From the bestselling author of Rubicon and Persian Fire comes this thrilling panoramic account of the rise of Islam

A reassessment of the 20th century exploring topics such as the breakdown of the Old World, the lack of international accord, the failure of the Arts in recent years and the influence of the Third World.

'The Book that really held me, in fact, obsessed me, was Rubicon . . . This is narrative history at its best. Bloody and labyrinthine political intrigue and struggle, brilliant oratory, amazing feats of conquest and cruelty' Ian McEwan, Books of the Year, Guardian

Hobsbawm's brilliant history, beautifully repackaged as an Abacus History Great

The story of how Augustus rose from an obscure teenager to become Rome's first and greatest emperor.

By focusing on the key colourful characters of the eight major dynasties, Bamber Gascoigne brings to life 3500 years of Chinese civilization.