The 50 Years that Made America
Fifty years separate the Boston Tea Party and the Monroe Doctrine. How did a group of British colonies become a self-proclaimed protector of continents within half a century?
Recently published
Zambi of Palmares is Beheaded
On 20 November 1695, Zambi of Palmares – ruler of an ‘invincible’ community of former slaves in the Brazilian jungle – was killed by the Portuguese.
Power and Populism in Ancient Greek Courts
In ancient Greece the ‘least dangerous’ branch of government – the courts – wielded serious political power.
Edmund of Abingdon’s Dream Job
How a vision led Edmund of Abingdon to elevate the role of Medieval teacher to saintly levels.
‘The Revolutionary Temper’ by Robert Darnton review
The Revolutionary Temper: Paris, 1748-1789 by Robert Darnton is a sweeping account of events from the Parisian perspective, from disastrous wars to fights for religious toleration.
London Necropolis Railway Opens
On 13 November 1854, the Victorians combined their love of heavy industry and heavy mourning, with the opening of the London Necropolis Railway.
‘Eli and the Octopus’ by Matt García review
Eli and the Octopus: The CEO Who Tried to Reform One of the World’s Most Notorious Corporations by Matt García is a human story amid mergers, sales, profits and losses.
The English Plan to Colonise Russia
When England’s search for a Northwest Passage via sea failed, an audacious plan to forge a land route was hatched by the Muscovy Company.
‘The Weimar Years’ by Frank McDonough review
The Weimar Years: Rise and Fall 1918-1933 by Frank McDonough is a lucid overview of Germany’s tumultuous interwar years.
Solving the Riddle of Reproduction
Where does new life come from? According to one theory that held sway until the 18th century, it’s all been there from the very beginning.