Legalism has had a somewhat celebrated history given its place in the lineages of pre-Han philosophy. The ideas espoused by the paradigmatic legalists of the Qin dynasty such as Shang Yang (390-338) and Han Fei (280-233) were the subject of vitriolic attack by the Confucian orientated scholars of the Han era. Lu Jia (d.170 BC), […]
The entertaining juxtaposition of a King and a car park certainly makes for an eye-catching headline, but the discovery of Richard III’s body does not actually provide much, if any, useful information about his personality or his reign. In spite of our better judgement we still fall into the trap of over-valuing primary sources and […]
Tout & the success of the Manchester School. Name: Lewis Namier Lived: 1888 – 1960 Born in Poland in 1888 into a conflicted childhood; constantly disagreed with his Father’s views through his abhorrence of the dual-monarchy. Namier was a long time Zionist & campaigned for a Jewish state. Namier fought briefly for Britain during First […]
Santa Claus is the beloved figure of Christmas; his iconic look of a large man with a portly belly, wearing a red coat and hat, with a big white beard is recognised across the world. However, this holiday figure hasn’t always been pictured the way he is today and his origin is a complex story […]
Peer Mentoring Student Coordinator Sophie Praill gives some advice on beginning a History degree at the University of Manchester. Professor Paul Fouracre’s book Frankish History: Studies in the Construction of Power has recently been published in Ashgate’s Variorum Collected Studies Series. Dr Yangwen Zheng edited The Chinese Chameleon Revisited: From the Jesuits to Zhang Yimou […]
It’s been a golden summer for Team GB’s cyclists. The country collectively cheered when Sir Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny and Philip Hindes managed a world-record 42.6 seconds in the men’s team sprint. However this talented trio must be glad that they weren’t reliant on Britain’s first two-wheeled vehicles. Londoner Denis Johnson patented his version of […]
Having recruited a talented squad, History FC have started the 2015-16 season with great promise and are currently second in Division 2, as well as winning in the first round of the cup. The season started with a 1-0 defeat against league rivals BA Econ, who were fortunate to come up against a History FC […]
There has been debate as to why the English are neglected in studies of Enlightenment. Marsak, in his ‘The Enlightenment’ presents no readings from English writers and Erick Cassirer does not help either by omitting such English thinkers as Bentham, Paine and Adam Smith from his ‘The Philosophy of the Enlightenment’. Against this tide stands […]
Charlotte Johnson looks at the year 1984 in photos. Apple Inc recreates Orwell’s 1984 in an ad, which was the closest the world got to his dystopia. James Eatwell, History Society president writes his final report for the Society this year, and announces the new team. Tristan was a socialist writer and activist in early […]
One of the most iconic events in the battle for universal suffrage occurred in Manchester. Studying the relics of Pompeii has uncovered evidence providing not only a window into the past, but also a reflection of the present. Emperor Nero is as infamous for his brutal measures and unstable mental health as his politics. But […]
Following the death of Tony Benn, who was universally revered, Stephen Fulham looks at the cultural phenomenon that is the death of great statesmen and women. Missing planes are mysteries that enrapture communities for decades. Stephen Wears looks at some of the most notorious cases from Amelia Earhart’s disappearance to the legend of the Bermuda […]
Arguably the most important facet to consider when one is examining the social and cultural developments within the European Enlightenment is the rise of the public sphere. What gave rise to what many historians now regard as the birth of the modern middle class in Europe is debated to be the result of numerous factors. […]
16th century Spain – the apogee of Spanish imperialism and ruled by King Philip II, whose goal of an entirely Catholic Europe, perpetuated the brewing of a Spanish invasion of England. The Spanish Armada was strong – her soldiers and ships seemingly unconquerable. However, this young girl from Madrid doubted the fleet’s brilliance. Throughout history, […]
This wonderful documentary tells the story of the 168 fearless women who provided vital support to the RAF in transporting planes from factory to aerodrome throughout the war; the Air Transport Auxiliary. Constantly subjected to sexism and underappreciated for their bravery and hard work, it was fascinating to see how these young, mainly upper class […]