The History Press

06/10/2025

On this day in 1847, Jane Eyre was published by Smith, Elder & Co. ✨

Charlotte Brontë, writing under the pseudonym Currer Bell, told the story of an orphan girl who becomes a governess, a book that became an instant success.📘

But did you know the dedication caused quite a scandal? 😱
Charlotte dedicated Jane Eyre to her literary hero, William Makepeace Thackeray, unaware that he actually had a wife who was mentally ill and confined at home. London society assumed this mysterious “Currer Bell” knew Thackeray personally, and that Rochester was based on him!

When they eventually met, Thackeray laughed it off, but Charlotte was mortified when she learned the truth.😥

Discover more about Charlotte Brontë and the story behind Jane Eyre, in 'The Invention of Charlotte Brontë' here: https://buff.ly/dk4009G

06/10/2025

📰 In The Guardian today! A fabulous feature on 'Children of the Wicker Man' (out 23 Oct) by the sons of the iconic director. Learn the real story of the ‘frayed and fractious’ process behind this cult classic, and about the family that paid the price 👉

Exclusive: Documents show ‘hostile’ director and ‘self-indulgent’ writer were at loggerheads during production of 1973 cult horror film

05/10/2025

Titles coming this month!⭐🥳

Whether you are a horror film fan, Tudor history obsessed, or wanting to discover more about Black Britain, we have a book coming this month for you!📚

Let us know in the comments which you are most excited for!🤩

04/10/2025

Did you know that this woman helped spark what became the Notting Hill Carnival?🪘🎶

This is Claudia Jones. Born in Trinidad, raised in Harlem, and exiled to Britain, Claudia was a journalist, feminist, and fearless activist.📰

She founded the West Indian Gazette which is considered the UK’s first major Black community newspaper. Often called the “mother of Caribbean carnival” in the UK, she also wrote groundbreaking work on the struggles of Black women.🌍🚺

This Black History Month we are highlighting Black trailblazers who shaped history! You can learn more about Claudia Jones and many more influential people of colour in 'Ink!'🤩

Pre-order link!📕 https://buff.ly/36Df3EU

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03/10/2025

A sneak peak inside the BRAND NEW 'PrettyCityLondon Vol II'!📗🍂🥮

London looks so beautiful in the Autumn!😍 The book is the perfect companion for your next trip into the city, whether you are a tourist, a local or photography buff.📸

Discover Siobhan's guide to the hidden gems of our capital.🎡 Get you copy now!📘https://buff.ly/r3t0kFb

03/10/2025

Rachel Trethewey attended Burford Literary Festival for a talk about Lady Sydney Redesdale, the seventh Mitford woman and the subject of her new book, 'Muv: The Story of the Mitford Girls’ Mother.'

The wonderful stack of Muv can be found at The Madhatter Bookshop in Burford 📖✨ Huge thanks to the warm and engaged audience who came along!

Get your copy of 'Muv' here: https://buff.ly/04BR2QJ

02/10/2025

Happy Publication Day! 🎉

'Whitney Straight' tells the remarkable story of one of the twentieth century’s greatest mavericks. Discover the extraordinary life of racing driver, war hero, and industrialist Whitney Straight in this compelling new biography.🏎️🏁✈️

Get your copy here📖: https://buff.ly/THHDwPc

02/10/2025

Dermot Turing and Claire Hubbard-Hall were in conversation at Bletchley Park, the historic home of WWII codebreaking.📢📕

They discussed 'Misread Signals', Turing’s new book that, for the first time, uncovers the hidden stories of the female codebreakers who were long airbrushed from the official records.👩‍🏫

A huge thank you to Bletchley Park, Claire Hubbard-Hall, and everyone who joined us! It was a wonderful event!🏫

Get your copy of Misread Signals here📖: https://buff.ly/irLv7Qf

01/10/2025

On this day in 1969, The Beatles’ legendary album Abbey Road was released in the United States.🎸💿

By 1969, The Beatles had already conquered America and Abbey Road only cemented their status as the biggest band in the world.🌍🎶

Want to know more about how The Beatles broke into the American music market to become the biggest band in the world? Read the full story here: https://buff.ly/nIy7wgJ

01/10/2025

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH! ⭐

Throughout October, we will be shining a light on Black trailblazers who shaped history, but didn’t get the recognition they deserve.✨

Tell us in the comments: Who’s one figure from Black history that inspires you? We may feature them in one of our spotlights!💬

30/09/2025

COVER REVEAL!🔥 1976. The year that shaped the modern world.

This book is a kaleidoscopic social history filled with searing heat, political turmoil, and a revolution in popular culture. From upheaval on the world stage to the music, fashion, and movements that redefined a generation. Relive 1976 in all its scorching glory.🎸👗

Coming soon! Pre-order your copy here✨: https://buff.ly/XqBxReB

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