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Narratives of Anne Boleyn’s life tend to focus on her relationship with the man who married and subsequently beheaded her, Henry VIII. But there is another gure whose in uence on the Tudor queen shouldn’t be underestimated, and that is her father, Thomas Boleyn. A leading light in Henry’s court, Thomas’s actions were instrumental in moulding Anne into the woman who would catch the king’s eye. In this month’s cover feature, on page 26, Lauren Mackay explores the family dynamics behind one of English history’s best-known dramas.

Elsewhere, we are exploring two crises – 70 years apart – that both led to tremendous tensions in the UK. On page 20, Robert Crowcro shows how Chamberlain’s attempts to placate Hitler at Munich in 1938 nearly brought down his government. Then, on page 32, experts re ect on the 2008 nancial crisis, comparing it to previous crashes, and considering how sharp a rupture it has been in 21st-century history.

Of course 2008 is still very recent history and some might consider that it is not yet history at all. There is, however, little agreement about how much distance is required before historians can begin their work and whether di erent approaches are needed when analysing events still fresh in the memory. These are issues Ian Kershaw has wrestled with in writing a new history of Europe since 1950 and in this month’s essay, on page 59, he relates the challenges he has faced in producing a book that sits entirely within his own lifetime.

I hope you enjoy the issue. Rob Attar Editor

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

Robert Crowcroft The Munich agreement of September 1938 was a seminal moment in 20th-century diplomatic history, but much less well known is the domestic political struggle in Britain sparked by the crisis. P Robert describes how the Munich crisis almost brought down the British government on page 20

Lauren Mackay Thomas Boleyn enjoyed a career spanning 40 years as a courtier, ambassador, parliamentarian and patron, but this is o en forgotten. My research seeks to rehabilitate his image and restore him to his rightful place in Tudor history. P Lauren tells the story of Anne Boleyn’s controversial father, Thomas, on page 26

Meleisa Ono-George Choosing the right history degree can seem daunting. However, with a little bit of research you can nd the degree, department and university that is best suited to you and your intellectual needs. P Meleisa offers advice for selecting the right history course for you on page 69

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