The Wars of the Roses which took place in England during the 15th century have passed into folk-memory as bloody, vicious struggles for power, with the throne as the prize and ordinary people as the victims. William Shakespeare’s propaganda for the Tudor dynasty played a great part in creating this legend. Yet the truth was rather more complex. Although power changed hands often, and sometimes with bewildering speed, English society in general was relatively stable, and prosperous. The Wars of the Roses represent a stage in the evolution of a British nation, emerging from the long shadow of medieval France that had lain over these islands since the Norman Conquest. This popular book covers the period beautifully.

An informative guide to the city of Salisbury featuring the Cathedral and Stonehenge with a walk map and an area map.

Tolkien’s works have become literary canon and famous worldwide. But how did these worlds come to be?

J.R.R. TOLKIEN was one of the most imaginative, remarkable and influential authors of the 20th century. Two of his works – The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings – are now regarded as masterpieces of fantasy literature, epic visions that have entertained millions of people through either the written word or their film depictions. His books have been translated into over 40 languages. 

Come inside this Pitkin guide to learn about the life of this extraordinary man, together with the places, people and stories that inspired some of the most famous literary works in the world.

The word ‘icon’ comes from the Greek word for ‘image’ and has come to refer specifically to the sacred images of the Orthodox Church. This beautiful book will enthrall all interested in the subject.

The Orthodox Church developed from the Roman Empire, and considers icons not art in the general sense but as a method of prayer. Lying within icons are guides and instructors to the spiritual life, which this guide helps to illuminate.

With colour reproductions of icons from across the centuries, this informative guide explores the great painters of icons, their traditions and the general form and harmony of the sacred art of icons. In addition, Linda Proud examines several types of icon and how they differ, as well as giving a guide on how to pray with icons, including a traditional Orthodox prayer.

Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

In 1940, Britain stood bravely against the full power of Nazi Germany. But while military campaigns unfolded in distant parts of the world, millions at home also faced the formidable daily challenges of war.

This informative guide tells the story of Britain and the Home Front. A country at war, Britain saw Blitz shelters built in their thousands, while emergency service volunteers put themselves at risk for their sense of public duty. Packed with contemporary photographs, cartoons and posters, this guide covers famous aspects of wartime life such as rationing, evacuation and the ‘Dad’s Army’, as well as the changing British industry and ‘GI Brides’.

Although there were undeniable positive experiences of ‘Home Front’ life, this guide resists the understandable temptation to focus exclusively on these. On the Home Front, things we now take for granted – safety, food, fuel, clothes – were disrupted and threatened but met with courage, humour and resilience between 1939 and 1945.

Look out for more Pitkin guides to British history and heritage, including a series of Second World War titles.

A guide to the capital’s most terrifying and spooky corners – enter at your peril.

London has been the site of executions, murders, betrayals and treason. It is said you can see the Ripper’s victims on street corners, hear the screams of Guy Fawkes at the Tower of London, and much, much more.

Discover what lurks behind the normal life of the capital city. Watch out for the mysterious monk commemorating the only act of violence in Westminster Abbey and keep your eyes peeled in Whitechapel for the tragic ghostly figure of Mary Ann Nicholls, the first victim of the gruesome Jack the Ripper.

Step inside this guide and walk the ancient streets of Haunted London. Grouped by area and covering hundreds of years of supernatural spooky tales, this guide is sure to shock anyone. A city almost as full of ghosts as it is of tourists, London is full of ghoulish and eerie histories to make you shudder – read on if you dare…

Based on two walks, this guide takes in all the best on offer in Scotland’s capital city, detailing all its history, romance, culture and tradition mixed with Edinburgh’s 21st-century sophistication and charm. With informative facts and histories of the city’s attractions and neighbourhood’s, the guide covers the Old Town’s majestic Royal Mile, dominated by the grey fortress that is Edinburgh Castle, and the contrasting Georgian elegance of the New Town.

Accompanying a range of suggestions for diverting activities and places to visit, the guide has colourful photos of Edinburgh’s best views and provides historical detail on the famous landmarks of the city.

Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, including other titles in our popular City Guides series.

Based on two walks, this guide takes in all the best on offer in Scotland’s capital city, detailing all its history, romance, culture and tradition mixed with Edinburgh’s 21st-century sophistication and charm. With informative facts and histories of the city’s attractions and neighbourhood’s, the guide covers the Old Town’s majestic Royal Mile, dominated by the grey fortress that is Edinburgh Castle, and the contrasting Georgian elegance of the New Town.

Accompanying a range of suggestions for diverting activities and places to visit, the guide has colourful photos of Edinburgh’s best views and provides historical detail on the famous landmarks of the city.

Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, including other titles in our popular City Guides series.

What are the origins of heraldry? How do you ‘read’ coats of arms? And who can use them?

From the dawn of civilization, people have used symbols to explain and identify themselves and their beliefs, a system called heraldry. This beautiful, colourful guide presents the essence of this vast, complicated and romantic subject. Andrew Jamieson’s inspirational artwork brings the fascinating history of heraldry to life in this classic Pitkin guide.

Written for the visitor to the UK and all those with a love of history and tradition. The guide covers the origins of heraldry, explains the language of coats of arms and focuses on famous examples such as the Royal Arms, the Lions of Scotland and the Church of England heraldry accompanied by charming illustrations and colour photographs of historical artefacts.

Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

See below for alternative languages for this title

An indispensable guide to help discover Cambridge, a city of both modern and ancient beauty whose rich history unfolds as you explore its ancient streets and buildings.

This guide is based on two circular walks to show visitors the absolute best that the city of Cambridge has to offer, with extra diversions and places to visit for those who have longer to spend exoploring the city.

Containing informative histories of the city and of individual buildings as well as modern-day attractions, the guide tells how visitors can enjoy the university colleges, where many great scientists lived and worked, and see the wonderful buildings, courts, gardens and unrivalled architecture of Cambridge.

Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, including other titles in our popular City Guides series.

Also available in: Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian.

See below for alternative languages for this title

An indispensable guide to help discover Cambridge, a city of both modern and ancient beauty whose rich history unfolds as you explore its ancient streets and buildings.

This guide is based on two circular walks to show visitors the absolute best that the city of Cambridge has to offer, with extra diversions and places to visit for those who have longer to spend exoploring the city.

Containing informative histories of the city and of individual buildings as well as modern-day attractions, the guide tells how visitors can enjoy the university colleges, where many great scientists lived and worked, and see the wonderful buildings, courts, gardens and unrivalled architecture of Cambridge.

Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, including other titles in our popular City Guides series.

Also available in: Chinese, English, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish.