August Books to reissue three landmark oral histories by Max Arthur

Commissioning Editor Craig Lye has acquired WEL rights to three landmark oral histories by Max Arthur from Becky Brown at Curtis Brown Heritage in a three-book deal. 

The books, originally published as Last of the Few; Above All, Courage; and Dambusters, are three seminal oral histories from acclaimed historian Max Arthur, who died in 2019.

August Books will be reissuing each title, respectively, as Lost Voices of the Battle of Britain, Lost Voices of the Falklands War and Lost Voices of the Dambusters Raid in the first quarter of 2025, as the world remembers the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2, and the anniversary of the start of the Falklands conflict in April.

These oral histories from Max Arthur are vital pieces of the historical record, capturing the memories – many for the first time – of those who fought in each conflict and, in many cases, are no longer with us to recall them anew. The books tell their story, in their words.

Max’s dedication to his craft – gently yet determinedly collecting veterans’ testimony and then deftly curating their memories into a sympathetic narrative – was recognised with an OBE in 2013 for Services to Military History. His work validated the oral approach to history at a time when it was widely dismissed by serious academics, and helped grant the form the legitimacy it still enjoys today.

Lye says: ‘Military history will be a strong strand of August Books’ publishing, bringing both classic and new histories to readers everywhere, chronicling the history of conflicts around the world lest we forget. We are proud to welcome Max Arthur’s brilliant books to the list.’

Brown says: ‘Max Arthur’s pioneering work gave an individual voice to the sweeping events of the twentieth century, reminding us of the individual men and women at their heart. We couldn’t be more pleased that a new generation of readers will discover him through August Books.’

Lost Voices of the Battle of Britain, Lost Voices of the Falklands War and Lost Voices of the Dambusters Raid will be published in March, April and May 2025, respectively, in B-format paperback and ebook. For more information please contact kate@canelo.co