History Today

David Rooney describes the extraordinary exploits of Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, the German soldier who kept the Allies tied down in Africa throughout the Great War.

Dutch sovereignty was transferred to the United States of Indonesia on November 2nd, 1949.

Robert D. Storch argues that the state of policing before Peel was not always as bad as the reformers liked to claim.

Napoleon Bonaparte took power in France on November 9th/10th 1799, but how did his rise overthrow the revolution?

October 31st, 1899

Jim Kelsey uncovers a unique Anglo-Saxon collection, enabled by a supportive local council.

Rose Tremain reveals how her fascination with the seventeenth century was the key that unlocked the world of her acclaimed historical novels.

John D. Grainger investigates the creation of C.S. Forester’s naval hero of the Napoleonic Wars - and identifies not one but two Hornblower originals.

Revolutions and changes of dynasty seem to have happened with the regularity of clockwork on the island of Java. M.C. Ricklefs investigates.