A Different Kind of History Book Series

When Historie magazine decided to put out a book series for its readers, the editorial staff went all out. "We spent millions of kroner and a year of development to launch a series that's in a class by itself both in design and format," says Sebastian Relster, editor-in-chief of the magazine at Bonnier Publications in Denmark. "The goal was to set new standards for history books: We wanted it to be immersive, dramatic and richly illustrated without compromising on objectivity." A team of six under editorial manager Henrik Elling is producing the series, Historiens Vändpunkter - turning points in history.

As the name suggests, the books are not in chronological order. Instead, each volume focuses on a different exciting and dramatic event or set of events that shaped world history - for good and for bad. "For example, in one volume you can follow Roman legions on war expeditions, and in another,  great mysteries of the past, and in the third, be an eyewitness to the Normandy landings," says Relster. "Along the way you'll meet history's greatest heroes and villains and learn more about mankind's triumphs and tragedies."

The book series is being marketed to subscribers in the Nordic region not just of the various History titles but for Science Illustrated and National Geographic as well. History lovers are the primary audience, and all subscribers to the different Historie editions throughout the Nordic region received a free book along with their magazine in October.  "It gives them first-hand opportunities to browse and read the book, and see the high quality," says Trygve Rislaa, marketing manager. "Then hopefully they will subscribe to the series." The books are only available through Bonnier Publications, at least for now, Rislaa says. So far, the first two volumes have been released - Fortidens største gåter (history's biggest mysteries) and Det tredje rige (the Third Reich).

"The timing of the launch has been perhaps a bit problematic, with the financial turmoil and downsizing of the economy, but despite that, so the preliminary results are looking promising," says Rislaa.