The messages sent by British soldiers of the First World War to their loved ones back home have long been valued for what they tell us about daily life in the trenches. But their authors were often at pains not to reveal too much of the horror they endured. Anthony Fletcher considers what these documents reveal about the men’s inner lives.
The natural philosopher and scientist Robert Boyle was revered in his time for his pioneering enquiry into a wide range of natural phenomena.Yet within half a century of his death he was almost forgotten, overshadowed by his contemporary Isaac Newton. Michael Hunter explains why.
Lord Beaverbrook’s close acquaintance with the two War Leaders began in 1911; his reflections on them had not been published in full before this August 1973 article. With introduction by A.J.P. Taylor.
Mark Bryant profiles the brilliant wartime cartoonist who chronicled the actions of Italy’s Fascist leader.
The West Indies is home to a large and vibrant South Asian population descended from indentured labourers who worked the plantations after the abolition of slavery. The arrival of the first, from Bengal in 1838, is recorded in the journal of a young doctor who accompanied them, as Brigid Wells describes.
David Powell establishes a clear path through the historiographical maze
R. E. Foster examines the reputation and political stature of a three-times prime minister.
Sex, scandals and celebrity were all part of a blame and shame culture that existed in the 18th century, one that often fed off the misfortune of women at the hands of men. Prostitutes, courtesans and ladies with injured reputations took up the pen in retaliation.
Richard Cavendish recounts the birth of a great warship, on July 23rd, 1759.
Thomas Paine inspired and witnessed the revolutions that gave birth to the United States and destroyed the French monarchy. A genuinely global figure, he anticipated modern ideas on human rights, atheism and rationalism.
