Historians' Books

H&P historians reflect on the process of historical research and writing, what they discovered and the relevance of their findings for policy - whether at international, national or local levels.


History, Policy and Public Purpose: Historians and Historical Thinking in Government by Alix Green

History, Policy and Public Purpose: Historians and Historical Thinking in Government

Alix Green |

In her latest book, Alix Green seeks to re-explore the connection between history and policy, proposing that historians rediscover a sense of ‘public purpose’ that can embrace political decision-making and also enhance historical practice. 

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The Cycling City: Bicycles and Urban America in the 1890s by Evan Friss

The Cycling City: Bicycles and Urban America in the 1890s

Evan Friss |

By publishing The Cycling City, Dr. Evan Friss aimed to shine a light on the (seemingly forgotten) history of cycling in America's cities and place contemporary transport issues in to a wider historical context.  

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The Power of the Past: History and Statecraft by Hal Brands ,  Jeremi Suri

The Power of the Past: History and Statecraft

Hal Brands , Jeremi Suri |

Leading scholars and policymakers explore how history influences foreign policy and offer insights on how the study of the past can more usefully serve the present.

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Transport Policy: Learning Lessons from History by Colin Divall , Colin Pooley

Transport Policy: Learning Lessons from History

Colin Divall , Colin Pooley |

Inspired by developments in countries such as The Netherlands, Colin Divall & Colin Pooley published Transport Policy: Learning Lessons from History in order to demonstrate ways in which an understanding of history can be used to inform present-day transport and mobility policies. 

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Pre-School Childcare in England, 1939-2010: Theory, Practice and Experience by Angela Davis

Pre-School Childcare in England, 1939-2010: Theory, Practice and Experience

Angela Davis |

In Pre-school childcare in England, 1939–2010, Dr Angela Davis sough to examine past attitudes towards pre-school childcare and see how those attitudes continue to influence those who work in forming and delivering childcare policy in the present day. 

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About Us


H&P is based at the Institute of Historical Research, Senate House, University of London.

We are the only project in the UK providing access to an international network of more than 500 historians with a broad range of expertise. H&P offers a range of resources for historians, policy makers and journalists.

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