Dr Rajiv Prabhakar wonders whether utopian or speculative fiction, such as Edward Bellamy’s ‘Looking Backward: 2000–1887‘, might be a useful guide when considering alternative visions for the future.
John Evelyn, the 17th-century diarist whose Restoration diary is recognised as the most extensive and informative record of a momentous period, even advised Samuel Pepys on libraries. Dr Karen Attar, research fellow at the Institute of English Studies, looks at his legacy.
First created in the 1980s, Black History Month takes place each October with a host of events to acknowledge the presence of black people in the UK and their contributions to history, culture and society. Due to the pandemic some events will also be held online and all are listed on the Black History Month website. Here […]
Monarchies remain pivotal parts of several European countries, but how much power does a monarch really have? In a new book, The Role of Monarchy in Modern Democracy: European Monarchies Compared, edited by Professor Robert Hazell and Dr Bob Morris, contributors from across Europe consider the constitutional and political role of monarchy, its powers and functions, how […]
As Plymouth marks 400 years since the colonists set sail for what is now the US, Dr Fiona McCall, senior lecturer in early modern history at the University of Portsmouth, explores anti-puritan satire and how it was used to counteract their growing influence.
Covid-19 has brought the world of data-driven crisis management and social organisation out of the shadows. ‘This is an opportunity,’ says chartered geographer and University of Westminster lecturer, Doug Specht, ‘to examine its flaws and ramifications’ and ‘strive towards more inclusive mapping, more inclusive data and cautiously move towards a world in which data can play a […]
Professor Keith Somerville investigates the mysterious deaths of more than 300 elephants in Zimbabwe and Botswana.
As oil prices tumble and we face high national debt, it seems particularly appropriate to reflect on the South Sea Bubble, a stock market crash from 300 years ago, and its contemporary documentation. Dr Karen Attar, research fellow at the Institute of English Studies, looks at the stories behind the headlines that were splashed across […]
Nilakshi Srivastava, a student at the National Law Institute University in Bhopal investigates India’s domestic violence statistics, which have risen during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Institute of English Studies research fellow, Dr Karen Attar, argues for wider recognition for the achievements of a giant of print.
