Reviews

A master historian’s definitive study of one of the most astonishing and influential careers in English history.

From the Thirty Years War to the ancient civilisation of Iran, from Anglo-American rivalries in the desert to the persecution of indigenous peoples, historians select their favourite books of the past year.

A readable history of the Portuguese capital emphasises the modern at the expense of the city’s deeper past. 

An increasingly powerful state was made possible by the creation of archival networks.

The life and work of the war poet and author is revealed in all its rich complexity.

A study of cultish rituals in Roman Britain reveals a cross-fertilisation of religions.

By escaping its neighbour’s orbit, the history of Ireland has moved out of its traditional comfort zones.

The story of silk, which connected the world with a thread.

Gypsies: An English History by David Cressy is a sympathetic narrative of a people integral to the national story.

Opium has been known and used for more than 7,000 years. A brilliantly researched and wide-ranging study brings its history up to date.