History Today
Brendan Bracken launched History Today in January 1951. He served as former Minister of Information before the magazine began. The publication appeared monthly in London shortly after the Second World War ended. Peter Quennell and Alan Hodge took on co-editor roles that same month. Quennell was a dashing English man of letters. Hodge had worked as a journalist at the Financial Times. Churchill remained a close associate of Bracken during these early years. The magazine aimed to present authoritative history to as wide a public as possible.
Peter Quennell led the magazine from January 1951 until October 1979. Alan Hodge stepped down in June 1979, ending his tenure alongside Quennell. Michael Crowder took over in November 1979 and stayed until July 1981. Michael Trend held the position from August 1981 through April 1982. Juliet Gardiner became editor in May 1982 and left by August 1985. Gordon Marsden ran the publication from September 1985 to October 1997. Peter Furtado served as editor from January 1998 until August 2008. Paul Lay took charge in January 2009 and departed in January 2022. Rhys Griffiths and Kate Wiles began their joint editorship in July 2022.
The website contains all published content since 1951. A digital edition launched on a dedicated app in 2012. The application received improvements and re-released in 2015. This shift allowed readers to access decades of history online. Monthly issues remained available while expanding into new formats. The magazine continued its mission to reach wide audiences through these technological changes. Readers could now carry the archive in their pockets instead of waiting for print delivery.
History Review operated as a tri-annual sister publication starting in 1995. It targeted sixth form level history students with specialized material. The final issue appeared in April 2012 after seventeen years of operation. Students used this magazine to explore historical topics beyond standard curriculum requirements. The publication closed when the parent company decided to focus resources elsewhere. Its existence bridged the gap between academic study and public interest history.
The Longman-History Today Charitable Trust held an annual awards ceremony beginning in 1997. Presentations went to those fostering wider understanding and enthusiasm for history. The main prize recognized Book of the Year from first or second history books. An undergraduate dissertation prize started in 2003 alongside the Royal Historical Society. Professor David Olusoga received the Trustees' Award for major contributions to history. These ceremonies highlighted individual efforts to make history accessible to broader groups. The awards remain active today as part of the magazine's charitable work.
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Common questions
Who launched History Today in January 1951?
Brendan Bracken launched History Today in January 1951. He served as former Minister of Information before the magazine began.
When did Peter Quennell lead History Today as editor?
Peter Quennell led the magazine from January 1951 until October 1979. Alan Hodge stepped down in June 1979, ending his tenure alongside Quennell.
What year did History Today launch its digital edition on a dedicated app?
A digital edition launched on a dedicated app in 2012. The application received improvements and re-released in 2015.
How long did History Review operate as a sister publication?
History Review operated as a tri-annual sister publication starting in 1995. The final issue appeared in April 2012 after seventeen years of operation.
Which organization holds the annual awards ceremony for History Today since 1997?
The Longman-History Today Charitable Trust held an annual awards ceremony beginning in 1997. Presentations went to those fostering wider understanding and enthusiasm for history.