Volume 62 Issue 6 June 2012

The pioneer of English travel writing was born on June 7th, 1662.

Over the next four issues we will be looking at the history of the British Isles by examining its former and present constituent parts – Wales, Scotland, Ireland and, finally, England. This month Hywel Williams writes about Wales.

The boxer's great victory over James J. Braddock took place on June 22nd, 1937.

Richard Cavendish remembers the royal favourite who died on June 19th, 1312.

From Captain Cook to playboy Prince Bertie, Tessa Dunlop examines the appeal of the tattoo among high society.

Roger Hudson on a moment in the story of Scottish emigration captured in 1923.

Nicola Phillips reports from a recent London conference that looked at the ways in which new technology is changing local and family history.

A public spat between a historian and a writer shows why some subject matter deserves special reverence, says Tim Stanley.

Jonathan Fenby on the long history behind the rapid demise of one of the brightest lights in China’s political firmament.

Chris Millington says we shouldn’t be surprised by the Front national’s show of strength in the recent French elections.