History Today

Seton Lloyd describes how modern research into the early Christian history of what is now Turkey has promoted an Apocryphal story from myth to reality.

Roderick Cameron explains how, during the 50 years that followed Governor Phillip’s landing at Botany Bay in 1788, convicts and free settlers turned New South Wales into a flourishing colony.

L.F. Marks introduces Savonarola, dominant within the turbulence of Florentine politics of the 1490’s.

Not problems of the Squire’s pedigree, or of titles to land, but the origins and growth of town and village communities, W.G. Hoskins argues, should be the subjects of local historians today.

Chinese Governments are notoriously difficult in their relations with Europe. G.H.L. LeMay gives a chastening account of two early British attempts to get into diplomatic touch with Pekin.

D.W. Brogan sketches the history of modern London.

As prophet and economist, Marx is a familiar figure. But what, asks Lindley Fraser, was his real contribution to the writing of history?

The mountain country of Kentucky, until very recent years, has been the scene of fierce family feuds, as A.L. Lloyd records here.

In legend, Marathon is one of the decisive battles of the world; in fact, Stuart E.P. Atherley suggests, it marked the repulse of a comparatively small “colonial” expedition from Persia.

A.P. Ryan introduces the life and career of The Earl of Balfour: Conservative Prime Minister, 1902-5; Foreign Secretary, 1916-19; President of the Council 1919-22, 1925-9.