Jonathan Keates original biography of Handel was hailed as a masterpiece on its publication in 1985. This fully revised and updated new edition - published to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the composers death - charts in detail Handel's life, from his youth in Germany, through his brilliantly successful Italian sojourn, to the opulence and squalor of Georgian London where he made his permanent home.For over two decades Handel was absorbed in London's heady but precarious ope...

William III (1689-1702) & Mary II (1689-94) (Britain's only ever 'joint monarchs') changed the course of the entire country's history, coming to power through a coup (which involved Mary betraying her own father), reestablishing parliament on a new footing and, through commiting Britain to fighting France, initiating an immensely long period of warfare and colonial expansion. Jonathan Keates' wonderful book makes both monarchs vivid, the cold, shrewd 'Dutch' William and the shortlived Mary...

A stunningly illustrated history of Venice, from its beginnings as 'La Serenissima' – 'the Most Serene Republic' – to the Italian city that continues to enchant visitors today.'Everything about Venice,' observed Lord Byron, 'is, or was, extraordinary – her aspect is like a dream, and her history is like a romance.' Dream and romance have conditioned myriad encounters with Venice across the centuries, but the city's story embodies another kind of experience altogeth...

From Handel's renowned biographer, the story of one of the most celebrated compositions of Western classical music, Handel's famous oratorio, MessiahIn the late summer of 1741, George Friderick Handel, composed an oratorio set to words from the King James Bible, rich in tuneful arias and magnificent choruses. Jonathan Keates recounts the history and afterlife of Messiah, one of the best-loved works in the classical repertoire. He relates the compo...

Plunge into an atmospheric marine archaeology mystery where ancient geology clashes with lost civilization myths. Perfect for a captivating commute or a weekend of armchair exploration, this immersive journey takes you deep into the seafloor of Japan’s Ryukyu island arc. Discover a colossal, stepped pyramid rising from the ocean depths that defies mainstream scientific consensus.Navigate the treacherous currents separating rigorous tectonic science from tantalizing pseudoarchaeolog...

Unlock the fascinating science of energy and entropy through an accessible, math-free journey into everyday physics. Perfect for a morning commute or a relaxing afternoon of learning, this friendly educational guide translates complex scientific concepts into familiar experiences. Watch a hot cup of tea cool or a car engine roar to life, and suddenly, the invisible forces shaping our universe make perfect sense.Leave intimidating equations and abstract jargon behind as you build a ...

Experience the brutal technological revolution that shattered the Bronze Age and forged ancient military empires in fire. Perfect for a gripping morning commute, this immersive historical journey transports you straight into the smoky forges and blood-soaked battlefields of our ancestors. Hear the thunder of massed infantry as a demanding new craft upends global power dynamics forever.Fuel your thirst for deep learning with an atmospheric global tour stretching from the Mediterrane...

Step into the dramatic history of technological innovation that abruptly reshaped society from farms to factory floors. Perfect for a thought-provoking daily commute, this immersive narrative transports you to an era where muscle and wind gave way to the relentless roar of steam and steel. Witness the profound friction between ancient human tradition and rapid mechanization.As you engage in focused learning, you will experience the gritty reality of bustling railways, looming smoke...

Unlock the invisible architecture of life with this captivating popular science journey into the chemistry of our world. Whether you are enriching your daily commute or embarking on a quest for lifelong learning, this awe-inspiring exploration reveals how a single microscopic element dictates everything from the graphite in your pencil to the DNA in your cells.Transform your quiet afternoon walks into mind-expanding adventures by uncovering the majestic, interconnected systems of t...

Transform unpredictable leads into steady revenue without burnout by building a repeatable sales and marketing engine. If you are an overwhelmed founder or solo professional tired of chasing endless trends, this straightforward playbook delivers immediate clarity. Focus on consistent, high-impact strategies that seamlessly unify your customer journey from stranger to loyal client.Listen during your daily commute to replace confusing tactics with an empowering, practical framework d...

Experience the epic military history of an ancient empire forged in the chaotic aftermath of Alexander the Great's death. Perfect for your daily commute or a focused learning session, this immersive narrative transports you into the royal courts and battlefields of antiquity. Witness a colossal clash of civilizations as ambitious kings attempt to rule a sprawling realm stretching from the Aegean to Afghanistan.Navigate the dramatic tension between royal ambition and local rebellion...

Uncover the epic history and ancient folklore that fueled Rome's rise from a blood-soaked village to global dominance. Perfect for your daily commute, this immersive journey brings legendary warriors, fierce deities, and cunning emperors to breathtaking life.Forget the misconception that these are merely Greek tales swapped with Latin names; this is a thrilling, focused exploration of a deeply unique sacred worldview. Let your imagination soar as you encounter the protective spirit...