Censoring Samuel Pepys, Victorian creationism, Nasser and the Muslim Brotherhood, early modern espionage in the Black Chamber, and early medieval queens.
Plus: reviews, opinion, crossword and much more!
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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.
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.
The medieval era did not wallow in savage, ignorant darkness, despite what some would have us believe.
As Nasser moved to nationalise the Suez Canal in 1956, Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood was forced to choose between faith and freedom.
In the febrile political climate of early modern Europe, letters – and the information they contained – were dangerous. Notorious ‘black chambers’ turned postmasters into spies.
Canada and the US have often been uneasy neighbours; the roots of the latest political flare up can be found in their tangled history.
Queenship was transformed in the early Middle Ages, as power came to be derived not just from marriage, but from God.
In The World of the Cold War: 1945-1991 Vladislav Zubok argues that chance rather than characters shaped the clash between communism and capitalism.
In 19th-century America abortion was weaponised as part of a culture war.
