Eighteen

A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives

Alice Loxton author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Pan Macmillan

Published:15th Aug '24

Should be back in stock very soon

This hardback is available in another edition too:

Eighteen cover

Bestselling author and social media sensation Alice Loxton brings a scintillating new history of Britain, told through eighteen figures in British history at the age of eighteen.

A scintilating new history of Britain told through eighteen figures of British history – and what they achieved at eighteen years-old. From Alice Loxton, bestselling author and social media sensation.

The instant Sunday Times bestseller
Blackwells Non-fiction Book of the Year
Shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year


'The star of her generation' – Dan Snow
'Utterly, utterly brilliant' – Tracy Borman

Where were you at age eighteen? Could you have known where your life might lead?

In this unconventional and witty history, award-winning writer and broadcaster Alice Loxton delves into Britain's past, exploring the country through eighteen notable figures at that most iconic age – eighteen. From a young Elizabeth Tudor facing deadly intrigue at court, to Empress Matilda already changing the fate of nations, Eighteen invites readers to join an eclectic cast of young Britons across the nation and throughout its history.

What happens if the First World War breaks out while you're at university?
How does a young woman, born without arms or legs, make a living in Georgian London?
What turns a rugby-obsessed teenager from a Welsh mining town into acting legend Richard Burton?

Filled with fascinating stories of royalty, explorers, writers and entertainers, Eighteen asks how our formative experiences shape our success, and what lessons we can take for modern Britain from some of the most inspiring youths in history. With a beautifully-foiled dust jacket, this hardback edition is the perfect Christmas gift.

'Brilliantly original, wonderfully perceptive and full of rich insights . . . Loxton has confirmed her place as one of our most exciting and talented young historians' – James Holland, bestselling author and historian
'Bursting with ideas and images' – Philippa Gregor

Smart, funny and should definitely be on your bookshelf -- Greg James, BBC Radio 1 presenter
Utterly, utterly brilliant. Fizzing with energy, wit and insight -- Tracy Borman, bestselling author of Thomas Cromwell
Loxton is the leading historian of her generation -- Dan Jones, bestselling author of The Templars
Riveting. A totally original concept, executed with flair and irrepressible enthusiasm -- Jack Chesher, bestselling author of London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers
Fascinating. Bursting with ideas and images. Loxton has the novelist's skill of seeing the world through her characters' eyes, and the historian's accuracy of vision -- Philippa Gregory, bestselling author of Normal Women
Alice Loxton is the star of her generation . . . the next big thing in history -- Dan Snow, historian and author of On This Day in History
Brilliantly original, wonderfully perceptive and full of rich insights into a deep range of fascinating characters but also the age in which they lived. In this compelling and utterly enchanting book, Alice Loxton has confirmed her place as one of our most exciting and talented young historians -- James Holland, bestselling author and historian
Entertaining, exciting and engaging. Eighteen is the story of Britain through the lens of the lives of the youth and that is exactly what we needed -- Estelle Paranque, author of Blood, Fire and Gold
A brilliantly original concept executed with wit and imagination. Loxton's approach is fresh, contemporary, full of exuberance but never at the cost of scholarship. If this can’t make eighteen-year-olds want to read history, I am not sure what could . . . -- Lucy Moore, author of Lady Fanshawe’s Receipt Book
Alice Loxton heads the charge of an exciting new generation of historians -- Jessie Childs, author of The Siege of Loyalty House
Vivid, exciting, vibrant, a world of youth brought to original dizzying life, Eighteen is full of magnificent characters and fascinating history and Alice is a thrilling guide -- Kate Williams, historian and author of Rival Queens
An engaging and insightful look into the lives of some of our key cultural figures at an important turning point, or rite of passage, closing the distance of centuries -- Amy License, historian and author of Tudor Roses
A unique approach to British history through the vibrant eyes of its youth -- Hayley Nolan, historian and bestselling author of Anne Boleyn: 500 Years of Lies
Simply a joy to read. With wit, flair and keen intelligence, Loxton reminds us that young people have always faced a perilous world – and have prevailed with grit, grace and resilience. A uniquely hopeful and inspiring book, Eighteen will delight readers young and old -- Leah Redmond Chang, author of Young Queens

ISBN: 9781035031283

Dimensions: 244mm x 162mm x 30mm

Weight: 540g

336 pages