Victorian

T.A. Jenkins reviews the life and legacy of Benjamin Disraeli, statesman, novelist and man-about-town, on the bicentenary of his birth.

Adrian Mourby welcomes a new wave of opera houses around the world, and compares this with the previous surge in the late 19th century.

The fatalist view of the Light Brigade’s charge towards the Russian guns at Balaclava is being challenged. They had their reasons why.

Graham Goodlad asks whether Lord Salisbury deserves his reputation as one of the great Victorian Prime Ministers.

Richard Cavendish recounts the history of the British medal for bravery in combat, first awarded on June 21st, 1854.

Anthony Howe looks at the anti-war stance of the great Victorian reformer; his fall from grace and subsequent revival.

Damian O’Connor examines the motives of the man who started the conflict.

Roman Golicz looks at English attitudes to Russia during the Eastern Crisis of 1870-78.

The colourful cartoon development of British national symbols provides an acute barometer to changes in 18th- and 19th-century public opinion. By Peter Mellini and Roy. T. Matthews.