n the mid-14th century, the world was brought to its knees by a devastating Idisease. First recorded in 1346, this deadly illness now known as the Black Death ripped around the globe, decimating populations and causing untold anguish and misery. In this months Essential Guide, weve enlisted the help of Professor John Hatcher, who helps us answer some of the big questions about the Black Death, including how the disease was spread, its terrifying symptoms, the astonishing death rate, and how medieval society responded to the arrival of plague in their towns and villages. Turn to page 27 to get started.
Elsewhere, we explore 10 status symbols from history that would have made you the envy of your neighbours from pineapples and tulips, to follies and wigs (page 50). We also take a look at some incredible images of bygone Newcastle (page 58), ask what would have happened had Hannibal managed to take Rome in the third century BC (page 64), and share some fascinating facts about Londons first Zeppelin raid, in May 1915 (page 24).
Plus, well also be delving into the life and work of trailblazing LGBTQ+ and civil rights activist Pauli Murray (page 20), and tell the story of Scottish mariner Alexander Selkirk, who spent more than four years as a castaway on an uninhabited island in the South Pacific (page 14).
See you next month!
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