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.


Wales since 1939 by Martin Johnes

Wales since 1939

Martin Johnes |

Martin Johnes discusses how he approached the history of Wales since 1939, studying it as both a 'complex and contradictory' nation in its own right, and also as a witness and participant to the events and changes that shaped the UK and the wider world in the twentieth century.

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‘Sinners? Scroungers? Saints? Unmarried motherhood in twentieth century England’ by Pat Thane , Tanya Evans

‘Sinners? Scroungers? Saints? Unmarried motherhood in twentieth century England’

Pat Thane , Tanya Evans |

In this groundbreaking new study, Pat Thane and Tanya Evans challenge many of the stereotypes and historical myths that are prevalent in present-day media and policy discussion about unmarried mothers. Co-author Pat Thane explains that, far from being a creation of the 'permissive 1960s', unmarried mothers were both more prevalent, and more diverse, than is often assumed.

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The Big Society Debate: a New Agenda for Social Welfare? by Simon Szreter

The Big Society Debate: a New Agenda for Social Welfare?

Simon Szreter |

There is a long transatlantic intellectual history of ideas, akin to 'the Big Society', stretching back at least to Adam Smith. Today's 'Big Society' policies draw on institutions and activities that have a long history in Britain. To explore the implications of that history for civil society and welfare provision today, historians and social policy scholars have collaborated on a new book.

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Science in the Twentieth Century and Beyond by Jon Agar

Science in the Twentieth Century and Beyond

Jon Agar |

Jon Agar's global history of science raises significant intellectual dilemmas not easily captured by historical case studies. Should the social sciences be included alongside the physical and life sciences? How to integrate national stories of scientific development into a global narrative of change? In answering such questions, Agar came to two conclusions with policy implications that historians can assist with.

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The British People and the League of Nations: Democracy, citizenship and internationalism, c.1918-1945 by Helen McCarthy

The British People and the League of Nations: Democracy, citizenship and internationalism, c.1918-1945

Helen McCarthy |

Helen McCarthy considers the challenges of balancing foreign policy imperatives and democratic practices through the lens of the League of Nations Union (LNU). As one of the largest voluntary organisations of its time, the LNU promoted international cooperation, arguing that foreign affairs should be within the purview of all citizens. But as McCarthy's new book suggests, there are limitations to such campaigns when it comes to foreign policy.

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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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