Two books shed new light on the dynasties that laid the foundations of the modern European nation
Sathnam Sanghera embarks on a globetrotting quest for nuance and honesty about the UK’s imperial past
A personal and philosophical introduction to the Golden Age of painting that is fascinating but frustrating
With conflict over Ireland, Scotland and Europe, monarchy and governance, the 17th century had uneasy parallels with today
A case for swashbucklers in Madagascar first discovering the ideals of reason, liberty and toleration
This analysis of ‘Old Ironsides’ follows his journey from obscure MP to military mastermind
A new BBC Radio series tells the remarkable story of the Renaissance artist’s life and investigates claims behind an alleged self-portrait
How the oceans shaped humanity — and the flood risks now facing the Earth
Thomas Gresham, the slippery banker to Tudor monarchs, is brought richly to life
International Edition