Richard Hough Books

This is an exciting and highly readable biography of James Cook, the last and greatest of the romantic navigators. It is full of new insights and interpretations of one of the world's greatest mariners.

Chronicling the life of Queen Victoria, this biography delves into her deep, passionate relationship with Prince Albert amidst the backdrop of Britain's industrial transformation. It highlights how their marriage reshaped societal norms, moving away from the reckless Hanoverian kings to a model family life with their nine children. The narrative reveals the couple's intense conflicts and reconciliations, showcasing Albert's significant influence on the nation's progress and their enduring love despite turbulent moments.

The narrative contrasts the grim realities of World War II with the vibrant atmosphere of peacetime California. The author recounts his experiences of the war, marked by unsanitary conditions and harsh living, before transitioning to a more glamorous life where he learns to fly and enjoys leisure time in Hollywood. This juxtaposition highlights the stark differences between the chaos of war and the allure of post-war life.

Focusing on significant naval engagements from the past century, the book provides a vivid reconstruction of battles, starting with the 1905 clash of ironclad fleets and extending to pivotal confrontations like Midway and Guadalcanal. Enhanced with illustrations, it offers readers a detailed and immersive look into maritime warfare history.

Intro -- Battleship -- Introduction -- Acknowledgements -- Ark Royal -- Galleon, 1587, England -- Zeven Provincien -- Galleon, 1665, Holland -- Bonhomme Richard -- Frigate, 1766, USA -- Victory -- Ship-of-the-line, 1778, Britain -- Essex -- Frigate, 1799, USA -- Monitor -- Ironclad, 1862, USA -- Mikasa -- Battleship, 1902, Japan -- Von der Tann -- Battle cruiser, 1910, Germany -- Lion -- Battle cruiser, 1912, Britain -- Warspite -- Battleship, 1915, Britain -- Java -- Light cruiser, 1925, Netherlands -- Saratoga -- Aircraft carrier, 1927, USA -- Kelly -- Destroyer, 1939, Britain -- Bismarck -- Battleship, 1941, Germany -- New Jersey -- Battleship, 1943, USA -- Some Terms Explained -- Book List -- About the Author -- Also by Richard Hough -- Copyright.

Fifty years after the historic air battle between Germany and Great Britain, two historians collaborate to bring the battle to life again in an account of the turning point of World War II

The Navy almost finished the career of Britain’s greatest wartime leader. As a young minister responsible for the senior service from 1911, Churchill ruffled feathers and gave scant regard for the feelings of the admirals. When disaster struck in the First World War, it was the navy that led to his political downfall. But when he returned to power after years in the wilderness, the Royal Navy welcomed him with the cry, ‘Winston is back!’ From that point onwards, the successful pursuit of the war at sea remained his primary consideration. Within a few days of his return to the Admiralty, Churchill received a friendly overture from President Roosevelt, and there began a steady communication and friendship between the self-styled ‘Former Naval Person’ and the President of the United States, their differences subordinated in the pursuit of one shared winning the war. From a veteran naval historian comes the extraordinary and gripping story of Churchill’s stormy association with the navy and the sea, perfect for readers of Richard Overy and Jonathan Dimbleby.