Christmas 2020 issue of BBC History Magazine out now!

Richard the radical

Matt Lewis casts Richard III as a champion of the people, whose pro- gressive policies led to his downfall

Sacred Second World War

Alec Ryrie argues that the west’s obsession with the war impinges on its ability to tackle modern-day challenges

Living by the sword

Guy de la Bédoyère offers 10 fascinating snapshots of life in the Roman army

The powerhouse of Europe Martyn Rady shares the survival secrets of the Habsburg dynasty

Historians on 2020

Kerri Greenidge, Tom Holland, Suzan- nah Lipscomb and Michael Wood debate how the past has shaped 2020

A plot to kill Hitler

Roger Moorhouse delves into the daring schemes of Georg Elser, the man who nearly assassinated Hitler

Biting husbands’ bottoms

From chunks of coal to human flesh, Jennifer Evans explores bizarre early modern pregnancy cravings

Nelson in his own words

Marianne Czisnik combs through Nelson’s love letters to draw out a hidden side of the naval hero