Plus biggest toy crazes, empresses of Japan, what if Anne Boleyn had a son and much more!
16 December 2025 marks the 250th birthday of one of the most read and celebrated authors to emerged from the United Kingdom, so it seemed only appropriate to us that we should dedicate this issue’s cover feature to the life, writing and world of Jane Austen. We wanted to learn more about not only her life, but also the world around her and how it influenced her writing. How did being brought up in a world where women were not expected to become authors effect her education? Did her brothers joining the Royal Navy and serving in the Napoleonic Wars have an impact on her stories? How much of the romance and familial bonds of her fiction can be found in her real life?
You can get the answers to these questions and many more 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 Jane Austen feature and the other fascinating stories you can explore in All About History 163.
Jane Austen’s England
Jane Austen captured indelible snapshots of Regency England, but just how influenced was she by the world around her and what key events can we track from her work? We welcome Caroline Sanderson and John Mullan as our guides to the world and life of this inspiring and beloved author.
Jingle Hell
Take a journey into the darker side of yuletide as we explore some of the less savoury tales of Christmas past. From riots in the street to the grisly truth behind a popular Christmas carol, there are all sorts of terrible tales to be found.
History’s Biggest Toy Crazes
From the Rubik’s Cube to Furby, there have been many toys that for one reason or another have captured the imaginations of kids around the world and seen store-shelves emptied in time for the festive period. This issue we break down some of the biggest and how they became smash hits.
Empresses of Japan
In a heavily patriarchal society it was incredibly unusual to see women in a position of power in medieval Japan, but eight women were able to hold onto some level of power in their day. We welcome Elizabeth Norton to tell us their stories.
What if Anne Boleyn had a son?
We all know about Henry VIII’s obsession with having a male heir to inherit the throne of England, something that his third wife Jane Seymour was able to provide for him with the future Edward VI. But, how would history have played out differently if Anne Boleyn had given Henry the son he coveted?
Plus much more
Also in this issue of All About History:
- Did you know there are many Holy Grails scattered around the world? At least, that’s how it appears since so many claim to be the Cup of Christ, so could one of them be the real deal?
- Cyrus the Great earned his moniker by founding the Persian Empire. This issue we take a closer look at his reign and the many ways he out-fought and out-witted his opponents to expand his power.
- From the ancient world to the age of exploration, spices have been at the heart of commerce. This issue we break down the influence and impact of these simple products and why mattered so much.
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