Out of the violent chaos of medieval Japan, a remarkable band of peasants rose to become the world's most feared warriors--trained to perfect the art of ninjutsu, the deadly union of martial arts and deception. Today, however, these real life ninjas are overshadowed by legend and pop culture caricat[...]

In this revelatory book, acclaimed author John Man's thrilling historical account brings to life the world of the ninjas, the Japanese "shadow warriors," whose otherworldly skills as assassins and spies still seize our imaginations like few characters before or since. Ninja is the first major histor[...]

The Terra Cotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made. Over seven thousand life-size figures of warriors and horses were interred in the mausoleum of the first emperor of Chinaand each figure was individually carved. Weaving together history and a first-hand account of h[...]

A portrait of the man behind the legendary Asian figure discusses his historical role as a dynasty founder, empire leader, and mythological enforcer, discussing the author's numerous travels throughout China, the Gobi desert, and remote Mongolia to gather factual information about Khan's feats and o[...]

A new biography by the award-winning author of Walt Whitman's America captures the turbulent life of John Brown, shedding new light on the controversial abolitionist who was responsible for the massacre of unarmed citizens in Kansas, liberation of slaves in Missouri, and raid on the federal arsenal [...]

No legend ever walked taller than Hollywood icon John Wayne. Now, author Michael Munn's startling new biography sets the record straight on why Wayne didn't serve in World War II, on director John Ford's contribution to Wayne's career, and the mega-star's highs and lows: three failed marriages, and [...]

Genghis Khan is one of history's immortals: a leader of genius, driven by an inspiring vision for peaceful world rule. Believing he was divinely protected, Genghis united warring clans to create a nation and then an empire that ran across much of Asia. Under his grandson, Kublai Khan, the vision evo[...]

In the years 434-454 AD, the fate of Europe hung upon the actions of one man, Attila, king of the Huns. He has become a byword for barbarism, savagery and violence. This biography reveals the man behind the myth.[...]

The idea behind the alphabet - that language with all its wealth of meaning can be recorded with a few meaningless signs - is an extraordinary one. It has occurred in Egypt about 4000 years ago. This title follows the emergence of the western alphabet as it evolved into its present form, contributin[...]

The name 'Samurai' is synonymous with the ultimate warrior. With their elaborate armour, fierce swordsmanship and code of honour, the samurai have become iconic figures whose influence can still be felt today. From Kurosawa's epic "Seven Samurai" to the figure of Darth Vader in "Star Wars", to Manga[...]