History Today

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.

H.G. Nicholas reconsiders the influence of this famous book on American opinion in the years preceding the Civil war, and on its world-wide public outside the United States.

Ann Dewar recounts the once-annual political battle to make Derby Day a parliamentary holiday

Max Thompson profiles the oddest and most original of 17th century political thinkers.