Alchemy Was the Marketing Scheme of the Medieval World
Wealthy people were eager to believe the discipline's bold claims.
French Knight Gilles de Rais Inspired the Folktale “Bluebeard”
A veteran of the Hundred Years' War, he earned a chilling legacy later in life.
Explore the 20th Century Through Martin Gilbert's Best Books
The prolific author and historian was a leading expert on Nazi Germany and other momentous events.
Simon the Cat Won a Dickin Medal for His Royal Navy Service
This four-legged friend prowled the decks of the HMS Amethyst, where he was present for the Yangtze Incident.
Witold Pilecki and the Secret Polish Army Led Resistance in Poland During WWII
This war hero infiltrated Auschwitz as a spy for the resistance.
The Historical Origins of the Wizard Merlin
The legendary wizard in King Arthur's court has a surprisingly complex backstory.
Joan of England Was an Early Victim of the Black Death
Not yet familiar with the plague, her entourage underestimated its severity.
The Affair of the Diamond Necklace Contributed To Marie Antoinette's Downfall
The scam caused the French queen's reputation to further deteriorate.
A Shocking Incident Led to the War of Jenkins' Ear
One man's mutilation instigated a major conflict between Britain and Spain.
The Cult of the Supreme Being: A New Religion in Revolutionary France
The French Revolution left fertile ground for a new approach to religion.
The History of the Corset, a Garment Fraught with Misconceptions
Often demonized as patriarchal torture devices, these garments were seen as a practicality in their day.
8 Gripping Books About the Fight for Irish Independence
What caused the bitter divide within Ireland—and how did it shape the country we know today?
