Good for Nothing
As the 19th century wore on, social reformers campaigned for charitable modernisation. Their target: England’s most useless foundations.
Recently published
The Year of the Four, Five, Six Roman Emperors
For citizens of Ancient Rome, the recurrence of brutal civil war was par for the course. For writers, the Years of the Four, Five and Six Emperors were an opportunity.
How to Make a Devil
The legend of Ravachol, the terrorist ‘mastermind’ of the fin de siècle.
An Edict of Toleration
On 14 June 1632, the Ethiopian Emperor Susenyos abdicated in favour of his son.
Forging Ties
A Shanghai bookshop played a pivotal role in promoting Sino-Japanese friendship.
The Penguin History of Modern Spain by Nigel Townson review
An up-to-date history of modern Spain, from 1898 to the present.
Does History Have an Expiry Date?
We welcome our new columnist George Garnett. Don’t tell him that history’s history.
A Cure for Wellness
Eminent doctors and notorious charlatans vied for sick patients to treat in the cut-throat medical marketplace of Georgian England.
Many Happy Returns
James Stuart, Jacobite pretender to the throne, campaigned for the Jacobite cause with dancing and parties.
The Madman in the White House by Patrick Weil review
Delusions of grandeur: a ‘psychobiography’ of Woodrow Wilson.