Joe Perry Books

Leading Seaman Charlie Erswell saw much more than his fair share of action during the Second World War. He was present at the 1942 landing in North Africa (Operation TORCH), D-Day and the liberation of Norway. But his main area of operations was that of the Arctic Convoys, escorting merchant ships taking essential war supplies to the Russian ports of Murmansk and Archangel. In addition to contending with relentless U-boat and Luftwaffe attacks, crews endured the extreme sea conditions and appalling weather. This involved clearing ice and snow in temperatures as low as minus thirty degrees Celsius. No wonder Winston Churchill described it as 'the worst journey in the world'. Fortunately, Charlie, who served on two destroyers, HMS Milne and Savage, kept a record of his experiences and is alive today to describe them. His story, published to coincide with the 80th Anniversary of the first convoy, is more than one man's account. It is an inspiring tribute to his colleagues, many of whom were killed in action. No-one reading Surviving The Arctic Convoys could fail to be moved by the bravery and endurance of these outstanding men.

A History of Western Society is one of the most successful textbooks available because it captures students' interest in the everyday life of the past, tying social history to politics and culture. The tenth edition has been thoroughly revised to strengthen readability and the attention to daily life, and incorporate new scholarship.

This superbly researched book tells the story of one of the most significant maritime operations of the Second World War.

Approaches Greek political and military history in the fourth century BC from the perspective of Thebes and neighbouring Phocis. The authors uncover the dynamic tension between local affairs and the wider transformation of the Greek world on the eve of Macedonian conquest.