‘The Illegals’ by Shaun Waker review
The Illegals: Russia’s Most Audacious Spies and the Plot to Infiltrate the West by Shaun Walker sheds light on the Soviet Union’s undercover intelligence gathering.
History Today
Thatcher’s Wordsmiths
Margaret Thatcher struggled to write her own speeches. Who put the words in her mouth?
‘America, América’ by Greg Grandin review
America, América: A New History of the New World by Greg Grandin finds a place for Latin America and its ideals in the story of the United States.
Why Did Rome Fall?
When it comes to the end of the Roman Empire three things are certain: death, taxes, and Goths. Were reports of its demise exaggerated?
‘The Sun Rising’ by Anna Whitelock review
The Sun Rising: James I and the Dawn of a Global Britain by Anna Whitelock offers a panoramic view of Jacobean foreign policy.
Politicising Abortion in the United States
In 19th-century America abortion was weaponised as part of a culture war.
‘The World of the Cold War: 1945-1991’ by Vladislav Zubok review
In The World of the Cold War: 1945-1991 Vladislav Zubok argues that circumstance rather than ideology shaped the clash between communism and capitalism.
Medieval Queen by Grace of God
Queenship was transformed in the early Middle Ages, as power came to be derived not just from marriage, but from God.
Canada and the US: Sleeping with the Elephant
Canada and the US have often been uneasy neighbours; the roots of the latest political flare up can be found in their tangled history.
The Black Chamber: Opening Europe’s Post
In the febrile political climate of early modern Europe, letters – and the information they contained – were dangerous. Notorious ‘black chambers’ turned postmasters into spies.