Today’s featured articles
Queenship was transformed in the early Middle Ages, as power came to be derived not just from marriage, but from God.
In the febrile political climate of early modern Europe, letters – and the information they contained – were dangerous. Notorious ‘black chambers’ turned postmasters into spies.
As Nasser moved to nationalise the Suez Canal in 1956, Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood was forced to choose between faith and freedom.
Most recent
A Royal Skeleton in the Chapel
Were the lost bones of medieval King Ethelbert hidden in Sherborne Abbey? A convenient discovery suggested they were.
‘Miracles and Wonder’ by Elaine Pagels review
Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus by Elaine Pagels finds that the son of God is more than the sum of his parts.
Renaissance Florence’s Missing Bronzes
The controversial outcome of a sculpture competition between Filippo Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti changed the urban fabric of Renaissance Florence – or so the story goes.
‘The Alienation Effect’ by Owen Hatherley review
The Alienation Effect: How Central European Émigrés Transformed the British Twentieth Century by Owen Hatherley follows in the footsteps of those who fled fascism.
Cannibal Crusaders
Reports from the First Crusade brought tales of victorious Christian soldiers eating dead bodies.
‘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.
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.
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In the June issue:
Censoring Samuel Pepys, Victorian creationism, Nasser and the Muslim Brotherhood, early modern espionage in the Black Chamber, and early medieval queens.
Plus: reviews, opinion, crossword and much more!
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