History Today

The City and the Democratic Ideal

François Hartog on how urban living has coincided with the advocacy of popular rule from Plato through to Machiavelli, Rousseau and 20th-century sociologists.

A Sympathetic Ear: Napoleon, Elba and the British

Was Napoleon's escape from his first exile unwittingly aided by his erstwhile opponents from Albion? Katharine MacDonogh weighs up the enigmatic response that certain British citizens showed towards their imperial prisoner.

Women and the Early Church

Brent Shaw offers a reassessment of the women martyrs and heroines whose activities on behalf of the faith provoked unsettled admiration from the church fathers.

Postcards and Politics

Ian MacDonald looks at how the Edwardian political battle on tariff reform and the career of Joseph Chamberlain was advanced via the postcard.

Badgering the Union

Paul Martin examines how badges made you part of the union in 19th- and early-20th century Britain.