How Big were Cities in the Ancient World?
It is a deep seated idea among some people that things were better in the past, and that as time goes on we are heading towards more and deeper problems…
A Socialist reads the Hobbit: The Hobbit by J.R.R.Tolkien
I was very young when I read the Narnia books - so young I can't remember a time I hadn't read them. I loved them, and I still do. At…
Back down to Four Emperors: Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Chapter 14 Part 2
The fierce face of Maximian (thanks to Wikipedia for use of image) How many emperors does it take to run an empire? Diocletian tried four with reasonable results. How did…
Niall Ferguson – For or Against?
After reviewing the first episode of Niall Ferguson's new series last Sunday night, and managing to get it out within 15 minutes of the end of the programme, I had…
Niall Ferguson: Civilization: Is the West History? – Channel 4
Niall Ferguson - Killer Apps to explain Western Civilization's success In 1500 the world superpower was undoubtedly China. The Chinese Empire could fit out huge ships 10 times the size…
Six emperors at the same time: Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Chapter 14
Galerius - One of six simultaneous emperors (thanks to Wikipedia) I always imagine History Books Review listeners to be a young vibrant crowd of hip young gun slingers with smart…