"Arms and the Man" by George Bernard Shaw is a witty and satirical play that explores themes of war, love, and the illusions of heroism. Set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War of 1885, the play follows the romantic entanglements of its characters against the backdrop of military conflict. Shaw's protagonist, Captain Bluntschli, challenges traditional notions of heroism with his pragmatic and cynical views on warfare. Through sharp dialogue and humorous situations, Shaw critiques the romanticized ideals of war and nationalism, offering a biting commentary on the futility of armed conflict. As the characters navigate the complexities of love and honor, they confront their own illusions and prejudices, leading to unexpected revelations and personal growth. "Arms and the Man" is a thought-provoking and entertaining play that continues to captivate audiences with its wit, intelligence, and timeless relevance. Shaw's clever satire and incisive social commentary ensure that the play remains a classic of modern drama, celebrated for its sharp insights into the human condition and its enduring relevance in today's world.

Volume 1 of Waugh's Sword of Honour trilogy. The other two volumes are Officers and Gentlemen and The End of the Battle (UK title Unconditional Surrender). The novel is semi-autobiographical and reflects Waugh's experiences during the Second World War, while giving a satirical view of military bureaucracy. There is a strong religious element.

From the acclaimed master of historical fiction comes an epic saga about a reluctant hero, the Roman Empire, and the rise of a new faith. Jerusalem and the Sinai desert, first century AD. In the turbulent aftermath of the crucifixion of Jesus, officers of the Roman Empire acquire intelligence of a pilgrim bearing an incendiary letter from a religious fanatic to insurrectionists in Corinth. The content of this letter could bring down the empire. The Romans hire a former legionary, the solitary man-at-arms, Telamon of Arcadia, to intercept the letter and capture its courier. Telamon operates by a dark code all his own, with no room for noble causes or lofty beliefs. But once he overtakes the courier, something happens that neither he nor the empire could have predicted. In his first novel of the ancient world in thirteen years, the best-selling author of Gates of Fire and Tides of War returns with a gripping saga of conquest and rebellion, bloodshed and faith.

Corporal Carrot has been promoted! He’s now in charge of the new recruits guarding Ankh-Morpork, Discworld’s greatest city, from Barbarian Tribes, Miscellaneous Marauders, unlicensed Thieves, and such. It’s a big job, particularly for an adopted dwarf. But an even bigger job awaits. An ancient document has just revealed that Ankh-Morpork, ruled for decades by Disorganized crime, has a secret sovereign! And his name is Carrot . . . And so begins the most awesome epic encounter of all time, or at least all afternoon, in which the fate of a city—indeed of the universe itself!—depends on a young man’s courage, an ancient sword’s magic, and a three-legged poodle’s bladder.

On 1 July 1881 Viscount Cardwell's wholesale reorganisation of the British Army brought into existence Priness Louise's Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Both had existed as separate regiments even before their official incorporation into the British Army and on the face of it, this seemed a highly improbable union, Being separated both geographically and historically they had never even served together in the same theatre. Yet, as history has shown, this unlikely combination proved to be a tremendous success. William McElwee tells the story of this most famous of regiments which has served with distinction in two world wars and beyond.