Hugh Sebag-Montefiore's Dunkirk: Fight to the Last Man tells the story of the rescue in May 1940 of British soldiers fleeing capture and defeat by the Nazis at Dunkirk. Dunkirk was not just about what happened at sea and on the beaches. The evacuation would never have succeeded had it not been for the tenacity of the British soldiers who stayed behind to ensure they got away. Men like Sergeant Major Gus Jennings who died smothering a German stick bomb in the church at Esquelbecq in an effort to save his comrades, and Captain Marcus Ervine-Andrews VC who single-handedly held back a German attack on the Dunkirk perimeter thereby allowing the British line to form up behind him. Told to stand and fight to the last man, these brave few battalions fought in whatever manner they could to buy precious time for the evacuation. Outnumbered and outgunned, they launched spectacular and heroic attacks time and again, despite ferocious fighting and the knowledge that for many only capture or death would end their struggle.

'The best new narrative of the battle thus far, reflecting his gifts for fluent prose and moving quotations.' Max Hastings, Sunday Times No conflict better encapsulates all that went wrong on the Western Front during World War I than the Battle of the Somme in 1916. The tragic loss of life and stoic endurance by troops who walked towards their death is an iconic image - but this critically-acclaimed bestseller, on the four months of battle, shows the extent to which the Allied armies were in fact able to break through the German front lines again and again. In eight years of research, Hugh Sebag-Montefiore -- the author of Dunkirk -- has found extraordinary new material from Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, and the British - from heartbreaking diaries and letters to hitherto unseen Red Cross files - recounting their experiences amid the horror of war. It has been hailed as the best book about the battle, which, though not an Allied victory, was the beginning of the slide towards German defeat.

Forgotten Fairy Tales of Kindness and Courage breathes new life into a collection of once much-loved, now forgotten tales, beautifully retold by Mary Sebag-Montefiore. A disabled prince fights for his kingdom, and learns the importance of understanding others. A princess finds the courage to rescue her friend from goblins. A girl steps into the world of a book, only to find what it means to be herself. Full of magic and enchantment, these stories celebrate kindness, courage and the importance of being true to yourself. With a foreword by Dr Zoe Williams, NHS GP, TV presenter and health educator. Retold by Mary Sebag-Montefiore with a foreword by Dr. Zoe Williams.

Breaking the German Enigma codes was not only about brilliant mathematicians and professors at Bletchley Park. There is another aspect of the story which it is only now possible to tell. It takes in the exploits of spies, naval officers and ordinary British seamen who risked, and in some cases lost, their lives snatching the vital Enigma codebooks from under the noses of Nazi officials and from sinking German ships and submarines. This book tells the whole Enigma story: its original invention and use by German forces and how it was the Poles who first cracked - and passed on to the British - the key to the German airforce Enigma. The more complicated German Navy Enigma appeared to them to be unbreakable.

Victor Frankenstein is driven to the edge of insanity by his obsession with making a living creature. Using scientific experiments, he brings a monster to life, but when the creature begins to breathe, it's clear that it's intelligent and sensitive. Spurned by Victor and everyone it meets, it eventually turns on its own maker with tragic results. Adapted by Mary Sebag-Montefiore.

Meet Anne Shirley, the red-headed orphan who just can't help getting into trouble. Adapted from L. M. Montgomery's classic story, this delightful picture book with charming illustrations on every page will introduce Anne to a new generation. Based on the novel by L. M. Montgomery. Retold by Mary Sebag-Montefiore.

Johanna Spyri’s Heidi is beautifully retold, following the exploits of the orphaned girl sent to live in the Alps with her grumpy grandfather. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence, with clear, engaging text and stunning original illustrations. Developed in conjunction with reading experts from Roehampton University. Retold by Mary Sebag-Montefiore.

The much-loved classic story by L.M. Montgomery, specially retold for children ready to tackle longer and more complex stories. From the day red-headed ‘Anne-with-an-e’ unexpectedly arrives at Green Gables, life is never the same again... Includes a short biography of the author and beautiful watercolour illustrations throughout. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts. Adapted by Mary Sebag-Montefiore.

The trouble with lies is they have a tendency to catch a man out. The last thing Hugh Standish, Earl of Fareham, wants is a wife. But since the only way to keep his mother's matchmaking ways at bay is the promise of impending nuptials, Hugh takes the most logical action: he invents a fake fiancee. It's the perfect plan - until Hugh learns that his mother is on a ship bound for England to meet his 'beloved'. He needs a solution fast, and when he collides with a mysterious beauty, he might just have found the answer to his prayers. Minerva Merriwell is desperate for money to support her sisters, and although she knows that posing as the Earl's fiancee might seem nonsensical, it's just too good an offer to refuse. As the Merriwells descend upon Hugh's estate, the household is thrown into turmoil as everyone tries to keep their tangled stories straight. And with Hugh and Minerva's romantic ruse turning into the real thing, is true love just one complication too many?

WRITTEN IN HISTORY celebrates the great letters of world history, creative culture and personal life. Acclaimed historian Simon Sebag Montefiore selects over one hundred letters from ancient times to the twenty-first century: some are noble and inspiring, some despicable and unsettling; some are exquisite works of literature, others brutal, coarse and frankly outrageous; many are erotic, others heartbreaking. The writers vary from Elizabeth I, Rameses the Great and Leonard Cohen to Emmeline Pankhurst, Mandela, Stalin, Michelangelo, Suleiman the Magnificent and unknown people in extraordinary circumstances - from love letters to calls for liberation, declarations of war to reflections on death. In the colourful, accessible style of a master storyteller, Montefiore shows why these letters are essential reading: how they enlighten our past, enrich the way we live now - and illuminate tomorrow.

WRITTEN IN HISTORY celebrates the great letters of world history, creative culture and personal life. Acclaimed historian Simon Sebag Montefiore selects over one hundred letters from ancient times to the twenty-first century: some are noble and inspiring, some despicable and unsettling; some are exquisite works of literature, others brutal, coarse and frankly outrageous; many are erotic, others heartbreaking. The writers vary from Elizabeth I, Rameses the Great and Leonard Cohen to Emmeline Pankhurst, Mandela, Stalin, Michelangelo, Suleiman the Magnificent and unknown people in extraordinary circumstances - from love letters to calls for liberation, declarations of war to reflections on death. In the colourful, accessible style of a master storyteller, Montefiore shows why these letters are essential reading: how they enlighten our past, enrich the way we live now - and illuminate tomorrow.

WRITTEN IN HISTORY celebrates the great letters of world history, creative culture and personal life. Acclaimed historian Simon Sebag Montefiore selects over one hundred letters from ancient times to the twenty-first century: some are noble and inspiring, some despicable and unsettling; some are exquisite works of literature, others brutal, coarse and frankly outrageous; many are erotic, others heartbreaking. The writers vary from Elizabeth I, Rameses the Great and Leonard Cohen to Emmeline Pankhurst, Mandela, Stalin, Michelangelo, Suleiman the Magnificent and unknown people in extraordinary circumstances - from love letters to calls for liberation, declarations of war to reflections on death. In the colourful, accessible style of a master storyteller, Montefiore shows why these letters are essential reading: how they enlighten our past, enrich the way we live now - and illuminate tomorrow.

Oliver is growing up in an orphanage... until the day he dares to ask for more. Suddenly, he is cast out into a world of colourful characters, in which he will have to keep his wits about him and even pick pockets to survive. A retelling of the classic story by Charles Dickens, for children growing in their reading confidence and ability. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme, developed with reading experts from Roehampton University. Based on the novel by Charles Dickens Retold by Mary Sebag-Montefiore

An enchanting collection of one hundred of the best-loved stories ever told, from elegant retellings of Grimm and Andersen to lively folk tales from around the world. Includes favourite stories such as The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and many more. Beautifully presented with illustrations that capture the warmth and wonder of these classic tales. An essential addition to every family bookshelf and a wonderful gift to be treasured. Retold by Sarah Courtauld, Susanna Davidson, Katie Daynes, Rosie Dickins, Russell Punter, Mary Sebag-Montefiore and Lesley Sims.

The enchanting classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Mary Lennox feels forlorn and lonely in her uncle's gloomy house on the moors. But behind an old ivy-covered wall is a garden, waiting to be discovered. Beautifully illustrated by Alan Marks, winner of the Carnegie Medal. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. Based on the story by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Adapted by Mary Sebag-Montefiore.

Aimed at children whose reading ability is beginning to grow, building confidence and ability. "The Railway Children" is a re-telling of the beloved E. Nesbitt story following the story of three children growing up after their father is wrongly accused of spying. It is evocatively illustrated by Alan Marks. It is developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a senior lecturer in education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University. Adapter by Mary Sebag-Montefiore.