Peter J. Beck

Antarctica: Keeping Conflict on Ice

The Antarctic Treaty, signed 50 years ago, kept the cold continent out ofthe Cold War and fostered collaboration on scientific research. The world now faces a different challenge as climate change affects this vast region, writes Peter J. Beck.

Published November 17 2009

History Made Horrible: Terry Deary

Terry Deary’s hugely popular Horrible Histories have leapt beyond the page onto airwaves, stage and screen. Peter J. Beck considers the success of the format and what it tells us about history aimed at children.

Published August 12 2009

Pages of History: Daumier’s Political Eye

Peter J. Beck describes the work of Honoré Daumier, born 200 years ago this month, which provided an early visual documentary newsreel and commentary on the key political and social movements in mid-nineteenth century France.

Published January 16 2008

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Lords of the Northern Forest

The Hudson's Bay Company was one of the central forces moulding the development of the vast tracts of land that today are Canada - but as Barry Gough explains here, the circumstances of its launch in 1670 also reveal much about the commercial forces, personalities and rivalries of Restoration England.