Nigel Jones Books

Paragon of youthful beauty, romantic symbol of a lost England, and precociously gifted poet, Rupert Chawner Brooke died in a hospital ship off the Aegean island of Skyros in April 1915, aged just 27. All England mourned his passing. But behind the glow of myth lies a darker reality. At the height of his promise a disappointment in love triggered a mental and physical collapse that brought his inner complexities to the surface. Letters reveal a man who was sexually ambivalent, misogynistic, anti-Semitic – and sometimes alarmingly unstable. This revised edition of Nigel Jones's admired biography, including an account of a previously unknown affair of Brooke's, reveals a more conflicted and troubled individual than the gilded Adonis of English literary myth.

The narrative centers on the pivotal D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, a critical moment in World War II that marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. The operation's success hinged on Operation Bodyguard, an elaborate deception strategy that misled the Germans about the invasion's true location. Allied leaders, including Winston Churchill, had deep reservations about the operation's feasibility, recalling past failures like Gallipoli. Ultimately, the ingenious ruse kept German forces tied up in other areas, ensuring the success of the Normandy invasion.

Sex, surveillance and the most sinister Nazi of them all in wartime Berlin

The story behind the blockbuster film Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise.

Focusing on the journey to reclaiming joy, this book offers strategies for individuals looking to break free from alcohol's grip. It provides insights and practical advice tailored for those seeking a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle, empowering readers to rediscover happiness without reliance on drinking.

This comprehensive volume explores British architecture from ancient to modern times, featuring 76 entries that cover a diverse range of structures, including castles, churches, and iconic public buildings. Each entry is detailed yet accessible, with cross-references and resources for further reading. The book includes appendixes categorizing entries by location and style, as well as discussions on the significance of the Crown and Parliament in architectural history. Additional tools like a timeline, glossary, and bibliography enhance the reader's understanding of the evolution of British architecture.

Penetrating biography of a fascinatingly contradictory writer who, despite a privileged background and early and sustained success, became increasingly embittered with the world. Doris Lessing calls him 'a marvellous novelist', Keith Waterhouse 'A riveting dissector of English life' and Nigel Jones makes excellent use of Hamilton's own letters and notes as well as his own highly perceptive insights. The Literary Review called Through a Glass Darkly 'One of the most stimulating biographies for years'.

1914 dawned with Britain at peace, albeit troubled by faultlines within and threats without: Ireland trembled on the brink of civil war; suffragette agitation was assuming an ever more violent hue; and suspicions of Germany's ambitions bred a paranoia expressed in a rash of 'invasion scare' literature. Then when shots rang out in Sarajevo on 28 June, they set in train a tumble of diplomatic dominos that led to Britain declaring war on Germany. Nigel Jones depicts every facet of a year that changed Britain for ever. From gun-running in Ulster to an attack by suffragettes on a Velasquez painting in the National Gallery; from the launch of HMHS Britannic to cricketer J.T. Hearne's 3000th first-class wicket; from the opening of London's first nightclub to the embarking for Belgium of the BEF, he traces the events of a momentous year from its benign domestic beginnings to its descent into the nightmare of European war.

Exploring the rich history of the Tower of London, this book delves into the lives of the notable figures who inhabited this iconic landmark. It reveals the Tower's transformation from a royal palace to a prison and its role as a symbol of power and intrigue. With engaging narratives and vivid details, it captures the essence of this renowned tourist destination and the myriad stories that have unfolded within its walls.

A history of the Tower of London places its story in the context of national and international events, drawing on primary sources to explore its diverse functions as a British symbol, epicenter for violent events, and modern tourist attraction.