Medieval history gifts

The Templars by Dan Jones masterfully chronicles the extraordinary history of the Knights Templar, from their humble beginnings to their dramatic downfall. This captivating narrative delves into the enigmatic and illustrious lives of the Templars, who were the wealthiest and most influential military order in the crusading era. Dan Jones takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the medieval world,...

It is 997 CE, the end of the Dark Ages. The king's grip on the country is fragile, and chaos reigns. A young boat builder dreams of a better future after a devastating Viking raid shatters the life he hoped for. A Norman noblewoman follows her husband to a new land, only to find her life there shockingly different; and...

The Anglo-Saxons by Marc Morris meticulously charts the turbulent history of Britain from the end of Roman rule to the Norman Conquest. As the Roman Empire withdrew from Britain in the early fifth century, the island swiftly descended into chaos and decay. This vacuum of power attracted waves of foreign invaders, primarily the Anglo-Saxons, who emerged from across the sea...

This brilliant new book explores the lives of eight generations of the greatest kings and queens that this country has ever seen, and the worst. The Plantagenets – their story is the story of Britain. England’s greatest royal dynasty, the Plantagenets, ruled over England through eight generations of kings. Their remarkable reign saw England emerge from the Dark Ages to...

A man awakens in a mysterious clearing, disoriented and alone. He finds himself in what appears to be medieval England, with no recollection of his identity, origins, or purpose. Struggling with his fragmented memory, he soon discovers that he is being pursued by individuals from his own time. His enigmatic past is his greatest enemy, and unravelling it becomes his...

On the day after Halloween, in the year 1327, four children slip away from the cathedral city of Kingsbridge. They are a thief, a bully, a boy genius and a girl who wants to be a doctor. In the forest they see two men killed. As adults, their lives will be braided together by ambition, love, greed and revenge. They...

The Crusades by Thomas Asbridge offers a captivating and meticulously researched exploration of one of history's most enigmatic and tumultuous periods. Spanning from the late eleventh century to the late thirteenth century, this comprehensive account delves into the bitter and often brutal conflicts that arose as Christian and Muslim armies clashed over control of the Holy Land. In the eleventh...

A brilliant memoir of adolescence in New Zealand and of the migration of European manuscripts to the far side of the world. Christopher de Hamel is one of the world's best-known scholars and writers on illuminated manuscripts. He was mostly brought up in the south of New Zealand, where his family moved when he was four. This book magically evokes...

The Last Viking is a masterful and pulse-pounding narrative that transports the reader into the middle of the action.’ Carl Gnam, Military Heritage Harald Sigurdsson burst into history as a teenaged youth in a Viking battle from which he escaped with little more than his life and a thirst for vengeance. But from these humble origins, he became one of...

From the bestselling author of The Templars, Dan Jones brings you an exhilarating and expansive history of the Crusades. Crusaders delves into the dramatic and tumultuous sequence of religious wars fought between the late eleventh century and the late medieval period. These epic clashes between European Christian states and Islamic rulers aimed to control the Holy Land and have left...

A brilliant reappraisal of the medieval women whose lives have been misrepresented and co-opted over centuries for political, nation-building ends. By Professor Janina Ramirez, bestselling historian and author of FEMINA. From the bestselling author of FEMINA, a brilliant reappraisal of the medieval women whose lives have been exploited over centuries for political, nation-building ends. In Legenda, bestselling historian Professor Janina...

In the vaulted Gothic towers of Notre-Dame lives Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer. Mocked and shunned for his appearance, he is pitied only by Esmerelda, a beautiful gypsy dancer to whom he becomes completely devoted. Esmerelda, however, has also attracted the attention of the sinister archdeacon Claude Frollo, and when she rejects his lecherous approaches, Frollo hatches a plot to destroy...

A beautifully produced account of the signing, impact, and legacy of Magna Carta, a document that became one of the most influential statements in the history of democracy, as part of the stunning landmark library series. On a summer's day in 1215, a beleaguered English monarch met a group of disgruntled barons in a meadow by the river Thames named...

My Little Golden Book About Vikings is a nonfiction treasure filled with amazing facts about the history of the Vikings, all told through beautiful illustrations—perfect for preschoolers! Set sail with the adventurous, fearless Vikings! This informative Little Golden Book is overflowing with great information about everything from the boats they sailed and clothes they wore to the gods they worshipped...

The Holy Roman Empire by Peter H. Wilson is an astonishing and essential tome that delves into what was for ten centuries Europe’s largest and most intricate state. From its inception under Charlemagne to its eventual dissolution at the hands of Napoleon, the Holy Roman Empire stood as the epicentre of European civilization. This ancient and sprawling entity was not...

See Inside Castles offers a humorous yet historically accurate look at life in a thirteenth-century medieval castle. Inventive embedded flaps on each page allow children to explore the hidden world of the castle. Young readers are taken on an exciting journey where they encounter a magnificent banquet, a thrilling tournament, and a dramatic siege. David Hancock's bright, detailed illustrations, combined...

A vivid double biography of two fearless Early Medieval queens, and an enthralling journey of discovery across the unfamiliar and blood-soaked historical landscape of sixth-century Merovingian France. 'Brings the Merovingian empire to thrilling, bewildering, horrifying life' Helen Castor 'Restores two half-forgotten and much-mythologized queens to their proper place in medieval history' Dan Jones 'A story of scheming and savagery to...

Runciman's great Crusades trilogy reissued in Penguin Modern Classics. "The whole tale is one of faith and folly, courage and greed, hope and delusion." The Christian and Muslim empires of the Middle East had fought each other for centuries, two ancient, powerful civilisations, in some ways very familiar to one another. In 1095, something extraordinary happened. The Pope issued an...

A gripping, vivid novel which brings to life Europe in the Middle Ages, in all its beauty and horror. One of Hermann Hesse's greatest novels, Narcissus and Goldmund is an extraordinary recreation of the Middle Ages, contrasting the careers of two friends. One of them shuns life in a monastery and goes on the road, entangled in the extremes of...

The Greatest Knight by Thomas Asbridge is an engaging biography that takes readers on a riveting journey through the life of one of medieval England's most illustrious knights, William Marshal. Set against the turbulent backdrop of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, this narrative explores the meteoric rise of a man born into the minor nobility who ascended to the highest...

Plan, trade, and build your Burgundian estate to prosperity and prominence.  1-4 Players  |  70-120 Mins  |  Ages 12+ Castles of Burgundy is a legendary Board Game design created by Stefan Feld. In this 1-4 players tabletop experience, you will take on the role of an aristocrat controlling a small princedom. Trying to build a settlement with powerful castles, practice trades,...

Continuing the outstanding success of The Last Kingdom, The Pale Horseman is the second installment of Bernard Cornwell’s fantastic series, following the fate of Alfred the Great and the forging of Britain. It is the lowest time for the Saxons. Defeated comprehensively by the Vikings who now occupy most of England, Alfred and his very small group of surviving followers...

THE #2 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ‘As gripping as any thriller. History doesn't get any better than this’ — BILL BRYSON ‘A brilliant read … Game of Thrones but in the real world’ — ANTHONY HOROWITZ PICKED AS A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020 BY THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, THE GUARDIAN, THE DAILY MAIL AND THE DAILY EXPRESS. The sinking of...

In the middle ages, a poet told a story that mocked a strong woman. It became a literary classic. But what if the woman in question had a chance to tell her own version? Who would you believe? Brooks' mischievous retelling [of Chaucer's The Wife of Bath] dials up the feminist themes - and the fun - to 11. The...

A classic history of fourteenth-century Europe, from the Pulitzer-Prize winning author of The Guns of August. The fourteenth century was a time of fabled crusades and chivalry, glittering cathedrals and grand castles. It was also a time of ferocity and spiritual agony, a world of chaos and the plague. Here, Barbara Tuchman masterfully reveals the two contradictory images of the...

A masterpiece of historical fiction, The Corner That Held Them depicts the lives of medieval nuns amid the turmoil of rebellion and the Black Death. Sylvia Townsend Warner's portrayal of a fourteenth-century nunnery is widely considered to be one of the greatest historical novels of all time. An often hilarious ode to community living, it is also a poignant, delicate...

A fascinating book about four women - it tells us so much about their world, and about our own… What jumps off the page is the liveliness of the women, their passion, their courage, and their own way of being... PHILIPPA GREGORY, author of The Other Boleyn Girl and Normal Women Brilliantly revealing Observer A celebration of female ambition and...

The turbulent Tudor age never fails to capture the imagination. But what was it actually like to be a woman during this period? The Lives of Tudor Women by Elizabeth Norton provides an expansive exploration into the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of women in the sixteenth century. This was a time when death in infancy or during childbirth was...

Expansion for Carcassonne. Guide your flock through lush pastures, but beware—the wolf is always near. 2-6 Players  |  45+ Mins  |  Ages 7+ Features: Area Majority / Influence, Tile Placement Theme: Expansion for Base-game, Medieval, Territory Building Description: In this expansion for Carcassonne, animals and vineyards enliven the landscape. Let your shepherd herd geese and grow his flock of sheep. But when...

A brand new companion to the Last Kingdom series, Uhtred’s Feast, is available to pre-order now An oath of loyalty. Two warring kings. A destiny he didn’t choose… England is in turmoil as Vikings and Saxons battle for territory. Rumours build about the fatal sickness of the King, and the country awaits an heir. A violent clash at sea forces...

Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts by Christopher de Hamel is an unparalleled journey through the rich history hidden within some of the world's most extraordinary illuminated manuscripts. This highly acclaimed history book, now available in paperback, offers readers a rare opportunity to explore these remarkable texts in an intimate and engaging manner. Each manuscript unfolds not just as a historical document,...

Opens a fascinating new window onto medieval and early modern life - a world where it's possible to meet the devil on the road, control the future through stars, and employ a fairy to help find gold. In Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic, historian Tabitha Stanmore will transport readers to a time when magic was used...

A colourful exploration into the history, training, weapons, lifestyles and legacy of the Vikings. From Norway to Sicily, Russia to Ireland and across the Atlantic to North America, the Vikings traversed the globe in their pursuit of land and plunder. Renowned as merciless raiders from the sea, these fearless warriors ransacked the shores of Europe for more than 250 years....

A brand new companion to the Last Kingdom series, Uhtred’s Feast, is available to pre-order now The sixth novel in Bernard Cornwell’s epic and bestselling series on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. As seen on Netflix and BBC around the world. Alfred, the great king, is said to be dying. Rivals...

The definitive account for our times of a pivotal moment in English history. An upstart French duke who sets out to conquer the most powerful and unified kingdom in Christendom. An invasion force on a scale not seen since the days of the Romans. One of the bloodiest and most decisive battles ever fought. This riveting book explains why the...

Trinity is the second instalment in Conn Iggulden's thrilling Wars of the Roses trilogy. In 1454, King Henry VI has remained all but exiled in Windsor Castle, struck down by illness for over a year. Meanwhile, his fiercely loyal wife and Queen, Margaret of Anjou, safeguards her husband's interests. Richard Duke of York, Protector of the Realm, extends his influence...

A bestselling, groundbreaking reappraisal of medieval femininity, revealing why women have been written out of history, and why it matters, by Oxford historian Janina Ramirez. The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller Longlisted for the Cundill History Prize 'Revelatory' - Guardian 'A firecracker somehow captured between two covers' - Lucy Worsley An instant bestseller and one of the most celebrated history books...

The instant Sunday Times bestseller The UK’s bestselling medieval historian brings unforgettably to life the astonishing rise of Henry V, who survived rebellion, a near-fatal arrow wound, and a lengthy and precarious princely apprenticeship to become England’s greatest warrior king. 'A historian who writes as addictively as any page-turning novelist.' Observer Henry V reigned over England for only nine years...

Would you rather wipe Henry VIII’s bottom for him or be one of his wives? Would you rather act in a Tudor play or take part in a jousting match? Only you can decide! Adventure into the fascinating world of the Tudors with this new Would You Rather book!Packed with fun situations, this book is the perfect way to learn...

A universally praised, richly enjoyable new history of medieval France. One of the great epics of Europe's history, the story of the rise and rise of the Capetian dynasty dominates the Middle Ages. Starting in the tenth century from an insecure foothold around Paris, the Capetians built a nation that stretched from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and from the...

The fifteenth century experienced the longest and bloodiest series of civil wars in British history. The crown of England changed hands violently five times as the great families of England fought to the death for the right to rule. Some of the greatest heroes and villains in history were thrown together in these chaotic years. Yet efforts were made to...

"Outstanding." - The Sunday Times "Beautifully written." - The Times "Superbly adroit." - The Spectator "Excellent." - BBC History Magazine The Battle of Hastings and its aftermath nearly wiped out the leading families of Anglo-Saxon England – so what happened to the children this conflict left behind? Conquered offers a fresh take on the Norman Conquest by exploring the lives...

A beautiful, skilfully crafted work of chivalric romance. Written by an unknown author in the twelfth century, this powerful tale of murder and revenge reaches back to the earliest epochs of German antiquity, transforming centuries-old legend into a masterpiece of chivalric drama. Siegfried, a great prince of the Netherlands, wins the hand of the beautiful princess Kriemhild of Burgundy by...

Penguin Classics relaunch Exclusive to Penguin Classics – the definitive text of Shaw's powerful historical drama about Joan of Arc, which led him to win the Nobel Prize for Literature – part of the official Bernard Shaw Library. A Penguin Classic With Saint Joan, which distils many of the ideas Shaw had been exploring in earlier works on politics, religion,...

A spellbinding story of ambition, anarchy, and absolute power set against the brutal world of 10th century England. 'I have broken my vows. I have murdered innocents. I have trod down the soil over their dead face with my bare heels, and only the moon as witness. I have loved a woman and she ruined me. I have loved a...

Iris Origo's most famous book, her classic study of the life and times of a medieval Italian merchant. In 1870, an astonishing cache, containing some 150,000 letters and great numbers of business documents, came to light. Iris Origo drew on this material to paint, in detail, a picture of Italian domestic life on the eve of the Renaissance. Francesco di...

The author of She-Wolves chronicles the lives and reigns of Richard II and Henry IV, two cousins whose rivalry brought their nation to the brink of disintegration - and back again. Richard of Bordeaux and Henry Bolingbroke were first cousins, born just three months apart. Their lives were entwined from the beginning. When they were still children, Richard was crowned...

Vikings by Neil Oliver delves into the exhilarating and tumultuous history of the Norse warriors who have long fascinated and terrified the world. These seafaring marauders are famously remembered for their fearsome raids, unyielding spirit in battle, and ruthless retribution. However, their prowess in warfare is merely a fraction of their vast and complex story. From their origins in the...

Do you know the Bluethroat, Redstart, or Alouette (Crested Lark)? For centuries these songbirds have filled the boughs and the hearts of the French countryside. Artist Malin Gyllensvaan’s fantastic tree of fruits and berries is populated by a colorful assortment of melodious French songbirds. 1000 sturdy, dustless, double-coated puzzle pieces that snap together with ease Includes a curated, puzzle playlist...

At the dawn of the fifteenth century, Tallinn stands on the edge of Christendom. Merchants, monks, knights, and pirates all struggle for control of the wealthy city. When the brutally decapitated corpse of a knight is discovered, apothecary Melchior Wakenstede, famed for his brilliant mind, is asked to investigate. As Melchior tries to untangle the mystery, he stumbles across truths...

Give the gift of a new Stefan Feld experience. This brings the team behind the modern classic The Castles of Burgundy together again. Another strategic adventure awaits. QUALITY YOU TRUST – 1 board (17 parts), overview board, starting player card, reference sheet, oracle tile, 214 tokens (various), Rewood tokens (15 dolmens, 6 standing, 6 runes, 4 player markers), 12 tokens,...

Learn all about the culture and history of Vikings in this picture-packed reference guide for young readers. Explore the world of Nordic raiders and traders with this picture-packed, fact-filled book. Eyewitness Viking is an essential guide to the history and culture of these daring Norse adventurers. With stunning photography, original artefacts, and lots of fascinating facts, find out about the...

A landmark reinterpretation of the life of William the Conqueror—a pivotal figure in British and European history "[The] definitive biography of the man who forever changed England with his invasion of 1066."—Tony Barber, “Best books of 2016," Financial Times In this magisterial addition to the Yale English Monarchs series, David Bates combines biography and a multidisciplinary approach to examine the...

Explore the wonders of the past in this stunning collection of over 160 historical artefacts, from Ancient Rome to the dynasties of China. Welcome to the museum. This rich and informative cabinet of curiosities beautifully displays objects of the ancient past. Wander from room to room to explore the magnificence of what civilisations have left behind over thousands of years...

Composing songs of love and war in medieval Western and Southern Europe, troubadours spanned the social spectrum from powerful nobles to penniless minstrels. This book delves into the everyday worlds of these remarkable poet-musicians, famed for their innovative use of language and music as well as the lasting impact of their work on audiences then and now. The troubadours' songs...

At Histories of the Unexpected, we believe that everything has a history—even the most unexpected of subjects—and that everything links together in unexpected ways. We believe that the history of the itch, the history of crawling, the history of clouds, or of lightning, or of zombies, or zebras, or holes, or perfume, or rubbish, or mustard—all have fascinating histories of...

Why did the Vikings sail to England? Were they indiscriminate raiders, motivated solely by bloodlust and plunder? One narrative, the stereotypical one, might have it so. But locked away in the buried history of the British Isles are other, far richer and more nuanced stories; and these hidden tales paint a picture very different from the ferocious pillagers of popular...

Siena by Jane Stevenson is an authoritative and richly illustrated history that affectionately celebrates Siena, one of the best-loved and most-visited cities in Italy. Occupying a hilltop site amidst a vast, undulating landscape, Siena attracts contemporary tourists as much as Florence. However, its proud republican past presents an intriguing contrast to its Medici-dominated northern Tuscan rival, with which it vied...

This book is an expression of love... Sublimely conceived and beautifully written Gerard DeGroot, The Times Immersive, conversational and intensely visual Helen Castor Manuscripts teem with life. They are not only the stuff of history and literature, but they offer some of the only tangible evidence we have of entire lives, long receded. Hidden Hands tells the stories of the...

A compelling, authoritative account of the brilliant, conflicted, visionary world of Tudor England When Henry VII landed in a secluded bay in a far corner of Wales, it seemed inconceivable that this outsider could ever be king of England. Yet he and his descendants became some of England’s most unforgettable rulers, and gave their name to an age. The story...

Gaul was divided into three parts. No, four parts—for one small village of indomitable Gauls still held out against the Roman invaders. Asterix: Asterix and The Chieftain's Shield is book 11 in the series. The hero Vercingetorix once defeated Julius Caesar near Gergovia in the Arvernian country. Although the tables were turned later at the battle of Alesia, the Gauls...

The authors of The Bright Ages return with a real-life Game of Thrones—the story of the Carolingian Civil War, a bloody, protracted battle pitting brother against brother, father against son, that would end an empire, upend a continent, and redefine the future of Europe. By the early ninth century, the Carolingian empire was at the height of its power. The...

The acclaimed biography of one of the most extraordinary of all European rulers. Charles, King of the Franks, is one of the most remarkable figures ever to rule a European super-state. That is why he is so often called 'Charles the Great'—by the French 'Charlemagne', and by the Germans 'Karl der Grosse'. King and Emperor by Janet L. Nelson brings...

Asser's Life of King Alfred, written in 893, is a revealing account of one of the greatest of medieval kings. This work is composed by a monk of St David's in Wales, who later became Bishop of Sherborne in King Alfred's service. Asser worked closely with the king in his efforts to revive religion and learning across the kingdom. This...

The definitive translation of our history's founding legal document - translated with a new commentary by David Carpenter. Magna Carta is probably the most famous declaration in western legal history. Wrested by rebellious barons from a very reluctant King John, it set out a series of rights and duties which have been appealed to, ignored, suppressed and argued about ever...

A fascinating description of the beginning of the modern world. For nineteenth-century Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt, the Italian Renaissance was nothing less than the beginning of the modern world—a world in which flourishing individualism and the competition for fame radically transformed science, the arts, and politics. In this landmark work, he depicts the Italian city-states of Florence, Venice and Rome...

A new edition of these two French accounts written by soldiers who took part in the Crusades. The Conquest of Constantinople by Geoffrey of Villehardouin and The Life of Saint Louis by John of Joinville are eye-witness accounts of going to war in the service of God. In the first years of the thirteenth century, Villehardouin served as an envoy...

Tudors by Peter Ackroyd transports readers back to one of the most fascinating and dramatic periods in British history. Rich in detail and atmosphere, and told in vivid prose, this enthralling narrative captures the transformation of England from a settled Catholic country to a formidable Protestant superpower. The book intricately traces the tumultuous reigns of the Tudor monarchs, beginning with...

This accessory pack includes all of the cards from the CATAN Cities & Knights 6th Edition board game expansion. Replace your worn-out cards. Have another deck of cards handy in case you lose or damage a card. This is not a complete game, you will need the CATAN base board game and the CATAN Cities & Knights 6th Edition expansion....

From a renowned historian who writes with "maximum vividness" (The New Yorker) comes the most authoritative, readable single-volume military history of the brutal struggle for the Holy Land. Nine hundred years ago, a vast Christian army, summoned to holy war by the Pope, rampaged through the Muslim world of the eastern Mediterranean, seizing possession of Jerusalem, a city revered by...

A sweeping, definitive history of the dynamic, expansionist dynasty that forged the Middle Ages - and Europe - as we know it. Today, the Carolingians are best known as the dynasty of Charlemagne. In a few remarkable decades spanning the late eighth and early ninth centuries, Charlemagne united much of modern-day Europe through conquest and diplomacy, establishing the continent's first...

A major new history of the Crusades that illuminates the strength and sophistication of the Western and Muslim armies During the Crusades, the Western and Muslim armies developed various highly sophisticated strategies of both attack and defence, which evolved during the course of the battles. In this ambitious new work, Steve Tibble draws on a wide range of Muslim texts...

Investigate the mystery of a doomed village and its cursed castle in this thrilling escape room game! The game features innovative puzzle components and gameplay, and is designed to recreate the escape-room experience at home. With an easy-to-follow hints system, and the option to split the game into two parts if required, Curse of the Dark is suitable for both...

First ever standalone edition of one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s most important poetic dramas, that explores timely themes such as the nature of heroism and chivalry during war, and which features unpublished and never-before-seen texts and drafts. In 991 AD, vikings attacked an Anglo-Saxon defence-force led by their duke, Beorhtnoth, resulting in brutal fighting along the banks of the river Blackwater,...

Cross the moat, pass through the gatehouse and dodge flying arrows as you journey back in time on a search-and-find history adventure!Blaze the Dragon guides you through the fascinating world of medieval times – where lords, ladies and even wizards roam. Discover how castles were built, how knights fought and the secrets of magic and medicine.From the grand fortress of...

Paladins of the West Kingdom is set during a turbulent time in West Francia's history, around 900 AD. Despite recent efforts to develop the city, outlying townships remain under threat from external forces. Saracens scout the borders while Vikings plunder wealth and livestock. Even the Byzantines from the east have shown their darker side. As noble men and women, players...

The go-to handbook for the beginner knight - keep it up your hauberk. (And if you don't know what that is, you need this book!) The ultimate guide for the novice knight, covering everything from sieges and swordplay to feasts and fights. This book is a really fun way to access medieval history. - Packed with informative historical detail.- Written...

Follow the journey of a knight in making, from the banquet table to the battlefield. Enter the world of a medieval horseback warrior and learn what it takes to become a knight. Eyewitness Knight follows the journey of a knight in making, from being a page or a squire at an early age undergoing rigorous training before making it to...

Runciman's great Crusades trilogy reissued in Penguin Modern Classics 'The whole tale is one of faith and folly, courage and greed, hope and delusion' The triumph of the First Crusade transformed the eastern Mediterranean, creating a series of European-ruled states along the coast and in Armenia. But the region's Muslim rulers were far from defeated, and the major cities of...