Best Welsh History Books of 2025

Diana: Her True Story--in Her Own Words is a sensational biography of Princess Diana, written with her cooperation and now featuring exclusive new material to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her death. The book offers a raw and unfiltered insight into Diana's life and mind, revealing her unhappy marriage, her relationship with the Queen, her extraordinary life inside the House of Windsor, her hopes, her fears, and her dreams. Biographer Andrew Morton has revisited the secret tapes he and the late princess made to reveal startling new insights into her life and mind. Overall, this book is a unique literary classic and a must-read for anyone interested in the British monarchy and the legacy of Princess Diana.

The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook: Teatime Drinks, Scones, Savories & Sweets is an elegant cookbook that captures the essence of teatime at Downton Abbey with classic recipes for sweets and savories, etiquette notes, tea service know-how, and lavish imagery to recreate this British tradition. This charming cookbook features a detailed narrative history and extols the proper decorum for teatime service, from tea gowns and tearooms to preparing and serving tea. The gorgeous food photographs and character quotes bring the characters of Downton Abbey to life in contemporary times. Overall, this cookbook is a must-have for fans of the PBS series and anglophiles alike who want to stage every stylish element of this cultural staple of British society at home.

Courtiers: Intrigue, Ambition, and the Power Players Behind the House of Windsor is an insightful book that delves into the inner workings of the British monarchy. Valentine Low provides a gripping account of the courtiers who guide the royal family and how they navigate the delicate balance between public duty and private life. The book sheds light on the challenges faced by the royal family, including the tensions within the family and the need to make an ancient institution relevant in the modern world. Low's exploration of the complex characters and shifting alliances behind the monarchy makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in British history and the royal family.

The Queen: Her Life, written by Andrew Morton, is a comprehensive account of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The book explores her ascension to the throne at a young age, her struggles and triumphs as a monarch, and the challenges she faced within her own family. Despite facing setbacks and resistance, Queen Elizabeth remained resolute in her role as a cultural, social, and political leader. Morton's narrative hits all the plot points, making it a must-read for those interested in British history and the royal family. Overall, this book offers a fascinating insight into the life of one of the greatest sovereigns of the modern era.

Coronation: A History of the British Monarchy is a comprehensive and fascinating account of the coronation ritual and its significance in terms of the committal of monarch to people. Roy Strong sets each coronation into its political, social, religious and cultural context, telling the story of the British monarchy since the tenth century. The book particularly concentrates on post-1603 developments, including the incredible story of the Stuarts. Strong speculates as to the revisions now called for to the ritual and pageantry to meet the changes in the role of the monarchy in the future. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the British monarchy.

The National Trust Book of Scones is a delightful and quirky guide to 50 National Trust properties and their accompanying scone recipes. Sarah Clelland has curated a collection of 50 recipes from National Trust experts, providing readers with a range of delicious scone options. The book is perfect for history lovers and foodies alike, as it combines fascinating facts about each property with mouth-watering recipes. The book is a must-have for anyone looking to indulge in a bit of baking and history.

The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication by Alexander Larman is a thrilling and definitive account of the Abdication Crisis of 1936. The book provides a new and suspenseful narrative of this legendary story, focusing on King Edward and Mrs. Simpson, as well as the roles played by those who stood against him and those who supported him. Larman's use of revelatory archival material and interviews with close friends of Edward and Wallis makes this book unique. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the British monarchy.

The "History of Britain and Ireland: The Definitive Visual Guide" by DK is a comprehensive and engaging overview of the rich history of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. With over 700 illustrations and accessible text, this ebook covers six distinct periods of British and Irish history, from Stone Age Britain to the present day. It highlights key figures, major events, and their wider context, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to learn more about the fascinating story of these countries. The book's unique design and approach make it a standout in the genre of history books. Overall, it is a highly recommended read for students, families, and history enthusiasts alike.

The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook Gift Set is a delightful addition to any Downton Abbey fan's collection. The cookbook contains over 100 recipes that showcase the cookery and customs of the Crawley household. Food historian Annie Gray provides a fascinating insight into the background of the dishes that were popular between 1912 and 1926. The cookbook also includes a special section on hosting Downton-themed dinner parties, stills from the TV series, and the latest film. The gift set edition includes a giftable apron that Downton fans will love. Overall, this cookbook is a must-have for fans of the show and those interested in historical cooking.

Battleship Bismarck: A Design and Operational History is a comprehensive analysis of Germany's greatest battleship. The authors, drawing on survivors' accounts and their own experience in naval architecture and command at sea, have conducted fifty-six years of research to present an encyclopedic account of one of the most epic naval battles of World War II. The book resolves some of the major questions surrounding the loss of the Bismarck and is an engrossing read for history buffs and naval enthusiasts alike.