Michael Turner Publications
The Author
Michael Turner has authored twelve titles documenting his adventurous and well photographed experiences, that have included trekking through 104 countries and overseas territories. Most of the illustrations are therefore unique and breathe life into and enhance the texts.
He has spared no expense in producing exceptional and lavish colourful books on silk paper to deliver justice to each subject. His willingness to extensively licence contemporary images has augmented his outlay. All readers have been very impressed by the amount of content, accuracy and work that has gone into each volume. These titles are worthy of a permanent place in every treasured, private or public library. Readers are pleased to have supported Michael’s work and due to extensive travel to garner the resources, is free from profit.
Publications
Sir Francis Drake
Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Neil Sedaka
Sir Francis Drake
In the Wake of Sir Francis Drake – Four Volumes
This is the first pictorial and topographical Drake biography. It is the only biography to describe every landfall, anchorage, and retrace fully Drake’s footsteps and wake in England and worldwide. It is the largest Drake biography ever written.
B5, laminated matt, hardbacks, silk pages
Volume 1 – The Early Voyages
Hundreds of books have been written on Sir Francis Drake, but this collection is unmatched. Michael Turner, a Sherlock Holmes of the sea, is the first Drake author to go beyond the archives to test the entire primary sources in the field on a worldwide scale: all at his own expense. The pictorial, topographically inspired text is laced with research techniques, ground-breaking discoveries, and unconventional adventures in reaching nearly all the Drake places.
These books reveal the ultimate geographical Drake knowledge, written on location by an intrepid adventurer with a Drake’s-eye view. The Drake scholar, explorer and armchair traveller alike will enjoy these books which is the largest body of Drake work, most lavish ever written and took thirty-five years to complete.
“Perhaps no one alive knows as much about Sir Francis Drake as does Michael Turner of England. Turner has visited and documented nearly every Drake anchorage and landfall in the world. He has been interviewed by numerous distinguished international news organizations, has featured on radio and TV news and in documentaries. Since 1983, the distinguished Sir Francis Drake historian has collaborated with the Drake Navigators Guild.”
Steve Wright, President of the DNG, California, 2024
75,054 words
156 pages
64 plates
27 maps
Available only as part of a boxed set of four volumes
Sample pages
Volume 2 – The World Voyage
“There can be little left to know about Sir Francis Drake’s seafaring exploits after the penning of two biographical volumes so thoroughly researched that they leave barely a tide unturned, a landfall untouched…Michael Turner combines the best elements of research and swashbuckling adventure.”
This England, Winter, 2006
“We explore an even more intrepid itinerary with a man who is circumnavigating the globe following Sir Francis Drake’s route…”
Saturday Live, 21 July 2012, BBC Radio 4
91,720 words
218 pages
100 plates
35 maps
Sample pages
Volume 3 – The Later Voyages
“The author is a Drake specialist. He is also a SCUBA enthusiast who has explored all the Drake relics and locations both on the surface and underwater. This lends a certain additional quality to his very extensive research. Bear in mind that this is a three-volume voyage set. The author’s research is incredibly comprehensive. In many ways these books are much wider ranging and imaginative than the traditional academic histories. They are a new, personal, and very exciting approach. The books very effectively bring Drake to life.”
Ships and Shipping, March 2011, Australia
108,970 words
236 pages
91 plates
23 maps
Available only as part of a boxed set of four volumes
Sample pages
Volume 4 – Drake in England
Readers will be surprised to learn about Drake the sea merchant, property magnate, gentleman farmer, civil and military engineer, magistrate, civic leader, government accountant and MP.
“In some respects, the domestic aspect of Drake’s travels is the most neglected; indeed, I don’t think anyone has dealt with it before. This neat four-volume set makes a unique and valuable contribution to the body of Drake knowledge.”
Dr John Sudgen, Drake biographer, 2024
113,836 words
246 pages
96 plates
7 maps
Sample pages
Sir Francis Drake & The Golden Hind
This glossy booklet is fashioned for readers who wish to acquaint themselves with a detailed outline of Drake’s life and to absorb a comprehensive summary of Drake’s most famous achievement: the first Englishman to circumnavigate the world.
Paperback, A5, 14,896 words, 44 silk pages, 30 plates, 1 map
Sample pages
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Sections include: contemporary, detailed accounts of Drake’s character; a unprecedented, complete, tabulated log of the world voyage; the most complete list of Drake’s crews; a comprehensive description of the Golden Hind; the ship’s inventory; exactly where to look for her remains; a world map; and a bibliography. The inimitable colour plates are a result of the author visiting Drake locations around the globe, thus making this publication one of the most expensive ever written!
‘Superb production in all respects.’
Mr G Kirkpatrick, Tavistock, Devon, England.
‘Well, I’ve read your Golden Hind book cover to cover half a dozen times. It’s brilliant. The accuracy and diligence are quite jaw-dropping. I stand at the very foot of your shadow.’
Nicholas Wilkes, Malvern, Worcestershire, England
Sir Francis Drake at Buckland Monachorum
This booklet is aimed at those who wish to enjoy learning a brief, yet very informative outline of Drake’s life and voyages.
The Brief Biography section is the same text as in the booklet Sir Francis Drake & The Golden Hind, but the photographs taken around the world are different. The main strength of this publication is having exclusively collated all the primary evidence to document the periods that Sir Francis was in residence at his country estate in Devon. This booklet makes such information available for the first time. John Thrower has drawn an exquisite map to orientate the reader to follow Sir Francis’s movements throughout this detailed and informative text, that is laced with pictures to depict Devon at her best!
Paperback, A5, 14,896 words, 44 silk pages, 30 plates, 1 map
Sample pages
Sir Francis Drake & Golden Hind Children’s Activities Book
This stimulating and exciting book is aimed at 9-11 year-olds. The book strikes a balance between a brief, yet highly informative text that provides the resources to complete the 44 varied activities that develop skills in: empathy, mapwork, labelling, colouring, creative writing, tabulation, personal invention, timelines, and captioned cartoons.
Paperback, A4, 4,790 words, 31 pages, 29 colour plates, 2 maps, 6 drawings, crossword, wordsearch, timeline, glossary
Sample pages
Read more about the “Sir Francis Drake & Golden Hind Children’s Activities Book”
Topics and tasks include: A Brief Biography, The World Voyage, The Ship and Her Cannons, Food, Treasure, Coat of Arms, Drake’s Statue, Creative Writing, Timeline, Cartoon Strip, Crossword, Wordsearch and Keywords. The Answers to the tasks are included along with a board game.
An A3 version of the Sir Francis Drake Board Game with counters and dice is sold separately.
The Sir Francis Drake Board Game
This cleverly constructed game based upon the principle of snakes and ladders, has been immensely enjoyed by young teenagers at an international summer school for whom English was a second language.
Children are encouraged to read the numbered boxes to learn about the key events in the life of Sir Francis Drake prior to being swept away by the excitement of the game.
A3 laminated card, counters and dice
In Drake’s Wake website
As well as writing books and designing a game on the subject of Sir Francis Drake, Michael Turner has created a fascinating online resource in the shape of the In Drake’s Wake website. As well as supporting the books listed here it provides the world’s best online Sir Francis Drake resource.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel
On the Tracks of Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Synopsis 1
This compendium approach has enabled me to produce an exceptional addition to the plethora of Brunel biographies. Beyond a skeletal biography, there is a detailed, tabulated chronology, that for the first time, shows us Brunel’s daily activities which puts IKB’s life into context. No expense was spared to licence images, compile the most eclectic range of colour plates and comprehensive maps. This is an all embracing book that includes facts that have never appeared in a biography and covers all aspects of the life of this monumental character.
Laminated matt, hardback, B5, 104,823 words, 337 silk pages, 230 colour plates, 8 b/w plates, 11 maps
Sample pages
These sample pages are from a pre-publication draft of the book.
Read more about “On the Tracks of Isambard Kingdom Brunel”
Synopsis 2
There are scores of Brunel biographies, but this one is different. Michael Turner is the first author to tabulate the Brunel locations that presents his life in chronological order and includes the most photographs that he took in nine countries. Furthermore, and surprisingly, this is the first biography to include maps of Brunel’s travels and railway routes at home and abroad; hence, this volume reveals comprehensive geographical, Brunel knowledge. Interestingly, all the most-known to the least-known of Brunel’s works feature. The Brunel fieldworker, scholar, and armchair traveller alike, will enjoy this publication that encapsulates Brunel’s life: his engineering and landscape gardening achievements, personality, financial affairs, family life and travels, and at a comprehensive, pictorial glance.
The maps, licenced photographs and books for research totalled £3,000.
The Immense Challenge to Write a Peerless Brunel Biography
This lavish biography of a compendium format boasts the following characteristics: the greatest number of illustrations from the contemporary to the modern, encompassing all genres from the serious to the frivolous; to collect these pictures required surface travel of 33,007 miles in 234 days, at 451 locations, in nine countries; virtually every sentence teaches us about IKB; most of the life of IKB is tabulated; there are personal touches such as the brand of his diary, his association with GuinnessTM ; pictures of one of his cigars and his office clock; eleven maps that depict his movements and rail routes; the sixteen licenced illustrations cost me £624; there is exclusive information such as IKB attending a railway meeting in Williton, Somerset; ascertaining where he resided in Clevedon, North Somerset and detailing his itinerary in Egypt. This bite-sized text is culled from forty-three biographies that assembles facts that a few authors solely included and incorporates overlooked websites to publish an all-encompassing book.
Synopsis 3
For The History Press
The idea is to present a Brunel biography that the reader will note is entirely visually refreshing and extraordinary with its compendium format. The biography targets an audience who wish to enjoy a simply explained, yet detailed outline of the engineer’s life. Virtually every sentence is Brunel. The compendium consists of a general biography; the personal side of his life; an illustrated description of his rail network, and a chapter depicting places that he visited. Brunel’s life had been difficult to present chronologically. I have overcome this with an extensive tabulated chronology that details the minutia of his life from birth to death. This presentation is ground-breaking because we can see Brunel’s life in chronological context. Coupled with maps that are presented for the first time, no aspect of Brunel’s life and work has been omitted. His legacy has been illustrated from the contemporary to modern frivolity. The appendices list and illustrate some of the Brunel artefacts, and for the first time pictures of cheques he signed. The illustrations span the widest genres ever published. Contemporary images have been licenced from the Elton Collection at the Ironbridge Museum, STEAM GWR Swindon and the SS Great Britain. The author has taken the vast bulk of the images in: Ireland, Northen Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, France, Italy, Egypt and India.
My inspiration for penning a Brunel biography is that I have taken an interest in his life since 1970, when the SS Great Britain returned to Bristol. Aged 19, I visited his grave. At university I wrote a paper on IKB which I illustrated by visiting some of his key monuments. At the end of 2019, I began authoring this book and explained its progress on a BBC Wales interview. My previous three formally published books on Sir Francis Drake and two self-published booklets, have enhanced my ability to write, so that now all readers commend what they have read. I have self-published Gene Pitney and Neil Sedaka biographies. Sedaka even asked me to write his 1995 UK concert tour programme book that was sold at theatres. In a subsequent book, I wrote about Pitney, for which, Sedaka further graciously endorsed my work in the foreword.
In 1996 to mark the anniversary of the death of Sir Francis Drake, I created The Sir Francis Drake Exploration Society that garnered a modest membership. The website continues to attract enquiries alongside the In Drake’s Wake, one-stop website. Since 1983, I have collaborated with the Drake Navigators Guild in California who hold my work in the highest esteem: likewise, the best Drake author, Dr John Sudgen because he wrote the foreword for my four-volume 2025 biography. I have addressed Britain’s largest lecturing organisation the Ashridge Circle, Eastbourne and The Royal Geographical Society, London. I gave six Drake lectures on a Saga cruise in Drake’s wake in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
My work promoting Sir Francis Drake has led to a plethora of media experiences from local to national radio, television interviews and documentaries. Examples include live and recorded: BBC Radio 2, 4 & 5, BBC 2, Sky History, and the Discovery channel. Print media incudes: most of the British national newspapers – The Times, Daily Telegraph, various magazines such as Pentax Cameras, Papagaio and the Spanish Cambio 16. I enjoy media work because it is educational, and I can passionately promote the subject.
I. K. Brunel: The Nuts & Bolts
There are several Brunel biographical booklets, but this one is unique. Michael Turner is the first author to tabulate the Brunel story to present his life succinctly, chronologically which comprises 824 facts alone! Furthermore, and surprisingly, this is the first booklet to include maps of Brunel locations and his railway empire hence, this volume reveals contextual geographical Brunel knowledge. Interestingly, besides including all the famous structures, the least-known of Brunel’s works and movements feature. The Brunel fieldworker, scholar, and armchair traveller alike, will enjoy this publication that encapsulates Brunel’s life: his engineering and landscape-gardening achievements, personality, financial affairs, family life and travels – and at a colourful, pictorial glance. This is a booklet with a record amount of standard and lesser-known facts. Never was there so much information incorporated in so few pages. It is Brunel on-point throughout!
Paperback, A5, 19,862 words, 44 silk pages, 41 illustrations and 3 maps
Sample pages
Read more about “I. K. Brunel: The Nuts & Bolts”
‘I just finished reading your booklet on Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and I have to say — it’s absolutely fantastic. The way you’ve compiled 824 facts and structured them to tell Brunel’s story chronologically is genuinely impressive. It strikes the perfect balance between being informative and engaging, and I found myself completely absorbed.
‘As you know, I’m a massive Brunel fan — and honestly, this is the book I wish I could have written. I’m so pleased I bought two copies: one will always be on me so I can dip into it anytime and pull out a fascinating fact. It’s a perfect companion for any Brunel enthusiast.
‘You’ve managed to bring him to life with real energy and clarity. Every fact felt purposeful, and together they created a vivid, fast-moving portrait of a remarkable man. I’ve already read it multiple times, and with each reading, I’m learning something new — which is a real credit to the depth and care you’ve put into it.
‘The maps and images you’ve included add even more dimension to the story. The map showing Brunel’s travels across the UK is extraordinary — especially when you consider that much of it was done on horseback in the 1830s-40s. It really brings home the scale of his work and the relentless energy he must have had. The images throughout are also striking: I was particularly drawn to the photo on page 6 showing how Brunel pierced the railway through the elegant Regency buildings of Bath — a bold contrast of engineering and architecture. Page 3’s bridge at an extreme 52-degree angle is another marvel, and the drawing on page 40 of the Khonsu Temple in Egypt, placed side by side with your modern photograph, is a standout — especially with the matching chip in the lintel.
‘It truly beggars belief how one man managed to achieve so much in any given 24-hour period. This booklet doesn’t just inform — it inspires.
‘Most of all, I didn’t want it to end — which is a testament to your writing and your passion for the subject. This booklet truly whets the appetite for the full biography you’re working on. If this is just a taster, I can’t wait to read what’s next.
‘You’ve done something really special here — both as a tribute to Brunel and as a unique piece of storytelling.’
Sam Johnson, Sydney, Australia
The Isambard Kingdom Brunel Children’s Activities Book
Watch this space!
Paperback, A4, silk cover
Neil Sedaka
Appreciating Neil Sedaka
Since 1971, the author has been a fan of Neil Sedaka. Michael has met Neil many times at concerts and fan club conventions. In 1993, he interviewed Neil for one-and-a-half hours in his mother-in-law’s apartment in NYC. Michael has one of the most comprehensive, first issue record collections in the world; this resource comprises the discography herein, that will arrest the interest of any Sedaka afficionado. Del Baggott, a friend of the author, has supplied a selection of rare, international record covers and labels that will fascinate, and educate all readers. To add gravitas, Betty Latvala-Soininen, who Neil Sedaka states is his greatest fan, has contributed photographs of her record collection, labels, memorabilia and extra facts. Her knowledge has ensured this book is highly accurate. The unique format of this picture-heavy biography compliments its two predecessors.
Coming soon! – The 2025 edition will contain twice as many pages as the original booklet
Laminated matt, hardback, B5, 32,147 words, 131 silk Pages, 188 colour plates
Sample pages
‘This book is a good source of reference.’
Neil Sedaka, August 2012
Gene Pitney
Charting the Life of Gene Pitney
Neil Sedaka wrote the forward when Michael had written only a few pages. This stimulated Michael to ensure that this book merited Neil’s contribution. Fifteen appendices add to the variety of the book, which includes a reference discography, and rare international record sleeves and labels that fellow fan, Del Baggott, has augmented. Gene’s e-mails to the author add the Pitney personal touch. From 1978 until 2006, Michael met Gene at concerts and fan club conventions. Gene used two of Michael’s concert photographs to illustrate concert tour programmes. In 1993, Michael surprised Gene when he knocked on Gene’s door in Connecticut. That resulted in photographs depicting Gene’s home-life being included in this, the world’s only generic Pitney biography, which every reader has praised.
Laminated, matt hardback, B5, 54,395 words, 150 silk pages, 145 plates
Sample pages
Read more about “Charting the Life of Gene Pitney”
‘Michael did a wonderful job and I am pleased to have contributed.’
Neil Sedaka
‘The most informative book I have read in my life.’
Cyril Maud, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, England
‘A beautiful book, beautifully written about a beautiful man. I hope all fans see this book.’
Judith Onions, Staffordshire, England
‘Michael’s book was a quick and fun read. I worked closely with Gene for 21 years (1985 – 2006) —and— I learned some things from this book that I never knew. While I was a lifelong Fan of Gene’s —even when I worked with him— I was never a real serious collector of records and memorabilia nor did I have a decided interest in knowing the minutia of Gene’s life and career. Gene and I were first and foremost business partners as well as great friends. Having said that, I want to make it clear that this book will still surprise and enlighten serious Pitney-philes and it tells Gene’s story quite well to the average fan, too. Michael has a nice collection of photos he used for the book and a remarkable discography.
‘I am so glad Michael undertook the effort to put this book together and make it available. It takes great resolve, discipline and ambition to write a book. I know because I am working on three different Pitney book projects! I applaud him on his book. As I told him when he contacted me about writing an essay for the book, “The more books about Gene available to the public the better.’
Dave McGrath who ran Gene Pitney’s Fan Club and merchandising
‘What I loved most about Michael’s book is the insight into Gene’s personality through the emails he and Gene exchanged. He clearly gave a lot of thought to the advice he gave Michael. This did show the kindness people often refer to about Gene.
‘The other thing I really appreciated are the great colour photos.’
Lynda Unwin, Queensland, Australia
‘Charting The Life Of Gene Pitney is a book that needed to be written. Thank you for keeping this legend’s name and music alive. For me, a big highlight was reading the many comments from Gene Pitney. It was like hearing from the man himself. I was aware of most of what was written but to read what Gene had to say about his songs and music was a wonderful thing especially comments about the recording of Every Breath I Take, my favourite song.
‘I have just been listening to the interview on your very interesting website. Very impressive. Thank you again.’
Maxine Gray, Christchurch, New Zealand
‘Being an “old timer” (75), I have started listening to my Gene Pitney records and CDs lately (I had forgotten how “addicted” I was to his voice back in the ’60s!) and find I still love his sound. I am interested to find out what I can about him…..I finished your Gene Pitney biography – really enjoyed it! Loved the pictures – excellent quality. The paper quality is very nice. I especially liked the listings of the compositions, the Touring and Holidays and the e-mail! You depicted Gene as the guy next door who worked hard, honed his craft and reached fame but remained grounded. Thanks for writing the book.’
Sue Slater, New York State
‘Several months ago I purchased your book “Charting the Life of Gene Pitney” and I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed it! Thank you for including the appendices with all that wonderful information. They have answered many of my questions about his recordings.
‘On Wednesday I will be driving to Somers CT to leave some flowers at Gene’s last resting place. A small thank you for all the years of wonderful music.’
Christine Belanger, Rhode Island
Charting the life of Gene Pitney website
The Charting the life of Gene Pitney website supports the book of the same name, providing further details of how it came about, and some bonus material relating to Neil Sedaka.
Human Rights
The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights Then & Now
Human rights is a sprawling subject; notwithstanding, the corralled text hugs the content of the Declaration and gives a clear account of its Articles, with vivid narrated and pictorial examples of the promotion and violation of rights. The book has morphed from two slide packs with teachers’ booklets which were published for older secondary school students in 1985. Forty years later, more and modern examples of rights have been added in blue text to vividly portray how technological progress have refined human rights. The text has been expanded to also arrest the interest of adults, coupled with the addition of photographs taken during the ensuing decades. Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Joan Baez who met the author, have enhanced the illustrations and text.
Laminated matt, hardback, B5, 22,320 words, 128 silk pages, 141 plates
Sample pages
Read more about “The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights Then & Now”
Addressing the author from his house in Soweto on 23 February 1993, Nelson Mandela responded to Michael Turner’s promotion of human rights: “You have just become my hero.”
‘The notes are excellent, and well worth considerable study. Michael Turner has produced a sound and workmanlike resource, turning an important but difficult subject, and to illustrate in any vivid and memorable way, into a relevant and enjoyable one.’
Times Educational Supplement, 21 January 1986
‘Dear Mr Turner, I really enjoy your classes on human rights. They aroused my attention on several serious problems in the world. I gained a lot from these classes. It’s nice to meet you.’
Your student: ‘Diane’ Shao, 2019 (China)