Simon James takes an archaeologist’s approach to the study of Rome’s military history, telling the story of the sword – ‘the literal cutting edge of Roman power’ – from early times to the fall of the western empire. To supplement the battle narratives of ancient historical writers, he explains developments in sword-smithing techniques and military ideology, considers cultural reasons for changes in hardware and tactics and helps the reader to visualize the direct human experience of the ‘myriad individual acts of mayhem’ in battle.

This study of the ordinary British soldier of the First World War focuses on his everyday routines and the equipment, uniform and personal kit that would have been his familiar companions. Covering recruitment, training, life in the trenches and recuperation away from the front, first-hand accounts are complemented by examples of items including mess tins, Mills bombs and the YMCA stationery issued in rest camps, many assembled in historical tableaux that recreate period scenes.

Air raids were added to Londoners' troubles after the first Zeppelin raid of May 1915. Drawing on first-hand accounts of people from across London, this local history looks at how the First World War changed life in the city.

Swindon’s principal employer – the Great Western Railway – expanded its output of rolling stock during the First World War, as well as extending operations to the production of munitions. This review of the conflict’s impact on the town includes archive photographs and ephemera.

This local history explores the experiences of the people of Liverpool during the First World War as thousands enlisted in the Army, and especially Navy, and those left behind carried on the important work of one of Britain’s principal ports.

One of Bradford’s key industries – wool and textiles – suffered at the outbreak of war as Germany was a key customer and also the main supplier of dyes. The city’s skilled needlewomen were soon in demand again making army uniforms and supplies.

The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment was the destination for many of Lancaster’s young men in 1914. This study of the city’s experience of the war draws on regimental records as well as first-hand accounts and contemporary documents and photographs.

To supplement the workforce manufacturing grenades at the Mills Munition Works, 15,000 people moved to Birmingham. This local history recalls the impact their arrival had on life on the home front and recounts the experiences of the city’s enlisted men.

Reports of how five Shropshire men were awarded the Victoria Cross are recorded in this local history, which also includes contemporary accounts and photographs of how the county adapted to the changes brought by the war.

Slightly off-mint

Slightly off-mint

Slightly off-mint