Books of the Year 2021
Revolutionary France, lights out in the Ottoman Empire, gross obscenity, Napoleon’s gardens and the humble index: ten historians reflect on a year of reading.
Reviews
‘Conclave 1559’ by Mary Hollingsworth review
Conclave 1559: Ippolito d’Este and the Papal Election of 1559 by Mary Hollingsworth captures the gruelling voting and the arduous politicking.
Role Remodel
Reinterpreting George III’s reputation.
Strength and Guile
A history of the Special Boat Service, founded in the dark days of July 1940.
Beginning at the End
A childhood world of fallen heroes and shattered certainties experienced during the fall of communism in Albania.
The Mountain of Tongues
Is Caucasian history more byzantine than Europe’s?
It’s Laughable
An account of laughter as a force for societal good.
Camp America
America’s longstanding passion for the great outdoors.
Take me to the Church
The medieval parish church was the meeting point of many different things, both sacred and secular.
Think of the Children!
Britain’s obscenity trials and censorship laws.