Breathing life into history through art, storytelling & education
STUART DOUCH:
HISTORIAN | GRAPHIC ARTIST | CARTOONIST | AUTHOR | EDUCATOR
Stuart Douch is an artist, cartoonist, caricaturist, author, educator and illustrator of historical graphic novels. His first graphic novel, 1066: The Battle of Hastings, was published by GMC Publications in October 2025. His second novel, The History of Medicine, will be published in October 2026.
Stuart served as Headmaster of Sompting Abbotts Preparatory School from 2013 to 2023. He is also a private tutor of English and History for students from Year 5 to Year 13 (Common Entrance prep, GCSEs and A-Levels).
1066, THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS
The year 1066 is one of the most famous dates in English history, marking the Battle of Hastings. This pivotal event ended the Anglo-Saxon era and began the Norman rule in England.
Stuart Douch’s new graphic novel dives into the story of what happened before, during, and after this iconic battle. Discover the crucial decisions and mistakes that led William of Normandy to become England’s first Norman king, and explore the mystery around Harold’s death — was it really an arrow to the eye?
Through dynamic comic-strip panels, readers will step into the action, learning about the key figures, the tactics and weapons used, and even some of the languages of the time. It’s a perfect way for children to engage with this landmark period in history.
With bright, saturated colours inspired by Marvel and classic comic artists, Stuart’s style brings a bold, exaggerated energy to the heroes and villains of 1066. His love of caricature shines through, blending lively characterisation with rich, atmospheric colour.
Published: October 2025; ISBN-13: 9781787081550; Author: Stuart Douch; Price: £12.99; Binding: HB; No. of pages: 56; Dimensions: 249 x 204 mm.
“What instantly struck me about this book was the artwork. Stuart Douch doesn’t sugar coat what this time was like. There were feuds, there was emotive language, there was blood! The battle scenes don’t leave much to the imagination. I love this.
This is a book for Key Stage 2 and above. It’s both a learning resource and an engaging story. So, the only issue I’m going to have is whether it should go in the history section of the library or on the graphic novel shelf. I don’t think it will matter though as this book will definitely spend more time out of the library.”
“What sets this graphic novel apart is its visual power. The illustrations are brilliantly colourful, filled with motion and emotion, turning battles and political manoeuvres into scenes of real drama.
1066: The Battle of Hastings doesn’t just retell history — it lets you experience it. A must-read for anyone who wants to see how one battle reshaped an entire nation.”
“An engaging graphic novel that brings one of the most significant events in British history to life. ... The graphic novel format is a real strength, using clear comic-strip panels and dynamic illustrations to draw readers into the action. Complex ideas such as political intrigue, succession, and battle tactics are explained in an accessible way... ”
THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE
The History of Medicine is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel detailing the trials, tribulations and astounding successes of medicine from Medieval times to the modern age.
From the icky to the downright disgusting, and from the weird to the awe-inspiring, this fun and factual account of medicine through the ages will fascinate and horrify in equal measure.
The subject is covered with authority and wit by the author as the development of medicine is explored. From people’s flawed understanding that the human body was ruled by four humours to the discovery of penicillin, vaccines, anaesthesia, DNA, X-rays, gene therapy and much more.
Pub month: October 2026; ISBN-13: 9781787081987; Author: Stuart Douch; Price: £12.99; Binding: HB; No. of pages: 64; Dimensions: 249 x 204 mm; Colour: Full colour throughout; Age Range: 11+
