Volume 75 Issue 6 June 2025

Der Briefträger, Giuseppe Maria Crespi, 1725-30. Staatliche Kunsthalle, Karlsruhe. Public Domain.

The Black Chamber: Opening Europe’s Post

In the febrile political climate of early modern Europe, letters – and the information they contained – were dangerous. Notorious ‘black chambers’ turned postmasters into spies.

Crowds gather around the burning headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Cairo, 27 October 1954. It was set on fire after the attempted assassination of Gamal Abdel Nasser. Associated Press/Alamy.

Nasser, Suez, and the Muslim Brotherhood

As Nasser moved to nationalise the Suez Canal in 1956, Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood was forced to choose between faith and freedom.

Condemnation and martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, gilded copper and champlevé enamel from Germany, c. 1180. The Cleveland Museum of Art. Public Domain.

Medieval Fogge: In Defence of the Middle Ages

The medieval era did not wallow in savage, ignorant darkness, despite what some would have us believe.

‘Geology and Palaeontology’, from Cassell’s Natural History, 1896. Mary Evans Picture Library.

The Victorians, Creation, and the Dinosaur Problem

The Earth was created in seven days. On which day were the dinosaurs made? Discoveries in geology and palaeontology forced Victorian creationists to be especially creative.

Portrait of Samuel Pepys by John Riley, late 17th century. Yale University Art Gallery. Public Domain.

The Hidden Diary of Samuel Pepys

When Samuel Pepys’ diary was first published 200 years ago it was an instant hit, but rumours soon spread about what had been cut and why.