Independent Books was formed in 1988 by Peter Osborne and Ulrich Steinhilper to jointly publish ‘Spitfire On My Tail.’ This chronicled Ulrich’s life from the time he had been a small boy in post World War I Germany; through his training as a Luftwaffe fighter pilot and through one hundred and fifty missions during the Battle of Britain. There then followed two more books, ‘Ten Minutes To Buffalo’ and ‘Full Circle’, which related Ulrich experiences and time as a prisoner of war, including five escapes from Allied custody.

By 1994, with the success of these books, Independent Books was being approached by other authors to publish their works, and it was agreed that Peter would continue the expansion of the business as a sole proprietor. A succession of books were edited and designed for authors like Alan Cooper, Freddie Clark, Werner Roel and Wolfgang Späte , Group Captain ‘Bill’ Randle and Bert Horden. Two new titles have recently been added to the list.

In addition, Independent Books imports a range of books from Pictorial Histories in the USA and is also active in the editing, design and publication of works for authors on a 'self publishing' basis.