History Today

George Orwell’s ‘fairy story’ on the USSR was politically inconvenient in 1945. Opinions on Animal Farm were soon revised, but its targets – and its author – are easily misunderstood.

Martin Evans mourns the loss of Douglas Johnson, doyen of French political history in Britain.

Mark Roodhouse finds a dark secret in one of the champions of the 1945 Labour landslide.

Daniel Snowman meets the historian of Poland, Europe and ‘The Isles’.

Claire Warrior, of the National Maritime Museum, previews the themes of the exhibition opening on July 7th.

The journey that led N.A.M. Rodger from a schoolboy passion for warships to his becoming the historian of the British Navy took some unexpected turns. He regrets none of them.

‘A damnable and hellish plot’ orchestrated by a ‘shame to mankind’. 

The twentieth anniversary this month of the 1985 Durham Miner’s Gala, the first to be held after the end of the miners’ strike of 1984-85, will be a time for reflection and pride. Hester Barron considers the history and social meaning of the Durham miners’ annual day out.

Jonathan North introduces the story of the warm reception Bonaparte received from one St Helena resident, a story that will soon be the subject of a feature film.

Colin White uncovers a more complex and liberal side to Nelson than was previously appreciated.