THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

Stephen Bates

The Peterloo Massacre was a milestone in the struggle for democratic rights but has often been overlooked. Hopefully Mike Leigh’s film and the 200th anniversary next year will change that.

Stephen describes the infamous events of August 1819

Anna Beer

I first encountered Walter Ralegh in his compelling account of his quest for El Dorado. Thirty years on, I’m still fascinated by this multi-talented, problematic man – his words, deeds and legacy.

Anna reveals how Walter Ralegh’s radical writings changed the course of English history

Max Hastings

In my new book on the Vietnam War I have told the stories of a lot of Americans and some French people. But one must never lose sight of the fact that this is fundamentally a Vietnamese story because it was fundamentally their tragedy.

Max offers his opinions on the Vietnam War