Rupert Matthews

Take an in-depth look at the history of arms and armour in this handy pocket-sized book bursting with giant facts. From the earliest weapons to Roman legions, Samurai warriors and modern warfare, discover how arms and armour have been used in battle.

A comprehensive examination of Hitler's military strategies.

Beginning with the strategic situation in 1943, this compelling tale recounts the circumstances that led to this decisive battle that was a key turning point of the Second World War on the Eastern Front. Considered by both the Germans and the Soviets to be a highly unpromising place to fight a battle, Kursk would prove the undoing of the Germans. Recalling the various stages of the fighting, the early tactical advantage of the Germans and the subsequent Soviet victory, Kursk is a fascinating account of a major campaign that involved more than 3 million men, 8,000 tanks, 40,000 guns and 5,500 aircraft.

The moment has come: all the gladiator's training was now to be put to the test. As he entered the arena, he was hit by the deafening noise of the crowd... Learn all about what makes a great gladiator in Fearless Warriors: Gladiators. Discover the customs and traditions, the training and the stars of the most popular sport of Ancient Rome.The series examines some of history's most fearless fighters. It looks at their training, weapons and fighting methods, as well as examining some of their most famous battles and fiercest warriors. Each title has sections focusing on aspects of their training, their battles or biographies of individual warriors. A useful timeline and a quiz to test your knowledge are at the back of each book. Ideal for readers aged 9 and up.

What do future paleontologists love even more than reading about prehistoric life? They're crazy about seeing imaginative illustrations of ferocious dinosaurs, giant insects, and other incredible organisms This high-interest volume combines 100 facts about prehistoric life with vivid illustrations and instructive photographs. Among the appealing science topics featured are fossils, extinction, and the appearance of human ancestors. Connected activities (such as making an edible reptile ) supply an interactive experience, while fun quizzes allow readers to assess their comprehension of the intriguing subject matter.

Today, many people use the word "ninja" to describe being particularly good or stealthy about something. But ninjas were real Japanese fighters Most active from about 1450 to just after 1600, ninjas were highly trained, silent killers. Readers learn to parse the truth from the legends about ninjas through detailed historical content, including the 18 skills ninjas of the 1700s were taught. A colorful layout and up-close photographs of ninja weapons enhance the high-interest topic and emphasize the amazing truths of these fearless fighters throughout history.

Historians estimate that the Mongols killed 40 million people--women and children included. Fierce, ruthless warriors, the Mongols were protecting an enormous empire spanning much of Asia and Europe. From Genghis Khan to his equally notorious son Ogedai Khan, this volume introduces readers to one of the bloodiest wars ever fought. Historical images highlight some of the most devastating moments, such as the conquest of Baghdad, while chapters focusing on the Mongols' battle tactics show readers just how they conquered so much land. A detailed timeline organizes the history of the empire for readers' reference.

The Romans who fearlessly fought in the Colosseum had varied backgrounds. Some were slaves and criminals forced to fight to the death. Others trained and volunteered for the task. Their goal was clear from the first step in the arena: the floor was sandy, so blood would be easy to clean up. Gladiator combat is a common topic when discussing the Roman Empire. Readers of this volume, however, will discover all the incredible details of gladiator life from the porridge they ate to the muscle massages they received A glossary of gladiator terms and a timeline complement the main content.

Spartan soldiers trained for life. As long as they could walk, men into their 70s took part in the vigorous, brutal preparation for war. Strength was so valued, weak babies were left to die on a nearby mountain. Readers learn about these fearless fighters, as well as Spartan cultivation of strength, through historical images and detailed descriptions of Spartan warfare, soldier training, and more. Fully supportive of the social studies curriculum, the main content guides readers through the story of the 300 and King Leonidas and weapons and armor of this ancient Greek city-state.

Historians estimate that the Mongols killed 40 million people--women and children included. Fierce, ruthless warriors, the Mongols were protecting an enormous empire spanning much of Asia and Europe. From Genghis Khan to his equally notorious son Ogedai Khan, this volume introduces readers to one of the bloodiest wars ever fought. Historical images highlight some of the most devastating moments, such as the conquest of Baghdad, while chapters focusing on the Mongols' battle tactics show readers just how they conquered so much land. A detailed timeline organizes the history of the empire for readers' reference.

The native people of the Americas never had a chance against European soldiers. The troops of the conquistadors had guns and armor, not to mention new diseases As readers are drawn through the bloody history of early settlement in the New World, they'll learn about the conquistadors' wish for gold and to convert the native peoples to Christianity. Chapters focusing on major conquistadors--including de Coronado, Pizarro, Cortes, and more--incorporate major topics from the social studies curriculum. Full-color maps show the European domination of the Americas and enhance the main content's detailed account of what they found there.

Spartan soldiers trained for life. As long as they could walk, men into their 70s took part in the vigorous, brutal preparation for war. Strength was so valued, weak babies were left to die on a nearby mountain. Readers learn about these fearless fighters, as well as Spartan cultivation of strength, through historical images and detailed descriptions of Spartan warfare, soldier training, and more. Fully supportive of the social studies curriculum, the main content guides readers through the story of the 300 and King Leonidas and weapons and armor of this ancient Greek city-state.

From heart-stopping accounts of apparitions, manifestations and related supernatural phenomena to first-hand encounters with spectres and spirits, this collection of stories contains new and well-known spooky tales from around the county of Surrey. Drawing on historical and contemporary sources, the author has scoured the length and breadth of the county to include accounts of the ghostly monks at Newark Priory, the spirit riders of a horse and carriage at Hog’s Back, the ghost of a naked woman in the Silent Pool, apparitions in 1930s’ clothing at Kenley railway station, and the notorious old rake Field Marshal Ligonier at Cobham – and many more!

From the historic county town of Winchester to the coastal ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, and from the rural villages of the New Forest to the market towns in the heart of the county, Hampshire is a unique and varied county with a rich cultural heritage. Hampshire Past & Present contrasts a selection of 100 old photographs alongside modern ones taken from similar locations, to demonstrate the changes that have occurred in a scene over the intervening years. Fascinating images of city centres, housing, shops, and people at work and play bring Hampshire’s history to life. It is a captivating insight into the changes and developments that have taken place over the years, and an enjoyable read from cover to cover.

The Little Book of Surrey is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. The county’s most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters, royal connections and literally hundreds of wacky facts about Surrey’s landscape, towns and villages (plus some authentically bizarre bits of historic trivia), come together to make it essential reading for visitors and locals alike.

The paranormal is a subject of endless fascination to the book-buying public. There is an insatiable appetite for tales of UFOs, ghosts, bigfoot and other features of our world that are frequently reported by eye-witnesses, but are not yet accepted by science as being genuine phenomena or events. This little book introduces the reader to the world of the paranormal and entertains them with numerous anecdotes, snippets of information and lists of events. Rupert Matthews has produced an amusing, and yet serious volume that will leave the reader wondering just why scientists refuse to study the amazing world of the paranormal. The book is divided into eight chapters, including: UFOs and aliens, Bigfoot and man-apes, ghosts and hauntings, sea-serpents and lake monsters, predictions and curses, poltergeists, paranormal humans and ‘going beyond’ – which deals near-death experiences and mediumship. This is a thought-provoking book covering all aspects of the paranormal in an accessible and entertaining way.

The county of Surrey may wear a face of suburban and rural normality, but lurking not far below the surface is an unequalled amount of paranormal activity and strangeness. In this volume, well-known local author Rupert Matthews, an expert on the subject of the paranormal, draws together a terrifying and intriguing collection of first-hand accounts and long-forgotten archive reports from the county's history. From big cat sightings and ancient monsters to poltergeists and UFOs, this compendium of the bizarre events that have shocked and frightened the residents of Surrey is richly illustrated with a range of modern photographs and archive images. Finally revealing the story behind many of Surrey's most famous myths and legends, whilst also shedding light on some lesser known paranormal phenomena, this book will fascinate those who are unaware of this side of the county's character.

In this, the fourth book of Spellmount's Campaign in Context series, Rupert Matthews looks to the ill-fated invasion of England by King Philip II of Spain. The Armada of 22 warships and 108 converted merchant vessels sailed under the command of the Duke of Medina Sidonia in 1588, but found itself harried by storms, fireships, and the redoubtable English fleet. In The Spanish Armada, Rupert Matthews considers the characters of the commanders such as Francis Drake, Medina, and the opposing monarchs, and as with his previous titles in the series he carefully balances the evidence from textual sources with knowledge of the theatre and reconstructed weaponry in order to explain the events of the battle to the general reader, and the context in which it took place.