The Sunday Times BestsellerA new assessment of the West's colonial recordIn the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet empire in 1989, many believed that we had arrived at the 'End of History' - that the global dominance of liberal democracy had been secured forever.

Alfred Russel Wallace, Henry Walter Bates and Richard Spruce were English naturalists who went to Amazonia 150 years ago. This book combines all three young mens experiences of the Amazon, drawing heavily on their own letters and books.

The bizarre and little known story of how a hubristicArchduke became the puppet Emperor of Mexico -with tragic results and pivotal historical consequencesfor Europe and America.

Japan: A Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette is the first book to explain in detail why the Japanese think and behave as they do and it has now been completely revised and expanded.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ‘His masterpiece’ Antony Beevor, Spectator ‘A masterful performance’ Sunday Times ‘By far the best book on the Vietnam War’ Gerald Degroot, The Times, Book of the Year

A major new history of North and South Korea, from the late nineteenth century to the present day