Naval & Military History Books

Set sail through our naval and military history books, where campaign accounts of the Napoleonic Wars sit alongside submarine histories, First World War trench memoirs and the regimental histories of Scotland's Highland regiments. Titles range from official histories and commanders' biographies to first-hand accounts written by the men who served. For the wider story of Britain at war, our British History Books collection carries the rest.

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Naval history and military history: from ship to shore

“England expects that every man will do his duty.”

— Admiral Lord Nelson, signal before the Battle of Trafalgar

A regimental history is written to be kept: bound in cloth or half-leather, with a roll of honour at the back and photographs of the men it commemorates. Naval and military history books carry that same sense of purpose, whether they are official campaign histories compiled soon after the fighting ended or the private memoirs of officers and ordinary servicemen who lived through it.

Our stock is genuinely broad within the subject: naval history covering the age of sail through to the submarine and destroyer fleets of the twentieth century, and military history spanning the Napoleonic Wars, the Boer War and both World Wars. Regimental histories are a particular strength, especially of Scotland's Highland regiments including the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the Seaforth Highlanders and the Black Watch, alongside biographies of commanders from Wellington to Montgomery.

Condition is described accurately for each book rather than assumed from its age, and we bring in new naval and military titles as they come into stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of naval and military history books do you have?

Our collection spans naval history, including ship histories and accounts of the submarine service, alongside military and regimental histories covering conflicts from the Napoleonic Wars to the Second World War, plus much more.

Do you have books about specific regiments, such as the Highland regiments?

Yes. We regularly stock histories of Scottish regiments such as the Seaforth Highlanders, the Black Watch and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, as well as English and Welsh regiments including the Welsh Guards, when we have them in stock.

What condition are your naval and military history books in?

We photograph each book closely so you can see its binding, pages and any wear before you buy. Condition varies from book to book, and anything worth knowing is noted in the listing.

Are naval and military history books a good gift?

They make a thoughtful gift for anyone with an interest in military or naval history, from a specific regiment or campaign to the wider story of Britain at war. Choosing by subject rather than by birth year tends to work best, since our stock spans everything from the eighteenth century to modern reprints.

Are these first-hand accounts, or later histories?

Both. We stock official and academic histories written well after the events they cover, alongside memoirs and first-hand accounts written by the servicemen who were there, some published soon after the war and others written years later.

Do you have aviation or Royal Air Force books?

Yes, we regularly stock aviation books covering RAF squadrons, aircraft types and pilots' accounts, including Second World War titles on subjects such as Spitfires, Hurricanes and bomber squadrons, when we have them in stock.

Do you have general history books as well?

Yes, our British History Books collection covers the wider British story, and our History Books hub brings together all of our history collections in one place.

Do you ship naval and military history books internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide, and UK orders over £50 qualify for free shipping.

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