February 2014 – Page 3 – Manchester Historian

Already one of the most talked about pieces of television in recent years, Benefits Street has been accused of demonising the working classes. Ben Beach explores the history of working class derision, from the petty punishments of the middle ages to the slums of the industrial revolution and beyond.

Kathryn White looks at the disputed Olympics of the past, for example Nazi Germany, Munich and Moscow, analysing why sport and politics can collide so easily.

Sarah King reviews the Second World War television series, Band of Brothers.

Although not universally enjoyed, awards season has become a highlight on the calendar for many – despite being thousands or even hundreds of thousands of miles away from the events themselves. Charlotte Johnson explores why we are so enamoured with awards ceremonies.

Alice Rigby looks at the history of pictorial advertising from long, literal description to the QR code.