The pioneers who attempted the first climbs in 1922 and 1924 knew nothing about the mountain other than its height. They had to learn the hard way about the lack of oxygen, the jet-stream winds, the illnesses of altitude, and the vital importance of the Sherpas. They fought cerebral oedema, frostbite, hypothermia and raging thirst in the cold, thin air. They had to find a route, avoid avalanches, and work out what to do when confronted by an insuperable rock climb at extreme altitude. Many of them died.

Howard Somervell was Mallory’s closest friend on the mountain in 1922 and 1924. He was an exceptionally gifted man: he had a double first at Cambridge, he was a talented artist and an accomplished musician. He served as a surgeon at the Battle of the Somme during the First World War and was one of the foremost alpinists of the day when he was invited to join the 1922 Mount Everest expedition. After Everest he was awarded an Olympic gold medal for Alpinism in 1924. But in India he will be remembered as a surgeon who dedicated the remainder of his life to healing the sick.

Those pioneers showed the way. Somervell took part in the first attempt to climb the mountain, and his oxygen-free height record in 1924 stood for over 50 years. On his descent he sat down alone suffocating from a frost-bitten larynx. He prepared to die, but at the last moment performed a medical manoeuvre which cleared his airway. He survived to struggle back down.

Howard Somervell was my cousin, and I am one of the last Everesters left alive to have spoken with a climber from George Mallory’s party.

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Neighbouring the world-renowned Pompeii, the town of Herculaneum is the neglected victim of Vesuvius. It was uniquely preserved in the aftermath of the eruption, and in many ways gives us unparalleled windows into the past.

For the first time, this fascinating new history tells the story of Herculaneum and the people who lived there. Through the eyes of the Weaver, the Slave Girl and the Pregnant Lady, the Soldier, the Fisherman and the Boxer, as well as relevant buildings and the archaeological discoveries of the past 20 years it is possible to hear their voices and build a historical picture that is more colourful, complete and alive than has ever been possible before.

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From Henry VII to Elizabeth I, this delightful book answers all these questions and more. Come with us as we delve into the people and places behind the Tudor myths & legends that are so world famous.

Through various tales exploring the whole of the glittering dynasty, we’ll learn about the lesser-known facts and figures behind these myths. Each reign serves up a wealth of fascinating historical stories to reveal the Tudor world in a new light.

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With this refreshing take on the Queen of Crime’s connections to the city in both her life and writing, Tina Hodgkinson follows in Christie’s footsteps, visiting her former homes, fashionable restaurants, luxury hotels and other London locations that she and her characters frequented. Discover the Apothecaries’ Hall in the City of London, where Agatha sat her medical exams, the hospital she worked in during the Second World War, the former headquarters of the ‘Detection Club’ and the theatres, where her plays were performed.

Christie wrote about the capital in every decade of her extensive literary career, and this detailed but accessible compendium will delight Christie fans both old and new.

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Alfred the Great saves Wessex from Viking invaders. His son Edward the Elder pushes the Vikings back into northern England. Athelstan, Edward’s son, becomes the first King of England in 927 and, routing Irish Vikings and Scots in England’s bloodiest battle at Brunanburh in 937, his dominance is complete.

Eric Bloodaxe succeeds his father becoming Norway’s second king. However, Harald had fostered his youngest son Hakon with Athelstan who backs Hakon’s challenge for Norway. Eric is overthrown and Hakon becomes third King of Norway.

Eric flees to Britain where England’s third king, Edred, allows him the throne in York. Eric soon loses that crown yet four years later he becomes King in York for a second time. In 954 Eric is slaughtered in an ambush in Cumbria. There will be no more kings in York.

A 100-year Game of Thrones as kings rise and fall around the North Sea.

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