Zhou Enlai: Mao’s Enigmatic Shadow
How important was China’s senior diplomat to his nation’s rise to global power, or is it too early to say?
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Policing the Ploughs
As Britain faced the prospect of food shortages in 1917, panic mounted. One solution was to redeploy policemen to plough the land.
Kingdoms Come Apart
The path to Britain’s Civil Wars of the 17th century was paved in the three very different realms of England, Scotland and Ireland. But it was in the richest and most populous of these that crisis escalated into conflict.
The Rights of France
Since the late 19th century, French politics has provided a testing ground for right-wing populism.
Soviet Super Sniper: A Woman at War
The ‘Guerrilla Queen’ of Soviet Russia became a role model for women in combat.
The Inquisition’s Secret Weapon
With the aim of converting souls rather than punishing them, the Jesuits were vital collaborators in the Roman Inquisition.
The Foundations of Liberia
The creation of an African American colony was supported by slave holders and abolitionists, but founded by a few dozen black families.
The Great Rabbit Hoax
In 1726, Mary Toft gave birth to rabbits. The case became a test of the doctors’ scientific principles.
The State of the Nation
Recent political crises have shown the importance – and neglect – of constitutional history.
Sin and Siege: The End of the Crusades
Acre was the most cosmopolitan city in the medieval world. Its inhabitants thought it too valuable to destroy. They were wrong.