Volume 3 Issue 12 December 1953

J.A.R. Pimlott studies the development of the Christmas Spirit—from Pagan Saturnalia to Victorian family party

In 1820, a plot to assassinate the British Prime Minister and his cabinet was exposed.

C.R. Boxer profiles the naval adventures of the Netherlands' Tromp family - a thorn in the side of mid-17th century English maritime activity.

Richard Hare recounts the history of Russia's Western metropolis.

Arthur Bryant examines the background to Magna Carta.

Julian Piggott shows how, with the help of a puppet state on the Rhine, France between 1919 and 1923 attempted to solve the perpetual problem of her eastern frontier.