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The Wars of the Roses featured 16 invasions, four successful; six times kings lost their thrones. This title explores why those invasions occurred, and kept occurring.

A fully illustrated overview of the USSR's bloody conflict in Afghanistan and its long legacy.The Soviet invasion of its neighbour Afghanistan in December 1979 sparked a nine-year conflict until Soviet forces withdrew in 1988-89, dooming the communist Afghanistan government to defeat at the hands of the mujahideen, the Afghan popular resistance backed by the USA and other powers. Gregory Fremont-Barnes reveals how the Soviet invasion had enormous implications on the global stage; it prompted the US Senate to refuse to ratify the hard-won SALT II arms-limitation treaty, and the USA and 64 other countries boycotted the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics. For Afghanistan, the invasion served to prolong the interminable civil war that pitted central government against the regions and faction against faction. Updated and revised for the new edition, with full-colour maps and new images throughout, this succinct account explains the origins, events and consequences of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, shedding new light on the more recent history - and prospects - of that troubled country.

From comic plays to public documents, this text draws on the literature of the period to provide an account of the devastating war between Sparta and Athens. It offers insights into the impact of warfare on the people who are celebrated as the founders of Western civilization.

An introduction to the Norman Conquest, an event which would link the English kingdom with Europe, especially France, for 500 years. The author shows how this event completely changed the nation's aristocracy, church and administration, bringing in a new language and cultural influences.

Including the personal experiences and biographies of key players, this text examines the causes, course and consequences of the English Civil War. Dr Gaunt offers a concise military account, providing an assessment of the severity of the conflict and the extent of its impact on civilian life.

This volume addresses the causes of the Iran-Iraq War, unpacking the objectives of the two sides and examining how far objectives were matched by strategy. It assesses the war's military lessons regarding such key areas as strategy, tactics and escalation and the use of non-conventional weapons.

This work provides a comprehensive guide to almost 500 years of unbroken Ottoman rule. It details famous battles such as the emotionally charged Kosovo, the crusading disaster of Nicopolis, and the Mongol defeat of the Ottomans at Ankara.

In July 1956 the Egyptian President, Gamal Nasser, nationalized the Suez Canal, causing immediate concern to Britain and France. This work traces the course of subsequent events.

The "Essential Histories" series is a comprehensive study of human conflict. This volume examines the campaigns of the Norman conquest and aims to provide a deeper understanding of the nature of war and human history.

Robinson provides a history of the Spanish invasion of Mexico. The book includes first-hand accounts from Bernal de Diaz de Castillo, whose memoirs of the campaign remain the defining account, and of a Mexican princess caught in the conflict.

The bitter war between Russia and Turkey is recorded here. It details the gallant yet suicidal Charge of the Light Brigade and relates the reports made by the first war correspondant, William Russell. It also deals with the heroism of Florence Nightingale.

The Crusades gave rise to the Military Order of the Templars and Hopitallers, and were a backdrop to the careers of some of history's most famous leaders including Richard "The Lionheart" and Saladin. This title traces the Crusades and the major conflicts which arose.

In this volume, Michael Whitby tackles the fundamental issues (such as the rise of Christianity) that led to the "decline and fall" of the Roman Empire, and offers a reassessment of the performance of the late Roman army.

An insight into the achievements of one of the greatest generals ever known. It examines the military advancements of the fourth century BC and explains how, under the leadership of Alexander the Great, the first Greek empire was born.

The Mexican War of 1846 to 1848 set the stage for America's development as a new world power. This text covers the full course of the war, ending with General Winfield Scott's march from the captured port of Vera Cruz to Mexico City, fighting all the way.

A study of the French religious wars which took place between 1562 and 1598. It provides a portrait of the realities of civil war as seen through the eyes of those who participated. It also covers the developments in artillery, fortification and portable firearms that characterized the period.

An introduction to the violent conflict between the Old World and the New in the Plains Wars of 1757-1900. It explains the causes, modes of fighting and outcome of the wars for both Americans and Indians, and the long-term effects of these bitter wars, the legacy of which can still be felt today.

This volume examines the key battles of both Boer Wars, and the principal sieges of the second Boer War: Kimberley; Ladysmith; and Mafeking. It provides a summary of the guerilla war that the British fought, explaining how the need for camouflage became realised.

Traces the 800-year history of Byzantium. From the early uncertain years of the empire, to the triumphal period when its wealth attracted Viking and Asian warriors to join its armies, and finally to the death of Byzantium's last emperor in 1453, the empire's military history is laid bare.

The Vietnam War was arguably the most important event for America in the 20th century. The US entered the conflict with doctrines modelled for the Cold War and a mission to wipe out Communism, but the reality of war in Vietnam confounded all expectations. This book chronicles the bloody guerrilla warfare that ensued.

The three Punic Wars lasted nearly 100 years, from 264BC to 146BC. They represented a struggle in the Mediterranean between the bludgeoning land power of Rome, bent on imperial conquest, and the great maritime power of Carthage. This is a comprehensive account of a complicated historical period.

The Gulf War of 1991 heralded a new type of warfare - one dominated by speed and high technology, that yielded a low level of casualties among the Allied forces. This volume assesses Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield, examining each force's strategies, and the political and military figures who were involved on both sides.

The Great War - particularly the great battles such as the Somme and Verdun - continues to fascinate us and casts long shadows over our world today. This re-examines the early years of the war's Western Front, shedding new light on the nature, course, and effects of the fighting in France and Belgium from 1914 to 1916.

This text traces the background and course of the French-Indian War, fought out in the forests, plains and forts of the North American Frontier. Despite early French success against a British Army unskilled in woodland fighting, the British learned quickly from their Native American allies and emerged victorious at Louisbourg and Quebec.

During the 19th century, the Great Plains covered the central two-thirds of the United States, and were home to some of the largest and most powerful Native American tribes on the continent. This is the story of the conflict between those tribes and the newcomers from Europe that lasted 150 years.

Alexander the Great was one of the most brilliant generals the world has ever known. His campaigns included the conquest of the ancient Persian Empire, which lifted his Macedonian kingdom from the level of city-state and onto the world stage. This book provides an insight into his military achievements.

A study of the Seven Years' War, reviewing the grand strategies of the combatants and the differing styles of warfare used in the many campaigns. The narrative is supported by official war papers, personal diaries and memoirs, and official reports.

The Spanish Civil War of 1936-39 was of enormous international as well as national significance. In this volume, Lannon explains how this internal conflict saw the fight between democracy and communism played out on a small scale, only to be fought out again in World War II.

The culmination of decades of nationalist aspiration and cynical Realpolitik, the Second War of Italian Unification saw Italy transformed from a patchwork of minor states dominated by the Habsburg Austrians into a unified kingdom under the Piedmontese House of Savoy. This book aims to examine the conflict as a critical event in Italian history.

A study of the Russo-Japanese War. It explains the background and outbreak of the war, then follows the course of the fighting at Yalu River, Sha-ho, and finally Mukden, the largest battle anywhere before World War I. It also demonstrates how Japan emerged from this conflict as a Great Power.