The Leprosarium at Robben Island
Oliver Basciano recounts a lesser known part of Robben Island's complex history
Bookshelf
Welcome to the Unseen Histories bookshelf. Here you can read excerpts from new history books as well as browsing our archive of previews. These, published monthly, showcase the boldest and best new history writing across all eras of the past.
New History Books for Summer 2025
From Mary Queen of Scots to Fidel Castro, the Monsoon to earthquakes
Folk Cookery from the English Countryside
Lally Macbeth on the binding importance of the English Cake
Alexander Pushkin and the City of Death and Beauty
Sinclair McKay explores the significance of one of Russia's great poet's death to the people of Saint Petersburg
The Photography of Dora Maar
In this excerpt from her book, Hidden Portraits, Sue Roe introduces us to the pioneering photographer Dora Maar
The Audacious Allied Bombing of Venice
Jonathan Glancey revisits one of the final airborne operations of World War Two
The Propaganda Girls
Lisa Rogak introduces us to four women whose guile and imagination found a novel outlet in World War Two
