Europe

Ronald Quinault wonders what Churchill would have made of Maastricht in the light of his post-war activities.

As discussion grows about defence post Cold War, Martin Dedman and Clive Fleay look at an abortive 1950s plan for a 'European Army'.

Peter Laslett discusses how the Continent's 'happy families' have changed dramatically since the War.

The life and times of Austria's grand old man, the Emperor Franz Joseph, via the Kaiservilla.

Miranda Vickers looks at the troubled history of Yugoslav-Albanian relations

Nancy Mitford takes a perceptive and ironic look at the reaction of 18th-century French 'society' to the Enlightenment's great philosophe.

Hugh Dunthorne on how bowls, billiards, skating and other pastimes shed light on the society and culture of the Dutch Golden Age.

Akbar Ahmed looks at the legacy of a Moorish past for the present Spain.

Bovver boys in Athens and Rome? Apparently so, according to Robert Garland, who uncovers tales from life and legend to show how high jinks could turn to blows in the classical world.

William Sessions on the connections of the charismatic courtier-poet who in a short and ill-fated life bridged the aristocratic Renaissance cultures of the Continent and the lifestyle of Henry VIII's court.