A lively, engaging guide to music around the world, from prehistory to the present.

Charlotte Mullins brings art to life by focusing on those who made it, from teenage prodigies to nonagenarians.

E. H. Gombrich’s bestselling history of the world tells the story of mankind from the Stone Age to the atomic bomb, focusing not on small details, but on the sweep of human experience – and the depth of its frailty.

A rich history of religion from humanity’s earliest days to our own contentious times. Holloway encourages curiosity, accentuates mystery and reflects on the value of faith.

John Carey tells the stories behind the world’s greatest poems, from the oldest surviving one written nearly four thousand years ago to those being written today.

This 'little history' takes on a very big subject: the glorious span of literature from Greek myth to graphic novels, and from The Epic of Gilgamesh to Harry Potter.

A lively account of the history of economics, told through events from ancient to modern times and introducing the big ideas proposed by thinkers from Adam Smith, to Marx and Keynes.

How did a land and people of such immense diversity come together under a banner of freedom and equality to form one remarkable nation? This fast-paced, character-filled history brings the American story to life.

Discover the thrilling history of archaeological adventure, with tales of danger, debate, audacious explorers – and astonishing discoveries around the globe.

This little history presents the grand sweep of humanity's search for philosophical understanding and invites all to join in the discussion.

Expert linguist David Crystal proves why the story of language deserves retelling, and does so entertainingly - through enlightening tables, diagrams and quizzes - all in his trade mark style.

Ranging from Babylon to bosons, from astrology to astrophysics, this chatty account covers not only the world of science but also the scientific history of the world.

Art historian E. H. Gombrich's original history for younger readers lends itself to this larger format, filled with fascinating illustrations to accompany the classic text.