‘Jane Austen’s Wardrobe’ by Hilary Davidson review
Jane Austen’s Wardrobe by Hilary Davidson seeks to provide the context that more than two centuries of changes in fashion have obscured.
History Today
How the British Council Made a Soft Power Superpower
The British Council was founded to help the world better understand Britain and to fight fascism. As times changed, so did its remit.
Birth of a Swiss Serial Killer
Marie Jeanneret was born on 13 January 1836 in Switzerland. By the time she was brought to justice, she had attempted to murder at least 30 people.
How Did Christianity Change the Roman Empire?
By 380, a small cult originating near the periphery of the Roman Empire had grown to become its official religion: Christianity. Things would change – but in what ways?
Saint Nicholas Becomes a Myth
On 6 December 343, Saint Nicholas died but his miracles continued. Eventually, the man was replaced by the myth of Santa Claus – if he even existed at all.
‘One Fine Day’ and ‘Imperial Island’ review
One Fine Day: Britain’s Empire on the Brink by Matthew Parker and Imperial Island: A History of Empire in Modern Britain by Charlotte Lydia Riley are filled with ambition.
Was the 1926 Floating University a Failure?
In 1926 an American university went to sea and caused an international scandal. Could it still be considered a success?
France’s Long March Against Racism
In 1983 the March for Equality and Against Racism from Marseille to Paris marked the coming of age of a new French generation.
The Lost Years of Jesus
Did Jesus have a difficult childhood? Was his youth spent in Egypt or England, India or Japan? The four canonical gospels are quiet on his early life, leading some to speculate.
‘The Hundred Years War Vol 5’ by Jonathan Sumption review
The Hundred Years War Vol 5: Triumph and Illusion by Jonathan Sumption charts the English downfall and France’s triumph to bring the epic five-volume history to its conclusion.