Historiography

Catherine Merridale examines competing versions of Russia's troubled past in the light of present politics.

Richard Cavendish remembers the birth of Birth of the First Earl of Clarendon on February 18, 1609. 

In his twenties, Philippe Maurice was sentenced to death by guillotine for murdering a policeman. Saved by a change of government, he transformed himself through prison study into one of France’s leading medieval historians. William Smith reports.

Richard Wilkinson, our regular reviewer, has been reading books on the early modern and modern periods.

Richard Wilkinson shows that good history is never dull.

Mihir Bose discusses the paradox that India, a land of history, has a surprisingly weak tradition of historiography.

York Membery interviews the eminent historian Norman Stone about his life in Turkey and his latest book.

Tobias Grey discusses the impact of a controversial historical novel that has become a literary sensation in France, and asks some French-based commentators and historians for their reactions.

Historical novelist Katie Grant delves into her family history for inspiration.

John Julius Norwich has an infectious enthusiasm in his writing that makes his books hugely popular. Here he explains why certain subjects have allured him, such as the exotic world of medieval Sicily and his adored Venice, while others leave him cold.