History Today

How does the reader decide if a history book is worth their time?

Rich enough to appeal to lords and dukes, the success of panettone through history is down to its festive, egalitarian simplicity.

A master historian’s definitive study of one of the most astonishing and influential careers in English history.

Changing views of illegitimate children raise both moral and economic issues.

The fall of man and the concept of Original Sin.

Folklore, fairies and demonic spirits in the sceptical 17th century.

We continue our series of pen-portraits of less-well-known parliamentarians with a sketch of Richard Salwey, member of the Long Parliament and commissioner for the navy.

From the Thirty Years War to the ancient civilisation of Iran, from Anglo-American rivalries in the desert to the persecution of indigenous peoples, historians select their favourite books of the past year.

On 27 November 1809, a bet between two friends brought a large part of London to a standstill.