I try to make my non-fiction as vigorous and lively as my fiction, while retaining scholarly accuracy.

My focus is on history, conducting original research and producing accessible syntheses of topics and eras.

The two latest books are brand new editions of works specially written for the enormously successful Teach Yourself series. Each is web-linked and set out in a simpler, more accessible format.

Both books were very, very tricky to write, as I have sought to produce a fair and accurate introduction that does not boil the blood of Arabs, Israelis, Iranians, Americans…

The Middle East:

According to the Amazon blurb:

“Understand the Middle East (since 1945) is an essential guide to one of the world’s most turbulent regions. It examines the origins and development of the events that have dominated the headlines for the last six decades.

Covering everything from religion and politics in the aftermath of the Second World War to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, war in Iraq and the terrorism of the present day it will change the way you think about the region.”

Hope so!

[Paperback £9.99: Available from Amazon.]


and Israel-Palestine:

Having lived and worked in the Middle East for a number of years, this book is as objective an account as I can manage of the events of the last tragic and blood-bespattered century.

Seeking the truth?

Forget the propaganda coming from all sides... read the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict...

[Paperback £9.99: Available from Amazon.]

An exciting recent venture:

Commissioned by the Science Museum, London ... full of fascinating fact and controversy ... essential reading for all sports lovers ... input from many leading figures in the world of sport ...

[Published by Wiley, 2008, paperback £12.99: Available from Amazon]

And some old favourites:

(Left to right)
Ancient Scotland (hb & pb, House of Lochar and Barnes and Noble, USA). Amazon
Monarchs of Scotland (hb & pb, House of Lochar). 'An essential for any student of history,' The Scots Magazine. Amazon
The Stewart Dynasty (hb & pb, House of Lochar). 'Fascinating reading... Well researched and well written,' North of Scotland. Amazon
The British Monarchy From Henry VIII (pb, Teach Yourself History series, Hodder Arnold). Amazon
Admiral Sir Francis Bridgeman (hb, Baily's). 'A very fine historical work of fascinating interest - a masterpiece.' Admiral of the Fleet Sir Henry Leach GCB DL. Amazon

Out of print but well worth tracking down:

A couple of cracking historical novels set in the 17th century
(but not for children!):

And this charming ramble around the land of my ancestors:

'A comprehensive and detailed guide to the political, social, defensive and mythical significances of those included.' History Today.

[House of Lochar, 1990, hb and pb, 2nd hand only.] Amazon