Books WE love

Our top recommendations for fans of non-fiction.

Humankind: A Hopeful History

Rutger Bregman

Were people happier in the olden days? Author and historian Rutger Bregman wonders if – in our distant history, when we foraged, hunted and gathered – we all got along a lot better, and whether it’s the ways of the modern world that make us not trust each other.

This fascinating book looks at the idea that we’re all fundamentally well intentioned, and how we can build a world that allows us to be our best.

Bloomsbury Publishing, RRP £20.

Kensington Palace

Tom Quinn

Home to the younger Royals for 200 years, Kensington Palace has a fascinating history all of its own. Queen Victoria once spent 18 years here, practically held prisoner, while Charles and Diana’s unhappy marriage played out amongst its many rooms. The author goes behind the scenes to reveal the incredible stories from its past: how George III’s sixth son became a recluse here, obsessively collecting clocks, to becoming the happy home of William and Kate.

Biteback, £20.

The World Aflame: The Long War, 1914-1945

Dan Jones and Marina Amaral

This collaboration between British historian Dan Jones and Brazilian artist Marina Amaral is stunning to look at. Amaral has coloured images from the two world wars and the difficult time in between, bringing them to life on the page.

The colouring is so expertly done that the images almost seem three-dimensional. Dan Jones tells the back story of the entire conflict in between the photos.

Apollo, £25.

The Happy Pear: Vegan Cooking for Everyone

David and Stephen Flynn

Chefs (and twins) Dave and Steve Flynn have been cooking plant-based cuisine for over 20 years. They now have four cafés and a farm to their name, and run cookery courses as well as publishing vegan cookbooks.

Both of them switched to a plantbased diet within a week of each other, and in this new book they promise to show you how to simply prepare more plant-based meals, whether you’re going vegan, vegetarian or just wanting to top up your five-a-day.

Penguin Ireland, £20.

Lancaster: The Forging Of A Very British Legend

John Nichol

Told by a former RAF navigator, this book looks at the human story behind one of the most iconic aircraft of World War II. Exactly 7,337 Lancasters were built and more than half were lost during the conflict. Pilots flying missions for Bomber Command had only a 40% chance of returning home. John tells the stories of those who flew in or worked with the Lancasters, and their critical role in the Allied victory.

Simon & Schuster UK, £20.

Wild Child: Coming Home To Nature

Patrick Barkham

Childhood should be about climbing trees, exploring woods and spotting animals, yet for many of today’s children, nature is barely a part of their lives. Through looking back at his own upbringing, nature writer Patrick Barkham celebrates the importance of the outdoors in our youth. By doing so, he reminds all of us of the joy that is to be found in nature, whatever age we are.

Granta Books, £16.99.