Beneath the original Venetian glass and rosewood case at La Specola in Florence lies Clemente Susini's Anatomical Venus (c. 1790), a perfect object whose luxuriously bizarre existence challenges belief. This title reveals the evolution of the enigmatic sculptures from wax effigy to fetish figure and the embodiment of the uncanny.

A chronological guide to the fantastic world of Japanese myths, retelling the stories and exploring how Japanese mythology has changed over time.

A unique survey of seven great Asian empires, powerful forces on the world stage during a thousand years of history and that continue to resonate in regional and global politics today.

Opens a door onto the world of pre-revolutionary Russia in original photographs taken during the last decades of Romanov rule. This title includes many remarkable colour images created using an early three-colourplate technique; these bring the remote past to life with an especially vivid jolt.

A fascinating and surprising history of the world told through the lines people have drawn on maps, by the 'charming and outstandingly nerdish' author of The Compendium of (Not Quite) Everything.

The history of a demonic tradition that was stolen from women - and then won back again.

Creatures like Lilith, the seductive first wife of Adam, and mermaids, who lured sailors to their death, are familiar figures in the genre of monstrous temptresses who use their charms to entice men to their doom.

But if we go back 4,000 years, the roots of these demons lie in horrific creatures like Lamashtu, a lion-headed Mesopotamian demon who strangled infants and murdered pregnant w...

From the internationally acclaimed author comes his bestselling account of India's experience of British colonialism.

Jonathan Fenby has edited the Observer, the South China Morning Post and Reuters World Service as well as holding senior positions at the Economist, Independent and Guardian.His books include Generalissimo: Chiang Kai-Shek and the China He Lost, Dealing with the Dragon: A Year in the New Hong Kong, The General: Charles de Gaulle and the France He Saved, The History of Modern France andTiger Head, Snake Tails: China Today, How It Got There and Where It is Heading.He is currently Managing Partn...