Book Review: Lancaster and York; The Wars of the Roses by Alison Weir

I had been wanting to pick something by Alison Weir up for a while, having heard only good things about her as a historian, so with the current hype surrounding The Wars of the Roses I thought Weir's account of the topic would be a timely choice. Below the cut: a review.

Feature: African American Civil Rights and the Presidents

In 1865, African Americans were newly emancipated from slavery, with freedom at last to move and worship and supposedly a wealth of new opportunities, yet still deemed socially inferior to the rest of society and thus heavily discriminated against. By the end of the 20th century/beginning of the 21st century, they were (legally at least) equal and had made gains in almost all societal spheres. But what role did the US Presidents play in this change? As a democratically elected leader the President was expected to do what was best for the people he governed over and oversee the other branches of the Federal government.

Television: The Last Days Of Anne Boleyn

In early 2013, as part of the BBC's Tudor season, this documentary about Anne Boleyn's life and downfall was aired. Packed with theories and facts from a range of historians famous for writing on this subject, this show provokes the mind and introduces us to new possibilities when it comes to Anne's divorce and execution. Below the cut: a review of the programme.

Feature: Has the way that leaders are portrayed in art been corrupted over time?

Has the way that leaders are portrayed in art been corrupted over time? 

Following on from last week's article about Thera and the wonderful paintings at Akrotiri, I was reminded of the research I did for this piece I wrote last year surrounding the theme of the portrayal of leaders in artwork. Below the cut: French cave paintings, Byzantine artwork and Soviet propaganda. 

Television: Who Were The Greeks?

Dr Michael Scott presents a fascinating pair of documentaries about the Ancient Greeks that might not be exactly what is expected but which casts a somewhat revisionist eye on some of the common beliefs of the general public. Below the cut: a review of the episode.

Feature: "A little man lost in the immensity of his realm" - the downfall of Nicholas II and the Romanovs.

Today, July 17th 2013, marks 95 years since the assassination of the Tsar Nicholas II, his wife, children, and most of their household at the hands of the Bolsheviks in the Russian town of Yekaterinburg following a period of imprisonment. This marked the end of the Russian autocracy and the start of the road to Communism in Russia. Many were pleased to see the Tsar go, but how well had he performed as Tsar? Below the cut: the problems facing Nicholas II in his reign as ruler, how effectively he played his role, and the eventual lead-up to the demise of himself and his family.

Television: TIMEWATCH Atlantis: The Evidence

In this special edition of Timewatch, Bettany Hughes hypothesises that the Atlantic of legend is in fact the ancient civilisation of Bronze Age Thera, destroyed by a cataclysmic earthquake and volcano. Below the cut: more information about the episode and a YouTube link to the episode itself. 

Book Reviews: Richard III Return Of The King by Patricia J Collins

The discovery in February this year of the body of Richard III under a car-park in Leicester has reignited interest in this brief yet compelling and often controversial King. This new release from Patricia J Collins attempts to answer some of most asked questions about the King. Below the cut: I review the book.

Historical Sites: Lincoln Cathedral

As a resident of Lincoln, the Cathedral has always been a source of great interest to me -- especially since I started volunteering there in Spring this year. Below the cut: Lincoln's history, the Cathedral's origins and some key facts and dates.