Search

'An artist is a sort of emotional or spiritual historian. His role is to make you realise the doom and glory of knowing who you are and what you are. [...]

Politics hardly has a nice clean image, does it? Sometimes called 'the dirty game', it feels like every other day a politician somewhere in the world becomes the subject of [...]

In 1972, Stanley Cohen published his monumental work Folk Devils and Moral Panics. The book is widely credited for defining the latter term, but just what is a 'moral panic'? [...]

Victorian Britain was not a safe time in which to be queer. Until 1861 intercourse between two males was punishable by death and from 1885, the Labouchere Amendment decried that [...]

Look at most lists of the great artists who worked in Britain and you're unlikely to find many women listed. Why is this? You might immediately assume that perhaps there [...]

By 1933, Fritz Lang had become the most celebrated director working in Germany. Movies such as Metropolis (1927) and M (1931), while not as commercially successful as some of his [...]

From Sherlock Holmes to Miss Marple, we all love stories of the eccentric master detective, solving crimes through clever deduction and superior wit. Yet the world's first modern investigator was [...]

In 1945, with Nazi Germany defeated, Britain was already planning World War III. Well not exactly, but Prime Minister Winston Churchill had become disturbed by the Soviet Union's occupation of [...]

Founded in 1824, the National Gallery houses some 2,300 paintings and contains one of the finest art collections in the world. Since first opening its doors, the gallery has become [...]

As the 1980s drew to a close, a quirky group of youthful outsiders began to dominate the New York club scene. These were strange creatures to mainstream observers, a misfit [...]

From 1945 to 1989, Berlin was the hottest spot in the Cold War. At the end of World War II, a defeated Germany was carved up by the Allied powers [...]

From the early 1960s the fight against oppression, inequalities, injustices, and discrimination in the lives of Black and other non-white American citizens gathered pace, spearheaded by Martin Luther King Jr. [...]

From the Greek poet Sappho to 20th century footballer Lily Parr, history is full of women who were romantically and sexually attracted to other women. Unfortunately, like other queer peoples, [...]

Key Events 1767 TOWNSHEND ACTS Further to the taxation policies of the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts are passed. These acts establish taxation on imported essential goods, like tea, paper [...]

This article from All About History explores ten shocking and salacious political scandals throughout history. The scandals range from Jeremy Thorpe, the UK Liberal Leader accused of hiring a contract killer, to Julia Augustus, the daughter of Emperor Augustus who was banished for her wild behavior. Other scandals include John Stonehouse, a UK MP who faked his own death, and Aaron Burr, a former US vice president who formed a private army. The article also covers scandals in France, South Korea, the USA, and medieval France. [Extracted from the article]

This article offers a comprehensive overview of Roman Britain, covering topics such as the founding of Londinium, Boudicca's revolt, the Roman invasion of Anglesey, and the end of Roman rule. It also explores the architecture and features of Roman villas in Britain, as well as the life and characteristics of Boudicca. The text discusses historical figures and artifacts related to Roman Britain, including the mysterious Roman dodecahedrons and the fate of the Ninth Spanish Legion. Additionally, it provides information on various Roman sites in Britain that can be visited. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the concept of moral panics, which are instances of widespread anxiety towards a specific group, art form, or attitude. It provides historical examples of moral panics, such as the witch hunts in Europe, the Red Scare and Hollywood blacklist in the USA, the garrotting panics in 19th-century London, and the jazz panic in the 1920s. The article highlights how moral panics often involve distorted facts and media coverage, leading to discrimination and unfair treatment of certain groups. It emphasizes the need to understand and challenge these moral panics and their harmful consequences. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the queer history of the Victorian era in Britain. It acknowledges the oppressive laws and punishments that LGBTQ+ individuals faced during this time, but also highlights their resilience and desire for self-expression. The article explores the existence of molly houses, underground establishments where queer men could gather, which challenged traditional gender norms and served as precursors to modern gay bars. It discusses the Labouchere Amendment of 1885, which further criminalized same-sex acts, and mentions the last execution for sodomy in England in 1835. The article also delves into the development of queer Gothic literature during the Victorian era, mentioning authors like Oscar Wilde and Vernon Lee who may have been queer themselves. It provides examples of queer Gothic works, such as Count Eric Stenbock's werewolf tale and Sheridan le Fanu's novella Carmilla. The text dispels the myth that Queen Victoria was unaware of lesbianism and emphasizes the repression faced by queer individuals during this period. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a new exhibition at Tate Britain called "Now You See Us," which aims to shed light on the overlooked women artists in British art history from 1520 to 1920. The exhibition features over 200 artworks from around the world, showcasing the work of 100 women artists. The article explores the reasons why these women artists were forgotten, including societal expectations, strict marriage laws, and the influence of husbands. It also highlights the stories of specific women artists, such as Levina Teerlinc, Mary Grace, Sarah Biffin, and Louise Jopling, whose works have been largely forgotten or lost over time. The exhibition aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women artists and promote greater representation of women in museums and galleries. [Extracted from the article]

Woodstock was a famous music festival held in 1969 in New York, which attracted over 400,000 attendees despite being planned for only 200,000. The festival was peaceful and represented the hippy and counterculture movement of the time. It featured performances by renowned musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. The text also discusses the fashion trends of the era, key figures of the movement, and the Vietnam War and student protests. Additionally, it provides information on various places associated with the hippy movement around the world. [Extracted from the article]

Francois Vidocq, a criminal-turned-detective in 19th century Paris, is recognized for his significant contributions to modern crime solving. Despite his criminal background, Vidocq became an informant for the police and later joined the force, establishing the Brigade de Sûreté, a plainclothes unit focused on undercover work. He introduced various innovations, including a comprehensive system of records on known criminals, the use of informants, and the application of disguises and forensic techniques in investigations. Vidocq's work had a profound impact on the field of criminology and continues to inspire authors, filmmakers, and organizations like the Vidocq Society, which solves cold cases. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the hypothetical scenario of "Operation Unthinkable," a secret plan devised by Winston Churchill in 1945 to forcibly remove the Soviet Union from Eastern Europe. The plan involved a military push into East Germany and Poland, similar to Hitler's Operation Barbarossa. However, the plan was never put into action, and the article examines the potential outcomes if it had been. The author suggests that such an operation would have likely resulted in a third world war, fundamentally altering the nature of the Cold War and potentially prolonging the war in the Pacific. The article concludes that the practicalities of the plan were impossible, and Churchill never had the ability to implement it. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Salem Witch Trials that took place in Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. During this time, 20 innocent people were killed after being accused of witchcraft. The events served as a cautionary warning against the violent excesses of witchcraft trials and the term "witch hunt" has since been used as a metaphor for unjust persecution. The trials began when two young girls began exhibiting strange behavior and accused others of witchcraft. The accusations spread, leading to a wave of hysteria and the eventual execution of 19 people. The trials ended after courts dismissed the idea of harmful witchcraft and the embarrassment of the deadly debacle prevented further prosecutions. Without the Salem trials as a cautionary example, a few more cases may have come to court in Massachusetts, but it is unlikely that witch trials would have continued in America. Other colonies had performed fewer witch trials, and it would have taken another unusual convergence of pressures and events to trigger a similar outbreak. The legacy of the trials includes the impact on the legal system, the social and political implications, and the lessons learned about verifying evidence and examining one's own perceptions and motives in times of crisis. [Extracted from the article]

This article offers a comprehensive overview of the Victorian era, covering significant events, important figures, and works of literature from the period. It explores Queen Victoria's reign, including her coronation and her relationship with her servant John Brown. The article also discusses the Great Exhibition, the abolition of slavery, the Irish Potato Famine, and the opening of the London Underground. It highlights various authors and their contributions to Victorian literature, as well as the Victorian era's approach to death and mourning. The text suggests several museums in London that patrons can visit to learn more about Victorian London and its literary figures. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the hypothetical scenario of the Soviet Union inventing the atomic bomb before the United States during World War II. It discusses the Soviet Union's initial interest in nuclear fission and their access to intelligence on the Manhattan Project. However, due to the ongoing war and the Soviet Union's focus on defense, they did not prioritize the development of the bomb. The article suggests that even if the Soviet Union had chosen to invest in a large-scale project, it is unlikely they would have overtaken the Manhattan Project. The article also examines the Soviet Union's reaction to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and speculates on the potential impact of a Soviet atomic bomb on the Cold War. Ultimately, the article concludes that the Cold War would still have occurred, but the dynamics may have been different due to the American monopoly on the bomb. [Extracted from the article]

This text provides a comprehensive historical overview of midwifery, covering various milestones and figures throughout history. It discusses the role of midwives in different cultures, including the Roman obstetrix and their aids during childbirth. The text also explores the invention and use of obstetric tools such as forceps and highlights the contributions of notable midwives such as Angélique du Coudray and Mary Cronk. It further examines the role of Black midwives in Southern America during the 1900s, emphasizing their importance in preserving birth traditions and their subsequent decline with the evolution of midwifery and maternity care. The text concludes by advocating for a reevaluation of the value of their skills in modern maternity care. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the hypothetical scenario of what would have happened if Martin Luther King Jr. had not been assassinated. It discusses how King's political influence was growing in the spring of 1968 and how he was gathering a coalition of diverse Americans to fight for social justice. The article speculates on how race relations in the United States would have been different if King had lived, and suggests that he could have impacted policy towards the Vietnam War. It also explores how King might have continued to influence and inspire others around the world, and what ambitions he would have had. The article concludes by questioning whether Martin Luther King Jr. Day would still exist, but emphasizes that King's legacy would have endured regardless. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the erasure of queer women from historical narratives and emphasizes the need to highlight their stories. It features interviews with LGBTQ+ history experts who discuss the silencing of queer women's experiences and the importance of including LGBTQ+ figures in historical research. The experts also share personal stories of inspiring queer women and express their hopes for future studies on queer women's history. The article emphasizes the significance of studying the daily lives of ordinary queer individuals and mentions examples of historical representations of queer women. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating LGBTQ+ pride. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the life and legacy of Count Alessandro Cagliostro, a controversial figure associated with magic and mysteries in the 18th century. Born Giuseppe Balsamo, Cagliostro engaged in criminal activities before becoming known for his deception and fraud across Europe. He claimed to possess occult powers and founded his own branch of Freemasonry, the Egyptian Rite. Cagliostro's involvement in the Diamond Necklace scandal in France led to his arrest and imprisonment. While some historical records mention a mysterious magician associated with the Roman Inquisition, many believe that this magician was a creation of Cagliostro's imagination to enhance his own legend. The article includes an illustration of Cagliostro participating in a ritual of his Egyptian Rite of Freemasonry. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the significance of the Underground Railroad in the abolitionist movement and its potential impact on the civil rights movement. The Underground Railroad was an unofficial network of abolitionists who assisted enslaved people in escaping from slavery by providing them with food and safe havens. The movement played a crucial role in resisting slavery and challenging the plantation system. Without the Underground Railroad, it is unlikely that the abolitionist movement would have been as successful, and it served as an inspiration for later movements for racial equality, such as the civil rights movement in the 20th century. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the identity of William Shakespeare and the historical debate surrounding it. The author, Heather Wolfe, has found documentary proof in the College of Heralds that links the Shakespeare in Stratford with the Shakespeare in London. The article also addresses misconceptions about Shakespeare's personality, his relationship with his wife Anne Hathaway, and the authorship of his plays. It concludes by highlighting Shakespeare's enduring appeal and his exploration of universal themes in his works. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides information about ten influential patrons of the arts during the late Tudor and early Stuart period. These patrons include Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, who supported writers like William Shakespeare; Queen Elizabeth I, who favored the paintings of Nicholas Hilliard and established the Queen's Men acting company; Anne of Denmark, who supported British arts and had a fondness for masques; William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, who supported playwrights like Ben Jonson; James VI and I, who granted a patent to Shakespeare's company and hired Inigo Jones to build Banqueting House; Edward Manners, 3rd Earl of Rutland, who was one of Shakespeare's earliest backers; Thomas Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex, who promoted plays and appointed patrons of acting companies; Sir Francis Walsingham, who was a powerful figure in Elizabethan England and commissioned plays for propaganda purposes; Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who collected and commissioned paintings; and Henry Carey, Baron Hunsdon, who partnered with Walsingham in arranging court entertainment. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides information about several key locations in Stratford-upon-Avon related to William Shakespeare. It mentions Anne Hathaway's Cottage, where Shakespeare's wife lived, which now houses a museum and gardens. Shakespeare's New Place, a grand house he purchased, was destroyed in the 17th century, but visitors can explore the gardens and a nearby museum. Shakespeare's Birthplace, where he was born, is now a national monument and museum. Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall is a heritage site that offers interactive exhibits and events. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, originally opened in 1879 and rebuilt in 1932, continues to showcase Shakespearean productions. [Extracted from the article]

The Globe Theatre, located in London, was built by William Shakespeare and his company, The Lord Chamberlain's Men, in 1599. It was an open-air theater in the shape of an "O" and became famous as the stage for Shakespearean drama. However, in 1613, the theater burned down during a performance of Henry VIII. A second Globe Theatre was built on the same site in 1614 but was eventually closed and demolished in 1642. The current Globe Theatre, a reconstruction of the original, was opened to the public in 1997. The theater had various features, including seated galleries, a trap door, a pit area, and a stage with a balcony. The Globe Theatre was known for its thatched roof, which was banned by law in London but was specially permitted for the reconstruction. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides a concise summary of key events in history, including the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1587, the North Berwick Witch Trials in Scotland in the late 16th century, the publication of Shakespeare's first known work, Venus and Adonis, in 1593, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. It also highlights significant moments in Shakespeare's life, such as his birth in Stratford-upon-Avon, his marriage to Anne Hathaway, and his purchase of New Place. The summary also mentions the opening of the Globe Theatre in 1599 and the publication of the King James Bible in 1611. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides information on five architectural triumphs of the Dutch Golden Age. It begins with the Oostkerk, a Protestant church in Middelburg known for its unique dome and octagonal shape. The Mauritshuis in The Hague is not only an example of Golden Age architecture but also houses a collection of Dutch art. The Royal Palace in Amsterdam, originally a City Hall, is considered a masterpiece of Jacob van Campen's classical style. Het Loo Palace, built for William of Orange, is a retreat surrounded by a hunting ground and features a new underground museum. Lastly, the Westerkerk in Amsterdam is the largest Protestant church in the Netherlands and is associated with Anne Frank and Rembrandt. [Extracted from the article]

The Dutch Golden Age, which lasted from 1588 to 1672, was a period of cultural and economic prosperity in the Dutch Republic. This prosperity led to a flourishing of the arts, with over four million paintings produced during this time. The Dutch Republic's rejection of Catholicism in favor of Calvinism also influenced the types of paintings that were popular, with a focus on secular subjects such as landscapes, genre scenes, portraits, and still life. Dutch artists, including Rembrandt van Rijn and Jan Vermeer, made significant contributions to the art movement. The Dutch Golden Age is considered part of the larger Baroque art movement, but with a unique emphasis on realism and everyday life rather than religious and grandiose themes. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores ten influential scientists and philosophers from the Dutch Golden Age. It highlights their contributions and impact on various fields, such as microscopists, hydraulic engineering, palaeontology, mathematics, anatomy, and botany. The article also mentions their personal lives and interests, including spiritual pursuits, religious conversions, and advocacy for women's education. The text provides a brief overview of each individual's achievements and their lasting legacies in their respective fields. [Extracted from the article]

The Citizens' Hall is a grand central room located within the Town Hall in Amsterdam, which was built in 1648. Designed by architect Jacob van Campen, the hall is elaborately decorated with maps, sculptures, and paintings that symbolize Amsterdam's importance during the Golden Age. Despite being turned into a palace by King Louis Napoleon Bonaparte in 1808, the Citizens' Hall has remained largely unchanged and is still used today for state occasions by the Dutch royal family. The hall features statues of Atlas and the Amsterdam Maiden, and its marble floor showcases three large maps depicting the western and eastern hemispheres, as well as the stars and constellations of the northern sky. [Extracted from the article]

"Rogue Agent" by James Crossland is the first-ever biography of Robert Hamilton Bruce Lockhart, a figure largely forgotten in popular consciousness. Lockhart was involved in a failed plot to overthrow the Bolshevik leadership in Moscow in 1918, but his story extends beyond this event. Crossland draws from Lockhart's own papers, diaries, and fictional writings to provide a comprehensive and evocative portrait of this elusive figure. The biography explores Lockhart's intelligence, language skills, passion for writing, and his flaws, while treating him with dignity and respect. "Rogue Agent" sheds light on a previously overlooked figure in British espionage history. [Extracted from the article]

"The Decameron" is a new historical dark comedy series on Netflix set in 1348 Florence during the Black Death. Inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio's collection of stories, the show follows a group of men and women seeking shelter in a remote villa where they tell each other stories. The series explores the gallows humor and impulsiveness of the end times, with a focus on farce, back-stabbing, and social awkwardness. The cast delivers fun performances, and while the show takes liberties with historical accuracy, it offers a colorful and vibrant take on a typically depicted dour period of history. [Extracted from the article]

In Margarette Lincoln's book, "Perfection: 400 Years of Women's Quest for Beauty," she explores the history of British beauty and fashion trends over the past four centuries. The book examines the social and cultural circumstances that have shaped women's bodies and delves into the motivations behind women's desire to alter their personal image. Lincoln also highlights the darker side of beauty history, including the use of dangerous substances in beauty practices. The book covers a range of topics, from body sculpting to hygiene, and demonstrates how societal pressures on women to conform to certain beauty standards have persisted throughout history. [Extracted from the article]

"Road to Surrender" by Evan Thomas is a thrilling and detailed account of how three individuals played a crucial role in ending the war in the Pacific. The book focuses on American secretary of war Henry Stimson, head of strategic bombing General Carl Spaatz, and Japanese foreign minister Shigenori Togo, providing a fresh perspective on the complexities of the Japanese wartime political system and the challenges of arranging a surrender. Thomas approaches the historical figures with immense sympathy and objectivity, offering a pacy and engaging narrative that reads like a novel. [Extracted from the article]

"The CIA: An Imperial History" by Hugh Wilford is a new perspective on the history of the United States' intelligence agency. Wilford argues that the CIA's origins can be traced back to 19th-century imperialists and explores the agency's involvement in regime changes and the war on terror. The book recontextualizes the topic within an imperial frame and is written with pace and scope, appealing to both spy fans and history lovers. While it may not provide new information for espionage aficionados, it offers a refreshing take on the subject matter. [Extracted from the article]

The Last Will and Testament of William Shakespeare is a historical document that has provided valuable insights into the life of the famous playwright. Shakespeare's cause of death remains a mystery, with various theories ranging from alcohol overindulgence to syphilis. The composition of the will has intrigued historians, as it underwent significant edits in 1616 to reflect last-minute additions to Shakespeare's family. The will also reveals that Shakespeare left only one item to his wife, Anne Hathaway, which is considered unusual. The original will is now part of the National Archive's collection, and a conservation project was undertaken in 2016 to restore it. The will also includes bequeaths to Shakespeare's close friends and members of his acting company, The King's Men. [Extracted from the article]

This article from All About History provides information on the costumes and makeup used in Shakespeare's plays, specifically focusing on the character of Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Accessories such as headdresses and helmets were used to distinguish characters, while white makeup was used to make male actors look like women. During Shakespeare's time, women did not act, so female roles were played by male actors in female costumes. Creating costumes for these plays could be expensive, with estimates suggesting that theater companies would spend over £35,000 a year on costumes. The potential costume for Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream is inspired by traditional Elizabethan fashion and Italian masque costumes. [Extracted from the article]

"City of Light, City of Shadows" by Mike Rapport is a comprehensive exploration of Paris during the Belle Époque, a period of cultural prosperity and social unrest from the 1870s to the beginning of World War I. The book delves into various aspects of Parisian life during this time, including the construction of iconic landmarks like the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Eiffel Tower, the opening of the metro, the city's bohemian culture, and the controversial Dreyfus affair. Rapport's extensive research and frequent references to novelist Emile Zola provide valuable insights into the changes and challenges of the era. This highly informative and enjoyable book is a must-read for anyone interested in Parisian or French history. [Extracted from the article]

Rembrandt's The Night Watch is a famous painting from the Dutch Golden Age that depicts a group of civic guardsmen. The painting was commissioned for display in one of the Schutterij's headquarters and shows Captain Frans Banning Cocq giving his company the order to move out. Despite its nickname, The Night Watch is not actually a night scene, but was believed to be due to the painting's dark colors. The painting has a history of being attacked and four pieces were removed from it in 1715. The Rijksmuseum has attempted to recreate these missing pieces using AI. The painting also features a young girl wearing a dead chicken, thought to be a company mascot. The Rijksmuseum notes that the painting shows three stages of a weapon's use. The Night Watch is on permanent display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. [Extracted from the article]

This article from All About History provides information on women's fashion during the Golden Age in the Netherlands, specifically between 1600 and 1650. The vlieger, a floor-length sleeveless cape, was a popular garment among the upper classes, typically worn by married women. Separate sleeves were attached to the vlieger, either matching its color and design or the dress underneath. Stomachers, intricately designed separate pieces of clothing, were pinned or laced into the neckline of outfits. Dutch women's fashion during this period was influenced by trends in France, England, Italy, and Spain, with certain garments becoming outdated and others gaining popularity. Ruffs, lace, and dark colors were also prominent features of Dutch women's fashion during the Golden Age. [Extracted from the article]

Author Alex Grant has written a book called "Sex, Spies and Scandal" that tells the forgotten story of John Vassall, a civil servant who was blackmailed by the KGB into becoming a Soviet agent. Grant reframes Vassall as a victim rather than a villain, highlighting the role that the criminalization of homosexuality played in the KGB's plot. The book provides a moving account of Vassall's experiences, including his rape, and also examines the wider historical context of the Cold War and LGBTQ+ history. This powerful and highly recommended read offers a fresh perspective on a little-known spy scandal. [Extracted from the article]