Featured Titles

Modern Afghanistan is a culturally and ethnically diverse country, but one divided by conflict, political instability and by mass displacements of its people. In this magisterial volume, Jonathan L. Lee places the current conflict in Afghanistan in its historical context and challenges many of the West’s preconceived ideas about the country.

In Dinomania, Boria Sax tells the story of our unlikely romance with the dinosaurs, from the finding of their enormous bones to the dinosaur theme parks of today. Featuring many superb illustrations of dinosaurs from art, popular culture, film and advertising, it is a thought-provoking homage to these titanic saurians.

Whether it’s a homemade strawberry shortcake in summer or a chef ’s complex medley of sweets, dessert is the perfect ending to a meal. In this indulgent read, for all those with a curious mind and a sweet tooth, Jeri Quinzio traces the history of desserts and the way they, and the course itself, have evolved over time.

In Vast Expanses, Helen M. Rozwadowski explores how knowledge about the ocean – discovered through work and play as well as scientific investigation – has had a central role in defining our relationship with this vast, trackless and opaque place.

What makes Tony Soprano so likeable? Is Michael Corleone a misunderstood hero or a despicable villain? Do we truly want Scarface’s Tony Montana to succeed? In The Mafia, now available in paperback, Roberto M. Dainotto explores our enduring fascination with the sinister world of organised crime.

The Anatomy of Riches tells the story of one family’s long rise from rags to riches, and their rapid reversal of fortune. It focuses on the life of Sir Robert Paston, who experienced the family’s fall from grace at a time of momentous change, the beginning of the modern world.