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  • Article

Dealing with the dead after a nuclear attack

Cold War-era predictions of death on a vast scale became routine. But the British authorities were less prepared to dispose of the bodies.

  • Article

The big freeze

In recent years we’ve come to realise that global heating is our biggest threat. But it’s hard to shake off the fear of a return to ice-age conditions, the predominant narrative since the late 17th century.

  • Article

The Martians are coming

For over a hundred years, antagonistic alien invaders have been a popular focus for the imagined end of the world. But the destructive consequences of human behaviour is far more frightening.

  • Article

Booze and bad behaviour

Our love of alcohol is like a party that’s lasted nine centuries. But there are signs that the demon drink is losing its appeal.

All stories (6)

Images

  • The tender mercies of Bonaparte in Egypt! : Britons beware / Robert Wilson, K.M.T., Lieutenant Colonel.
  • "The druids; or the conversion of the Britons to Christianity". Etching by A. Walker, 1758, after F. Hayman.
  • "The druids; or the conversion of the Britons to Christianity". Engraving by S.F. Ravenet, 1752, after F. Hayman.
  • The Shah of Persia sits cross-legged on the backs of Britons, representing the cost to Britain of supporting the Shah. Lithograph by Gegeëf, 1873.
  • A fat complacent Briton sits on a stool while a Zulu man writes "Despise not your enemy" on a blackboard. Wood engraving by Swain after J. Tenniel, 1879.
  • Thomas Britton. Stipple engraving by R. Page, 1821.
  • Thomas Britton. Stipple engraving by R. Page, 1821.
  • Thomas Britton. Stipple engraving by Maddocks after J. Wollaston, 1703.
  • A loyal dog puts his paw on the lap of a sick child holding flowers. Reproduction of a painting after B. Riviere.
  • First World War: two soldiers, one badly wounded, being comforted on the battlefield by a vision of Christ. Colour halftone after G. Hillyard Swinstead, 1915.
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