History Today

The Rise and Fall of the Private Bankers

Nicholas Lane documents how the big branch banks of today have their origins largely in the numerous private banking partnerships, founded in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Ivan the Terrible

The contemporary of Queen Elizabeth I, Ivan IV was the real founder of modern Russia, and, Jules Menken writes, the originator of the disciplinary system by means of which many Russian rulers since have held, their power.

Agobard of Lyons

Allen Cabaniss investigates rumour, propaganda and freedom of thought in the ninth century life of the late Carolingian empire.

Lord George Germain and the American Colonies

Accused of cowardice at the Battle of Minden, and often-cast for the role of villain when he was Colonial Secretary, Lord George Germain, writes Eric Robson, nevertheless had many of the qualities of a successful statesman.