Rhoda Power in Russia, 1915–1918
Power’s value as a witness is not that she explained Russia. She refused the false comfort of tidy causes.
History Affairs
Sami and Vikings: Life at Europe’s Far North
At the northern edge of the Viking world lived the Sami, Arctic Indigenous peoples whose skills, trade, and beliefs shaped daily life in Scandinavia.
Svalbard: From “Cold Coast” to Doomsday Vault
A clear, engaging history of Svalbard—from rival discovery claims and whaling booms to coal towns, Norwegian sovereignty, and the Global Seed Vault.
A Surprising, Long History of Veterinary Medicine
We often start the story of veterinary medicine in Greece and Rome. In truth, it began much earlier—and in more places—than most people realize.
A Short History of Tobacco
Tobacco’s journey runs from ritual leaf to global habit—lifting colonies, enriching merchants, driving war and slavery, and later fueling mass-market addiction.
The Rose: A Short History
The rose survives because it adapts. It can be simple or complex, wild or manicured, symbolic or simply beautiful.
In the Shadows of Fame: Four Siblings Who Changed the World
These four lives remind us that history is rarely a solo act. Talent grows in families, teams, and circles of support.
The 3 Battles That Decided the Franco-Prussian War
The Franco-Prussian War was short because three linked battles decided everything fast.
5 Arctic Explorers Who Revealed the Unknown World
The Arctic changes plans, tests character, and reveals truth.
MSG: The “Umami” Discovery—and a Long, Unfair Scare
A short, simple read so anyone can understand what MSG is, why it was invented, and how it got a bad reputation.