History Today

James Graham-Campbell looks at the persisting image of the Vikings as pagan raiders striking at isolated Christian settlements. But is this the whole truth? And how and why did the Vikings adopt Christianity?

'My country, right or wrong' – but which country? The dilemmas of allegiance posed for Americans by the outbreak of war between the colonies and the British Crown led a cross-section of that society into the loyalist camp, including (with an eye to the main chance) 'the most brilliant soldier of the Continental Army', as Esmond Wright describes.

Susan Bayly looks into an Indian Museum in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

A reflection on the beginnings of the motor car industry by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

Philip Mansel looks at the commemorations surrounding the 250th anniversary of the death of a Habsburg monarch.

Mike Curtis uncovers the work of museums and archaeological groups in the West of England.

Bruce Collins assesses various wars of national liberation and role of guerrillas throughout the world.

Andrew Selkirk discusses the changing face of Pre-Conquest Britain.

'They do this for their Christian faith and for the saving of souls' – as Russians travelled west, they began to notice moral divides between the countries they visited and their own society.

A slave-state where despotic superstition ruled - Herberstein's vision of sixteenth-century Russia set the agenda for future European attitudes.