Bøger udgivet af Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In July 1936 a military revolt brought civil war to Spain; it erupted into a bitter political contest and a brutal land war which have been well covered by historians - a less appreciated dimension of the conflict was the crucial role played by the navies of both sides. This new book describes and explores the naval operations that played out over thirty-eight months and spread well beyond the seas of Spain. Spanish guns thundered off the English coast and as far south as the Bay of Guinea. Submarines lurked in the Aegean, waiting to torpedo ships bringing supplies from the Black Sea. To the west, operations extended into the Atlantic as warships searched for blockade runners and moved between the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean. The book begins by describing of the Spanish navy pre-war, then covers the generals' revolt of July 1936 and its effect in the fleet. Subsequent chapters deal with the naval war as it unfolded. It describes Franco's attempts to move the battle-hardened Spanish troops in Africa to the Spanish mainland, then shifts focus to the northern Spanish coast, where an isolated Republican enclave depended on the sea to receive weapons, food, and fuel. The author then pursues a split narrative, interweaving developments in the north and the Mediterranean and following the war to its conclusion. Significant actions fought between the two navies are all covered in detail. In addition, the book describes the crucial roles played by the British, French, German, and Italian navies in the Spanish struggle. Throughout, the author challenges the common view that the Republican navy was incompetent and inert. Based on primary as well as secondary sources, in both the English and Spanish languages, this book sheds genuinely new light on the Spanish navies of this civil war era and brings into focus their significance in the broader struggle.

Dorothy L. Sayers: the name conjures images of Lord Peter Wimsey's sleuthing adventures, and masterful translations of Dante. Yet, she was more than a literary luminary of the interwar Golden Age of crime fiction; she was a trailblazer, a feminist, and a scholar, whose influence resonates to this day. In this new biography, delve into the complexities of Sayers' life and legacy. From her iconic status as one of the 'Queens of Crime' alongside Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham and Ngaio Marsh, to her thought-provoking explorations of feminism and Christian philosophy. Through thematic analysis of Sayers' writings and beliefs, the author illuminates the depth and breadth of her influence. From her incisive fiction and scholarly interests to her contributions as an advertising copywriter where she penned the line, 'Guinness is good for you', Sayers left an indelible mark on literature and beyond. As a crime writer, historian, and poet, Wade brings his own passion and expertise to this rich investigation. Join him on a journey through the life and works of Dorothy L. Sayers, and discover the enduring legacy of a true literary icon whose influence is rich and productive, mainly in her fiction, but also in many other areas of life.

Embark on a fascinating journey with The History of Handheld Game Consoles, a thorough exploration of the history, impact and legacy of handheld gaming. Featuring consoles that revolutionised the way we play, this book not only charts the evolution of iconic devices from the humble Game Boy to modern technical marvels such as the Steam Deck, but it also offers a deep dive into the technical workings that made each system a beacon of innovation in portable gaming.The book includes a unique collection of photographs, contributed by a passionate global community of passionate gamers. These real, unseen images provide an authentic glimpse into the world of handheld gaming, capturing moments of joy, competition, and the sheer love of gaming. Explore detailed examinations of classic games for each handheld console, offering insights into their development, impact, and legacy.From the pixelated adventures of Mario on the Game Boy to the immersive experiences on the Nintendo Switch and the innovative ground-breaking capabilities of the Steam Deck, The History of Handheld Game Consoles delves into how these portable powerhouses have shaped the gaming landscape. Join us on this journey through gaming's portable evolution and celebrate the handheld consoles that have brought endless hours of entertainment into the palms of our hands.

In 1969, Elton John and Bernie Taupin gave the world Empty Sky, a heady mix of rock, folk, rhythm and blues, jazz, psychedelia, and classicism that announced the arrival of one of the most potent creative teams in the history of popular music. In the fifty-five years since that release, Elton's astounding output of thirty-one studio albums, nine soundtrack albums (ten if you count the unreleased Lestat!), and three collaboration albums has enchanted new generations, as grandparents who grew up with "Your Song" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" on their turntables have shared their love of Elton with parents who played "Sacrifice" and "The One" on their cd players who in turn are sharing it with their children who know The Lion King soundtrack by heart and dance to "Cold Cold Heart" in their bedrooms through Spotify playlists and YouTube remixes.Elton John: Album by Album takes you on a guided journey through those forty-four albums that have engaged three full generations of music lovers, exploring the history behind the production of each, uncovering the hidden stories and meanings of each track, and delving into the musical nuts and bolts of Elton John's unique gift for conveying the meaning of Bernie Taupin's lyrics through his unrivalled and almost otherworldly sense of tonal architecture.Whether you have been spinning Elton records since the days of "Lady Samantha", or found your way to his work in the post-Rocketman revival of appreciation for his legendary career, Elton John: Album by Album has what you need to navigate your way through the vast richness of his recorded catalogue, allowing you to answer such questions as "How did Ray Cooper make a gong sound like a spaceship?", "Why is "Ego" in Lokrian mode anyway?" and "Just what is the Pilot, and why would anybody want to be taken there?"

During the Ardennes Offensive in December 1944, Kampfgruppe Peiper ran out of fuel in the small village of La Gleize, surrounded and caught in a vice-like grip by three elite American divisions: the 82nd Airborne Division, the 3rd Armored Division and the 30th Infantry Division. Behind it, 1. SS Panzer-Division 'Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler' did everything it could to come to its rescue and resume the offensive. A race against time ensued between the Americans, who wanted to annihilate the fighting group of one of Germany's most famous SS commanders, and the German soldiers who tried to come to the rescue of their brothers in arms. The clash between these units of seasoned veterans resulted in a bloody melee around the perimeter of La Gleize. Would Peiper be able to pull through once again?

Shortly after their rise to power, the Nazis established specific Arbeitslager (labour camps) which housed Ostarbeiter (eastern workers), Fremdarbeiter (foreign workers) and other forced labourers who were rounded up and brought in from the east. These were distinct from the SS-run concentration camps.The use of forced labour grew significantly in 1937 due to rearmament requirements and again after the outbreak of warThe invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941 further heightened demands for labour and the availability of new workers in areas under Nazi occupation. Vast numbers were deported to forced labour camps, where they worked either producing war materials or on construction projects.As in the Nazis' view, inmates were slaves pure and simple and replaceable with others, there was a complete disregard for the health of prisoners. Required to work long hours with little or no time for rest or breaks they were subject to insufficiencies of food, equipment, medicine and clothing. As a result of these conditions and brutal treatment, death rates were shockingly high.By 1945, more than fourteen million people had been exploited in the network of hundreds of forced labour camps that stretched across Nazi-occupied Europe. In true Images of War series style, this superbly illustrated book graphically describes the growth of the slave camp system and the conditions inflicted on the luckless labour force.

Churchill loved horses, army, hunters and polo ponies. This book investigates his less appreciated but highly successful ownership of racehorses from 1949 when his first runner, Colonist II, won at Salisbury in September, until his last in October 1964 at Newmarket when Honeycomb was unplaced. Churchill died three months later.Although Churchill only owned 40 horses, they competed in 394 flat and 30 National Hunt races, of which they won 70 on the flat and 8 over jumps. Considering how relatively few horses ran in his colours, he had a remarkably high percentage of good or well above average ones, notably Colonist II, High Hat, Vienna, Dark Issue, Welsh Abbot, Tudor Monarch on the flat and the good hurdler Sun Hat.The book devotes separate chapters to each of these horses and includes details of all his horses' 424 starts and lists the 78 winners in chronological order.

The origins of the Panzerkampfwagen Panther (sd.kfz. 171) beganwith the experimental series VK20 and VK30, designed by Daimler-Benz starting from September 1939, which continued their development until reaching the first prototype of the Panther, the Versuchs-Panther V1, completed by M.A.N. by the end of 1942.The design of the Panther had to ensure superiority over the Russian T-34 and KV-1 tanks, this superiority was based on its 75mm gun, boosted by the excellent quality of the German optics and the 80mm inclined front armor, being the first German tank to adopt this design improvement. Unlike the Tiger and the King Tiger, which were heavy tanks organised on independent battalions, the Panther was destined to fully equip all Panzer divisions, replacing the pre-war Pz.Kpfw.III and Pz.Kpfw.IV designs. Production capacities, however, were not capable of fulfilling this objective.The Germans classified the Panther as a medium tank though it was considerably heavier than the T-34 and Sherman tank in the Allied armies. More than 130 small and medium sized companies participated in the production program of the Panther.Going through several variants from the D, A, and G, the Panther is considered one of the best tanks of WW2, with a combination of armor, speed and armament more than a match for most Allied tanks.

"...we were bad-ass motherf*ckers in the baddest place in the universe. I understood how inane that macho-thinking was but as I soared high above the jungle with the cool air in my face I was as caught up in it as the rest of them."One of the most dangerous occupations during the Vietnam War was walking point, a role Ed Mann took on and specialized in. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam as an infantry soldier in the famed 1st Air Cavalry Division from June of 1969 to June of 1970. Mann was wounded several times, receiving several decorations including the Silver Star, while experiencing the extreme hardships of the war with his fellow soldiers. He would continue to walk point for his entire tour, becoming more like the jungle as the days turned into weeks and months.Mann acknowledges the conflicting emotions he felt during his time in Vietnam - "I was repulsed by the senselessness and savagery of the war and I was saddened by the price it exacted but I was seduced by it too; proud to be performing an important role in a deadly fight for survival and lured by the adrenaline rushes."An intensely immersive, gritty, and tension-filled account of his experience that will transport you to the war in the jungle in a way that sets it apart from other Vietnam memoirs.

The History & Fundamentals of Knife Combat is the first installment of the most comprehensive and practical book on knife fighting and edged weapon combat that has ever been written. Spread out over two volumes, it serves to introduce the reader to every element of knife and edged weapon combat. In this volume you will be introduced to the history and development of knives and edged weapons throughout the ages, how the perception of society towards the knife changed and altered over time, and how tribes, cultures, and fighting forces all over the globe have relied upon this lethal tool for thousands of years.The reader will also be introduced to a vast number of various knives and edged weapons, either historic or modern, as they become familiar with the various designs and their unique applications. The book delves deep into human anatomy as it exposes the arterial and muscular structures of the body and those parts most suitable as a target to strike as well as the fundamentals of knife and edged weapon combat as basic strikes, footwork, movement, weapon retention, and accessibility are covered.This volume serves as a strong and profound introduction into the world of knife combat tactics and will swiftly and vastly increase the readers knowledge and skill. Whether you're a military operator, martial arts student, or simply a history or edged weapon enthusiast, you will find that this book has plenty to offer you.

At the start of 1967, Jim Wagner shipped out to Vietnam. As a UH-1D Huey crew chief and door gunner, Wagner was part of the 9th Aviation Battalion that would ferry infantry of the 9th Infantry Division into and out of combat in III Corps Tactical Zone in the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam. Interdicting the movements of Viet Cong kept Wagner and his unit in near constant combat with the author accumulating over 1800 air hours on combat operations. Day to day, Wagner flew direct support, combat assault, medical Evac, or low level aerial recon missions for platoon or company sized elements of the 9th Division. Wagner experienced it all, from the surreal of flying over Nancy Sinatra at a USO concert to secret missions flying special forces across the border into Cambodia to the Tet Offensive.

By 1940 the Allies had fallen behind the Axis powers in parachute design and research. Other than as a means of escape from a doomed aircraft, the British regarded parachuting as of little military value. All that changed when the Germans used paratroops, the Fallschirmjäger, to devastating effect in the invasion of the Low Countries, and Churchill demanded immediate action. The call went out for men who would be prepared to risk their lives testing parachutes, jumping and landing techniques.Charles Agate was a 34-year-old schoolteacher with a taste for adventure when he joined a pioneering group of mavericks at RAF Ringway in Manchester. The breath-taking risks they took alongside the essential work of the women of the WAAF changed the course of the war and the face of airborne warfare. Their work though often came at a terrible cost.Between 1941 and 1945 Agate and his fellow Parachute Jump Instructors (PJIs) completed thousands of jumps, often from low altitude or using prototype parachutes. They jumped carrying heavy kit bags, had sandbags strapped to their legs, and landed in deep freezing water. They also trained thousands of raw recruits for the key airborne operations of the war, as well as over 600 Special Operation Executive agents for dropping into enemy territory, frequently accompanying them as dispatchers on these hazardous flights. They were proud of the knowledge they were acquiring and imparting at Ringway, but, as the authors reveal, this led to disputes with the Americans over tactics and equipment as they prepared for the Allied invasion of France.Agate amassed a record 1,601 jumps and was awarded the Air Force Cross. He and his fellow PJIs at Ringway were also personally thanked by Churchill for their unique contribution to the war effort. His last jump, in 1946, with his flying suit stuffed with winnings won on a horse called Airborne at the Epsom Derby, was reported in the press worldwide.He acknowledged after the war that he had seen '21 good soldiers hit the deck' during training at RAF Ringway, and these tragedies, as well as the effects of risking his life on a daily basis, took a heavy emotional toll on him and many of the other PJIs. The Man Who Tested Parachutes explores Agate's 'lost' post-war years: his struggles with his mental health, and the impact on his family. It charts his journey to becoming the unconventional head teacher of a village school and his clashes with local authorities. Finally, it describes unflinchingly the last dark twist in the life of this complex man, alone in his flat overlooking the sea just before Christmas 1986.This book tells the story of an ordinary man who took extraordinary risks, and the men and women who served alongside him. It also remembers the young recruits who died before they were able to take part in the key battles for which they were being trained.

After four years of fighting and two major victories, Julius Caesar had the upper hand in the Third Roman Civil War and had control of Rome itself. Yet despite this success, his surviving opponents still fought on, with the two sons of Pompeius Magnus taking command of the war against Caesar, along with Titus Labienus, previously one of Caesars' own trusted subordinates. This opposition made another stand at Munda in Spain, which proved to be the final battle of Caesar's career, and the closest he came to defeat. Gareth Sampson describes the campaigns that set the context for the battle and analyses in detail the opposing commanders and their forces, their relative strengths and weaknesses, organization, equipment, and tactics. The battle itself is recounted in detail through its various phases before considering the aftermath of the victory which saw Caesar's victory unravel almost immediately, leading to his downfall on the Ides of March.

About 10 years ago a chance encounter led Bandy to be entrusted with a treasure trove of wartime notes, photos, paintings and ephemera that coalesced themselves into the memoirs of a WW2 RAF Nursing Orderley, LAC Harold Scrafield. A story unfolded through these papers of an older call up, wartime nursing, and travel through the Mediterranean area during the war. Further research found that one of "Scra's" postings was to a secret medical mission in Yugoslavia. This was Maj Lindsay Rogers' SOE medical expedition to Titos Partisans organised by Fitzroy Maclean. Of course, this is not described as such in his writings, just as a trip from Bari to Yugoslavia via landing craft, and "escape by HM Gunboat" back to Ancona in Italy. Included inside are many of Scra's original and unpublished photos, and an amount of his pictures of the partisans both in Yugoslavia and at Bari. Nursing at the Frontline tells of his entry into Carthage, initially sleeping on the hastily dug graves of the German defenders, the story of the units hosts, the White Sisters and the mostly unknown day to day routine of the an RAF Mobile Field Hospital. Scra also finds himself with air operational squadrons, finds time to photograph before and after pictures of the bombing of Monte Cassino, and to deal with death. Now, over 40 years since Scra wrote down his memoirs in long hand, almost 80 since the events he describes and 10 years since Bandy was entrusted with them,  they are published to make for a fascinating read. From Carthage and the White Sisters to the events in Yugoslavia that Scra was involved with. These memoirs take you into the under reported and little known world of the wartime male RAF Nursing Orderly at the sharp end.

In the early 1960s, Japanese firm Yamaha, previously known as a musical instrument maker, took their first faltering steps into the arena of top flight motorcycle racing. They were comparative latecomers in this world, but soon made stars of riders like Phil Read and Bill Ivy. Their two-stroke engines developed quickly, and within a few short years they were challenging rivals Honda for the top places in the world's most prestigious race, the Isle of Man TT. By the early 1970s, Yamaha had emerged from the shadow of their competitors to dominate Grand Prix motorcycle sport with their TZ models. More than this though, Yamaha democratised racing by building a machine that was both capable of winning, and also within the reach of any aspiring motorcycle racer. The engine was so versatile - and so effective - that it even lent itself to powering three wheeled machines, and a clutch of sidecar World Championships also fell to Yamaha as a result. The biggest names of the decade - Grant, Mortimer, Williams, O'Dell and Taylor - wrote their names in the TT history books under the Yamaha banner.

Having their origins in the Army of Louis XIV, the dragoons were originally mounted infantry. During the wars of the 1e Empire, they became 'jacks of all trade' equally capable as fighting as battle cavalry, scouting or operating as infantry. Yet, precious few studies have been made of the dress of these thirty regiments or of the ten regiments of lancers which evolved from the dragoons in 1811. The dress and equipment of each regiment of dragoons and lancers in Napoleon's army is analysed and portrayed here with greater accuracy than previously possible. This is because renowned Napoleonic author, Paul Dawson has been granted access to over 1,000 archive boxes, found in the Service Historique de l'Armée de Terre in Paris and the Archives Nationales. These have enabled the author to assesses how the wide ranging 1806 uniform regulations and the more famous Bardin regulations were adopted in practice. This vast resource, as yet untapped by the majority of researchers and historians for understanding the Napoleonic era in general, provides detail never before revealed to the general public. This is possible because every year a regiment would be inspected, and the condition of the uniforms assessed. A return of all the clothing to be disposed of was made, and the appropriate number of new items ordered. Items of clothing and equipment needing repair was also recorded, as was how many items had been repaired since the last inspection. Upon joining a regiment, the recruit was given his first full set of clothing and equipment, which came from stoppages in his pay. Each item of clothing had a specified life. If the items needed repair or replacement inside the prescribed period due to misuse the cost was borne by the soldier. All of this was recorded. There was an annual quota of money available to a colonel to pay for clothing renewals and repairs for his regiment. In addition, the regimental Council of Administration drew funds to buy raw materials, equipment and headdresses. These funds also covered sundry items such as the epaulettes of the adjutant-sous-officiers, lace for rank stripes, service chevrons, musicians and drummers lace, plumes and pompoms, such is the remarkable level of detail these records contain. These invaluable sources provide bias free empirical data from which we can reconstruct the life story of a regiment, its officers and above all its clothing. In addition to the official records, the author has constructed how the regiments were dressed from diaries, letters, and even cases of fraud. As well as providing the recorded details, this book shows in scores of beautiful illustrations exactly how each regiment appeared. These images include period paintings as well as works specifically commissioned for this book, plus unique photographs of existing items of uniform. Now, for the first time since the days of Napoleon, we can say exactly what was worn by Napoleon's cavalry.

Today Trooping the Colour gathers crowds of tourists; along with the pomp and ceremony it is an event filled with tradition that spans many hundreds of years. In that history lies duty, a call to arms, and a rallying in battle. The regimental colours were presented to the soldiers daily so that they would recognize it in the melee of battle and rally toward it. In 1748 the Grenadier Guards began this tradition, also called the Kings Birthday Parade, which is now held annually at Horse Guards Parade in London. Boots, buckles and busbies gleaming, formations perfect and eyes right, Trooping the Colour is the culmination of months of hard work by the staff of the London District and the Royal Household, without whom state ceremonial and public duties would not exist. From regimental bands and gun salutes to Lord Lieutenants and Yeoman, it is the personalities and traditions that make the history of ceremonial duties so colourful. Trooping the Colour describes the histories of the key personalities and units of the London District, the Royal Household. Their histories are intertwined in one of the most complex narratives of the modern age. It describes the numerous moments, stories and traditions behind the many appointments that produce some of the most awe-inspiring displays now taken for granted. The book examines those defining moments in contemporary British history when planning and experience have delivered breathtaking spectacles of grandeur enjoyed by billions of people around the globe. Though it's not all parades and pomp though, these fine regiments have served with distinction in battles across the world and through time. This book explores London's Ceremonial Regiments at war and on parade.

For centuries women's history has been dismissed, or ignored entirely. Women make up half of society, and yet few pages have been written about women's history, their lives, and contributions. It is time to redress this imbalance and recognize the significant involvement and impact women have had throughout history. Enter the Georgian period, hailed as the Age of Enlightenment. Amidst a backdrop of cultural blossoming, intellectual fervour, and the whirlwind of the Industrial Revolution, society underwent seismic shifts politically, socially, and technologically. However, for women, the landscape remained largely unchanged; the expectations of domesticity, marriage, and motherhood persisted as steadfast norms. Embarking on a journey through diverse backgrounds, from aristocracy to enslavement, this book introduces ten remarkable women who defied societal norms during the Georgian period. Among them are political activists, social reformers, a literary luminary, a pioneer in palaeontology, and a mathematical prodigy. These trailblazers dared to pursue careers, passions, and lifestyles deemed scandalous by societal standards, challenging the status quo and carving out paths of empowerment in a world reluctant to grant them their due recognition. Each embodies the spirit of feminism, resisting the grip of patriarchy and leaving an indelible mark on history.

For over 70 years, from 1643 to 1715, Louis XIV fought a series of increasingly bitter wars with the Dutch, the Spanish, the British and the Austrians. During his long reign France was the foremost power in Europe and the king used his military and economic strength to expand French territory to the north into the Low Countries, to the Rhine, and south to the Pyrenees. To enable this expansion, and defend it against the powerful armies that combined to oppose him, he depended on a select group of exceptional commanders - remarkable men close to the throne, who held the prestigious title of Marshal of France. These are the distinguished soldiers James Falkner focuses on in this perceptive and original study, and their colourful careers and long-reaching campaigns give us a fascinating insight into the European warfare of the period and into their relationship with their master, the Sun King. Among them are Turenne, the pre-eminent commander of the early years of Louis's reign; Luxembourg who never lost a battle; elegant Villeroi who confronted the Duke of Marlborough at the Battle of Ramillies; Boufflers, famous for his defence of Lille; Villars who remarkably outwitted and defeated Prince Eugene; Tallard, who endured catastrophe and capture at the Battle of Blenheim; Berwick, James II's illegitimate son, the English Marshal; and brawling Vendôme who, though defeated at Oudenarde, later triumphed against the British and Austrians in Spain. Their skill as commanders and their qualities of leadership during a turbulent era in European history are a primary focus of James Falkner's absorbing book, but he also looks at them as remarkable and varied individuals who expressed the military spirit of their age.

"We must be careful with Occam's Razor, lest we cut ourselves on our own blades."In How to Solve True Crime: Occam's Razor and the Limitations of Simplicity in Investigations, we delve into the intriguing realm of criminal investigations where the seemingly straightforward principle of Occam's Razor is both a guiding light and a potential pitfall. Venture on an intellectual journey that explores the delicate balance between simplicity and complexity in unravelling mysteries, as the razor-sharp tool of Occam's Razor is wielded with both precision and, at times, with unintended consequences. This compelling non-fiction work meticulously dissects a collection of lesser-known true crime cases, skilfully examining instances where Occam's Razor was either masterfully applied or regrettably misused. Through riveting narratives and insightful analysis, discover how pursuing the simplest explanation can lead investigators astray, leaving crucial details and alternative scenarios overlooked. From high-profile investigations to obscure and overlooked cases, How to Solve True Crime uncovers the hidden nuances of Occam's Razor, shedding light on its power to illuminate truth and its potential to obscure it. Prepare to be captivated by the untold stories behind the scenes of criminal justice, as this book challenges preconceptions and questions the simplicity that often shrouds the complexities of true crime.

The men and women who found themselves responsible for Tudor princes and princesses were chosen for a variety of reasons and came from different backgrounds. The outcome of their labour was almost as varied. These are the stories of the men and women who moulded the Tudors and what happened to them in the throne's shadow. Amongst their number were gentlewomen, veterans of the Wars of the Roses, a Plantagenet princess, Welsh speakers, royal uncles and the children of convicted traitors. For some, there were rewards, pensions and preferment. For others, there was only disaster. For those who sought power themselves, including Edward VI's guardians Edward Seymour and John Dudley, the executioner's axe awaited. Jasper Tudor protected his nephew Henry Tudor during thirteen difficult years in exile, fulfilling the role of bodyguard, secret agent and adviser. Lady Margaret Beaufort advised on the birth, education and marriages of her grandchildren. Princes and princesses were reared from infancy by women whom the ruling monarch could trust. Mother Jak and Sybil Penn became surrogate mothers. Governesses, including Margaret Countess of Salisbury and Lady Margaret Bryan, were loyal, kind and protective. Others, like Anne Shelton, were appointed to make the lives of their royal charge a misery. It was left to Katherine Parr, a strongminded intelligent woman, to exercise her right as Henry VIII's queen to take a close personal interest in the education of her step-children. Faced with dysfunctional families and turbulent times, governors and governesses faced imprisonment, execution or ruin on behalf of their royal charges. But the rewards were worth the risk.

London has always been a major transport hub. Indeed, it owes its origins to being the location in ancient times of what was then the lowest bridging point of the River Thames. From the 1830s to 1914 it became the focal point of Britain's railway system. In that time a railway network of extraordinary complexity developed, serving the needs of London's citizens and providing access for huge numbers of visitors of all kinds. Here we consider some of the ways in which the railways contributed to London's transformation into a world city, perhaps THE world city of the Victorian and Edwardian period. With an emphasis on the social impact of the railways, the book examines, among other issues, how they contributed to the growth of suburbia, helped to provide London with vital supplies of food and fuel, the way in which the Underground made it quicker and easier to move about, produced huge, luxurious hotels and spectacular bridges and destroyed some of the capital's worst slums. London has always had an underbelly and the coming of the railways created new opportunities for criminal activity. In fictional crime, Sherlock Holmes made frequent use of the railways. Artists found in railways a source of inspiration for their works. Above all, the railways broke down regionalism and helped to develop and reinforce the domination of London over Britain's political and cultural life.