DECEMBER 2018
WELCOME
I D G E M A N
– B R
I N G A R T H U R
I C E S T O K
I R S E R V
I G H T S E S C L A B O R A N D A R P H A S A R O F F E R T H E
T H E K N
,
A L A M Y
I G H 15 9 8 –
I R W A LT E R R A L E
S
:
C O V E R
I N O T T
: J E N
PA G E
I S
T H
Whodoyou see when you think of Walter Ralegh? Is it the chivalrous courtier who soaked his cloak for the queen? Or is it the intrepid explorer whose American adventures gave us chips and cigarettes? These are the popular views of the polymath who died 500 years ago, but they may not represent his most important legacy. In this month’s cover feature, beginning on page 38, Anna Beer argues that Ralegh should be best known for the radical writings he produced during his long incarceration. Ralegh’s incendiary words outraged King James VI & I and later inspired those who would take up arms against his successor in the Civil War.
Another legend of Britain’s past under the spotlight this month is King Arthur, the British warlord who is rarely away from our screens and bookshops. Historians have long debated the veracity of the Arthur legend and, on page 33, Nick Higham joins the fray. His research into the original sources of the story have led him to conclude that Arthur is purely mythical, with no grounding in fact. His article is sure to provoke debate so please do let us know what you think.
In a few days’ time, one of the autumn’s major historical releases will be arriving in cinemas. Directed by Mike Leigh, Peterloo tells the story of the events of 1819 when cavalry charged into a vast crowd of peaceful demonstrators in Manchester, leaving dead and injured in their wake. On page 50, Stephen Bates has written an account of the massacre, which would become a rallying cry for working-class rights and democratic reform.
Rob Attar Editor
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS
Stephen Bates The Peterloo Massacre was a milestone in the struggle for democratic rights but has o en been overlooked. Hopefully Mike Leigh’s lm and the 200th anniversary next year will change that. P Stephen describes the infamous events of August 1819 on page 50
Anna Beer I rst encountered Walter Ralegh in his compelling account of his quest for El Dorado. Thirty years on, I’m still fascinated by this multi-talented, problematic man – his words, deeds and legacy. P Anna reveals how Walter Ralegh’s radical writings changed the course of English history on page 38
Max Hastings In my new book on the Vietnam War I have told the stories of a lot of Americans and some French people. But one must never lose sight of the fact that this is fundamentally a Vietnamese story because it was fundamentally their tragedy. P Max offers his opinions on the Vietnam War on page 44
+ 3 issues for £10 only available to UK Direct Debit orders. *Subscribers to BBC History Magazine receive FREE UK P&P on this collector’s edition. Prices including postage are: £11.49 for all other UK residents, £12.99 for Europe and £13.49 for Rest of World. All orders subject to availability. Please allow up to 21 days for delivery. **Calls from landlines will cost up to 9p per minute. Call charges from mobile phones will cost between 3p and 55p per minute but are included in free call packages. Lines are open 8am–6pm weekdays and 9am–1pm Saturday for orders only
historyextra.com The website of BBC History Magazine
History Extra podcast Download episodes for free from iTunes and other providers, or via our website: historyextra.com/ podcasts
Our digital editions BBC History Magazine is available for the Kindle, Kindle Fire, iPad/iPhone, Google Play and Zinio. Find us in your app store or visit the website: historyextra.com/subscribe
Facebook and Twitter
twitter.com/historyextra facebook.com/historyextra
World Histories You can now subscribe to the bimonthly global history magazine, produced by the BBC History Magazine team. Order at buysubscriptions.com/ WHI17PA or call us on 03330 160708** quoting WHI17PA
TRY 3 ISSUES FOR £10+
The Story of Crime and Punishment Read about the long battle to make Britain’s streets safe in our Collector’s Edition, written by top historians. Buy it for £9.99 – subscribers get free UK P+P*. Order at buysubscriptions.com/crime or call us on 03330 162138**
CONTACT US P H O N E Subscriptions & back issues 03330 162115 Editorial 0117 314 7377 EMAIL Subscriptions & back issues bbchistory@buysubscriptions.com Editorial historymagazine@historyextra.com POST Subscriptions & back issues BBC History Magazine, PO Box 3320, 3 Queensbridge, Northampton, NN4 7BF Basic annual subscription rates: UK: £40, Eire/Europe: £67, ROW: £69 Editorial BBC History Magazine, Immediate Media Company Bristol Limited, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN
In the US/Canada you can contact us at:
PO Box 37495, Boone, IA 50037 BHIcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com, britsubs.com/history, Toll-free 800-342-3592
3
