The Ghosts of Gaelic
Gaelic language and culture in Scotland have a long history, often subsumed by English. Is there hope for their future?
History Today
Bismarck’s Britain
The German chancellor Otto von Bismarck saw himself as a puppet-master, engineering British politics from afar in his feud with Gladstone.
Coronation of Bolesław the Brave
Bolesław Chrobry was finally crowned king of Poland on 18 April 1025. It was an elevation two decades in the making.
‘Scholars and Their Kin’ review
Scholars and Their Kin: Historical Explorations, Literary Experiments, edited by Stéphane Gerson, has historians scaling their family trees.
On the Spot: Patricia Fara
‘Who is the most underrated person in history? Tupaia, the Tahitian navigator and translator who enabled James Cook to reach Australia and New Zealand’
Catherine of Siena’s American Daughters
As Christianity spread, it carried Catherine of Siena’s legacy to the Americas. Her asceticism inspired Rose of Lima, Kateri Tekakwitha, and others.
‘Queen James’ by Gareth Russell review
Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain’s First King by Gareth Russell illuminates the inner life and passions of James VI and I.
Early Modern Millers’ Tales
Thieves, cheats, and scoundrels. How did early modern millers get their bad reputations?
‘The Crisis of Colonial Anglicanism’ by Martyn Percy review
The Crisis of Colonial Anglicanism: Empire, Slavery and Revolt in the Church of England by Martyn Percy takes the British Empire’s church militant to task. Is there a case to answer?
Wool Aliens of the British Empire
From imported plant species to water pollution, Britain’s 19th century wool trade transformed the world.