{"title":"Books by Gareth Williams","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9780300284881","title":"The Impossible Bomb – The Hidden History of British Scientists and the Race to Create an Atomic Weapon","description":"The remarkable story of the forgotten British scientists who enabled the Manhattan Project to create the atomic bomb   Atomic weaponry is widely understood as a story of American scientific achievement—but scientists working in Britain played a vital role in its development. Including Nobel Prize winners and Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany, these scientists have long since been forgotten. But without their expertise, Robert Oppenheimer’s research at Los Alamos would never have succeeded.      Gareth Williams unearths the true story of the top-secret British atomic programme, codenamed “Tube Alloys,” established in 1940. These pioneering scientists struggled to convince sceptics in Britain and the USA that an atomic “super-bomb” capable of destroying entire cities was feasible, and could be built in time to influence the outcome of the Second World War. Williams shows how the British atomic programme, despite the often disruptive involvement of political leaders such as Winston Churchill, was vital to the success of the Manhattan Project.     The Impossible Bomb sheds new light on how humanity’s deadliest weapons came to exist—and the massive destruction they wrought.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56232642609525,"sku":"9780300284881","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780300284881_48522298-abef-4822-a206-b33a122b5bc1.jpg?v=1786012260"},{"product_id":"9780702334221","title":"Space","description":"Reveal sliding tabs within sliding tabs in this innovative,      interactive board book for toddlers!      With six scenes to explore and amazing planets, stars, moons, meteorites      and more to meet, little ones will love to practise their      fine motor skills by sliding and pulling the pages to reveal new      surprises and characters.         Also available: Super Sliders – Dinosaurs","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56295106642293,"sku":"9780702334221","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780702334221_47be8cfe-7cbd-41ef-a8fe-f8b95c689423.jpg?v=1786015041"},{"product_id":"9780714123400","title":"The Viking Ship","description":"The Viking ship is one of the most iconic images of the Vikings and the longship in particular has been central to our understanding of the Viking Age. The Vikings used their shipbuilding skills to command the sea and their famous ships permittedthe exploration, colonization and the raids for which they are best known.   This book explores the evolution of their sea-going vessels and celebrates this outstanding feature of the Viking Age. In addition to well-known ships such as the spectacular burials from Gokstad and Osebergin southern Norway, The Viking Ship features the newly-conserved longship Roskilde 6 from Denmark. Measuring over 37 metres, this is the longest Viking ship to have been discovered to date.   From Viking Age coins, brooches and graffiti, to the use of the Viking ship on contemporary banknotes, labelling and logos as a symbol of national and cultural identity, this book includes a surprising range of objects that have helped to shape our understanding of the Vikings and their ships.   With over 50 illustrations.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56296168817013,"sku":"9780714123400","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780714123400_0febb8d6-3aec-4ff5-9fd5-e29ed8646ace.jpg?v=1786015209"},{"product_id":"9780714128313","title":"The Vikings in Britain and Ireland","description":"For nearly three hundred years, the Vikings set out on voyages from Scandinavia reaching every corner of the northern world. As raiders, traders, explorers and colonizers, they had a profound impact on those cultures with which they came into contact. The  archaeological evidence of their settlements, burials and hoards, as well as the literature of their later sagas reveal a complex and fascinating culture.   The Vikings represent a dramatic time in the history of northern Europe and their legacy forms an important part of the cultural heritage of Britain and Ireland. This book explores Viking raids, conquest and settlement across these islands from the end of the eighth century to the raids of Magnus Barelegs, king of Norway, around 1100, examining their impact, their towns and society, language, trading activities and beliefs.   Written by three authors specializing in a range of disciplines, and drawing on the superb collection of the British Museum, together with finds, sites and monuments, The Vikings in Britain and Ireland is a well-illustrated introduction to the culture, daily life and times of the Vikings, and their legacy which is still visible today.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56296699003253,"sku":"9780714128313","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780714128313_94241ec3-ae4d-490e-846f-03253c7539dc.jpg?v=1786015240"},{"product_id":"9781472818355","title":"Weapons of the Viking Warrior","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBetween the late 8th and late 11th century Viking warriors had a massive impact, from the western Mediterranean round through northern Europe and the Baltic to the Middle East and Central Asia.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWritten by an expert on early medieval weaponry, this book examines the weapons of the typical Viking warrior, dispels some of the myths of the popular image, such as double-headed axes, and considers the range of weapons that actually underpinned the Vikings’ success including bows and arrows.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrawing upon contemporary literary and historical accounts from the North Atlantic to the Arab world, surviving examples of weapons and armour, and practical experimentation and reconstructions by modern weapon-smiths and re-enactors, this study casts new light on how Viking weapons were made and used in battle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300361449845,"sku":"9781472818355","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472818355_ff49a44f-7328-4ab6-a6a4-2ca4ad830486.jpg?v=1786020493"},{"product_id":"9781472818324","title":"Viking Warrior vs Anglo-Saxon Warrior","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn the two centuries before the Norman invasion of England, Anglo-Saxon and Viking forces clashed repeatedly in bloody battles across the country.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRepeated Viking victories in the 9th century led to their settlement in the north of the country, but the tide of war ebbed and flowed until the final Anglo-Saxon victory before the Norman Conquest. Using stunning artwork, this book examines in detail three battles between the two deadly foes: Ashdown in 871 which involved the future Alfred the Great; Maldon in 991 where an Anglo-Saxon army sought to counter a renewed Viking threat; and Stamford Bridge in 1066, in which King Harold Godwinesson abandoned his preparations to repel the expected Norman invasion in order to fight off Harald Hard-Counsel of Norway.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrawing upon historical accounts from both English and Scandinavian sources and from archaeological evidence, Gareth Williams presents a detailed comparison of the weaponry, tactics, strategies and underlying military organization of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, and considers the developments which took place on both sides in the two centuries of Viking incursions into Anglo-Saxon England.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56301109084533,"sku":"9781472818324","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472818324_e3aab857-bf2a-4553-adbf-9ae044053097.jpg?v=1786020493"},{"product_id":"9781783275397","title":"The Country Houses of Shropshire","description":"A gazetteer of the many fine Shropshire country houses, which covers the architecture, the owners' family history, and the social and economic circumstances that affected them.   Shropshire is the largest English inland county, and has a wide variety of important landed country houses, with owners from diverse social groups, with links to trade in Liverpool, Manchester and London as well as the local gentry. This book is not simply about the houses they built, but also about the people who lived in them and the context in which the houses are set. The architecture is of course fully covered. What is distinctive about the author's approach is that he treats the histories of the families, their artistic tastes and their estates, as an integral part of the character of each house. Country houses can serve as a barometer of national tastes and of the social and economic times in which they were built. The work includes reference to the important sporting associations, fine and decorative art collections, and to important guests and social networks. Unlike most architectural guides, this aims at a wider readership, and will be an important resource for social historians, genealogists and local historians.  The Country Houses of Shropshire considers the history of 347 identified houses of varying importance; those with a significant or influential history are given a main entry of up to 6000 words whilst lesser houses are treated with an entry of less than 1000 words. All houses have footnoted entries, enabling the reader to refer directly to source and to undertake further research themselves.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56305039442293,"sku":"9781783275397","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781783275397_adc61aaf-72a9-4703-adf9-cdd4b59b6c94.jpg?v=1786026195"},{"product_id":"9781841652023","title":"The Romans","description":"The power of the Roman Empire was at its peak in the second century AD but in fact it started in 753 BC when Rome was founded and only faded in 476 AD.\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback \/ softback","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56308249100661,"sku":"9781841652023","price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781841652023_84fe4635-e14c-4162-895a-c9b8a1534fc2.jpg?v=1786027997"},{"product_id":"9781915494559","title":"Rescuing Richard","description":"'Rescuing Richard' is a breathless quest that sweeps the reader from the blood-soaked battlefields of Zululand to the corridors of power in Regency London.   Richard is astonished when Shaka appoints him to his inner council, where he vies for influence with his friend, Napoleon Bonaparte. Drawn to a feisty, intelligent young Zulu woman, Richard wrestles with his conscience while confronting betrayal and colonial adventurers exploiting the land he is sworn to protect. Having helped equip the Zulu army with artillery, he is sent as ambassador to the court of King George, where he defends Zulu interests while trying to help an old acquaintance escape an abusive relationship.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56308912816501,"sku":"9781915494559","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781915494559_cfbad6f4-9f9d-4daa-826a-056cbf0b7ca2.jpg?v=1786030900"},{"product_id":"9781914913211","title":"Needing Napoleon","description":"'Needing Napoleon' is a remarkably original feat of imagination: an irresistible adventure that spirits the reader from present-day Paris to the battle of Waterloo and beyond.   Can you change what has already happened? As a history teacher, Richard Davey knows the answer. At least, he thinks he does. On holiday in Paris, he stumbles across a curious antiques shop. The eccentric owner reveals a secret Richard dares not believe. Richard's conviction that Napoleon Bonaparte should have won the Battle of Waterloo could be put to the test. Accurate historical detail collides with the paradox of time travel as an ordinary twenty-first-century man is plunged into the death throes of the French empire.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56309243740533,"sku":"9781914913211","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781914913211_dd873ba2-c4a4-4077-a382-cf956f74911e.jpg?v=1786030874"},{"product_id":"cambridge-igcse®-o-level-essential-biology-student-book-third-edition","title":"Cambridge IGCSE® \u0026 O Level Essential Biology: Student Book Third Edition","description":"The Cambridge IGCSE® \u0026amp; O Level Essential Biology Student Book is at the heart of delivering the course and provides a clear, step-by-step route though the syllabus that is ideal for EAL learners. It has been fully updated and matched to the latest Cambridge IGCSE (0610) \u0026amp; O Level (5090) Biology syllabuses.The book uses an engaging and exam-focused approach that is accessible to all abilities, with varied and flexible assessment support and exam-style questions that improve students' performance and ensure every learner reaches their full potential. It combines depth of subject matter and clarity of material with concise, well-presented content, and includes embedded language for EAL students.The Student Book is written by the experienced author team of our previous edition, Gareth Williams and Richard Fosbery, a Cambridge examiner. It has also been reviewed by subject experts globally to help meet teachers' needs.The Student Book is available in print, online or via a great-value print and online pack. The supporting Exam Success Guide and Practical Workbook help students achieve top marks in their exams, while the Workbook, for independent practice, strengthens exam potential inside and outside the classroom.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57483350802805,"sku":"9781382006033","price":30.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781382006033.jpg?v=1786178490"},{"product_id":"advanced-biology-for-you","title":"Advanced Biology For You","description":"From the same author as the popular first edition, the second edition of this trusted, accessible textbook breaks down content into manageable chunks to help students with the transition from GCSE to A Level study. It has been fully revised and updated for the new A Level specifications for first teaching September 2015, and is suitable for AQA, OCR, WJEC and Edexcel. 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Not forgetting the 'lost heroes' who fought to prove that DNA is the stuff of genes, only to be airbrushed out of history. In Unravelling the Double Helix, Professor Gareth Williams sets the record straight. He tells the story of DNA in the round, from its discovery in pus-soaked bandages in 1868 to the aftermath of Watson's best-seller The Double Helix a century later. You don't need to be a scientist to enjoy this book. It's a page-turner that unfolds like a detective story, with suspense, false leads and treachery, and a fabulous cast of noble heroes and back-stabbing villains. 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The saga of smallpox still resonates today, with its legacies including the anti-vaccination movement, and more recently, the nightmarish possibility that a virus resembling smallpox could return, either through natural evolution—as in the case of monkey-pox—or built from scratch in a bioterrorist’s laboratory. Given its greater infectivity and mortality, such a virus could lead to a much more devastating pandemic than COVID–19. Engagingly written with colourful characters and a riveting storyline, this rigorously researched second edition should appeal to anyone fascinated by the history of medicine, science or global health.   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