Plus the real history of the Highwayman, what if Germany had invaded Britain in WWII, the rise of Godzilla and much more!
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As historical figures go, Christopher Columbus has to be one of the most divisive. For some he represents the pioneering American spirit and adventure. For others he represents the oppression and annihilation of indigenous peoples. That’s a pretty wide divide between images. So, is one closer to the truth than the other? Are both true? And if not, how and why was this legend of Columbus crafted in the first place.
These are just just of the questions that we wanted to answer this issue as we delve into the story of Christopher Columbus. Not just the history of his life and the things he did, but also the legacy he left behind and how his story was used as a founding myth for the construction of America. Unsurprisingly, the truth is a little more complex than the extremes of opinion, but the why behind how the Columbus story became so important is perhaps even more interesting than the events he was involved with.
You can investigate the evidence for yourself in the latest issue of All About History, available now at a newsstand near you and available to order from MagazinesDirect. Here’s a closer look at our Columbus feature and the other fascinating stories you can explore in All About History 175.
Columbus on trial
Courageous explorer or colonial criminal? We welcome expert Lydia Towns as our guide to the evidence for and against Christopher Columbus as well as an examination of his legacy. Why did this explorer who didn’t even set foot in what is now the United States become part of its founding story?
History of underwear
It’s time to finally talk about the unmentionables as we explore the origins of our undergarments, from what the ancient Romans had under their togas to the first corsets and stockings. How did all of these garments evolve and when did different fashions come into vogue?
Godzilla and the bomb
It’s no surprise that the atomic blasts over Hiroshima and Nagasaki that brought WWII in the Pacific to an end left a lasting traumatic legacy in Japan, but how did the Godzilla movies embrace and explore those fears? We take a look at the way this cinematic icon reflected Japan’s psyche and how it continues to do so.
what happened to the ancient wonders?
Of the seven wonders of the ancient world, only one still stands, so what happened? How is it that the Great Pyramid of Giza still stands and why did monuments like the Colossus of Rhodes fall? We take a look at the evidence to explain the fate of these lost landmarks of the past.
The legend of the highwayman
These rogues of the road became folk legends for their daring theft of valuables from carriages travelling up and down the country, but what was really happening with the Highwayman? We take a look at some of the most famous travelling bandits and the deadly standoffs that actually occurred.
Plus much more
Also in this issue of All About History:
- From prehistoric settlements to the independence referendum, we explore the long and colourful history of Scotland in our All About section this issue.
- What really happened in the Peasants’ Revolt as the lower rungs of English society rose up to demand greater representation and fair working conditions?
- What if Germany had invaded Britain in WWII? Was the nation ready to defend its shores from Nazi forces so soon after Dunkirk? Was Germany in a position to push across the Channel? We explore the possibilities.
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