Publisher's Synopsis
History Today is a unique cultural institution, bringing the best in historical writing and research to a wide audience of history-lovers. The magazine created the concept of popular history, mixing styles, genres and periods to achieve a brilliant fusion of intellectual excitement and readability. To mark its first fifty years (1951-2001), History Today has brought together articles, features and commentary to create an entertaining, accessible anthology. The intention is to charm, amuse and delight as well as to inform. The book will be a pleasure to read, with authors constituting a who's who of historians: Taylor, Fraser, Briggs, Elton, Plumb, etc. Among the many gems are Lord Rosebery's recollections of Gladstone's last Cabinet, the Duke of Wellington on the 'great duke's' funeral, Nancy Mitford on Mme de Pompadour and a unique mother and daughter act: Antonia Fraser writing on Lord Darnley's murder and Elizabeth Longford recounting the history of Wellington's boots. The book is designed to be dipped into and will carry a balance of short articles alongside brief snippets and extracts.;Topics will range from the solidly historical to the frankly bizarre and will be organised chronologically, with a brief introduction to the magazine in each era. A wonderful gift book for all who love history, and a unique insight into the historical and literary world of the last fifty years.
