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The advent of telecommunications gave rise to a new literary genre through which female telegraphers and writers found social freedoms.

Historians often take creative liberties when setting the scene, but at what point does it become misleading?

Anatomical pop-up books, introduced in the 16th century, took anatomy out of the lecture hall and into the home. 

Spreading east in the 11th century, the Normans soon became a feared part of the Byzantine army, but a mercenary’s loyalty is always to his paymaster, as the empire would soon discover. 

Before the secret ballot, voting in Britain was a theatrical, violent and public affair. The Act that made democracy private turned 150 this year.

During the worst year of the Troubles, the British government became alarmed at the implications of a Soviet embassy opening in Dublin.

Alcohol was part of daily life in the colonial Maghreb. In 1913 the French banned alcohol in Tunisia, revealing a deep distrust of local drinks and their Jewish and Muslim makers. 

A symbol of rebirth and redemption, the phoenix itself has been born and reborn – from ancient Egypt to New York. 

We ask 20 questions of leading historians on why their research matters, one book everyone should read and their views on historical drama …