Iain MacGregor

For centuries, warfare has determined the fate of nations, toppled empires and reshaped civilisations. In his new book Battle, award-winning historian Iain MacGregor charts the key encounters that have shaped this evolution – from the clash of hoplite spears at Marathon and the storm of longbows at Agincourt, to the firestorms of Stalingrad in World War Two and the drone warfare we witness today in Ukraine.

MacGregor will take us through three thousand years of history, showcasing the human and technological driving forces behind the most decisive clashes: the brilliance – and hubris – of leadership, the revolutionary impact of new weaponry, the fragile lifeline of supply, and, above all, the endurance of morale – the lifeblood of any army. He will critique famous commanders, from Julius Caesar to Robert E. Lee, examine the armies they led, the weapons they used and the tactics that brought them victory.

Last with us in 2025 talking about his study of the Hiroshima Men’ MacGregor is an award-winning author whose books have been widely reviewed and translated into multiple languages. He also has over 30 years of experience as a history publisher, working with the likes of Sir Max Hastings, Sir Simon Schama and Professor Michael Wood.

‘Battle provides a host of fresh insights which illuminate the common characteristics that have made the difference between victory and defeat in struggles which, down the centuries, have shaped the course of human history.’ Jonathan Dimbleby