
Alan John Percivale Taylor was an English historian of the 20th century and renowned academic who became well known to millions through his popular television lectures.
A.J.P. Taylor (1906-1990) was one of the most acclaimed and uncompromising historians of the twentieth century. In this clear, lively and now-classic account of the First World War, he tells the story of the conflict from the German advance in the West, through the Marne, Gallipoli, the Balkans and the War at Sea to the offensives of 1918 and the state of Europe after the war.
One of A.J.P. Taylor's best-known books, The Course of German History is a notoriously idiosyncratic work. Composed in his famously witty style, yet succinct to the point of sharpness, this is one of the great historian's finest, if more controversial, accomplishments. As Taylor himself noted, 'the history of the Germans is a history of extremes. It contains everything except moderation.' He could, of course, simply be referring to his own book.
From influential British historian A.J.P. Taylor, a reprint of his influential text The Origins of the Second World War. Controversial for his thesis that Hitler was an opportunist with no thorough plan, The Origins of the Second World War is an extensive exploration of the international politics and foreign policy that lead up to the one of the bloodiest conflicts of the 20th century.Published in 1961, The Origins of the Second World War is a classic of modern history. A.J.P. Taylor's years of research helped change the long-accepted view that Adolf Hitler had wanted and planned in detail for a war. With clear and relatable prose, Taylor depicts the diplomatic mistakes from both the Allied and Axis powers that lead to the outbreak of World War II. A groundbreaking work, The Origins of the Second World War "is an almost faultless masterpiece, perfectly proportioned, perfectly controlled" ( The Observer ).
The fall of Metternich in the revolutions which swept Europe in 1848 heralded an era of unprecedented nationalism, which culminated in the collapse of the Habsburg, Romanov, and Hohenzollern dynasties at the of the First World War. In the intervening seventy years which are the subject of this book, the boundaries of Europe changed dramatically from those established at Vienna in 1815: Cavour championed the cause of Risorgimento in Italy; Bismarck brought about the unification of Germany; while the Great Powers scrambled for a place in the sun in Africa.In this, one of his most enduring works, A.J.P. Taylor shows how the changing balance of power determined the course of European history, during this, the last age when Europe was the centre of world history. Throughout, Taylor's narrative is so vivid that the book is as much a work of literature as a contribution to historical scholarship.
A J P Taylor admits to writing, more often than not, to satisfy his own historical curiosity. However unorthodox or surprising his views, the results are invariably enterprising and unambiguous. In Essays in English History, he is mostly concerned with the character of English history seen through the eyes of its great personalities. His choice of subjects is wide-ranging - from Cromwell to Roger Casement, from Queen Victoria to the City of Manchester, his final and most personal essay.
A reevaluation of Bismarck's motives and methods, focusing on the chancellor's rise to power in the 1860's and his removal from office in 1890.
s/t: A History of the Austrian Empire & Austria-HungaryFirst published in 1941, The Habsburg Monarchy has become indispensable to students of nineteenth-century European history. Not only a chronological report of actions and changes, Taylor's work is a provocative exploration into the historical process of the most eventful hundred years of the Habsburg monarchy.
'The First World War had begun - imposed on the statesmen of Europe by railway timetables. It was an unexpected climax to the railway age.' A. J. P. Taylor was one of the most acclaimed historians of the twentieth century. His most provocative legacy was his insistence on the roles of accident and inadvertence in the outbreak of both world wars. First published in 1969, his book 'War by Timetable' still resonates and informs debates. 'War By Timetable' is a history of the mobilisation of the armies of the Great Powers in 1914. Taylor not only argues that the circumstances were already set for a general war, he also examines the flaws in the war plans of the Great Powers. All the plans depended on railways, which had been timed to the minute, months or even years in advance. As the train platforms grew longer (to accommodate prospective armies) the odds upon a great conflict grew shorter. The timetables and limited resources that were meant to serve as a deterrent to war instead relentlessly drove the powers into a conflict that engulfed the world. A.J.P. Taylor (1906-90) was one of the most controversial historians of the twentieth century. He served as a lecturer at the Universities of Manchester, Oxford, and London. Taylor was significant both for the controversy his work on Germany and the Second World War engendered and for his role in the development of history on television. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
Beginning on August 4, 1914, the day Britain entered the "Great War," this book guides us through three decades of unparalleled upheaval and change in Britain that eventually lead to the defeat of Japan in 1945--a momentous event that marked the end of the Second World War. Twin themes of international conflict and mass unemployment in England predominate. And besides a full account of foreign and domestic politics that were enacted to deal with them, Taylor pays particular attention to the impact of events on everyday lives. It is an essential work from one of the finest historians of the twentieth century--a book that no one interested in British affairs will want to be without.
Biographical studies of Roosevelt, Stalin, Churchill, Hitler, and Mussolini portray them as exercising supreme command during World War II and a sixth sketch shows absence of such a figure in Japan
A FASCINATING ACCOUNT OF WAR BY ONE OF THE UK’S MOST INFLUENTIAL — AND READABLE — HISTORIANS.‘The most readable, sceptical and original of modern historians.’ Michael Foot‘Anything Mr Taylor writes is worth reading . . . he is our greatest popular historian since Macaulay.’ The Spectator‘His informal, pithy style makes the book compelling — even exciting — reading.’ The Irish TimesIN THIS TWO-BOOK HOW WARS BEGINWar has been one of the most destructive and decisive forces in history. But how do wars begin? The origins of war are complex. All are driven by a combination of public opinion, secret diplomacy, jingoism, armament manufacturers and even historians.A.J.P. Taylor examines eight major conflicts, from the Napoleonic era to the Cold War, discussing the motives and personalities of those behind the decisions that lead to war.HOW WARS ENDWhat, besides martial glory and the loss of countless lives, brings a war to an end? In this brilliant polemical essay, Taylor shows that even as conflicts end and normality and peace are restored, unexpected triggers, freak judgments and personal ambitions can prepare the ground for future conflict. He provides an engaging overview of the resolution of the great conflicts of the past.HOW WARS BEGIN was originally delivered as a series of impromptu lectures on BBC television in July 1977. HOW WARS END was his final lecture series on Channel 4 in 1985, five years before Taylor’s death. Both books are a fascinating and highly readable collection of the transcripts. Perfect for anyone interested in war, military studies or diplomacy.Alan John Percivale Taylor (1906–1990) was perhaps the best-known British historian of the twentieth century, celebrated for his accessible and frequently humorous style almost as much as for his academic prowess and insight. He popularised history through television and was a brilliant storyteller who could make the most complex historical narratives understandable to a wide audience.PRAISE FOR A.J.P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is no dust-dry tome, but an engaging and educational read.’ Rugby3⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Taylor is the best writer on diplomatic history. Always engaging.’ J. I. Bradley⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Taylor was one of the finest historians of the twentieth century, blessed with a unique ability to tell it as it is.’ Dennis F.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Informative and thoroughly readable.’ Kindle customer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘There's something about A.J.P. Taylor's writing that pulls you in.’ Soham C.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A.J.P. Taylor was the master of historical narrative.’ Kevin B.
War has been one of the most destructive and decisive forces in world history. But how do wars begin? In this provocative book, the AJP Taylor addresses one of the greatest questions in history. Taylor examines eight major conflicts, from the Napoleonic era to the Cold War, discussing the motives and personalities behind the decisions to go to war. Some wars had a long background, whilst others were brought about by the overweening ambitions of a single man - Napoleon at the beginning of the period, Hitler towards the end. Public opinion, secret diplomacy, jingoism, armament manufacturers, and even historians, have all played a role in setting nation against nation. But often, Taylor argues, the actual declaration of a war bears little relation to its profound cause. Wars in fact have sprung more from apprehension than from a lust for conquest. Every Great Power is suspicious of any likely or even unlikely rival. What seems defence to one will always appear as aggressive preparation to another. 'With nuclear weapons the Balance of Power has been replaced by the Balance of Terror,' writes Mr Taylor. 'This only means that the chances are less, not that they have been eliminated. In the old days the deterrent worked nine times out of ten. Now presumably it will work ninety-nine times out of a hundred. But if past experience is any guide, the hundredth occasion will come.' 'How Wars Begin' is a brilliant examination of one of the most challenging of all historical issues from one of the greatest historians of his generation. 'Anything Mr Taylor writes is worth reading ... he is our greatest popular historian since Macaulay' - The Spectator 'His informal, pithy style makes the book compelling - even exciting - reading' The Irish Times A.J.P. Taylor (1906-90) was one of the most controversial historians of the twentieth century. He served as a lecturer at the Universities of Manchester, Oxford, and London. Taylor was significant both for the controversy his work on Germany and the Second World War engendered and for his role in the development of history on television. His books include 'War By Timetable' and ‘The War Lords’, also published in e-book by Endeavour Press. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
A fine copy. As new. Later printing. Paper wrappers. Trade format. 608 pp. Illus. with b/w photos. Excellent overview by one of the most prolific military historians today.
AN INVALUABLE COLLECTION OF A.J.P. TAYLOR’S BBC LECTURES ON THE FIVE MOST INFLUENTIAL LEADERS IN WW2.‘Anything Mr Taylor writes is worth reading . . . he is our greatest popular historian since Macaulay.’ The Spectator‘His informal, pithy style makes the book compelling — even exciting — reading.’ The Irish Times‘He was a performer who made history fun.’ The Wilson Quarterly‘Such was his flair as a stylist that many of his books are likely to be read for pleasure.’ Dr Paul Addison, Reviews in HistoryThe Second World War was the most catastrophic conflict the world has ever known. It defined today’s global landscape.Every decision of this epic conflict was made by one of the five ‘war lords’: Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, Hitler and Mussolini.In this concise and provocative book, A.J.P. Taylor outlines the lives and legacies of the ‘war lords’. Those who had the most influence on the Second World War. He describes what drove their decisions and ambition, and how these five men changed the course of history.The War Lords was originally a series of improvised BBC TV lectures, first broadcast in 1976. This transcript of these lectures is ideal for anyone with an interest in the history of war in the twentieth century.Alan John Percivale Taylor (1906–1990) was perhaps the best-known British historian of the twentieth century, celebrated for his accessible and frequently humorous style almost as much as for his academic prowess and insight. He popularised history through television and was a brilliant storyteller who could make the most complex historical narratives understandable to a wide audience.PRAISE FOR A.J.P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Taylor was one of the preeminent historians of his day and this is an example of his clear, concise writing.’ Holly⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Excellent! Very informative as only A.J.P. Taylor could manage.’ Gareth⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Taylor was one of the finest historians of the twentieth century, blessed with a unique ability to tell it as it is.’ Dennis F.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Informative and thoroughly readable.’ Kindle customer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘There's something about A.J.P. Taylor's writing that pulls you in.’ Soham C.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A.J.P. Taylor was the master of historical narrative.’ Kevin B.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Taylor is the best writer on diplomatic history. Always engaging.’ J.I.B.
What, besides martial glory and the loss of countless lives, brings a war to an end?When can a war legitimately be said to be over?And can such things as the wholesale redrawing of frontiers ever create a lasting peace?Napoleon was defeated because his marshals were keener on their country estates than on fighting. World War I dragged on so long because neither side had stated what it was fighting for. And World War II, which started to finish in 1940, might arguably been over until 1958, when peace with Germany was finally declared.In this brilliant polemical essay, the historian AJP Taylor argues that the end of wars can be just as complex as their origins - and just as important for historians to understand.He shows how accidents, freak judgments, personal ambitions and, in Europe, the consistent problem of Poland, can prepare the ground for future conflict even as they provide a return to normality and peace.‘How Wars End’ provides a fascinating over-view of the resolution of the great conflicts of the past. It is required reading for any one interested in war, military studies or diplomacy.Praise for AJP `The most readable, sceptical and original of modern historians' — Michael Foot'Anything Mr Taylor writes is worth reading ... he is our greatest popular historian since Macaulay' - The Spectator'His informal, pithy style makes the book compelling - even exciting - reading' The Irish TimesA.J.P. Taylor (1906-90) was one of the most controversial historians of the twentieth century. He served as a lecturer at the Universities of Manchester, Oxford, and London. Taylor was significant both for the controversy his work on Germany and the Second World War engendered and for his role in the development of history on television. His books include 'War By Timetable', ‘How Wars Begin’ and ‘The War Lords’.Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
Children use all their senses to develop early learning skills at nursery. Tracing tactile numbers and counting and repeating will gently familiarise children with the shapes and sounds of numbers from 1 to 20.
Of his own titles this was A.J.P. Taylor's favourite. It is not hard to see why. The title alone provides a strong clue. He would always have an affinity with those engaged in such an activity. Derived from the Ford Lectures of 1956, A.J.P. Taylor in six vivid chapters examines Dissent over British Foreign Policy between 1792 and 1939. In his own words 'it is much the most exciting and interesting book I have written'.
s/t: Essays on 19th-Century EuropeA.J.P. Taylor could never be dull, least of all in the essay. The medium was perfect for his qualities. In expression he displayed elegant brevity: in argument paradox: in knowledge lightly-worn mastery. The result was an aphoristic concinnity only perhaps bettered among historians by Macaulay. Faber are reissuing three volumes of essays expertly assembled and introduced by Chris Wrigley. This first one presents a dazzlingly varied conspectus of A. J. P. Taylor's shorter writings on the nineteenth-century. 'Compulsively quotable and often very funny ...The range, volume and brio of his historical writing are astounding' - Roy Foster, "Independent on Sunday".
The controversial historian offers a candid account of his education, conversion to socialism, personal life, career as historian, and friendships with such personalities as Rebecca West, Lord Beaverbrook, and Lewis Namier
s/t: Essays on Twentieth-Century EuropeThis collection of original essays deals with serious issues and major figures of the British and continental European past in extremely accessible language. One of Britain's greatest historians combines his own and others' essays from earlier collections with pieces previously unpublished in volume form.
The Last of Old A Photographic Panorama from the 1850s to 1914; A Grand Tour with AJP Taylor
Brilliant and controversial, AJP Taylor is one of the most celebrated modern historians. This collection brings together some of his finest works. How Wars Begin - War has been one of the most destructive and decisive forces in world history. But how do wars begin? Taylor examines eight major conflicts, from the Napoleonic era to the late twentieth century, discussing the motives and personalities behind the decisions to go to war. How Wars End - What, besides martial glory and the loss of countless lives, brings a war to an end? In this brilliant polemical essay, Taylor shows how accidents, freak judgments, personal ambitions and, in Europe, the consistent problem of Poland, can prepare the ground for future conflict even as they provide a return to normality and peace. The War Lords - The Second World War, unlike the First, produced five great leaders. And whereas most modern wars have been run by committees and rival authorities, the Second World War was uniquely different. Once the British and French governments had declared war on Germany, virtually every decision of the epic conflict was made by one of these five men. Each was unmistakably a War Lord, determining the fate of mankind. But who were these men? And how much did they change the course of history? War By Timetable - a history of the mobilisation of the armies of the Great Powers in 1914. The timetables and limited resources that were meant to serve as a deterrent to war instead relentlessly drove the powers into a conflict that engulfed the world. War By Timetable is a must read for anyone interested in the origins of the First World War. Revolutions and Revolutionaries - From the fall of the Bastille to the storming of the Winter Palace in Moscow, Europe has been rocked by violent upheavals and dominated by insurrections. But why were some revolutions successful while others failed? Taylor examines Chartism, the British revolution that never was, before looking at the social and national revolutions of 1848 when European history, in Trevelyan's phrase, reached its turning point and failed to turn. In 1917 the Bolshevik seizure of power seemed to presage a new wave of revolutions but outside Russia the revolutionary impulse in Europe flagged and died. Praise for A. J. P. 'A dazzling exercise in revisionism which summed up Taylor's paradoxical, provocative and inventive approach to history' - The Times 'Taylor was a lifelong dissenter ... he shifted the ground of major debates' - Ben Pimlott, The Financial Times 'No historian of the past century has been more accessible' - Niall Ferguson, The Sunday Telegraph 'An almost faultless masterpiece' - The Observer 'Highly original and penetrating ... No one who has digested this enthralling work will ever be able to look at the period again in quite the same way' - The Sunday Telegraph A.J.P. Taylor (1906–90) was one of the most controversial historians of the twentieth century. He served as a lecturer at the Universities of Manchester, Oxford and London. Taylor was significant both for the controversy his work on Germany and the Second World War created and for his role in the development of history on television.
A Complete illustrated history of WWI
This collection of historical essays covers such leaders and thinkers as Napoleon, Metternich, Cavour, Garibaldi, Bismarck, Francis Joseph, Masaryk, Marx and Lenin.
A. J. P. Taylor could never be dull, least of all in the essay. The medium was perfect for his qualities. In expression he displayed elegant in argument in knowledge lightly-worn mastery. The result was an aphoristic concinnity only perhaps bettered among historians by Macaulay.Faber are reissuing three volumes of essays expertly assembled and introduced by Chris Wrigley.This third volume is the most wide-ranging, including essays on British Prime Ministers from Sir Robert Walpole to Anthony Eden; How Wars Begin; How Wars End; The Congress of Vienna and, one of his more unlikely heroes, Lord Beaverbrook.'He (Taylor) presented history in a vibrant, living, communicable form with many crucial messages for the present . . . this collection reminds is of his vast contribution.' Andrew Roberts, Daily Telegraph
Hardcover Publisher: Galahad Books; First Edition/First Printing edition (1978) Language: English ISBN-10: 0883654024 ISBN-13: 978-0883654026 Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds Average Customer Review: Be the first to review this item
by A.J.P. Taylor
Rating: 4.0 ⭐
A provocative analysis of Bismarck’s motives for colonial expansion. Professor Taylor’s analysis is original, meticulously documented, and, whether it delights or outrages the reader, unquestionably stimulating. In the years between 1881 and 1912, the European powers extended their influence and empires over Africa and large parts of Asia. In 1884, there was suddenly added to the old colonial rivals, France and England, a power which had hitherto confined itself strictly to the European continent: Germany. The German colonial empire was virtually the work of a single year. The Cameroons were established in July 1884, German South-West Africa in August, New Guinea in December 1884, and German East Africa was begun in May 1885. In this book, the noted English historian A. J. P. Taylor examines the reasons for Germany’s sudden entrance into the scramble for colonies.