Pastoral is just lovely, and very British. Written towards the end of the Second World War, it tells the tale of one Peter Marshall, captain and pilot of a “Wellington” in the RAF’s Bomber Command, based at an aerodrome in quiet and dreamy Oxfordshire. We are intentionally drawn to the breezy, homely sides of … More Pastoral – Nevil Shute
History can often appear as a subject devoid of the spiritual and emotional sides of life, but Written in History is one of those books which allows them bubble up to the historical surface. Covering great themes like love, courage, war, goodbyes, and family, this collection of letters opens up often inaccessible individuals … More Written in History: Letters that Changed the World by Simon Sebag Montefiore
When we think of the British Empire, we often think of it as something belonging to bygone generations captured in colourful paintings and battered old black and white photographs. Ghosts of Empire, however, reminds us of its existence, expansion, and eventual contraction through the twentieth century and its remnants which have lasted, like ghosts, long … More Kwasi Kwarteng – Ghosts of Empire
We are no stranger to a tipple in Britain, our love of drink runs through all social occasions from birthdays to weddings to a simple Friday evening. It can be a truly unifying force. But, amidst the haziness, there is a point to be made over why we drink, when and what we drink, and … More Mark Forsyth – A Short History of Drunkenness
What is civilisation? How have societies defined what it means to be civilised? What does it mean to not be one of the civilised – to be a barbarian? These are the broad questions Keith Thomas seeks to answer in his latest book, In Pursuit of Civility, a unique investigation into social relationships and expectations … More Keith Thomas – In Pursuit of Civility
In order to kill time, I wondered through a Waterstones in London picking up this year’s batch of history books. On the back of a few serious reads, I put each text down realising I hadn’t the nerve to call on the old grey matter of an evening, particularly now that I’m working. However, upon … More Frances Welch – The Imperial Tea Party
Without stirring abroad
One can know the whole world … More Lao Tzu – Tao Te Ching
Though famed for his History of England, Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay’s Lays of Ancient Rome have a lasting cultural presence for some of the emotive and simple eloquence of the verses. Published in 1842, these six narrative poems, four of which hark back to ancient Rome, dramatically portray heroic or tragic moments in history. As … More Macaulay – Lays of Ancient Rome
As one of the most famous works of philosophy, The Republic seemed like a necessary read if I was to claim an interest in this great subject. I’m not sure what I expected as I have little background in Greek philosophy, in fact this is the first Greek author I have read cover to cover. … More Plato – The Republic
Hugh of St Victor was an early twelfth century theologian with whom few will come in contact. Little is known about his background, but his works survive as quintessential products of his time. With the rise of the infamous Paris “Schools”, and with masters like Abelard commanding the intellectual scene, Hugh was writing in a … More Hugh of St Victor – The Didiscalion
Whatsoever Things Are Lovely 