History Today

The premiere of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto at the Vienna opera house on December 23rd, 1806, was not a success.

Fidel Castro's first, unsuccessful attempt at overthrowing the Cuban regime began on December 2nd, 1956.

Cartoon historian Mark Bryant looks at the origins of some of Dickens’ best-loved characters, and finds clues in the work of cartoonists of the novelist’s youth.

As  the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross is celebrated, Richard Vinen looks beyond the individual acts of heroism that have merited the honour, to the wider social, cultural and historical significance of  the medal.

Forget Tony Blair or Margaret Thatcher, says Klaus Larres; Winston Churchill was the supreme prevaricator when it came to giving up power.

Alysa Levene explores the ideas of William Cadogan whose enlightened ideas on raising healthy and happy babies in the mid-18th century pre-dated those of Rousseau and contributed to a more permissive and relaxed attitude to child-rearing.

Geza Vermes looks at the Christmas stories in the Bible with a historian’s eye.

York Membery sings the praises of the great wartime leader on the ninetieth anniversary of his coming to power.

Contrary to myth, it wasn’t Prince Albert but another German royal transplant who introduced the Christmas tree to Britain.

The life and career of one of the most vilified men in history.