History Today

Esmond Wright examines the American constitution and its workings after two centuries.

Life a moral drama - Richard Ollard, author of the latest study of Clarendon, argues that he was uniquely placed, as both chronicler of and participant in the English Civil War, to reflect in his writings his way of 'making sense' of politics, history and religion.

A myth for all seasons - the treatment through the centuries of Spain's medieval hero as a blend of Robin Hood and King Arthur provides revealing insights into the political needs of both his contemporary and more recent biographers.

Once upon a time... nostalgia for the imagined medieval harmony of the arts, religion and society was a powerful impetus for the aesthetic revival in these areas in Victorian England.

Philip Mansel pays tribute to the Musée Napoleon Premier.

‘Pastime with good company’ – how the image of ‘Bluff King Hal’ glosses over the harsh realities of life-and-death court intrigues played out among the nooks and crannies of the king’s private apartment.

A look into some of the most influential philosophers of the Victorian era.

Tony Aldous traces the history of the Octagon Chapel in Bath.

Gerhard Hirschfeld looks over the heated debate between West German historians and the Nazi past.