{"title":"Robert Verkaik","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the Robert Verkaik collection, where history and current affairs converge to offer insightful narratives and thought-provoking analysis. Robert Verkaik is a distinguished author renowned for his meticulous research and captivating storytelling. With a focus on history and military themes as well as politics and current affairs, his works invite readers to explore some of the most intriguing stories of our time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDefiant\u003c\/em\u003e is a compelling exploration of those who stood up against the status quo, highlighting the courageous and rebellious figures throughout history. In \u003cem\u003eThe Traitor of Arnhem\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Traitor of Colditz\u003c\/em\u003e, Verkaik delves into remarkable wartime stories, uncovering the complexities of betrayal and heroism during pivotal moments in military history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor those interested in the economic structures shaping our world, \u003cem\u003eWhy You Won’t Get Rich\u003c\/em\u003e offers a critical examination of wealth inequality and the enduring barriers that prevent prosperity for the many. Verkaik's keen observations and incisive commentary provide a fresh perspective on how current economic policies affect everyday lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether your interests lie in unravelling historical secrets or understanding contemporary economic dynamics, Robert Verkaik's books promise to educate and engage, all while challenging the reader to rethink established narratives.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"defiant","title":"Defiant","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\nIn \u003cem\u003eDefiant\u003c\/em\u003e, Robert Verkaik presents a gripping and meticulously researched account of an often-overlooked aspect of the Battle of Britain. The narrative centres around the Boulton Paul Defiant, a two-seat gun-turret fighter that played a vital yet largely unacknowledged role in this crucial period of the Second World War.\n\nVerkaik's painstaking research uncovers the remarkable story of the Defiant and its brave crews, who fought valiantly despite being overshadowed by the more celebrated Spitfires and Hurricanes. Through the eyes of the pilots and air-gunners, the book provides a vivid portrayal of the aerial combat and the intense human experiences behind the machine. \n\nNo stone is left unturned as Verkaik delves into the political and military decision-making processes that influenced the use and development of the Defiant. He explores the inter-service rivalries, the bureaucratic infighting, and the strategic blunders that shaped the fate of this peculiar aircraft. The author's dedication to uncovering the truth is evident in his thorough examination of Whitehall papers and personal letters from airmen, giving readers an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who flew the Defiant.\n\nRobert Verkaik makes a compelling case for the Defiant as the forgotten fighter of Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain. He highlights the aircraft's most significant achievements, including a Defiant squadron setting the record for the number of enemy aircraft shot down in a single day with a claimed figure of 38. This feat, often excluded from standard historical accounts, underscores the effectiveness and bravery of the Defiant crews.\n\nThe book has garnered praise for its exhaustive detail and narrative flair. Mark Urban commends Verkaik for bringing the Defiant fighter back into focus as an essential part of the RAF's victory during their greatest trial. David Kynaston, author of \u003cem\u003eAusterity Britain\u003c\/em\u003e, appreciates the meticulous research that enriches the story with human, social, and military interest, filling a crucial gap in our understanding of that perilous time.\n\nDavid Fairhead, director of \u003cem\u003eSpitfire\u003c\/em\u003e, lauds the book for establishing the Defiant's role in the crucial aerial battles of 1940 and elevating the brave aircrews to the same esteemed rank as their comrades who flew Hurricanes and Spitfires. Simon Humphreys of the \u003cem\u003eMail on Sunday\u003c\/em\u003e describes Verkaik as an excellent guide, praising his work for its restrained passion and exhaustive research, which pays homage to the human dimension behind the losses.\n\n\u003cem\u003eDefiant\u003c\/em\u003e is both a stirring testament to the courage of the men who flew the aircraft and a welcome new examination of one of the Second World War's most famous conflicts. Alexander Larman of the \u003cem\u003eObserver\u003c\/em\u003e considers it a valuable contribution to our historical understanding, documenting a significant yet overlooked piece of aviation history.\n\nIn \u003cem\u003eDefiant\u003c\/em\u003e, Verkaik ultimately sets the record straight, demonstrating the Defiant's crucial role and the extraordinary bravery of its crews. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the intricate history of the Battle of Britain and the unsung heroes who fought in the sky.\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45711354200300,"sku":"9781472143549","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781472143549.jpg?v=1725974700"},{"product_id":"the-traitor-of-arnhem-by-robert-verkaik-9781802797442","title":"The Traitor of Arnhem","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eNOW WITH NEW MATERIAL - the first book to analyse government documents released in January 2025.\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Sensational' \u003ci\u003eDaily Express\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A bombshell book' \u003ci\u003eDaily Mail\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Mr. Verkaik relates the complex stories of Lindemans and Blunt with the economy and verve of a spy novelist' \u003ci\u003eThe Wall Street Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Original, thought-provoking and exceedingly well written.'\u003c\/b\u003e - Robert Kershaw, author of \u003ci\u003eIt Never Snows in September\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Each chapter of Verkaik's book leaves you yearning to learn more' - New York Journal of Books\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe end of the Second World War is in sight. Following D-Day, Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin all seek to shape the global future to their own ends and win the race to Berlin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe British launch Operation Market Garden, the greatest airborne operation the world has ever seen. It is a bold roll of the dice, which, if successful, will end the war in weeks. But behind the scenes, spies are working, and plans are betrayed, the operation fails and thousands of Allied soldiers die.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Traitor of Arnhem\u003c\/i\u003e tells a never-before-told story of this iconic operation, and of the very different figures working in secret to cause the catastrophic defeat: one Dutch resistance fighter, one English gentleman, both working for the Russians. Drawn from unseen records and shedding fresh light on the operation and the spies responsible for its failure, this is an incredible account of the battle that would go on to shape the twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Amazing ... a remarkable answer to the vexed question: why were the Nazis unexpectedly lying in wait?'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eJewish Chronicle\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A powerful and timely reminder of how the failure to tackle Stalin's threat to the West at the end of World War 2 has forced the world to face up to the aggression of Vladimir Putin today.'\u003c\/b\u003e - Bill Browder, author of \u003ci\u003eRed Notice\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46369584087276,"sku":"9781802797442","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/24074513482829.jpg?v=1744789589"},{"product_id":"the-traitor-of-colditz-by-robert-verkaik-9781802795196","title":"The Traitor of Colditz","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTHE GRIPPING \u003ci\u003eSUNDAY TIMES\u003c\/i\u003e BESTSELLER\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A vastly entertaining tale, bursting with astonishing stories and extraordinary characters ... A fascinating read' \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSunday Telegraph\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Brilliant ... An amazing story, one I hadn't heard too much about' \u003cb\u003eDan Snow\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is the depths of the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Germans like to boast that there is 'no escape' from the infamous fortress that is Colditz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe elite British officers imprisoned there are determined to prove the Nazis wrong and get back into the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the war heats up and the stakes are raised, the Gestapo plant a double-agent inside the prison in a bid to uncover the secrets of the British prisoners. Captain Julius Green of the Army Dental Corps and Sergeant John 'Busty' Brown must risk their lives in a bid to save the lives of hundreds of Allied servicemen and protect the secrets of MI9.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawn from unseen records, \u003ci\u003eThe Traitor of Colditz\u003c\/i\u003e brings to light an extraordinary, never-before-told story from the Second World War, an epic tale of how MI9 took on the Nazis and exposed the traitors in their midst.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46851516465388,"sku":"9781802795196","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/24052053482829.jpg?v=1759103643"},{"product_id":"the-traitor-of-colditz-by-robert-verkaik-9781802790818","title":"The Traitor of Colditz","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'A vastly entertaining tale, bursting with astonishing stories and extraordinary characters ... A fascinating read' \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSunday Telegraph\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Brilliant ... An amazing story, one I hadn't heard too much about' \u003cb\u003eDan Snow\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is the depths of the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Germans like to boast that there is 'no escape' from the infamous fortress that is Colditz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe elite British officers imprisoned there are determined to prove the Nazis wrong and get back into the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the war heats up and the stakes are raised, the Gestapo plant a double-agent inside the prison in a bid to uncover the secrets of the British prisoners. Captain Julius Green of the Army Dental Corps and Sergeant John 'Busty' Brown must risk their lives in a bid to save the lives of hundreds of Allied servicemen and protect the secrets of MI9.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawn from unseen records, \u003ci\u003eThe Traitor of Colditz\u003c\/i\u003e brings to light an extraordinary, never-before-told story from the Second World War, an epic tale of how MI9 took on the Nazis and exposed the traitors in their midst.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46851516563692,"sku":"9781802790818","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/24008273482829.jpg?v=1759103662"},{"product_id":"why-you-wont-get-rich-by-robert-verkaik-9781786078070","title":"Why You Won’t Get Rich","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2018, UN representatives spent two weeks in a single country investigating child poverty, concluding that it was \u003cem\u003e'not just a disgrace, but a social calamity and an economic disaster'\u003c\/em\u003e. That country was the United Kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho are the new faces of poverty? The same people we applaud as heroes: policemen, nurses, and firefighters. While a select few have gotten unthinkably rich in the past ten years, crushing levels of personal debt, high rents, low wages, and a punitive welfare system have brought countless others to the brink of financial collapse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt doesn’t take a lot to end up on the breadline in Britain. And once you’re there, it’s nearly impossible to get out of it. These are the unseen victims of a broken economy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46852707844332,"sku":"9781786078070","price":36.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/25395533482823.jpg?v=1759160931"},{"product_id":"why-you-wont-get-rich-by-robert-verkaik-9780861542253","title":"Why You Won’t Get Rich","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the bottom to the top of our economy, capitalism is too blunt an instrument to tackle Britain's epidemic of inequality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSoaring rents, unfair taxation, and a growing gig economy have brought about unprecedented economic shame: Amazon warehouse workers living in tents, nurses turning to foodbanks, and London firemen commuting hundreds of miles to work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEven those higher up the ladder are losing their grip on the life they were promised. Barristers take home less than the minimum wage, and doctors are starting out with £100,000 student debts on salaries lower than the national average. We’re all facing a new economic phenomenon – in-work poverty. At the same time, a generation of young professionals is coming to terms with never being able to own even the cheapest home in their area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe only way to reverse the damage is by giving everyone a financial stake in society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhy You Won’t Get Rich\u003c\/em\u003e by Robert Verkaik explores these pressing issues in detail, offering insights into the roots of our economic problems and potential solutions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46852708106476,"sku":"9780861542253","price":34.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/20262273482494.jpg?v=1759160952"},{"product_id":"the-writer-and-the-traitor-9781035418558","title":"The Writer and the Traitor","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRobert Verkaik, bestselling author of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Traitor of Colditz,\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eexplores the enigmatic relationship between the internationally lauded novelist Graham Greene and Kim Philby, Britain's most hated traitor.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe friendship between Graham Greene and Kim Philby is one of the most enigmatic of the twentieth century. Greene, the internationally lauded novelist who wrestled with the themes of faith and betrayal in his work. Philby, the British intelligence-officer-turned-spy for the Soviets, and one of the most reviled men of his era.\u003cbr\u003eThe two men met as young MI6 officers, inseparable in war-torn London working together to defeat the Nazis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut after Greene suddenly resigned just three weeks before D-Day, questions started to arise. He turned back to literature, using his experience in the intelligence services as a backdrop for his novels \u003ci\u003eOur Man in Havana \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e The Third Man. \u003c\/i\u003eLurking within the pages lay suspicions of his friend, with characters and plots echoing Philby's life. Was Philby the real 'third man'? Did Greene's work contain coded messages and warnings of betrayal to M16?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this revelatory book, bestselling author Robert Verkaik chronicles their relationship, spanning the defeat of Nazism and the end of the Cold War, right up until Philby's death in 1988. This is more than just a riveting tale of espionage; it is the story of an unusual friendship that survived against all odds. Ultimately, \u003ci\u003eGreene and Philby\u003c\/i\u003e explores the perplexing question that no-one yet has answered: why did Graham Greene remain loyal to Britain's most hated traitor?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47133902143724,"sku":"9781035418558","price":34.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781035418558.jpg?v=1766357945"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/robert-verkaik.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}