Book titled 'Bright Stars of Black British History' on a white background
Book titled 'Bright Stars of Black British History' with colorful cover design on a white background
Book back cover with text and illustrations on a white background

Bright Stars of Black British History

£12.99
£12.99
Free UK delivery on orders above £40

Shortlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize 2024, this richly illustrated collection presents the extraordinary life stories of fourteen bright stars from Black British history – from Tudor England to modern Britain – and charts their ongoing influence

Also available from:

Disclosure: If you use the buttons above to buy products, we may earn a commission from the retailers.
J.T. Williams brings the lives of 14 shining stars from Black British History into the spotlight, celebrating their remarkable achievements and contributions to the arts, journalism, politics, medicine and sport.

This important and timely book delves into the life stories of important figures – including Tudor trumpeter John Blanke, storytelling freedom fighter Mary Prince, and Notting Hill Carnival founder Claudia Jones – many of whom are only just beginning to get the recognition that they deserve.

Brought to life through hand-painted illustrations by award-winning illustrator Angela Vives, Bright Stars of Black British History shines a light on the courage, resilience and talent of remarkable individuals who have left a lasting mark on our collective history.
Extent: 160 pp
Format: Paperback
Illustrations: 60
Publication date: 2025-09-04
Size: 27.6 x 19.8 cm
ISBN: 9780500660447
  • Free UK delivery on orders above £40
  • £4.00 standard shipping for orders under £39.99
  • Delivery typically within 2-4 business days
  • See our Shipping & Delivery policy for more info
    Illustrated book open to a page with a musician playing a trumpet, surrounded by decorative elements.
    Illustrated book page with a scene of people in formal attire in a grand hall.
    Open book with illustration of a woman and text on a white background
    Open book with a portrait of a woman and a ship illustration on a white background
    Book titled 'Bright Stars of Black British History' on a white background
    Book titled 'Bright Stars of Black British History' with colorful cover design on a white background
    Book back cover with text and illustrations on a white background
Illustrated book open to a page with a musician playing a trumpet, surrounded by decorative elements.
Illustrated book page with a scene of people in formal attire in a grand hall.
Open book with illustration of a woman and text on a white background
Open book with a portrait of a woman and a ship illustration on a white background

Press Reviews

Important and beautiful
Sharna Jackson

Energetic and knowledgeable ... A much-needed resource that shines a light on historical figures who deserve to be far more well known
Kirkus Reviews



About the Authors

J. T. Williams is an author and educator specializing in Black British
history. She has a Masters in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway University. Her debut children’s book, Lizzie and Belle: Drama and Danger was shortlisted for Foyle's Children's Book of the Year 2022 and for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2023. Angela Vives is an award-winning illustrator with an MA in children’s book illustration from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK. In 2020 she won the Picture Hooks Winter Comforts competition. She was shortlisted for the Cheltenham Illustration Awards 2019, and longlisted for the World Illustration Awards 2020.

You May Also Like

View more