Description

The instant Sunday Times bestseller
The number 1 Times bestseller
Blackwells Non-fiction Book of the Year
Shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year

‘The star of her generation’ – Dan Snow, host of History Hit
‘Bursting with ideas and images’ – Philippa Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl
‘Utterly, utterly brilliant’ – Tracy Borman, author of The King’s Witch

At eighteen, your life is full of of what-ifs and why-nots. You have everything to look forward to – unless you’ve got the plague . . .

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 Richard Burton?

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 formative 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.

Filled with fascinating stories of royalty, explorers, writers and entertainers, Eighteen asks what lessons we can learn for modern Britain, and how we can overcome the hurdles we face in life.

‘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

Publisher Review

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 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