History Today

Anatomical pop-up books, introduced in the 16th century, took anatomy out of the lecture hall and into the home. 

Spreading east in the 11th century, the Normans soon became a feared part of the Byzantine army, but a mercenary’s loyalty is always to his paymaster, as the empire would soon discover. 

Before the secret ballot, voting in Britain was a theatrical, violent and public affair. The Act that made democracy private turned 150 this year.

During the worst year of the Troubles, the British government became alarmed at the implications of a Soviet embassy opening in Dublin.

Alcohol was part of daily life in the colonial Maghreb. In 1913 the French banned alcohol in Tunisia, revealing a deep distrust of local drinks and their Jewish and Muslim makers. 

A symbol of rebirth and redemption, the phoenix itself has been born and reborn – from ancient Egypt to New York. 

We ask 20 questions of leading historians on why their research matters, one book everyone should read and their views on historical drama …

On the 50th anniversary of Watergate we ask four historians about its afterlife – beyond the impressively versatile -gate suffix.