Today marks the 50th anniversary of the start of the Six Day War, a conflict which marked a significant turning point for the new Israel and its identity in the Middle East. The start of the twentieth century saw different relations developing between the communities in the region of the Middle...

The Historical Association Annual Conference is always an exciting time – an opportunity to listen to expert speakers, share ideas, discuss different approaches, learn something new, meet with  old friends, make new ones and generally embrace history geekdom. This year in Manchester was no exception. Over 350 people descended on...

This edition of The Historian sets out particularly to celebrate the life of Asa Briggs. It focuses on his work and achievements as an historian, in the widest possible sense of being someone who shaped the discipline as well as inspiring others through his research, teaching and writing. This is...

When the war started in August 1914, the USA led by President Woodrow Wilson pledged neutrality. Wilson was a man committed to peace and non-engagement in European conflicts suited the majority of the US population. There were groups that felt that Britain and France were the natural allies to the...

Following its successful launch last year, the Historical Association and Amberley Publishing are delighted to announce details of the competition for this year. The aim of the competition is to find the best unpublished history book either from an aspiring or an established author. Whether you have a completed manuscript...

Just before our "Good Evening Sweetheart" talk (9th February) was due to start in Hillhead Library a young lady librarian rushed in waving a sheet of paper, looking very excited - the Secretary wondered if we were double-booked and about to be asked to leave. But no! She announced that...

We are very sad to announce the death of Professor Bill Speck. Bill was President of the HA from 1999 to 2002 and editor of the journal History from 1986 to 1992. Bill was a greatly admired and respected historian as well as a kind and much loved person. He...

The theme of this edition is ‘Journeys’. Our contributors have been asked to explore a journey, be it a journey through time or space. At the heart of each of their articles are people – bodyguards or commuters, historians or gardeners, mercenaries or nurses, queens or spies – and in...

The British Government has pardoned thousands of gay and bisexual men found guilty of sexual offenses that are no longer crimes. The Alan Turing Law recognises that these men approximately 49,000 of them had done nothing wrong.  In the last couple of decades civil rights for the LGBT community in...