The Instant Sunday Times BestsellerBlackwell's Book of the YearShortlisted for Waterstones Book of the YearHistorian and bestselling author of Eleanor, Alice Loxton, presents a scintillating history of Britain, told through portraits of eighteen figures in British history at the age of eighteen.'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 WitchAt eighteen, your life is full 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 of 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.'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