THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

Ryan Lavelle

I’ve been fascinated by the Anglo-Saxons’ defence against and accommodation with Viking invaders. This was a time when people’s identities could be shaped according to circumstances, and the Anglo-Saxons saw and dealt with Vikings as more than just pagan foes.

Ryan explores Anglo-Saxon England on page 22

Alison Weir

Recently I have been exploring the story of a royal intriguer who dabbled perilously in Tudor politics at the courts of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. She’s largely forgotten now, however, so I’ve been working to retrieve a feisty lady from obscurity.

Alison traces Margaret Douglas’s life on page 60

Loyd Grossman

Benjamin West’s life is a rags-to-riches story worthy of a novel, which also illuminates some of the key artistic and intellectual trends of the 18th century.

Loyd discusses the great Georgian artist Benjamin West on page 44