History Today

David Landes asks the questions: Why clocks? Who needs them? After all, nature is the great time-giver and all of us, without exception, live by nature's clock.

In the world today, a nation's financial collapse can threaten its political and social stability. It was the same in France in 1789, explains Peter Burley.

Gabriel Ronay traces the story of the 'forgotten' rightful heir to the throne of England – who could, perhaps, have saved Anglo-Saxon England from a Norman invasion in 1066.

Alan Heesom discusses 19th-century politics either side of the Irish Sea.

Alan Ryan discusses the short and acrimonious history of the social services.

Keith Robbins ponders on how historians can construct a United Kingdom.

In his book, The Compleat Angler, Izaak Walton, who died three hundred years ago this month, provided generations of anglers with a technique manual, a pastoral idyll - and an elegant apologia for their pastime. An Article by John Lowerson.

Susan M. Sherwin-White discusses historical works relating to the Hellenistic Period.

Was Martin Luther the author of a 'Moderate Reformation'? Or was his progeny to prove a 'Radical Reformation'? An article by Michael Mullett.

Martin Luther, explains Lyndal Roper, summarised his view of sex, marriage and motherhood in a letter he wrote to three nuns in 1524, 'A women does not have complete mastery over herself. God created her body that she should be with a man and bear and raise children'.