History Today

The Russian Mrs Beeton

Helen Szamuely explores the unprecedented success of a household manual and cookery book produced by a Russian housewife, Yelena Molokhovets, following the Emancipation of the Serfs in 1861.

The Derryard Attack

Chris Darnell examines the political and military background to the IRA’s last major action against the British army.

Past Imperfect

Disabled people were prominent at the court of the Spanish Habsburgs. Janet Ravenscroft examines the roles they played and draws comparisons with modern attitudes towards physical imperfection.

Dickens' London: Further Twists

Gillian Tindall reflects on a recent discovery by a Dickens scholar, which offers new insights into the great writer’s early years.

A History of the Mexican Revolution

The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910, was one of the great revolutionary upheavals of the 20th century. What were its causes and consequences?

Temple of Power

Roger Hudson sails past a half-built Battersea Power Station and on to its slow decline.