines the build-up to Antietam, and details the famous clashes at Bloody Lane and Burnside Bridge.  The battle marked the end of Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North, and still stands as the single bloodiest day in American military history.    Antietam was one of the critical battles of the American Civil War. The fortunes of the South were riding high after the resounding victory at Second Manassas. While Bragg and Kirby Smith invaded Kentucky, Lee's invasion of Maryland was intended to maintain the Southern offensive momentum, to wrest Maryland from the Union and to win the recognition of the European powers. But his bold plan was compromised - and at the Antietam River the Army of Northern Virginia was fighting for its very life. The battle marked the end of Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North, and still stands as the single bloodiest day in American military history.  Its political impact was just as profound.  The Northern victory encouraged Lincoln to make public the Emancipation Proclamation in a presidential decree of 22 September 1862, to take effect from 1 January 1863. After Antietam the war went beyond mere politics: not only the maintenance of the Union but also the destruction of slavery and the survival of both Northern and Southern societies were explicitly at stake.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":49808204529937,"sku":"CIN0275984427G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984427.jpg?v=1751258982"},{"product_id":"new-orleans-1815-book-tim-pickles-9780275984533","title":"New Orleans 1815","description":"The conflict that broke out in 1812 seemed born of an almost subconscious desire for a war to complete the separation of America from England begun by the War of Independence. The war was bloody and hard fought. In one last attempt to break the deadlock the British sent Major-General Sir Edward Pakenham to capture New Orleans. The troops he commanded were elite, veteran regiments. Andrew Jackson, leading the defenders, commanded a mixed force including militia, free Negro battalions, Indians and a group of local pirates. This title describes how this mixed force decisively defeated the British veterans in a battle that has become part of American legend.    The conflict which broke out in 1812 seemed borne of an almost a sub-conscious desire for a war to complete the separation of America from England begun by the War of Independence. The war when it came was bloody and hard fought. By the end of 1814 all that had been achieved was a bloody stalemate and a series of outrages (including the burning of the White House) which would continue the bitterness for years to come. In one last attempt to break the deadlock the British sent the Duke of Wellington's brother-in-law, Major-General Sir Edward Pakenham to capture New Orleans and remove Louisiana from the United States. The troops which he commanded were elite, veteran regiments from the campaigns in Europe. Andrew Jackson, commanding the defenders had withdrawn to a line of fortifications with his flanks resting in swamps. To defend this line he had a mixture of regiments including militia, free Negro battalions, Indians and a group of local pirates. In the battle which followed, this mixed force decisively defeated the British veterans in a battle that has become part of the American legend.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":49879877550353,"sku":"CIN0275984532G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984532.jpg?v=1751037411"},{"product_id":"chickamauga-1863-book-james-arnold-9780275984403","title":"Chickamauga 1863","description":"By the Autumn of 1863 the Confederacy was in dire straits. In a colossal gamble, Confederate President Jefferson Davis stripped forces from the major Confederate armies to reinforce the Army of Tennessee in a last ditch attempt to crush the Union. On September 19, the Confederates attacked the Union army along Chickamauga Creek south of Chattanooga. On the second day of bloody fighting the entire Union right collapsed and the army retreated headlong for Chattanooga - all except General George H. Thomas' Corps. Fighting on doggedly until nightfall, they delayed the confederate advance, saving the Union cause and earning Thomas the title of Rock of Chickamauga.    By the Autumn of 1863 the tide of war appeared to be running heavily against the Confederacy. Lee's attack into Maryland had been halted at Gettysburg and he had fallen back into Virginia to lick his wounds; in the Mississippi Valley Vicksburg, the last Confederate hold on the river, had fallen to the tenacious Grant, and in the mountains around Chattanooga in eastern Tennessee General Rosecrans' Union Army of the Cumberland was pausing after driving out the Confederate Army of the Tennessee without a shot being fired. Confederate commander General Braxton Bragg had been out-manoeuvred but was far from beaten. Reinforced by troops from Mississippi and Virginia on 19th September he attacked the Union army along Chickamauga creek south of Chattanooga. Chickamauga is an Indian name meaning 'river of death' and this was to prove to be the bloodiest two days of the war. For the first day Union lines held but on the second a gap appeared in the Union lines into which General J. Longstreet marched. The entire Union right collapsed and the army retreated headlong for Chattanooga, all except General George H. Thomas' Corps who fought on doggedly until nightfall delaying the confederate advance, saving the Union and earning his fame as the Rock of Chickamauga.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":49887610306833,"sku":"CIN0275984400G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984400.jpg?v=1750738353"},{"product_id":"chancellorsville-1863-book-carl-smith-9780275984458","title":"Chancellorsville 1863","description":"Following the debacle of the battle of Fredricksburg in December 1862, Burnside was replaced as commander of the Army of the Potomac by General Joseph Hooker. Having reorganized the army and improved morale, he planned an attack that would take his army to Richmond and end the war. Although outnumbered 2:1, the Confederate commander Robert E. Lee split his forces: Jubal Early was left to hold off Sedgwick's Fredericksburg attack, and Stonewall Jackson was sent with 26,000 men in a wide envelopment around Hooker's right flank. At dusk on May 2, Jackson's men crashed into the Federal right flank, and despite stiffening Federal resistance the next day, the victory at Chancellorsville was Lee's masterpiece.    Following the debacle of the battle of Fredricksburg in December 1862, Burnside was replaced as commander of the Army of the Potomac by General Joseph Hooker. Having reorganised the army and improved morale, Hooker planned an attack that would take his army to Richmond and end the war.  Although faced by an army twice the size of his own, the Confederate commander Robert E. Lee split his forces: Jubal Early was left to hold off Sedgwick's Fredericksburg attack, and Stonewall Jackson was sent with 26,000 men in a wide envelopment around Hooker's right flank. This title details how at dusk on May 2, Jackson's men crashed into the Federal right flank, and how stiffening Federal resistance slowed the Confederate advance the next day. This victory was Lee's masterpiece - but also deprived him forever of Stonewall Jackson, his most capable commander, who died of wounds incurred during the battle.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49960821457169,"sku":"GOR010975219","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52102839894289,"sku":"CIN0275984451G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984451.jpg?v=1751134041"},{"product_id":"midway-1942-book-mark-healy-9780275982768","title":"Midway 1942","description":"One of the most important naval battles in history, Midway was fought barely six months after the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The badly damaged USS Yorktown was repaired in just 48 hours and with Enterprise and Hornet set out to meet the Japanese. In a battle marked by great heroism on both sides the United States dealt a devastating blow to the Imperial Japanese Fleet sinking. In this superbly illustrated volume, Mark Healy tells the whole story: espionage, daring, luck, and extreme heroism. A fascinating read supplemented by genuine photographs of the battle in progress.    One of the most important naval battles in history, Midway was fought barely six months after the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The badly damaged USS Yorktown was repaired in just 48 hours and with Enterprise and Hornet set out to meet the Japanese. In a battle marked by great heroism on both sides the United States dealt a devastating blow to the Imperial Japanese Fleet sinking. In this superbly illustrated volume, Mark Healy tells the whole story: espionage, daring, luck, and extreme heroism. A fascinating read supplemented by genuine photographs of the battle in progress.    Midway was the last U.S.-held base west of Hawaii and the Japanese considered its capture vital to protect their conquests in the western Pacific. They attempted to deceive the Americans with a diversionary attack on the Aleutians, but unknown to the Japanese General Staff code-breakers had cracked their military codes warning the US where the real attack would come. Badly damaged at Coral Sea the USS Yorktown was repaired in 48 hours and with Enterprise and Hornet sent out to meet the Japanese fleet. In a battle marked by great heroism on both sides the United States dealt a devastating blow to the Imperial Japanese Fleet sinking four of her most powerful carriers. This battle turned the tide in the Pacific; after Midway the Japanese never recovered the initiative and the U.S. forces began their island-hopping counter-attack. In this superbly illustrated volume Mark Healy tells the whole story of Midway; espionage, daring, luck, and extreme heroism. A fascinating read supplemented by genuine photographs of the battle in progress.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49961185313041,"sku":"GOR013823891","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50347673059601,"sku":"CIN0275982769G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275982769.jpg?v=1751071220"},{"product_id":"hastings-1066-book-christopher-gravett-9780275988395","title":"Hastings 1066","description":"Fought on 14th October 1066 between Duke William of Normandy and Harold Godwinson, king of England, the Battle of Hastings irrevocably changed the course of English history. William's victory ensured his accession to the English throne. Hastings was also decisive in another way: the horrendous casualties suffered by the English nobility both there and at the two earlier battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge resulted in there being very few men influential enough to lead an English resistance once William had been crowned. William would survive long enough to successfully found a Norman dynasty of English kings.    Very few battles of the medieval period can be regarded as decisive but Hastings was certainly one of them. Fought on 14 October 1066 between Duke William of Normandy and Harold Godwinson, king of England, the outcome of the battle irrevocably changed the course of English history. William's victory was largely due to the tactical superiority of his forces: not only did he possess infantry and cavalry, but also a significant number of his troops were archers or crossbowmen, to whose withering fire the largely spear and axe-armed English infantry could make little reply. The eventual death of King Harold, possibly as a result of being struck in the eye by an arrow and then cut down, prompted an English collapse and victory for the Normans. The successful outcome of the battle ensured William's accession to the English throne. Hastings was also decisive in another way: the horrendous casualties suffered by the English nobility both there and at the two earlier battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge resulted in there being very few men influential enough to lead an English resistance once William had been crowned. Although significant rebellions did take place into the 1070s against William's rule, these were largely localised: lack of a national figure-head due to the combats of 1066 thus helped ensure, in the longer term, that William would survive long enough to successfully found a Norman dynasty of English kings. Christopher Gravett explains the events in and surrounding this great battle in this excellent Campaign title.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50162930385169,"sku":"CIN0275988392VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50346509402385,"sku":"CIN0275988392G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275988392.jpg?v=1750843887"},{"product_id":"okinawa-1945-book-gordon-l-rottman-9780275982744","title":"Okinawa 1945","description":"By the spring of 1945 the Allies were sweeping all before them in the Pacific War against Japan, and a series of victories had reclaimed many of the islands and territories seized by the Imperial Japanese forces in the early months of the war. The dark days of humiliating defeat were far behind the unstoppable Allied juggernaut--victory was now assured. The question was where the last battle would be fought. That place was the island of Okinawa. This book details the struggle for the island as U.S. Marines and Army units battled determined Japanese defenders in the last battle of World War II.    By the spring of 1945 the Allies were sweeping all before them in the Pacific War against Japan, and a series of victories had reclaimed many of the islands and territories seized by the Imperial Japanese forces in the early months of the war. The dark days of humiliating defeat were far behind the unstoppable Allied juggernaut--victory was now assured. The question was where the last battle would be fought. That place was the island of Okinawa. This book details the struggle for the island as U.S. Marines and Army units battled determined Japanese defenders in the last battle of World War II.    The key to the anticipated American invasion of the Japanese mainland was possession of Okinawa. In the largest and most complicated amphibious expedition undertaken in the Pacific, Admiral Spruance's Fifth Fleet would take in the Tenth Army, the XXIV Corps, and III Marine Amphibious Corps. Defending Okinawa was the Japanese 32nd army of 130,000 men. The initial landings on 1-4 April 1945 met negligible ground opposition, 60,000 men establishing a beachhead at Hagushi. The Marines turned north and would meet little opposition in clearing the northern area of the island. XXIV Corps turned south and was halted by the Machinato line of prepared mountain defenses. The Japanese meanwhile decided on a co-coordinated air and naval suicide attack to halt the U.S. advance against the mainland. The Yamato the largest battleship in the world was filled with enough fuel for a one-way trip, packed with ammunition and dispatched on her last mission. She was bombed into submission by repeated waves of U.S. aircraft and went down with 2,488 officers and men. The bitter fighting continued on Okinawa until 22 June when organized resistance finally ceased. Japanese losses were probably in excess of 120,000 men killed. U.S. losses were 12, 374 killed and 26,656 wounded. It was a high price to pay--the Japanese mainland was never invaded, instead the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki ushered in the Nuclear age.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50300006433041,"sku":"CIN0275982742VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52419326607633,"sku":"CIN0275982742G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275982742.jpg?v=1751134039"},{"product_id":"iwo-jima-1945-book-derrick-wright-9780275982737","title":"Iwo Jima 1945","description":"One of the decisive battles of the Second World War in the Pacific, Iwo Jima was described by Lieutenant-General Holland Smith, Commander Fleet Marine Forces Pacific, as The most savage and most costly battle in the history of the Marine Corps--a titanic struggle that eclipsed all that had gone before. Situated halfway along the B-29 Superfortress route to the Japanese mainland, the island was of major strategic importance to the U.S. Air Force, but also to the Japanese, 20,000 of whom were deeply entrenched in the island. This book provides a definitive account of the battle, from its origins to its hard-fought conclusion.    One of the decisive battles of the Second World War in the Pacific, Iwo Jima was described by Lieutenant-General Holland Smith, Commander Fleet Marine Forces Pacific, as The most savage and most costly battle in the history of the Marine Corps--a titanic struggle that eclipsed all that had gone before. Situated halfway along the B-29 Superfortress route to the Japanese mainland, the island was of major strategic importance to the U.S. Air Force, but also to the Japanese, 20,000 of whom were deeply entrenched in the island. This book provides a definitive account of the battle, from its origins to its hard-fought conclusion.    Planned as a ten-day campaign, the battle for Iwo Jima developed into what Lt. General Holand Smith, the overall Marine Commander, described as the toughest fight in the 169 years of our Corps--a titanic struggle of savagery that eclipsed all that had gone before, and which dragged on for 36 days. The island was of major strategic importance to the U.S. Air Force, as a place where B-29 bombers damaged over Japan could land safely, and as a base for escort fighters to assist in the bombing campaign. However, it was also of supreme importance to the 20,000 Japanese who were deeply entrenched in the island when the Marines invaded, and to whom surrender was not an option. The loss of Iwo Jima was proof to the Japanese that the Americans could seize one of the world's most heavily defended islands and filled them with foreboding about the inevitable invasion of their homeland.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50305940324625,"sku":"CIN0275982734VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50347699306769,"sku":"CIN0275982734G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275982734.jpg?v=1751134039"},{"product_id":"boston-1775-book-brendan-morrissey-9780275984540","title":"Boston 1775","description":"Colonist militia were pitted against British Redcoats in a series of struggles which led the British to evacuate Boston and to George Washington taking command of the fledgling American revolutionary army.    The Battle of Bunker Hill and the burning of Charlestown were the first major battles of the American Revolution.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50309873893649,"sku":"CIN0275984540G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ WELL_READ \/ SBYB","offer_id":50347648680209,"sku":"CIN0275984540A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50941863133457,"sku":"CIN0275984540VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984540.jpg?v=1751291015"},{"product_id":"ticonderoga-1758-book-rene-chartrand-9780275984595","title":"Ticonderoga 1758","description":"This book recounts the course of the ill-fated British attempt to capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1758 during the French-Indian Wars. The British goal was to carry the war into Canada, and as a key part of this strategy General Abercromby took a force north from Albany to capture the French fortress of Ticonderoga, under the command of General Montcalm. He foolishly attacked Ticonderoga head-on. Ultimately, bravery alone was not enough and what was left of the British forces had to fall back. Abercromby retreated and French Canada was safe for the time being.    This book recounts the course of the ill-fated British attempt to capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1758 during the French-Indian Wars. The British goal was to carry the war into Canada, and as a key part of this strategy General Abercromby took a force north from Albaby to capture the French fortress of Ticonderoga under the command of General Montcalm. In addition 15,000 soldiers, he had the finest young officer in the army, Lord Howe, as his second-in-command. Abercromby's men landed at 10a.m. on the morning of 6 July and by noon the entire army had disembarked. Then tragedy struck--during a skirmish Howe was shot through the heart. The army was shaken by this loss, but Abercromby went to pieces. He attacked Ticonderoga head-on. Battalion after battalion was sacrificed, cut to pieces by musketry and grapeshot from Montcalm's troops. Ultimately, bravery alone was not enough and what was left of the British forces had to fall back. Abercromby retreated to the foot of Lake George, and French Canada was safe for the time being.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50346494165265,"sku":"CIN0275984591G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984591.jpg?v=1751164838"},{"product_id":"agincourt-1415-book-matthew-bennett-9780275988388","title":"Agincourt 1415","description":"Agincourt is one of the most evocative names in English military history. Henry V's forces were tired, hungry, and faced a French army three to six times more numerous. However, they possessed several advantages, and English success resulted from the combination of heavily armoured men-at-arms with troops armed with the infamous longbow-- the havoc this weapon wreaked was crucial. Using original fifteenth century evidence, including the surviving French battle plan and the accounts of men present in both armies, this title discusses the lead-up to the battle, the tactical dispositions of the two forces and the reasons for the ultimate English success.    Agincourt is one of the most evocative names in English military history. Remembered as a fifteenth-century Dunkirk, the battle is part of the great English tradition of victory in the face of vastly superior forces. The French army, according to chroniclers, was between three to six times as large as that of the English and composed the flower of France's chivalry. Henry V's forces were numerically weakened by their earlier siege-action at Harfleur, and had become increasingly tired, hungry, and ill as they journeyed through enemy territory on their way to the safe port of Calais. The appearance of large French forces blocking their way seemed to signal the end of Henry V's brief attempt at the crown of France. However, the English had several advantages over their enemies. Not only was their command structure far more coherent than that of the French, but also their forces had far greater tactical flexibility. English success in arms was based on the extremely effective combination of heavily armoured men-at-arms with troops armed with the long-range, quick-firing longbow. The havoc that this weapon wreaked on the French forces before they were close enough to engage with the English knights was crucial for the English victory, as was the disorganisation of the French forces and the unforeseen problems in their pre-prepared battle plan. Matthew Bennett examines the Agincourt campaign from the siege of Harfleur to the aftermath of the battle at Agincourt itself. Ably using original fifteenth century evidence, including the surviving French battle plan and the accounts of men present in both armies, Bennett discusses the lead-up to the battle, the tactical dispositions of the two forces and the reasons for the ultimate English success. What results is a full and extremely interesting account of one of the most important campaigns of the Hundred Years' War.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50346499146001,"sku":"CIN0275988384G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275988384.jpg?v=1751291021"},{"product_id":"alamo-1836-book-stephen-hardin-9780275984601","title":"The Alamo 1836","description":"On the morning of March 6, 1836 around 1,100 Mexican soldiers under Generalissimo Santa Anna stormed a small mission outside San Antonio, Texas, and slaughtered the garrison of around 200 Texans. It was not a large battle but its consequences vastly outweighed its size for the name of the mission was the Alamo. Less than two months later Santa Anna's force was smashed at San Jacinto by a volunteer army whose battle cry was Remember the Alamo, winning Texas her independence.    This volume covers the story of the 1836 campaign in Texas, including the epic siege of the Alamo. In 1835 Texas was a province of the Mexican Republic, the President of which was the despotic Santa Anna, a thief, liar, compulsive gambler, opium addict and megalomaniac to boot. Dissatisfaction with increasingly oppressive Mexican rule on the part of the Texans led ultimately to war. Their initial success was short-lived and in February 1836 Santa Anna marched his army into Texas and laid siege to an old mission named the Alamo outside San Antonio. It was defended by a collection of volunteers under Colonel William Travis and the famous adventurer Jim Bowie (he of the knife), and included David Crockett. After a siege of 11 days the Mexicans stormed the Alamo and slaughtered the garrison. Outrage at the Alamo galvanised the Texans. Sam Houston's force, now the only thing between Texas and subjugation, fell upon Santa Anna's army and destroyed it in a battle lasting a mere 18 minutes. Their battle cry as they charged was 'Remember the Alamo!', and the result was Texan independence.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ WELL_READ \/ SBYB","offer_id":50346499506449,"sku":"CIN0275984605A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52602312556817,"sku":"CIN0275984605G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984605.jpg?v=1751005090"},{"product_id":"kalka-river-1223-book-david-nicolle-9780275988456","title":"Kalka River 1223","description":": In 1221, Genghiz, Great Khan of the Mongols, ordered an armed reconnaissance expedition into Russia commanded by Subodei Bahadur and Jebei Noyon 'The Arrow'. The consequences for the history of Europe were incalculable. The decisive Mongol victory at Kalka River opened up vast regions of Russia and Eastern Europe to Mongol conquest. Genghiz ordered his victorious army to return eastwards, delaying the final cataclysm by a few years. Genghiz died in 1227, but within 10 years his son Ogedei ordered a return to Russia to complete the conquest. This title details the events of the dramatic Kalka River campaign.    In 1221, Genghiz, Great Khan of the Mongols, ordered an armed reconnaissance expedition into Russia commanded by Subodei Bahadur and Jebei Noyon 'The Arrow'. The consequences for the history of Europe were incalculable. The decisive Mongol victory at Kalka River, opened up vast regions of Russia and Eastern Europe to Mongol conquest. Genghiz ordered his victorious army to return eastwards, delaying the final cataclysm by a few years. Genghiz died in 1227, but within 10 years his son Ogedei ordered a return to Russia to complete the conquest. This title details the events of the dramatic Kalka River campaign.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50346505666833,"sku":"CIN0275988457G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275988457.jpg?v=1751195505"},{"product_id":"vicksburg-1863-book-alan-hankinson-9780275984410","title":"Vicksburg 1863","description":"The 1863 Vicksburg campaign was to prove decisive to the outcome of the American Civil War. Known as the Gibraltar of the West, Vicksburg was the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. In a masterly campaign, the Union General Ulysses S Grant used riverboats and steamers to land his army south of the city, where he defeated the armies of Generals Joe Johnston and John C. Pemberton. Pemberton's men became bottled up in Vicksburg, where they endured an epic 47 day siege before surrendering to Grant on July 4, 1863, one day after Lee's defeat at Gettysburg.    The 1863 Vicksburg campaign was to prove decisive in the outcome of the American Civil War. Known as the 'Gibraltar of the West', Vicksburg was the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River; the only communication route left between the department of the Trans-Mississippi west of the river and the body of the Confederacy. In a masterly campaign Grant used riverboats and steamers to run his army past the batteries at Vicksburg and land south of the city. He then defeated the armies of Generals 'Joe' Johnston and John C. Pemberton. Pemberton allowed his force to become bottled up in Vicksburg and after an epic 47-day siege during which his men were reduced to eating cats, dogs and even rats, he was forced to surrender the remnants of his force to Grant on 4 July 1863, one day after Lee's defeat at Gettysburg. This was a long campaign, lasting some nine months altogether and featured forced marches, much devising and revising of plans, massive works of engineering on roads, bridges and waterways, a bold amphibious operation on the Mississippi, a rapid fighting advance of dash and brilliance, several pitched battles, and a final, relentless siege.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50346526671121,"sku":"CIN0275984419G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984419.jpg?v=1750973747"},{"product_id":"first-bull-run-1861-book-alan-hankinson-9780275984397","title":"First Bull Run 1861","description":"At Bull Run, two inexperienced, ill-trained and poorly led armies clashed in the opening engagement of the American Civil War. Culminating in a stalwart defensive fight by Stonewall Jackson's Virginia Brigade, this is the story of the Confederacy's first victory. The author investigates the personalities of the principal commanders and examines the opposing armies, showing how the widely varying uniforms of different units led to mistakes of identity which affected the battle at crucial points. Weapons, intelligence and the almost complete inexperience of the troops were a significant influence on the conduct of the battle as well.    At Bull Run, two inexperienced, ill-trained and poorly led armies clashed in the opening engagement of the American Civil War. Culminating in a stalwart defensive fight by Stonewall Jackson's Virginia Brigade, this book is the story of the Confederacy's first victory. The lead up to the battle, the affair at Blackburn's Ford and the fight for Henry Hill are all examined. The author investigates the backgrounds and personalities of the principle commanders on both sides and shows how their decisions influenced the outcome of the battle. He also looks at the opposing armies and shows how the widely varying uniforms of different units led to mistakes of identity which affected the battle at crucial points. Weapons, intelligence and the almost universal inexperience of troops on both sides are all shown, and help to explain events in the Battle of Bull Run itself. Finally, the significance of Bull Run is evaluated: although a victory for the South Jackson at least believed that a defeat would have been better for the Confederates. As Henry Kyd wrote: The South was proud, jubilant, self-satisfied; it saw final success of easy attainment. The North, mortified by defeat and stung by ridicule, pulled itself together, raised armies, stirred up its people, and prepared for war in earnest.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50346546200849,"sku":"CIN0275984397G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53017104548113,"sku":"GOR014697847","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984397.jpg?v=1750738353"},{"product_id":"malta-1565-book-tim-pickles-9780275988524","title":"Malta 1565","description":"The epic siege of the island fortress of the Knights Hospitaller by the huge Turkish Army of the Emperor Suliman is one of the most compelling stories in the history of the western world. The Turks amassed an army of 30,000 men, which doubled as the siege dragged on. The knights facing them totalled 500, along with 4,000 Maltese levies and 4,500 other troops. Tim Pickles describes how despite constant pounding by the massive Turkish guns and heavy casualties, the Knights managed to hold out.    The epic siege of the island fortress of the Knights Hospitaller by the huge Turkish Army of the Emperor Suliman is one of the most compelling stories in the history of the western world. The Turks amassed an army of 30,000 men, which doubled as the siege dragged on. The knights facing them totalled 500, along with 4,000 Maltese levies and 4,500 other troops. Tim Pickles describes how despite constant pounding by the massive Turkish guns and heavy casualties, the Knights managed to hold out. The siege lasted from the end of May until September, when a Spanish army relieved the island. In scenes of brutal combat, the Turks lost over 24,000 men as they were consistently repulsed from the fortress walls. Both sides accepted no quarter: at one point the Turks nailed the decapitated bodies of their enemies to crosses and let them float over to the Christian side, while in return Malta's defenders executed their Turkish prisoners and fired their heads from cannon. This campaign also witnessed many acts of individual bravery in the face of overwhelming odds, and these are brought to life in the six specially commissioned battlescene plates. Tim Pickles' account of the siege is extremely interesting and readable - an excellent book.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50347523473681,"sku":"CIN027598852XVG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/027598852X.jpg?v=1751195506"},{"product_id":"khartoum-1885-book-featherstone-9780275986292","title":"Khartoum 1885","description":"Early in 1881 unrest in the Sudan began to crystallize around Mohammed Ibn Ahmed el-Sayyid Abdullah. Proclaiming himself the long-expected Madhi, the Guided One of the Prophet, he preached that the Sudan was to be purged of its Egyptian oppressors. Drawn in by the Egyptian failure to deal with the situation, the British sent General Gordon to organize an evacuation. On reaching Khartoum however, General Gordon believed, incorrectly, that the Madhi could be reasoned with. Instead of negotiating, the Madhi besieged the town for 317 days, ending in the fall of the city, and the death of Gordon, which has come to encapsulate the myth of the Imperial hero. This title details the campaign in context and, in particular, at the battles fought by the British columns sent to relieve Khartoum.        The two campaigns fought by the British in the Sudan, in 1884-5 and 1896-8, were far more than an attempt to relieve Khartoum and the eventual reconquest of the country. Early in 1881 general unrest in the Sudan began to crystallise around the name of an obscure man of religion, Mohammed Ibn Ahmed el-Sayyid Abdullah. Proclaiming himself the long-expected Madhi, the Guided One of the Prophet, he preached that the Sudan was to be purged of its Egyptian oppressors, and her people brought back to the purity of the true faith. Soon, the Egyptian government, installed by the British after the Arabi Pasha revolt of 1882, found itself hard-pressed to maintain authority in the Sudan, being forced into a series of abortive operations against the Mahdi's swelling hordes of followers until finding itself with only token garrisons to defend isolated posts at Sennar, Tokar, Donagla and Berber. Drawn in by the Egyptian failure to deal with the situation, the British became involved, sending General Gordon to organise the evacuation of civilians and troops. On reaching Khartoum however, General Gordon proved reluctant to do this, believing, incorrectly, that the Madhi could be reasoned with. Instead of negotiating however, the Madhi besieged the town for 317 days, as inadequate government measures led to delay after delay for the relief column as it struggled its way through hostile territory.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ WELL_READ \/ SBYB","offer_id":50347672830225,"sku":"CIN0275986292A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51395688005905,"sku":"GOR013410773","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52629666890001,"sku":"CIN0275986292G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275986292.jpg?v=1751005094"},{"product_id":"d-day-1944-book-ken-ford-9780275982652","title":"D-Day 1944","description":"At 1600 hrs on June 6, 1944, a Horsa glider ground to a halt a mere 60 yards from the Orne Canal bridge at Benouville in Normandy. A small group of British paratroopers burst from it and stormed the bridge within minutes. The Allied liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe had begun. Within a few hours landing craft would swarm towards Ouistreham as British 3rd Division stormed ashore at Sword Beach. The battle would then begin to break through to relieve the paratroopers.  Ken Ford details the assault by British 6th Airborne Division and the British landings on Sword Beach that secured the vital left flank of the invasion.    At 1600 hrs on June 6, 1944, a Horsa glider ground to a halt a mere 60 yards from the Orne Canal bridge at Benouville in Normandy. A small group of British paratroopers burst from it and stormed the bridge within minutes. The Allied liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe had begun. Within a few hours, landing craft would swarm towards Ouistreham as British 3rd Division stormed ashore at Sword Beach. The battle would then begin to break through to relieve the paratroopers. Ken Ford details the assault by British 6th Airborne Division and the British landings on Sword Beach that secured the vital left flank of the invasion.    On the eastern most flank of the Allied landings in Normandy was Sword Beach, the responsibility of British 3rd Division. Their objectives for D-Day were to seize Ouistreham and Lion-sur-Mer, and to drive inland taking Hermanville, Perriers Ridge, and in co-operation with the Canadians landing on Juno, capture their ultimate goal: the town of Caen. In addition, they were to link up with the British Airborne forces who were to secure the eastern flank of the beachhead. The leading waves landed at 7:30 a.m. and managed to get off the beach without heavy German resistance. By mid-morning, Hermanville had been captured but severe congestion on the beach was delaying those troops supposed to be exploiting the landing inland. This allowed the defending German forces, particularly the 21st Panzer Division, valuable time to react to the landings. Stiff German resistance and counter-attacks prevented Caen being taken on the first day and much blood would be shed before it finally fell. 1st Special Service Brigade landed in the Ouistreham area and moved inland to link up with the British Airborne forces. These had been assigned the tasks of securing the area west of the River Dives, destroying a number of bridges over the river and in particular capturing the bridges over the Orne River and the Caen-Ouistreham canal. First to land were the glider-borne infantry of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light infantry commanded by Major John Howard. They successfully seized the canal bridge at Benouville, which has been known since as Pegasus Bridge. The other landings were plagued by high winds with some paratroopers drowning in the river Dives, but five vital bridges were destroyed and in one of the most heroic actions of the landings the Merville battery was stormed and put out of action.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50347692884241,"sku":"CIN0275982653G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275982653.jpg?v=1751071219"},{"product_id":"d-day-1944-book-ken-ford-9780275982676","title":"D-Day 1944","description":"Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy, was the greatest sea-borne military operation in history. At the heart of the invasion and key to its success were the landings of British 50th Division on Gold Beach and Canadian 3rd Division on Juno Beach. Not only did they provide the vital link between the landings of British 3rd Division on Sword Beach and the Americans to the west on Omaha, they would be crucial to the securing of the beachhead and the drive inland to Bayeux and Caen. In the fourth D-Day volume, Ken Ford details the assault that began the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe.    Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy, was the greatest sea-borne military operation in history. At the heart of the invasion and key to its success were the landings of British 50th Division on Gold Beach and Canadian 3rd Division on Juno Beach. Not only did they provide the vital link between the landings of British 3rd Division on Sword Beach and the Americans to the west on Omaha, they would be crucial to the securing of the beachhead and the drive inland to Bayeux and Caen. In the fourth D-Day volume Ken Ford details the assault that began the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe.    The Beaches codenamed Gold and Juno constituted the western section of the British sector of the landings. Although in the British sector the forces landing on Juno were actually the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. Gold was to be assaulted by the British 50th infantry division. Both these forces were supported by specialized armored vehicles to help overcome the German defenses, and by Commando units. The D-Day objectives for the troops landing on these two beaches included the capture of the town of Arromanches, which was to be the site of the Mulberry artificial harbor for the British beachhead. They were also tasked with the capture of the town of Bayeux and securing the coast road between Bayeux and Caen. British 50th Division supported by 8th Armored Brigade successfully fought their way off the beach and overcame the German strongpoints at Le Hamel and La Riviere. 47 Commando made an unsuccessful attempt to capture Port en Bessin and link up with the Americans on Omaha. The Canadians on Juno meanwhile had a tougher time getting ashore due to heavy seas and underwater obstacles. Once on the beach however they silenced the German strongpoint at St. Aubin and pushed inland towards Caen. They were halted by the counter-attack of General Edgar Feuchtingers battle group, the 21st Panzer Division. This drove into the gap between Juno and Sword beaches, stalling the allied timetable and preventing the capture of Caen. It could not, however, prevent the linking of Gold, Juno, and Sword on June 7, securing the British beachhead. The breakout could now begin.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50347694031121,"sku":"CIN027598267XG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":53269501083921,"sku":"CIN027598267XVG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/027598267X.jpg?v=1751356227"},{"product_id":"armada-campaign-1588-book-angus-konstam-9780275988494","title":"The Armada Campaign 1588","description":"In the latter part of the sixteenth century, Spain was the major international power and her leader, King Phillip II, pledged to conquer the Protestant heretics in England. He envisioned a two-pronged attack. He would send his Invincible Armada of 125 ships into the English Channel where it would link up with the Duke of Parma. The Armada would ferry the Duke's soldiers across the straight of Dover and these troops would march on London, seize the Queen, and proceed to conquer the entire country. Over 400 years have passed since this momentous expedition sailed and failed, but its fascination and significance remain undiminished.    In the late summer of 1588, Philip II's Spanish fleet of 130 ships fought their way up the English Channel, heading for a rendezvous with the Spanish Army waiting for them at Calais. Although the English fleet failed to stop or even seriously damage the Spanish fleet as they sailed along the English coast, they were able to prevent them from linking up with their army. During a bitterly fought series of battles off Calais and Gravelines the Spanish were forced to abandon their amphibious invasion of England, and had no option but to return home to Spain. Forced out into the North Sea by the British, the Spanish were forced, by strong winds, to sail around Britain and Ireland in order to return home. The voyage was a nightmare, severe weather and faulty navigation caused the wrecking of many of the Spanish ships along the British and Irish coasts. This combined with the lack of supplies caused King Philip to lose around a third of his fleet and half his men, thus forcing him to abandon all hopes of crushing the reformation. This detailed account of the battles fought gives an insight into why the Armada failed. The many questions surrounding the campaign are addressed. Just how dangerous was the Spanish threat? Were the English really superior in ships and gunnery? And what would have happened if the Spanish had succeeded?","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":50465124286737,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50465125073169,"sku":"CIN027598849XG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/027598849X.jpg?v=1751037416"},{"product_id":"alexander-334-323-bc-book-john-warry-9780275988319","title":"Alexander 334-323 BC","description":"Alexander of Macedonia was undoubtedly one of the greatest generals of all time. This book, by John Warry, an expert on the warfare of the classical world, examines the principle battles of Alexander's campaigns in detail, discussing the battles of Granicus, Issus, Gaugamela, Hydaspes and the difficult siege of Tyre at length. These careful studies shed light on Macedonian tactics, in particular the combination of armoured infantry phalanx with fast-moving cavalry. The men and equipment of both Alexander and his Persian enemies are also examined, providing a comprehensive insight into Alexander's life and military actions. Men-at-Arms 148 and Campaign 7 are also available in a single volume special edition as 'Alexander the Great'    Alexander of Macedonia was undoubtedly one of the greatest generals of all time. His over-riding passion for war and conquest led him not only to confront the might of the Persian Empire but also to lead his armies as far afield as India. He managed to successfully portray himself as liberator of the Greek cities in Asia, and sought to fuse the culture of his own lands with those of the east by choosing to make Babylon the capital of his empire and encouraging his officers to take oriental wives. This book, by John Warry, an expert on the warfare of the Classical world looks at Alexander's campaigns, examining his principle battles in detail. The battles of the Granicus, Issus, Gaugamela and of the Hydaspes are all treated at length, as is the difficult siege of Tyre. These careful studies shed light on Macedonian tactics, in particular the combination of armoured infantry phalanx with fast-moving cavalry. The men and equipment of both Alexander and his Persian enemies are looked at, and this greatly helps to shed light on the later battle accounts. This title thus gives a comprehensive insight into Alexander's life and military actions, as well as placing them in their proper historical context and explaining their consequences.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":50468739809553,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50468741775633,"sku":"CIN0275988317G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":51767215685905,"sku":"CIN0275988317VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275988317.jpg?v=1750877278"},{"product_id":"fredericksburg-1862-book-carl-smith-9780275984465","title":"Fredericksburg 1862","description":"In December 1862, the outcome of the Civil War hung in the balance. Antietam had been a tactical failure for both sides - although the Union army had brought the Confederates to bay, it had not been able to pin them in one place long enough to destroy them. In December 1862, General Burnside, newly appointed to command the Army of the Potomac, planned to seize and secure the town of Fredericksburg, and then take the Confederate capital of Richmond. Carl Smith's book details the epic struggle that engulfed the Union side as it crossed the Rappahannock on December 11, encountering stiff opposition from Lee's men.    In December 1862, things were still confused for the Union. Antietam had been a tactical failure for both sides, and although the battle showed that the Union army could bring the Confederates to bay, it couldn't pin them in one place long enough to destroy them. McClellan was slow in pursuing the withdrawing Lee, not acting until October 1862. Still, Lee's invasion had been stalled and repulsed. In the West General Grant was closing on Vicksburg, and the Mississippi was under greater Union control. Lincoln appointed General Burnside to command the Army of the Potomac, and it was the latter who planned to seize and secure the town of Fredericksburg, and then take the Confederate capital of Richmond. Carl Smith's book details the epic struggle that engulfed the Union side as it crossed the Rappahannock on December 11, encountering stiff opposition from Lee's men.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":50484064911633,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50484065960209,"sku":"CIN027598446XVG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/027598446X.jpg?v=1751005090"},{"product_id":"austerlitz-1805-book-castle-9780275986193","title":"Austerlitz 1805","description":"Not only was Austerlitz the first campaign Napoleon waged as Emperor of France, but also the first great test for his Grande Armee. The Emperor himself regarded it as his greatest victory and it undoubtedly won him a mastery of Europe that would remain unbroken for almost a decade. This volume chronicles the events that climaxed on the field of Austerlitz in one of the most famous battles of history. Most accounts of the campaign have until now been based almost exclusively on French sources, but following extensive research in the Austrian archives Ian Castle is now able to provide a far more balanced account.    The Battle of Austerlitz is, after Waterloo, probably the most famous land battle of the Napoleonic Wars. It was the first campaign which Napoleon waged as Emperor of France and the first great test for his Grande Armee after years of preparation in the 'camps of Boulogne'. At the end of August 1805, even before Nelson's crushing defeat of the combined Franco-Spanish fleet at Trafalgar rendered the invasion of England impossible, Napoleon was issuing orders for his army to march into Germany. Reports had reached him from his spy network that Austria and Russia were preparing to take the field against him. In a masterpiece of strategic manoeuvre he isolated the Austrian army under General Mack around Ulm and forced it to surrender. Nevertheless, the forces confronting Napoleon remained formidable. He pressed on capturing Vienna and then proceeded to lure the Russian and Austrian armies into a carefully prepared trap using his own army as the bait. On 2 December 1805 on a cold, crisp winter's day on the field of Austerlitz the Emperors of Russia, Austria and France would all be present to witness one of the greatest battles of the age.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":50914116894993,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":50914117845265,"sku":"GOR010374025","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275986195.jpg?v=1751005093"},{"product_id":"waterloo-1815-book-geoffrey-wootten-9780275986117","title":"Waterloo 1815","description":"An excellent sense of the closeness of the battle is communicated - Wellington himself claimed it was the nearest run thing you ever saw in your life - and this gripping account shows the full justice of that statement.  Waterloo holds a special place among the great battles of history.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":51415583949073,"sku":"CIN027598611XVG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52329046016273,"sku":"GOR013539874","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52816626188561,"sku":"CIN027598611XG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/027598611X.jpg?v=1750812799"},{"product_id":"first-ypres-1914-book-david-lomas-9780275982911","title":"First Ypres 1914","description":"In the autumn of 1914 the original British Expeditionary Force faced a heavily reinforced German drive. Field Marshal Sir John French, the British Commander-in-Chief, had sent his men north in an attempt to take the fight into Flanders, so they could fight across open ground. History tells us that this was not to be the case. David Lomas chronicles the first of the trench-warfare battles, where lines that would remain almost static for the rest of the war were established. Although the Germans failed to reach the channel ports, the death knell had rung for the BEF, which was virtually wiped out in this brave defense.    In the autumn of 1914 the original British Expeditionary Force faced a heavily reinforced German drive. Field Marshal Sir John French, the British Commander-in-Chief, had sent his men north in an attempt to take the fight into Flanders, so they could fight across open ground. History tells us that this was not to be the case. David Lomas chronicles the first of the trench-warfare battles, where lines that would remain almost static for the rest of the war were established. Although the Germans failed to reach the channel ports, the death knell had rung for the BEF, which was virtually wiped out in this brave defense.    In the autumn of 1914 the original British Expeditionary Force, aided by French troops under Foch, stood against a heavily reinforced German drive. Field Marshal Sir John French, the British Commander-in-Chief had sent his men north in an attempt to take the fight into open ground in Flanders, so his men could fight across open ground as they had been trained to do. History tells us that this was not to be the case. David Lomas' excellent book covers the first of the trench-warfare battles, where lines that would remain almost static for the rest of the war were established. Although the Germans would fail to reach the channel ports, the death knell had rung for the BEF. It was virtually wiped out in this brave defense, to be replaced later by Kitchener's mass of volunteers. However, in spite of its loss of 58,155 killed, wounded and missing it and its French allies did manage to inflict at least 134,315 casualties on the Germans and halt their offensive: on 17th November Falkenhayn decided to cut his losses and abandon his attack. With the battle's end went the last chance, for four years, for a war of movement. Static trench warfare now became the reality on the Western Front and the towns of La Bassee, Armentieres, Messines and Ypres would remain prominent in the fighting until the end of the war.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":51326048567569,"sku":"CIN0275982912VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52965329797393,"sku":"GOR014672553","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275982912_534c254d-6320-4d7a-8a08-1f798ca632b4.jpg?v=1751134040"},{"product_id":"inkerman-1854-book-mercer-9780275986407","title":"Inkerman 1854","description":"On November 5, 1854 the Russians marched out of the besieged city of Sevastopol to throw off the allied British and French forces by mounting a joint attack with their troops from outside the city. Despite outnumbering their enemies five to one the Russians failed to achieve victory in what looked to be almost a foregone conclusion. The third major action of the Crimean War (following Alma and Balaclava), the battle fought in heavy fog at Inkerman proved to be a testament to the skill and initiative of the individual men and officers of the British Army of the day.    On 5 November 1854 the Russians marched out of the besieged city of Sevastopol to throw off the allied British and French forces by mounting a joint attack with their troops from outside the city. Despite outnumbering their enemies five to one the Russians failed to achieve victory in what looked to be almost a foregone conclusion. The third major action of the Crimean War (following Alma and Balaclava), the battle fought in heavy fog at Inkerman proved to be a testament to the skill and initiative of the individual men and officers of the British Army of the day. Although they and their French allies lost 2,357 and 929 men respectively, the Russians lost 10,729, six of which were general officers and another six regimental commanders. On an organisational level the effects of the battle on the Russian field army were severe: of the battalions committed to the fight 16 were unscathed, 12 were utterly ruined, 12 had to be withdrawn from the order of battle and ten were deemed fit for duty but at reduced strength. The British felt their losses too, in spite of the victory. Unable to reinforce their troops speedily, the losses at Inkerman meant that a speedy assault on Sevastopol was no longer a possibility: the Russians, though defeated, had successfully stalled a crucial allied offensive.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":51405960937745,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51405961003281,"sku":"GOR014260784","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275986403.jpg?v=1751037413"},{"product_id":"gettysburg-1863-book-carl-smith-9780275984434","title":"Gettysburg 1863","description":"The Confederate invasion of the Northern states in 1863 was General Lee's last great gamble. By taking the war to the Union he hoped to force Lincoln into peace negotiations, or win support from the European powers who were following events with interest from across the Atlantic. Equally, the Army of the Potomac needed to regain its fighting credibility after the setbacks of Fredericksburg and General Meade saw this as an opportunity to redeem his army's honor. The clash of 150,000 soldiers at Gettysburg would ultimately decide the fate of the nation.    The Confederate invasion of the Northern states in 1863 was General Lee's last great gamble. By taking the war to the Union he hoped to force Lincoln into peace negotiations, or win support from the European powers who were watching events closely from across the Atlantic. Equally, Meade's Army of the Potomac needed to regain it's fighting credibility after the setbacks of Fredericksburg and saw this as an opportunity to redeem its honour. With three years behind them, North and South both boasted professional armies. The clash of 150,000 soldiers from both sides would ultimately decide the fate of the nation. Although losses were similar in number, the relative cost to the South was greater because they could not afford to lose the same number of men as the Union.  Carl Smith examines the bloody four days of Gettysburg, at which almost one in five participants died, and gives readers to an in-depth examination of this critical battle of the American Civil War.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":51440940515601,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":51440940581137,"sku":"CIN0275984435VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0275984435.jpg?v=1751228450"},{"product_id":"quebec-1775-book-brendan-morrissey-9780275984588","title":"Quebec 1775","description":"The American attack on Quebec in 1775 was a key episode in the build-up to the War of Independence. Capture of the city would give the Americans control of Canada - a strategic disaster for the British. The subsequent campaign involved a 350-mile trek across uninhabited wilderness, a desperate American attack on the city of Quebec that left one American general dead and another wounded, and a British counterattack that culminated in a brutal naval battle on Lake Champlain. In this book Brendan Morrissey details the events of this ferocious struggle whose results would have such momentous consequences.    The American attack on Quebec in 1775 was a key episode in the build-up to the War of Independence. Capture of the city would give the Americans control of Canada - a strategic disaster for the British. In May 1775 Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point, but Congress only reluctantly supported proceeding to a full invasion of Canada.  Still, Arnold was permitted to lead an expedition to Quebec across modern-day Maine.  However, during the 350-mile trek through largely uninhabited wilderness 300 men turned back, while another 150 deserted or died of disease - just 650 reached Quebec. The American siege continued until May, when the thaw brought British reinforcements and relief. More American defeats followed, and soon the British controlled Lake Champlain, but delays in building the fleet had left them insufficient time to recapture Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga. The Americans were forced to permanently abandon their hopes of bringing Canada into their war of rebellion.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":51878407405841,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":51878407602449,"sku":"CIN0275984583G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9780275984588.jpg?v=1754364576"},{"product_id":"tet-offensive-1968-book-james-arnold-9780275984526","title":"Tet Offensive 1968","description":"The 1968 Tet Offensive was the decisive battle for Vietnam. It was masterminded by the brilliant North Vietnamese General, Vo Nguyen Giap, and was intended to trigger a general uprising in South Vietnam. However, the bloody fighting for Saigon, Hue and other cities instead resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the North. Despite this, the Tet Offensive came to be perceived as a defeat by the American people, convincing the public that the war in Vietnam was lost.    The 1968 Tet Offensive was the decisive battle for Vietnam. Masterminded by the brilliant North Vietnamese General Vo Nguyen Giap, it was intended to trigger a general uprising in South Vietnam. Detailing the plans and forces involved, James Arnold demonstrates how instead the bloody fighting for Saigon, Hue and other cities resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the North; and how, paradoxically, the American people and their leaders came to perceive the war for Vietnam was lost. Another paradox is how the change in Communist tactics from a classic guerrilla approach to a conventional offensive surprised the Americans: US troops, having dropped their heavy weapons in favour of mobility during jungle-fighting days, suddenly found themselves virtually devoid of ground-based fire support. Inadequacies in American intelligence are looked at and the disastrous results recounted. The effect of such dramatic actions as the storming of the US embassy on the American public is also studied: reactions back home to press reports from the front were what made the Tet offensive an American political defeat in spite of the battlefield outcome being vastly in the US's favour by the end of the fighting.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52099970203921,"sku":"CIN0275984524G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9780275984526.jpg?v=1757087922"},{"product_id":"operation-cobra-1944-book-steven-zaloga-9780275982638","title":"Operation Cobra 1944","description":"One of the most decisive months of World War II was the 30 days between July 25 and August 25, 1944. After the success of the D-Day landings, the Allied forces found themselves bogged down in a bloody stalemate in Normandy. On July 25, General Bradley launched Operation Cobra to break the deadlock. U.S. forces punched a hole in the German frontline and began a spectacular advance. As Patton's Third Army poured into Brittany and raced south to the Loire, the German army was threatened with encirclement. By the end of August, German forces in Normandy were utterly destroyed, and the remaining German units in central and southern France were in headlong retreat to the German frontier. In this title Steve Zaloga explains how the breakout from Normandy came about.    One of the most decisive months of World War II was the 30 days between July 25 and August 25, 1944. After the success of the D-Day landings, the Allied forces found themselves bogged down in a bloody stalemate in Normandy. On July 25, General Bradley launched Operation Cobra to break the deadlock. U.S. forces punched a hole in the German frontline and began a spectacular advance. As Patton's Third Army poured into Brittany and raced south to the Loire, the German army was threatened with encirclement. By the end of August German forces in Normandy were utterly destroyed, and the remaining German units in central and southern France were in headlong retreat to the German frontier. In this title Steve Zaloga explains how the breakout from Normandy came about.    Following the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944, the Allied forces found themselves facing determined German resistance in the ideal defensive country of the Normandy bocage. A grim war of attrition gradually expanded the beachhead and Caen, an objective for D-Day itself was finally taken on July 13. However, much of the German armor had been drawn to the British section of the front and General Omar Bradley's U.S. First Army was preparing for a breakthrough in the area of St. Lo. On July 25, Bradley launched his attack preceded by carpet bombing by long-range bombers that dropped 4,200 tons of explosives. In the face of heavy resistance Major General Collins, VII Corps broke through Coutances to Avranches, and General Patton's Third Army hurtled through the gap in the German lines at Avranches. While his troops poured into Brittany and south to the Loire, First Army turned east. It was briefly halted by a determined German counter-attack at Mortain that was aimed at Avranches. Meanwhile the British in the north and the Americans from the southwest were closing the pincers on the German forces in Normandy. As the Falaise pocket closed desperate German forces attempted to flee eastwards. 10,000 Germans were killed and 50,000 more captured as the German army in the West disintegrated. A pursuit began that would only halt on the borders of Belgium when the Allies outran their supply lines.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52101252808977,"sku":"CIN0275982637VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9780275982638.jpg?v=1757092538"},{"product_id":"lorraine-1944-book-steven-zaloga-9780275982645","title":"Lorraine 1944","description":"In the wake of the defeat in Normandy in the summer of 1944, Hitler planned to blunt the Allied advance by cutting off Patton's Third Army in the Lorraine with a great Panzer offensive. But Patton's aggressive tactics continued to thwart German plans and led to a series of violent armored battles and the breakout of the American forces. The battle-hardened Wehrmacht confronted the well-equipped and trained U.S. Army. The Germans managed to re-establish a fragile defensive line but could not stop the U.S. Army from establishing bridgeheads over the Moselle along Germany's western frontier.    In the wake of the defeat in Normandy in the summer of 1944, Hitler planned to blunt the Allied advance by cutting off Patton's Third Army in the Lorraine with a great Panzer offensive. But Patton's aggressive tactics continued to thwart German plans and led to a series of violent armored battles and the breakout of the American forces. The battle-hardened Wehrmacht confronted the well-equipped and trained U.S. Army. The Germans managed to re-establish a fragile defensive line but could not stop the U.S. Army from establishing bridgeheads over the Moselle along Germany's western frontier.    Patton was planning his own offensive to exploit his gains in Lorraine. However, with the Allies concentrating on capturing the key port of Antwerp, he had to accomplish this with his own limited resources. Both sides were planning their offensives in the same place at the same time. The formations clashed head-to-head around the small town of Arracourt on 18-23 September in a classic meeting engagement. By the end of the month Patton's tank units had crushed the Panzer attacks, but the German counter-attack exhausted Patton's limited resources, and his thrust into Germany was pre-empted.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52101277843729,"sku":"CIN0275982645G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9780275982645.jpg?v=1757092645"},{"product_id":"marathon-490-bc-book-nicholas-sekunda-9780275988364","title":"Marathon 490 BC","description":"The story of the Marathon campaign is an epic of the Ancient World. When the Ionian Greeks revolted against their Persian overlords in 499BC, the cities of Athens and Eretria came to their aid. The Persian King Darius swore vengeance and in 490BC a fleet of 600 ships packed with troops was sent to take revenge on the Athenians. At Marathon the Greeks met the Persians in battle and drove them in rout back to their ships. The moral effect of this victory was enormous - for the first time a Greek army had defeated the Persians and demonstrated the superiority of hoplite tactics.    The story of the Marathon campaign is an epic of the Ancient World. When the Ionian Greeks revolted against their Persian overlords in 499BC, the cities of Athens and Eretria came to their aid. The Persian King Darius swore vengeance and in 490BC a fleet of 600 ships packed with troops was sent to take revenge on the Athenians. At Marathon the Greeks met the Persians in battle and drove them in rout back to their ships. The moral effect of this victory was enormous - for the first time a Greek army had defeated the Persians and demonstrated the superiority of hoplite tactics. Nicolas Sekunda's book discusses one of the most famous battles of the ancient world, and sheds new light on this important point in the epic struggle between Persia and the Greek city-states.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52116571685137,"sku":"CIN0275988368VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":53047638425873,"sku":"CIN0275988368G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9780275988364.jpg?v=1757341022"},{"product_id":"aspern-wagram-1809-book-castle-9780275986148","title":"Aspern \u0026 Wagram 1809","description":"The 1809 campaign on the Danube was to break the spell of Napoleon's invincibility. Indeed Wagram - the largest battle in history at the time - was Napoleon's revenge for his earlier defeat on the battlefield - at Aspern-Essling. In gaining this revenge the French commander was not wholly successful. Although the French won the battle as the Austrians eventually quit the field, the victory was an extremely hollow one, as Napoleon was unable to inflict a decisive defeat. Both these epic battles are expertly described by Ian Castle, chronicling the many changes of fortune as each side captured, lost, and then recaptured key positions.    The 1809 campaign on the Danube was to break the spell of Napoleon's invincibility. Indeed Wagram - the largest battle in history at the time - was Napoleon's revenge for his first personal defeat on the battlefield - at Aspern - Essling. In gaining this revenge the French commander was not wholly successful. Although the French did indeed win the battle as the Austrians eventually quit the field, the victory was an extremely hollow one. Not only was there no rout or pursuit - the Austrian troops left in good, disciplined order, simply marching off the field - but also it was quite possibly the French who lost more men at the end of the day: approximately 27,500 killed and wounded, with an additional 10,000 missing or taken prisoner. In contrast the Austrians probably lost 23,750  killed and wounded, 7,500 prisoners and about 10,000 missing. Many, however, of the latter returned to their regiments after the battle thus perhaps making the total Austrian loss less than that of the French. Both these two day battles are described by Ian Castle in this volume, with detailed maps and graphics that afford the reader the opportunity to follow the many changes of fortune during the epic battles, as each side captured, lost, then recaptured key positions.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52646208143633,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52646208504081,"sku":"GOR014574913","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9780275986148.jpg?v=1762014153"},{"product_id":"cannae-216-bc-book-mark-healy-9780275988340","title":"Cannae 216 BC","description":"Cannae is rightly regarded as one of the greatest battles of military history. Hannibal's stratagem has become a model of the perfectly fought battle and is studied in detail at military academies around the world. At Cannae the Romans confronted Hannibal with an army of 80,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry. Hannibal faced them with 40,000 foot and 10,000 horse. The engagement that followed was a masterpiece of battlefield control. By the end of the conflict the Romans had lost 47,500 infantry and 2,700 cavalry killed and a further 19,300 captured. Campaign 36 and Men-at-Arms 121 are also available in a single volume special edition as 'Hannibal's War with Rome'.    The battle of Cannae is rightly regarded as one of the greatest battles of military history. Apart from it being the greatest defeat ever suffered by Roman arms, Hannibal's stratagem has become a model of the perfectly fought battle and is studied in detail at military academies around the world. Following his invasion of Italy during the Second Punic War Hannibal inflicted two bloody defeats on Rome at the River Trebbia and at the battle of Lake Trasimene, in the case of the latter destroying the consular army of Caius Flaminius. After this disaster the Romans determined to ensure both Consuls were present at any future battle. At Cannae the Romans confronted Hannibal with an army of 80,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry under both consuls who because of a quirk of Roman politics commanded on alternate days. Hannibal faced them with 40,000 foot and 10,000 horse-drawn up on a clear plain where there could be no threat of hidden troops (such as at Trasimene) effectively using his whole army as bait. The battle which followed is a masterpiece of battlefield control. Hannibal allowed his centre to give ground, drawing in the more numerous Roman infantry while his cavalry drove off that of the enemy. Having defeated their counterparts the Carthaginian cavalry returned and charged into the rear of the struggling Roman Legions. By the end of the battle the Romans lost 47,500 infantry and 2,700 cavalry killed and a further 19,300 captured. Mark Healy recounts this battle in detail as well as explaining Hannibal's campaign before it, with particular attention to his invasion of Italy.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52693385707793,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":52693386133777,"sku":"CIN0275988341G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9780275988340.jpg?v=1762352723"},{"product_id":"jena-1806-book-chandler-9780275986124","title":"Jena 1806","description":"Forewarned of Prussia's intention to declare war on France, Napoleon decided to strike first with a bold advance from Wurzburg into Saxony. On October 14, the double battle was fought: Napoleon with 96,000 men and 120 guns engaged and heavily defeated Prince Hohenlohe and General Ruchel. The decisive engagement was fought further north where Marshal Davout with 27,000 men and 40 guns routed the main Prussian army under Frederick William IV and the Duke of Brunswick. This title examines these two battles, Jena and Auerstadt in detail, showing clearly the swiftness with which Napoleon dealt Prussia's military machine a severe blow.    Forewarned of Prussia's intention to declare war on France, Napoleon decided to strike first with a bold advance from Wurzburg into Saxony on 8 October 1806. He crossed the difficult Thuringian Forest in three columns and brushed aside small Prussian forces near two exits from the passes, advancing north expecting a battle on the Elbe near Leipzig. On 11 October intelligence revealed the Prussians to be further west around Erfurt and Napoleon's 180,000 strong army turned towards the Saale. On 14 October the double battle was fought: Napoleon with 96,000 men and 120 guns engaged and heavily defeated Prince Hohenlohe and General Ruchel with 53,000 men and 120 guns. The decisive engagement was fought further north where Marshal Davout with 27,000 men and 40 guns routed the main Prussian army under Frederick William IV and the Duke of Brunswick who commanded 63,500 men and 230 guns.  This title examines these two battles, Jena and Auerstadt in detail, showing clearly the swiftness with which Napoleon dealt Prussia's military machine a severe blow. The author, David Chandler is head of the Department of War Studies at Sandhurst and is widely acclaimed for his work on Napoleon's battles. This book is yet another fine example of his comprehensive and extremely readable work.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52698527465745,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52698527596817,"sku":"GOR014583232","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9780275986124.jpg?v=1762453922"},{"product_id":"little-big-horn-1876-book-peter-f-panzeri-9780275984557","title":"Little Big Horn 1876","description":"Little Big Horn was the greatest, and the last, victory of the Native Americans over the United States military. Disobeying orders, George Armstrong Custer and the 7th Cavalry Regiment followed a trail to a large encampment of Indians. Without determining the numbers he faced, Custer split his command into three groups and attacked. The resulting chaos has passed into legend as the most infamous battle of the Indian Wars as Custer and more than half the troops under his command were killed.    The death of George Armstrong Custer, and over half of his 7th Cavalry Regiment in the valley of the Little Big Horn on 25 July 1876, has become the most celebrated battle of the Indian wars. It was the greatest, and the last, victory of the Native Americans over the United States military. Planned as a combined operation by three different columns of troops commanded by Generals Crook and Terry and Colonel John Gibbon, the campaign went wrong almost from the start. Crook's column was stopped almost immediately and after a severe mauling fell back to its supply base. Custer then disobeyed orders and followed a trail left by a large number of ponies towards the Little Big Horn. He found a large encampment of Indians on the morning of 25 July and without determining the numbers he faced split his command into three groups and attacked. In the resulting chaos Custer and more than half the troops under his command were killed. Custer's luck had finally run out. Peter Panzeri details the whole of the 1876 campaign against the Indians under Sitting Bull, including Gibbon's encounters and Terry's advance, before recounting in detail the last stand of one of history's most controversial figures.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52803086090513,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52803086188817,"sku":"GOR014624868","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9780275984557.jpg?v=1764185132"},{"product_id":"isandlwana-1879-book-knight-9780275986360","title":"Isandlwana 1879","description":"The battle of Isandlwana fought on January 22, 1879 was the greatest defeat suffered by the British Army during the Victorian era. A Zulu army of 24,000 warriors had moved undetected to within striking distance of the British camp in the shadow of Isandlwana Mountain. From the start the 1,700 defenders underestimated the danger descending upon them. They were swept aside with horrifying speed and the final stage of the battle consisted of desperate hand-to-hand fighting amid the British camp. Ian Knight employs new archaeological and historical research to provide a completely new interpretation of the course of the battle.    The battle of Isandlwana fought on 22 January 1879 was the greatest defeat suffered by the British Army during the Victorian era. On 20 January 1879 the Centre Column of the British invasion force under the British Commander in Chief Lord Chelmsford, reached a distinctive, rocky outcrop known as Isandlwana. Chelmsford's spies suggested that a Zulu army was on its way to attack him and he was concerned about a range of hills to his right front. On 21 January he sent a strong force of auxiliaries into the hills to scout them and at dusk on the same day they encountered a Zulu force at Mangeni 12 miles away. In the poor light they could not establish the size or intentions of this force. When news of the encounter reached Chelmsford he decided to take part of his force to attack the Zulus and marched out at about 3.00am leaving some 1700 white and native troops at the camp. Chelmsford was chasing shadows, however  - the main Zulu army of 24,000 men had moved across his front (it was stragglers from this movement the scouts had encountered) and was marching to attack Isandlwana. From the start the British in the camp underestimated the danger that was descending upon them. The British line was eventually outflanked and the finals stage of the battle consisted of desperate hand-to-hand fighting amid the British camp, played out against the backdrop of a solar eclipse. Of the 1700 men in the camp over 1300 were killed; scarcely 60 Europeans survived. At least 1000 Zulus were killed outright and hundreds more mortally wounded. This title employs new research - including the archaeological survey of the battlefield carried out in 2000 - to describe the battle in greater detail and provide a new interpretation of the course of the action.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53032467169553,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53032467300625,"sku":"GOR011812473","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9780275986360.jpg?v=1768654998"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.worldofbooks.com\/en-au\/collections\/praeger-illustrated-military-history-ser-book-series.oembed?page=2","provider":"World of Books ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}