Best Selling Books by Martin Gilbert

This volume is a comprehensive collection of critical essays on The Taming of the Shrew, and includes extensive discussions of the play''s various printed versions and its theatrical productions. Aspinall has included only those essays that offer the most influential and controversial arguments surrounding the play. The issues discussed include gender, authority, female autonomy and unruliness, courtship and marriage, language and speech, and performance and theatricality.

A thoughtful and rigorous examination of the Jewish experience under Hitler’s “Final Solution”—based on eyewitness accounts and contemporary evidence. Focusing on firsthand narratives from survivors and supported by contextual scholarship, Gilbert presents a masterful cross-section of the experiences of the millions of European Jews who lost their homes, careers, families, and lives at the hands of Hitler’s “Final Solution.” The accounts of these journeys are at once unique and unified by both their tragedy and by their triumphs. Gilbert’s vast knowledge on the subject, coupled with his frank and readable style, makes Final Journey accessible to readers and scholars alike. The text is supported by eighty-four photographs—many of which were published for the first time in 1979—and twenty-four pages of maps prepared by the author, which help bring the stories of the men, women, and children back to life in unflinching detail.

In 1928, Winston Churchill seemed to be at the very height of his career. He was Chancellor of the Exchequer and when he spoke in the House of Commons, MPs of every party flocked to hear his oratory. The leadership of the all-powerful Conservative party seemed within his grasp. A year later, however, all had changed. The Conservatives themselves were defeated, and out of office, Churchill found himself at odds with the leadership, especially over the future of India. When the National Government was formed in 1931, Churchill was not asked to join it. Thereafter, though out on his own, Churchill''s acute political sense, foresight and courage were undiminished. Fed with secret inside information by a small, brave band of men - some of them risking their careers to help him - Churchill consistently warned of the Nazi danger, even before the rise of Hitler. And once Hitler came to power, he stepped up his attacks on Britain''s failure to rearm. His message was belittled by the Government, which fought him at every turn, even refusing him the right to broadcast. But Churchill never gave up. Despite all the Government''s efforts, and as a result of Churchill''s courage and perseverance, the British public came to realize the truth of his warnings; the bond was formed that was to be so vital in the years that followed, when Britain and Churchill stood together, but alone.

The Battle of the Somme, fought between July and November 1916, was among the bloodiest conflicts of all time. The aim was to end the stalemate on the Western Front - the result was carnage. In a total of just over a hundred days of fighting, the death toll reached 310,459. Half the bodies were never recovered. At the close of the battle, the British and French forces had not even reached the line they set themselves for the first day. Yet, despite its horrific destruction, the fighting at the Somme was characterised by incredible individual bravery. In commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the battle, Martin Gilbert, one of Britain''s most distinguished historians, graphically recreates the tragedy. He interweaves individual stories, wartime documents, letters and poetry in a deeply moving, succinct narrative. From gripping descriptions of struggles on the battlefield to poignant evocations of the memorials and cemeteries that stand there today, this is a definitive guide to the Somme. It is a story of unparalleled folly and heroism, from which, as it unfolds, there emerge deep implications that are shared by all wars.

Depicted here is a destructive battle and bloody turning point in the Great War. Experiences of footsoldiers, generals, and everyone in between,mostly on the British side, are tracked-- interspered with photographs, journal entries, and maps from every stage and level of planning.

"... Ultimate visual survey of Jewish history from the emergence of the Jews in ancient Palestine right up to the present day ... Every facet of Jewish life is explored, with authoritative coverage of such crucial topics as the great diasporas, the flowering of Yiddish culture in Europe, the pogroms and persecutions -- from the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 to the tragic years of the Holocaust -- the rebirth of Zionism in the 19th century, the foundation of modern Israel, highlights of the Arab-Israeli conflict including the invasion of Lebanon, and the way of life of Jews inside and outside their homeland in the world of today. It demonstrates the key role that migration -- whether forced or voluntary -- has played in Jewish history and shows how the story of the Jews has been and continues to be a key factor in the development of Western civilization as a whole." -- Inside front cover.

What an extraordinary chronicle of upheaval, sorrow, and achievement is the story of the Jews in the twentieth century--and who better to narrate it than the renowned British historian Sir Martin Gilbert, whose lifework has been the study of the events and personages of our time. In this richly illustrated volume he vividly describes the individuals, the historic movements, the watershed moments, and the horrific years that so profoundly changed the world and the Jewish people. In a text interwoven with and illuminated by more than 400 fascinating photographs, many of them never before published or long forgotten, we meet the widely dispersed turn-of-the-century Jewish communities of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Then we encounter, with startling immediacy, the impassioned Zionists who set out to reclaim Palestine and the immigrant waves that poured out of Eastern Europe in search of a better life in America--among them, the brilliantly creative writers, composers, actors, and comedians who enthralled millions; and the scientists, judges, legislators, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals whose numbers can hardly be counted but whose thoughts and deeds shaped the modern world. There is tragedy in this history: the twentieth century saw many dark years during which the Jewish people suffered pogroms, persecution, and mass murder. But the century also saw the renewal and flourishing of the Jewish community, in America, in Israel, and throughout the Diaspora. The observant, the secular, the people gathered from the ends of the earth--all figure in the vivid portrait of the Jews at the dawn of the twenty-first century. Sir Martin relates this astonishing and deeplymoving story with the erudition and empathy that have always distinguished his writing, and with a masterful eye for the key point, the telling anecdote, the human detail that makes history come alive. While our memories are still fresh, he has fixed them indelibly in a volume that will be treasured, pored over, and passed down as the rich and definitive record of Jewish life in the twentieth century.

From its origins to its terrible legacy, the tortuous and bloody course of the Great War is vividly set out in a series of 164 fascinating maps.From its origins to its terrible legacy, the tortuous and bloody course of the Great War is vividly set out in a series of 164 fascinating maps. Together the maps form a comprehensive and compelling picture of the war that shattered Europe, and illustrate its military, social, political and economic aspects. Beginning with the tensions that already existed, the atlas covers:* the early months of the war: from the fall of Belgium to the fierce fighting at Ypres and Tannenberg* the developing war in Europe: from Gallipoli to the horrors of the Somme and Verdun* life at the front: from living underground, the trench system and the mud of Passchendaele to the war graves* war in the air and at sea: from the Zeppelin raids to the battles in the North Sea, shipping losses and the Atlantic convoys* technology and the new horrors: from phosgene gas attacks to submarines, tanks and mines* the home fronts: from German food riots to the air defence of Britain, the Russian Revolution and the collapse of Austria-Hungary* the Aftermath: from war debts and war deaths to the new map of Europe.

Visiting Israel in 1972, Gilbert discussed Winston Churchill’s influence on the evolution of the Zionist ideal with the Israeli leader, David Ben-Gurion, at whose last meeting with Churchill in 1960, Churchill declared: “You are a wise leader of a brave people.” Born into a British class and society that was far from well-disposed towards Jews, Churchill rejected anti-Semitic attitudes. In the early 1920s, as a senior member of the British government, Churchill took a lead in securing for the Jews a National Home in Palestine that would be open to Jewish immigration from all over the world. In 1948, Churchill urged immediate recognition of the State of Israel, and, in 1951, strongly supported Israel’s right — denied by Egypt — of free passage through the Suez Canal. The book also details acts of rescue initiated by Churchill on behalf of European Jewry during the Second World War. When Churchill was asked to bomb the railway lines leading to Auschwitz, his response was immediate: “Get anything out of the air force you can.” Gilbert follows this story to its unexpected conclusion, and the saving of more than 100,000 Jewish lives. Many times during fifty years of public life, Churchill was called upon by the Jews of Britain to intervene on their behalf both nationally and internationally. His responses made it clear to them that he was, as he once expressed it, “their friend.”

By the author of The Holocaust. This is a history of the events of 8 May 1945 and its repercussions, published to coincide with the 50th Anniversary celebrations of VE-Day in May 1995. It focuses not only on the events of that day, but also looks forward from that day to the years ahead. The theme of the book is the way in which the world today has been moulded by the events of 8 May 1945. Gilbert traces in narrative form the events and personalities of that day, from the early hours of the morning until midnight, looking at the topics and people first in their 8 May context and then in the wider sweep of the events to which they led across the years. The story of one day''s impact and its aftermath combines global perspectives with the stories of individuals.

Relates the experiences of a group of Jews, male and female, from Poland and Hungary who survived the concentration camps as teenagers.

How does he assess the information that is brought to him? How does his personal or political philosophy, or a moral sense, sustain him? How does he draw inspiration from those around him? How does he deal with setbacks and disasters? In this brilliant close-up look at Winston Churchill''s leadership during the Second World War, Gilbert gets to the heart of the trials and struggles that have confronted the world''s most powerful leaders, even up to current politicians such as George Bush and Tony Blair. Basing the book on his intimate knowledge of Churchill''s private and official papers, Sir Martin Gilbert, Churchill’s official biographer, looks at the public figure and wartime propaganda, to reveal a very human, sensitive, and often tormented man, who nevertheless found the strength to lead his nation forward from the darkest and most dangerous of times.

Maps provide a visual history of the Arab-Israeli conflict from 1,000 B.C. through the 1990s; includes notes on historical figures and events.

The changing story of the British Isles forms the central theme of this fascinating and compelling atlas, which covers England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales - and the expansion and gradual disintegration of Britain''s overseas empire. This new edition includes: * politics: from the Saxon kingdoms and the collapse of Britain''s French Empire to Jacobites, Parliamentary Reform, the Commonwealth and Europe * war and Conflict: from Viking attacks and the Norman Invasion to the Armada, World War and the revolt against empire * trade and Industry: from the post-Norman economy and Tudor trade to industrial unrest and the opening of international trade routes * religion: from the Saxon Church to the Reformation * society and Economics: from civilian life in Roman Britain to the Industrial and Agricultural revolutions, the Great Strike and the growth of universities

The much-anticipated third volume of Churchill''s fascinating papers.

The final volume of the acclaimed official biography: “A meticulously detailed and annotated account of Churchill’s declining years . . . A contemporary classic” (Foreign Affairs). The eighth and final volume of Winston S. Churchill’s official biography begins with the defeat of Germany in 1945 and chronicles the period up to his death nearly twenty years later. It sees him first at the pinnacle of his power, leader of a victorious Britain. In July 1945 at Potsdam, Churchill, Stalin, and Truman aimed to shape postwar Europe. But upon returning home, was thrown out of office in the general election. Though out of office, Churchill worked to restore the fortunes of Britain’s Conservative Party while warning the world of Communist ambitions, urging the reconciliation of France and Germany, pioneering the concept of a united Europe, and seeking to maintain the close link between Britain and the United States. In October 1951, Churchill became prime minister for the second time. The Great Powers were navigating a precarious peace at the dawn of the nuclear age. With the election of Eisenhower and the death of Stalin, he worked for a new summit conference to improve East-West relations; but in April of 1955, ill health and pressure from colleagues forced him to resign. In retirement Churchill completed his acclaimed four-volume History of the English-Speaking Peoples and watched as world conflicts continued, still convinced they could be resolved by statesmanship. “Never despair” remained his watchword, and his faith, until the end. “A milestone, a monument, a magisterial achievement . . . rightly regarded as the most comprehensive life ever written of any age.” —Andrew Roberts, historian and author of The Storm of War “The most scholarly study of Churchill in war and peace ever written.” —Herbert Mitgang, The New York Times

Omfattende værk om Winston S. Churchill.

The sixth volume in the official biography: “A milestone, a monument, a magisterial achievement” (Andrew Roberts, author of The Storm of War). Starting with the outbreak of war in September 1939 and ending with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, this volume in the epic biography of Winston S. Churchill draws on remarkably diverse material: from the War Cabinet and other government records to Churchill’s own archive and diaries and letters of his private secretariat to the recollections of those who worked most closely with him. On the day Hitler invaded Poland, Churchill, aged sixty-four, had been out of office for ten years. Two days later, he became First Lord of the Admiralty, in charge of British naval policy and at the center of war direction. In May 1940 he became prime minister, leading his nation during a time of grave danger and setbacks. His first year and a half as prime minister included the Dunkirk evacuation, the fall of France, the Battle of Britain, the Blitz, the Battle of the Atlantic, the struggle in the Western Desert, and Hitler’s invasion of Russia. By the end of 1940, Britain under Churchill’s leadership had survived the onslaught and was making plans to continue the war against an enemy of unlimited ambition and ferocious will. One of Churchill’s inner circle said: “We who worked with Churchill every day of the war still saw at most a quarter of his daily tasks and worries.” Martin Gilbert has pieced together the whole, setting in context much hitherto scattered and secret evidence, in order to give an intimate and fascinating account of the architect of Britain’s “finest hour.” “The most scholarly study of Churchill in war and peace ever written.” —Herbert Mitgang, The New York Times

''By far the most lucid, comprehensive and authoritative account of Churchill that has been offered in a single volume'' Daily TelegraphDrawing on decades of unprecedented access to Winston Churchill''s family and estate, this classic bestseller remains the definitive biography of Britain''s greatest prime minister. At once intimate and vastly ambitious, it transforms our unde[Bokinfo].

The fourth volume in the official biography—“The most scholarly study of Churchill in war and peace ever written” (Herbert Mitgang, The New York Times). Covering the years 1916 to 1922, Martin Gilbert’s fascinating account carefully traces Churchill’s wide-ranging activities and shows how, by his persuasive oratory, administrative skill, and masterful contributions to Cabinet discussions, Churchill regained, only a few years after the disaster of the Dardanelles, a leading position in British political life. Included are many dramatic and controversial episodes: the German breakthrough on the Western Front in March 1918, the anti-Bolshevik intervention in 1919, negotiating the Irish Treaty, consolidating the Jewish National Home in Palestine, and the Chanak crisis with Turkey. In all these, and many other events, Churchill’s leading role is explained and illuminated in Martin Gilbert’s precise, masterful style. In a moving final chapter, covering a period when Churchill was without a seat in Parliament for the first time since 1900, Martin Gilbert brilliantly draws together the many strands of a time in Churchill’s life when his political triumphs were overshadowed by personal sorrows, by his increasingly somber reflections on the backward march of nations and society, and by his stark forecasts of dangers to come. “A milestone, a monument, a magisterial achievement . . . Rightly regarded as the most comprehensive life ever written of any age.” —Andrew Roberts, historian and author of The Storm of War

"Originally published in 1986 by William Heinemann Ltd. in Great Britain and by Houghton Mifflin in the United States"--Title page verso.

Maps and photographs document partisan activities, mass murders, deportations, escapes, and concentration camp deaths in World War II Europe

Martin Gilbert''s three-volume history of the 20th century, of which this volume is the first, tells the gripping story of a century which has witnessed staggering technological change, scientific advances, cultural and artistic achievements, and brutal war on a scale never seen before.

First published two decades ago, this newly revised edition portrays the migrations, achievements, struggles, and triumphs of one of the world''s oldest surviving, thriving cultures. "Magisterial".--New York Times. 123 detailed maps.

A balanced and comprehensive visual history of the Arab-Israeli conflict in 147 annotated maps spanning from the early history of the region (c.1000 B.C.) to the foundation of the State of Israel, the intifada, and the peace initiatives of the 1990s. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR