"The bitter Battle of Stalingrad on the Eastern Front was the turning point of World War II. The relentless and unstoppable German advances that had seen the panzers sweep hundreds of miles into Russia was finally brought to a halt. The elite German Sixth Army was first fought to a standstill, then surrounded and forced to surrender.
Over one and a half million people lost their lives during the six months of fighting, many of them civilians caught up in the campaign. For the first time in the war, the German army had been defeated on the field of battle. Before Stalingrad the Russians never won; after Stalingrad they could not lose.
This book looks at the titanic struggle that ended in the total destruction of the second city of the Soviet Union, the greatest battle the world has ever seen."
"The Battle of Waterloo was one of the most dramatic and decisive battles ever fought. It marked the bloody end of the long struggle between the new ideals of the French Revolution and the established orders that had begun in 1793, and ushered in a century of peace in Europe.
For such a massively important battle, Waterloo is all too often misunderstood, probably because the combatants have concentrated on the role of their own troops. Going back to the original sources, Rupert Matthews looks at the day of battle as a whole, delving behind the headline events to reveal why the battle unfolded as it did."
"The Battle of Kursk was one of the most pivotal campaigns of World War II and Germany's final strategic offensive on the Eastern Front.
Soviet armies had recently occupied the city of Kursk and the Germans aimed to pinch off the salient and cut off its supply chain. But Commander Erich von Manstein did not anticipate the Soviet's dramatic counter offensive, resulting in one of the bloodiest encounters of the Second World War which turned the tide against Adolf Hitler.
Rupert Matthews narrates these dramatic events, outlining the strategic situation in 1943, the breakdown in Nazi chain of command and the circumstances of the Battle of Prokhorovka, one of the largest tank battles in military history.
The Battle of Kursk is a fascinating account of a major campaign that involved more than 3 million men, 8,000 tanks, 40,000 guns and 5,500 aircraft. The Soviets suffered extreme casualties, but their eventual victory left the road to Berlin open..."
"In this compelling and revealing examination, author Rupert Matthews looks afresh at key episodes of alien activity on earth, and sheds light on the many mysterious phenomena associated with it. From Roswell to Taizé, the book dissects fascinating eyewitness accounts of communication and contact with alien beings, as well as chilling cases of abduction. It also sifts through sinister evidence of government cover-ups. Ten special casebooks give in-depth analysis of the most important encounters, including:
The pilot who saw a formation of alien aircraft
The Exeter Incident - chased by UFOs in the darkness
The Socorro Incident - solid evidence of alien activity
Betty and Barney Hill - abducted on Highway 3
Rigorously researched, Alien Encounters is a gripping investigation of strange events that continue to spark fierce debate. If you doubt the existence of extra-terrestrials, prepare to be convinced."
"This was Rome, a city of bloodshed and laughter, of food and starvation. But why was so much wealth, time and trouble lavished on free entertainments?
The Age of the Gladiators explores many savage spectacles of Ancient Rome, many of which have become proverbial for their cruelty, bloodlust and glory. From Gladiator fights in grand amphitheaters to chariot racing at the Circus Maximus, Romans had their pick of extreme spectator sports.
Rupert Matthews explores the development of these customs, from religious rites into opportunities to bolster political esteem. Were Romans truly free citizens, governed by a fair democracy? And if not, what part did these free entertainments play in the political chess game? This fascinating book reveals all."
Join our community for the latest bookish news, reading recommendations, exclusive opening extracts, author events and competitions. It\'s all free. And enter a monthly draw to win a £50 Gift Card. See past winners here
