Portrays Elizabeth I's turbulent life and times and the achievements of the talented men of the time, among them Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh and William Shakespeare. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

For more than 1,000 years the English have been making gardens - ten centuries successfully combating the forces of nature, amidst an erratic, unpredictable climate, and in the wake of four successive ice-ages which destroyed all but the hardiest native plants. The unfolding story of our gardens closely follows the development of the nation, most particularly its magnificent architecture, providing dazzling contribution to England's cultural heritage and fascinating insight into profound social changes over the centuries. Some English gardens remain in an historic time warp, whilst a number of the larger ones demonstrate a complete history of gardens within their own boundaries. This book selects just some of the country's numerous outstanding gardens, and key areas within them, to portray the colourful progress of the English garden from its origins to the present day.

Branded one of the greatest villains of all time, the name Guy Fawkes is synonymous with a spectacular crime that never was - the Gunpowder Plot. But who was this young man, caught up in a world of intrigue, treachery, betrayal, spies, double agents and informers? Why did he become involved in this plan to bring down the government and monarchy? Who were his fellow conspirators? And who was really responsible for orchestrating this would-be act of treason? Unravel these mysteries, discover why the scheme failed and the eventual fate of the doomed plotters in this informative and finely illustrated Pitkin Guide.

Capability Brown was a man made for his time. Read about his life and work in this absorbing biography.

Dramatic incidents such as the Great Fire of London, the Black Death and the Gunpowder Plot have always captured the imagination. Equally fascinating are the causes and long-term effects on the lives of ordinary people caught up in the consequences of extraordinary events. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

Part of the Pitkin History of Britain series (linked to key stages 3 and 4 of the National Curriculum), this book draws on eye-witness accounts and contemporary documents to bring alive the personalities and events of the time. It also takes a fresh look at this glorious period. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, specially further titles in this series.

Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, specially other titles in the Pitkin History of Britain series. Suitable for Key Stages 3 and 4 of the National Curriculum. More titles in the History of Britain Series