France, from Gaul to de Gaulle
A lucid, entertaining history of France and its cultural contribution by an accomplished master of the grand narrative.
Reviews
How Original Was Shakespeare?
Two fascinating, in-depth studies look, respectively, at representations of the Bard as a historical character and perceptions of his originality and reputation.
Who Were The Phoenicians?
Josephine Quinn’s authoritative and engaging new study questions whether the Phoenicians had a homogeneous language or cultural heritage.
Homophobia in Russia
Despite the difficulties in accessing official archival sources, the history of homophobic persecution in Russia is covered convincingly in this study.
His Own Man?
Edward I, the king who changed the public face of monarchy.
Ferdinand Columbus, Bibliophile
The second son of Christopher Columbus amassed one of the greatest collections of books and prints of the Renaissance.
The Alhambra: A Sumptuous but Fragile Jewel
A comprehensive study of the Alhambra cuts through centuries of myth to give us a sense of the vibrant spectacle that greeted its original residents and diplomatic visitors.
Napoleon: Cutting a swathe through Europe
How Napoleon bestrode Europe, playing a deadly serious ‘game of thrones’.
The Long History of Memory
An exploration of early modern memory complicates the idea that the period relied on traditions and repetition to understand the past.
The Beauty of Physical Ageing
In contrast to today’s youth-obsessed media, in Ancient Egypt, eye bags and wrinkles were seen as signs of a long life, well lived.