Paul Lay

The industry, enlightenment, history and soft-power of Birmingham.

If the study of history has a future, it must look beyond the near horizon, in space and time. 

We should be clear about which histories are neglected and which are not.

Afghanistan has one of the richest architectural legacies on earth. Its future, like that of the country and its people, is uncertain.

A puritan translation of an Epicurean masterpiece fell victim to the pieties of its time.

A unique chronicle of a perilous journey reminds us of the need to reach beyond the horizon.

Whatever Henry II may have wished, we will never be rid of Thomas Becket.

When people are returned to the historical record, they regain their humanity.

A classic work of history, now 20 years old, reminds us of the power of continuing education for all. 

A great European novel says much about its age of crisis – and ours.