David Ellwood discusses America's cultural take-over of Europe in a seemingly innocent Italian 1950s comedy called "Un Americano a Roma". The comedy features a hapless hero whose attempts to Americanise himself mirror Italy's struggle to handle a clash of cultures after World War II.
Simon Smith questions our image of buccaneers as bloodthirsty opportunists claiming they were often highly organised and efficient businessmen in the waters of the Caribbean.
Sue Corbett takes a look at the reality of The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.
Commissioning a Mexican Communist to hymn the achievements of Henry Ford’s mass-production in 1930s Detroit was always likely to be an intriguing project.
Walter Vandereycken and Ron van Deth chart the life of an unhappy empress, from her eating disorders to extra-marital affairs.
Anne Laurence takes a look at a history course which compares the cultures of 17th century Britain and France.
Richard Cavendish explores the Gershom Parkington collection of Time Measurement Instruments.
Richard Wilkinson reassesses the much-maligned prelate, asking whether the man who steered France through the minority of Louis XIV deserves such as bad press.
Steven Gunn explores the surprising similarities between the impetuous Valois duke and the cautious Tudor pragmatist.
