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Verona, Italy
For the latest in our historical holiday series, Paul explores the romance of Verona, a veritable Mecca for lovers across the world.
Field Marshal Bill Slim - 1891-1970
Comedian, actor and television presenter Griff Rhys Jones chooses.
Margaret Beaufort Mother of the Tudors
She was pregnant at 12, widowed by the Wars of the Roses and almost died at the hands of Richard III. But, writes Michael Jones, nothing could prevent the indomitable Margaret Beaufort from engineering the rise of her son, Henry VII, to the English throne
When Britons were slaves in Africa
Between the 16th and 18th centuries, pirates operating out of north Africa enslaved thousands of men, women and children from the British Isles. Adam Nichols describes the often faltering attempts to release the captives from a life of hard labour and torture
Napoleon III Surrenders To The Prussians
The ailing French emperor suffers a humiliating defeat at the battle of Sedan.
What Lies Beneath
NICK RENNISON enjoys a lurid tale of treasure hunting, murder and mayhem set in 19th-century England
Not So Sweet Stuff
DAVID OLUSOGA admires a new work tracing the history of our damaging love affair with sugar
Paupers' Brave New World
In the 1840s, the government began sparing Britain’s most deprived children the Dickensian hell of the workhouse and placing them in schools that promised good food, healthcare and an education. But did the reality live up to the ideal?
Elizabethi's Irish Nemesis
Hiram Morgan tells the story of the Irish earl Hugh O’Neill, a brilliant warrior and slippery negotiator who ran rings around Elizabeth I’s greatest generals and almost ended English rule in Ireland
Who blundered in The Valley of Death?
The Charge of the Light Brigade is one of the most notorious fiascos in British military history. But who should shoulder the blame for this suicidal assault on Russian guns? Saul David considers the evidence
The Fight For Black America
Characterising Black Power as the civil rights movement’s ‘evil twin’ masks its considerable achievements over the past 50 years
Expertise Is Not Just A Man In A Suit Anymore
What is it like to be a female historian in the 21st century? Ellie cawthorne spoke to four leading academics about internet trolls, juggling work and family, and their plans to shake up the study of history.
Are We Witnessing A ‘Post-Truth' Nadir In Media Influence?
The issue of ‘fake news’ has barely been out of the news in recent weeks. With this in mind, we asked two historians to offer their perspectives on the ‘post-truth’ era and explore the rocky relationship between politicians and the press
New Zealand Makes Suffrage History
Twenty years of campaigning sees New Zealand women given the right to vote, to the dismay of many men
The US Constitution Is Signed
Thirty-nine men put pen to paper in Philadelphia
Have High-Rises Ever Been The Answer To Our Housing Woes?
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, we asked two experts to offer their perspectives on the impact of multi-storey public housing on Britain’s social landscape since the Second World War
Primo Levi 1919 - 87
Television presenter Nick Hewer chooses.
Florence, Italy
For the latest in our historical holiday series, Joanne explores Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance
A Nerveless Nazi-Killer
As part of our occasional series pro ling remarkable yet unheralded characters from history, Gavin Mortimer introduces Johnny Hopper, the British lone-wolf ghter who embarked on a campaign of violence that made him one of the most wanted men in Nazi-occupied France
On The Warpath
MILES RUSSELL enjoys a richly descriptive work following Caesar’s path to victory over the Gauls
The Making Of A Military Genius
In just two years, Oliver Cromwell made the journey from little-known MP with no experience of armed combat to brilliant, battle-winning leader. Martyn Bennett reveals how a military novice became one of British history’s greatest warriors.
Why Is Sex Such An Explosive Issue In The Corridors Of Power?
Recent months have seen Westminster rocked by allegations of sexual impropriety by male politicians. We asked two historians for their perspective on why sex scandals have dogged the British establishment for the past two centuries.
“We Live In A Time Of Growing Calls To Right The Wrongs Of The Past”
Can we ever apologise meaningfully for deeds done by others in the past? Can we right the wrongs of history? And what about reparations? Accepting moral guilt is one thing, materially making amends is quite another.
Marrakech, Morocco
For the latest in our historical holiday series, Sarah takes in the sights, sounds and smells of Morocco’s former imperial capital.
On The Money
CATHERINE R SCHENK admires a long but successful distillation of the Bank of England’s complicated 320-year history.
Boston Rebels Dump Tea Into The Sea
Britain and its American colonies come to blows over a controversial tax.
Mary Wollstonecraft 1759–97
Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour party, chooses.