Royal Museums Greenwich is home to fascinating stories and beautiful artworks inspired by the sea, ships, time and space.
The Museum's publishing programme reflects this diversity, showcasing world-leading expertise and rich histories that reach across continents, tumultuous seas and cosmic voids. Every purchase helps the Museum fund research, exhibitions and acquisitions.
We hope you enjoy reading these books as much as we’ve enjoyed producing them.
The Ocean Map
Image
Exploring our watery world
June 2026
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-917985-04-8
270x215
48pp
An engaging and informative book for young readers that uses an unusual ocean-centre map based on the Spilhaus projection to explore natural, human and ocean habitats around the globe.
The Ocean Map introduces map projections and the different ways people have represented the world throughout history, offering an introduction to ocean science, map-making and environmental understanding.
Through features on the Challenger Deep, the Suez Canal, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the Great Barrier Reef, readers learn how the natural world shapes our oceans and how science and human activity take place in, on and around the ocean.
Published to coincide with World Ocean Day, this book includes vibrant illustrations, a glossary and animals hidden throughout the pages. The Ocean Map supports primary science and geography learning in an accessible way.
Aimee Mook is the Lloyd's Register Foundation Curator of Contemporary Maritime at Royal Museums Greenwich, with expertise in ocean literacy, marine science and contemporary life at sea. Her research and curatorial interests include shipworm, guano and the Bermuda Triangle. She has contributed to public and media-facing work through AQUILA magazine, Britain – The Official Magazine and the Talk of the Thames podcast. She is also the Curatorial department's shark enthusiast.
Treasures of Royal Museums Greenwich
Image
Coming soon
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-917985-05-5
177 x 177mm
272pp
Treasures of Royal Museums Greenwich brings together 120 extraordinary and intriguing objects, documents and works of art.
Each item has been selected by the Museum’s curators for its unique significance, the stories it tells and the people and places it represents. From John Harrison’s intricate timepieces that proved the key to finding longitude to the modern GPS receiver, the uniform Nelson wore during the Battle of Trafalgar to the coat of a Second World War serviceman, the selections cover the vast range of the Museum’s collection. Together they offer a window onto maritime life, scientific enquiry and global history.
Black and Asian Seafarers: A Visual History
Image
October 2026
Adlard Coles
Hardback
ISBN: 978-1-399427-30-2
246 x 189mm
224pp
For centuries, British trade, exploration, warfare, transport and colonial expansion relied upon seafarers. As British vessels traversed the seas, they employed crew members drawn from across the globe.
In this illuminating visual history, Curator Aaron Jaffer weaves together the stories of the many people who became part of the fabric of British maritime life, and then wider British society, focusing on Black, Indian Ocean and Chinese seafarers. With paintings, extracts from sketchbooks and diaries, personal photographs, official wartime images and more, the book reveals just how rich, complex and significant a contribution to our past sailors from many different continents made.
Aaron Jaffer is Curator of World History and Cultures at Royal Museums Greenwich. He has been searching for images of Britain’s global seafarers in historic photograph albums and other collections for many years.
Galaxies: Collisions, Cannibals and the Cosmic Web
Image
October 2026
Collins
Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-008794-98-9
148 x 210mm
112pp
Galaxies explores the Universe on an expansive scale, showcasing and examining the gargantuan structures of stars, planets, gas and dark matter that populate our cosmos.
Why do galaxies cannibalise each other? When and how will the Milky Way meet its end? How many distant galactic superstructures lie beyond our gaze?
Consider these cosmic questions in a compact and informative study filled with beautiful images of the far reaches of the Universe.
Jake Foster is an astronomer and science communicator at Royal Observatory Greenwich. He develops the Observatory's public astronomy programme and communicates his enthusiasm for the cosmos across various media, providing expert insight via national television and radio interviews.
Spotlight series
Written by the Museum's curators and experts, these Spotlight books are accessible introductions to some of the most intriguing objects in the collection.
1 / 7
The Princess Alice Disaster: Tragedy on the Thames
October 2026
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-917985-02-4
178 x 150mm
96pp
In September 1878, a day trip to the Kent coast ended in tragedy when the paddle steamer Princess Alice sank after colliding with a cargo ship on the River Thames. An unused ticket for the voyage, preserved alongside a small carving from the wreck, is the starting point from which to explore the events of that fateful day, the ways in which Victorian society came to terms with the disaster and the social and environmental issues it exposed.
2 / 7
Nannie the Witch: Cutty Sark's Figurehead
February 2027
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-917985-01-7
178 x 150mm
96pp
Traditionally mounted at the bows of ships, figureheads were believed to offer protection and symbolise a vessel’s power and identity. This book explores the famous figurehead of the ship Cutty Sark, inspired by the character Nannie from Robert Burns’s poem ‘Tam O’Shanter’.
Museum experts Louise Macfarlane and Claire Denham trace the history and changing design of the figurehead using drawings and archival photographs. Master carver Andy Peters reveals the skill and craftsmanship of figurehead carving, increasingly a lost art.
3 / 7
Charles Hare's Great Escape: The Story of a Napoleonic Prisoner of War
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-7391542-5-7
178 x 150mm
96pp
The story of a young midshipman and his audacious escape from Napoleonic France, disguised in a French customs service uniform.
4 / 7
J.M.W. Turner’s The Battle of Trafalgar: Commemoration and Controversy
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-0687659-9-5
178 x 150mm
96pp
This book considers the challenges that J.M.W Turner faced during the creation of The Battle of Trafalgar and charts the painting's tumultuous journey, from the storm of criticism that greeted its unveiling to its eventual place at the centre of a national art collection.
5 / 7
The Keeper of All The Secrets: Ceramic Art, Botanicals and the Caribbean Market Woman
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-7391542-6-4
178 x 150mm
96pp
A seemingly everyday tea service is the stage for conversations around empire, enslavement and female resistance. Featuring original essays, poetry by and an interview with artist Jacqueline Bishop, this book is the first to explore the role and significance of the Caribbean market woman.
6 / 7
Captain Ogle’s Cup: A Pirate Adventure
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-7391542-4-0
178 x 150mm
96pp
Only one man in British history has ever been knighted for services to combat piracy. This is the story of Chaloner Ogle, pirate hunter extraordinaire, whose spectacular career coincided with the ‘golden age’ of piracy and with the exploits of the infamous pirate ‘Black Bart’.
7 / 7
Sea Sick: Lime Juice and Scurvy
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-7391542-3-3
178 x 150mm
96pp
At first glance, the 18th-century glass bottle at the centre of this book may seem unremarkable. Yet it represents an important step in the fight against the deadly ‘sickness of the sea’ that once claimed the lives of millions: scurvy.
Royal Observatory Greenwich Illuminates series
Royal Observatory Greenwich Illuminates is the brilliant astronomy series from experts at the renowned home of time and space. The Observatory’s very own team of astronomers has written a whole host of accessible guides to everything in the cosmos, from stars and planets to the exploration of space! The full series of 10 books is now available in paperback and ebook.
1 / 10
The Search for Life by Hannah Banyard
Paperback: 978-1-906367-90-9
Ebook: 978-1-0687659-8-8
177 x 108mm
176pp
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and thought, ‘Is there
anybody out there?’ Hannah Baynard explores the possibility of other life in the Universe, from the prospect of ancient bacteria locked away on Mars to the likelihood of contacting an interstellar civilisation. Delve into extra-terrestrial possibilities, from the first suggestions of alien life to cutting-edge missions actively seeking to answer one of life's biggest questions: are we alone?
2 / 10
Stars by Dr Greg Brown
Ebook: 978-1-0687659-0-2
177 x 108mm
176pp
Humans have a never-ending fascination with the stars. It’s only in the last century or so that the natures of these distant lights have been revealed – and it’s more incredible than any legend.
3 / 10
Planets by Dr Emily Drabek-Maunder
Ebook: 978-1-0687659-2-6
177 x 108mm
176pp
Our neighbouring planets are unique and fascinating places. Where else would you find somewhere with days longer than its years? Discover more in this essential guide to planets in the Solar System and beyond.
4 / 10
Space Exploration by Dhara Patel
Paperback: 978-1-906367-88-6
Ebook: 978-1-0687659-6-4
177 x 108mm
176pp
Although our ancestors examined the skies to make sense of the Universe, the advent of space exploration in its truest sense came just a moment ago in our evolutionary timeline. From stargazing to space stations, learn more in this concise history of space exploration.
5 / 10
The Sun by Brendan Owens
Paperback: 978-1-906367-86-2
Ebook: 978-1-0687659-7-1
177 x 108mm
176pp
What is the Sun made of? What could magnetism have to do with the Sun? And what of the deep scientific mysteries that remain unresolved? Delve into the secrets of the Sun in this beginner’s guide.
6 / 10
Black Holes by Dr Ed Bloomer
Paperback: 978-1-906367-85-5
Ebook: 978-1-0687659-5-7
177 x 108mm
176pp
Black holes seem like the stuff of science fiction, but the reality is even more peculiar. This concise introduction provides a whistle-stop guide to the fate of the Universe, the mechanics of a black hole and, most importantly, instructions for what to do should you fall into one!
7 / 10
Moons by Anna Gammon-Ross
Paperback: 978-1-906367-95-4
Ebook: 978-1-0687659-4-0
177 x 108mm
176pp
Our Moon is just one of more than 200 moons in the Solar System that we’ve identified so far. Travel through the Solar System to discover what these natural satellites have in common and what makes each one unique.
8 / 10
The Universe by Dr Greg Brown
Paperback: 978-1-906367-89-3
Ebook: 978-1-7391542-9-5
177 x 108mm
176pp
Given that it includes literally everything in existence, it’s no surprise that the Universe is the source of some of the greatest mysteries in physics. Explore the secrets of the cosmos in this pocket guide to everything that ever was and ever will be.
9 / 10
Aurorae by Bryony Lanigan
Paperback: 978-1-906367-96-1
Ebook: 978-1-0687659-3-3
177 x 108mm
176pp
This book brings together astronomy, solar physics, geology and atomic physics to explore the science behind the magical auroral displays on our planet and beyond.
10 / 10
Mars by Patricia Skelton
Paperback: 978-1-906367-94-7
Ebook: 978-1-0687659-1-9
177 x 108mm
176pp
Investigate our relationship with the Red Planet, beginning with the earliest observations and the conundrums they generated and ending with our ambitious plans for the future.
1 / 14
Royal Observatory Greenwich: A History in Objects
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-906367-91-6
250 x 178mm
288pp
Instruments, photographs, plans and archival documents trace the Royal Observatory's history from its founding in 1675 through to its early 20th-century role at the forefront of astronomy.
2 / 14
The Art of Naval Portraiture
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-739154-20-2
260 x 184mm
224pp
The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich holds the largest collection of naval portraits in the world. This book explores centuries of seafaring history, heroism and maritime art.
3 / 14
The Challenger Expedition Exploring the Ocean's Depths
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-906367-97-8
246 x 189mm
256pp
A fascinating tale of scientific breakthroughs, global trade networks, empire and the legacy of the Challenger expedition on the modern study of oceanography. 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the end of the Challenger expedition.
4 / 14
A is for Atlas
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-906367-93-0
230 x 170mm
256pp
Highlights from the Royal Museums Greenwich map collection, featuring some of its 40,000 maps, charts, globes and atlases spanning the 13th century to today.
5 / 14
Buried Treasure A Pirate Miscellany
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-7391542-8-8
172 x 132mm
160pp
Buried Treasure lifts the lid or 'blows the gaff' on pirate lore, setting the record straight on pirate lives, language, myths and global exploits. From pirate slang to famous figures like Blackbeard and Anne Bonny, this light-hearted guide reveals the truth behind the legends, brought to life by Dr Robert Blyth, former Senior Curator at Royal Museums Greenwich.
6 / 14
Space Oddities An Astronomy Miscellany
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-739154-21-9
172 x 132mm
176pp
Uncover the answers to some of the most puzzling questions about space in this entertaining and informative miscellany from the expert astronomers at Royal Observatory Greenwich. This pocket-sized book is packed with hundreds of amazing facts, on subjects as varied as the mysteries of dark energy and antimatter to a rock on Mars called Humphrey, and everything in between.
7 / 14
Fish and Ships A Nautical Miscellany
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-906367-76-3
172 x 132mm
176pp
Ahoy! Want to learn the ropes of the maritime world? This light-hearted, illustrated miscellany is packed full of hundreds of amazing facts from the experts at the National Maritime Museum and Cutty Sark to put the wind in your sails.
8 / 14
About Time Too A Miscellany of Time
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-906367-66-4
172 x 132mm
160pp
Why not pass the time reading this intriguing miscellany, packed with hundreds of amazing facts from the time experts at the Royal Observatory? In less than no time, you'll have discovered the myriad influences that time has on our daily lives.
9 / 14
Dressed to Kill
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-906367-87-9
230 x 170mm
256pp
A unique and detailed analysis of naval uniform and its historical, social and economic contexts in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, including an extensive catalogue of uniforms from the rich collection of the National Maritime Museum.
10 / 14
Royal Greenwich: A History in Kings and Queens
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-906367-75-6
230 x 170mm
176pp
Royal Greenwich traces the borough’s royal links and reveals how Britain’s monarchs have been the creators of historic Greenwich as it exists today.
11 / 14
The Armada Portrait
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-906367-68-8
206 x 155mm
80pp
The history of the Spanish Armada and the turbulent Elizabethan age come to life in this examination of the 'Armada Portrait' of Elizabeth I.
12 / 14
Figureheads: On the Bow of the Ship
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-906367-63-3
206 x 155mm
160pp
Exploring the history and traditions associated with figureheads, this illustrated guide contains 60 examples from the National Maritime Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of figureheads.
13 / 14
On The Line: The Story of the Greenwich Meridian
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-906367-61-9
178 x 125mm
56pp
Uncover the purpose and history of the Greenwich Meridian – longitude 0 degrees – in this handy guide.
14 / 14
John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-906367-99-2
210 x 148mm
Following one of the most intriguing and fascinating stories linked to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, the book centres on the life and achievements of John Harrison – designer and builder of the first accurate marine chronometers.
1 / 5
Polly Plum Brave Adventurer
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-906367-92-3
270 x 215mm
32pp
Polly Plum sets sail from Greenwich looking for excitement and thrills in this fun rhyming tale.
2 / 5
At Sea Without Tea
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-906367-65-7
270 x 215mm
32pp
Join James Robson, Cutty Sark’s cook, as he sets off on an adventure around the world in search of the tea for the captain’s breakfast.
3 / 5
The Solar System: A Cosmic Adventure
Hardback
ISBN 978-1-906367-78-7
270 x 215mm
48pp
Would you like to know where to find rubber-duck shaped space rocks, ice-spewing volcanoes and raindrops the size of mini marshmallows? You'll find the answers to these questions and plenty more in this brilliant guide to the Solar System.
4 / 5
Ted's Great Space Adventure
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-906367-67-1
270 x 210mm
32pp
Ted is no ordinary teddy bear. Ted is a brave bear and a great explorer. One night Ted decides to go on a super-duper-mega-massive Solar System adventure! So, slurp that teddy tea, zip up that spacesuit and fasten your seatbelt as you get ready to zoom through space with Ted, exploring the planets, the Sun and the Moon.
5 / 5
Space Adventures Sticker Activity Book
Paperback
ISBN 978-1-906367-70-1
270 x 210mm
32pp
The activities in this book invite readers to solve puzzles, colour in pictures – and draw their own – and even qualify for a Teddy Space Agency Certificate. Packed with stickers and full of fun, it is perfect for budding astronauts.
1 / 6
National Maritime Museum Souvenir Guide
Paperback
ISBN 978-0-948065-99-6
210 x 168mm
64pp
1 / 8
Astronomy Photographer of the Year Collection 14
Collins
Hardback
ISBN 978-0-008688-11-0
270 x 270mm
184pp
2 / 8
Night Sky Almanac: A stargazer’s guide to 2026
Collins
Hardback
ISBN 978-0-008688-13-4
190 x 120mm
272pp
5 / 8
Stargazing: A Beginner's Guide To Astronomy
Collins
Paperback
ISBN 978-0-008196-27-1
210 x 148mm
224pp
6 / 8
Moongazing: A Beginner's Guide to Exploring The Moon
Collins
Paperback
ISBN 978-0-008305-00-0
210 x 148mm
96pp
7 / 8
Mars: A Beginner's Guide to Exploring the Red Planet
Collins
Paperback
ISBN 978-0008604-32-5
210 x 148mm
112pp
The sale of all publications supports the work of Royal Museums Greenwich. All books are for sale from Museum shops and at shop.rmg.co.uk
For all trade sales:
Unicorn Publishing Group
Charleston Studio
Meadow Business Centre
Lewes
BN8 5RW
01363 866997
simon@unicornpublishing.org
For all editorial and rights enquiries:
publishing@rmg.co.uk
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The art of rivalry: Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds
The two leading portrait painters of the 18th century weren't just competing for commissions. They each held fundamentally different beliefs about art
The pirate hunter's cup
What does a carved coconut shell have to do with one of the most deadly pirates in history?
How could humans live on Mars?
Astronomer and author Brendan Owens examines the challenges of sending humans to Mars - and what the future holds for our study of the Red Planet
What happens if you fall into a black hole?
Black holes seem like the stuff of science fiction, but the reality is even more peculiar