Britain

T.A. Jenkins reviews the life and legacy of Benjamin Disraeli, statesman, novelist and man-about-town, on the bicentenary of his birth.

Adrian Mourby welcomes a new wave of opera houses around the world, and compares this with the previous surge in the late 19th century.

Was Margaret Thatcher’s government close to defeat during the dark days of the miners’ strike of 1984-85?

Andrew Lambert explains why Nelson’s life and death should never be forgotten.

Janet MacDonald looks at the surprisingly good rations that kept the Jack-Tars jolly.

Edward Falshaw completes his survey of questions on contemporary Britain.

Pauline Croft analyses the causes and traces the consequences of a momentous Treaty.

Philip Pedley sees fateful flaws in a famous agreement.

Stephen Cullen reassesses the role of ‘Dad’s Army’.

Is it history or fiction? Is it better than both, or worse than either? Robert Pearce wrestles with these questions.