Both were outsiders. Neither attended university. Above all, both loved political sparring-often together, in the epic parliamentary battles of the start of the century. Theirs was a deeply personal friendship. Their real shared passion, however, was politics. For ten years between 1904 and 1914 they met together every day for a private discussion. Lloyd George profoundly influenced Churchill's political philosophy and played a formative role in his...

Dismissed by planners in the 1950s as fit only for demolition and replacement with tower blocks, Queen's Park is now one of London's most vibrant and thriving communities: culturally diverse, with a vigorous campaigning spirit as well as being home to world-renowned actors, writers and musicians. This is its story From ancient Britain to the current day, defiant suffragettes to neo-Nazi arsonists, and First World War fighter aces to the Windrush...

Revealing, through the medium of letters home, this book shows much about the life, personal thoughts, and worries of a private soldier during the First World War. The series of letters begin after he has enlisted, showing how he adapts to military life away from his wife and young daughter. Moving on to the voyage to France, heavy work unloading ships in the docks, before moving up to the front line. Concern for his young family permeates every letter,...

The townships of Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme nestle neatly in the triangular area bordered on the south by the River Mersey, on the north west by the River Irwell/Manchester Ship Canal and on the east by the M60 motorway. In this, the first substantial book on the area since 1898, local historian Michael Billington draws on a variety of sources to tell the history of the area. He takes the reader on a journey of discovery in his portrayal of old...

Compelling, authoritative and as readable as the best airport thriller. It fizzes with crime, fame, power and illicit sex.' Jeremy Vine 'A timely and important book. It's quite remarkable how one building has played host to such debauchery. If only the walls could talk...' Iain Dale Designed as a city dwelling for the modern age, Dolphin Square opened in London's Pimlico in 1936. Boasting 1,250 hi-tech flats, a swimming pool, restaurant, gardens and...

This book covers the years of terror and death faced by the metropolis of London during World War II. This is about the city and its people, not about war strategies, generals and politicians, although historical currents flowed through the city during the war. The city expected to be invaded. It was subject to starvation. It was bombed during a two-year period. Later, it was the first great city subjected to on-going rocket and missile attacks, including...

This groundbreaking book is the first to detail, with startling new revelations, just how integral the Republic of Ireland was to the Provisional IRA's campaign at every level. The sheer level of sympathy and support that existed for militant republicanism in Southern Irish society demonstrates that the longevity of the 'Troubles' was due in large part to this widespread tolerance and aid. No Irish political party was without members who aided the...

This is a book about political stasis; the purgatory that Stormont became, and the sins of that long standoff. The story begins in January 2017, with Martin McGuinness's dramatic resignation as Deputy First Minister, and chronicles all the behind-the-scenes negotiations that ultimately resulted in the restoration of the Executive in January 2020, with the 'New Decade, New Approach' agreement. Then, that new fight with a fearsome and unknowable foe:...

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a civil war started in Northern Ireland. This book tells that story through Belfast and Derry, using original archival research to trace how multiple and overlapping conflicts unfolded on their streets. The Troubles grew out of a political process that mobilised opponents and defenders of the Stormont regime, and which also dragged London and Dublin into the crisis. Drawing upon government papers, police reports,...

In the 11 months between August 1971 and July 1972, Northern Ireland experienced its worst year of violence on record. The 'year of chaos' came between of two major military operations, namely the introduction of internment of IRA suspects, without trial, and Operation Motorman, the invasion of barricaded no-go areas in Belfast and Derry. The internment raids created huge disaffection in the Catholic communities and provoked an escalation of violence....