Year: 2022
-
The Pendle Witches: How a Nine-Year-Old Girl Sentenced Her Family to Death
On 18 August 1621, nine-year Jennet Device testified against her family during the notorious Pendle witch trials. Marnie Camping-Harris examines how the young girl came to be a key witness in a case which resulted in the execution of her closest relatives.
-
Under Threat? Archaeology in Britain Today
Whilst popular media has captivated public interest in archaeology, such portrayals mask the issues – from funding cuts to lack of opportunity – plaguing the discipline today. John Strachan explores the current situation of archaeology in Britain and the steps being taken to promote to safeguard its future.
-
Origin of the Graham Cracker
Few biscuits are as iconic as the graham cracker, but how did this treat gain such widespread popularity? Sam Marks explores the history of this humble cracker in our first Retroshort.
-
Das Cabinet des Dr Caligari: On the Origins of German Expressionist Cinema
Released in 1920, Robert Wiene’s “Das Cabinet des Dr Caligari” is widely considered to be a landmark example of German Expressionist cinema. Meenakshi Nirmalan digs deeper into its production and cultural significance during a politically turbulent time in German history.
-
On the Need for Provocation: A Response to Solanas’ SCUM Manifesto (1968)
Valerie Solanas’ “SCUM Manifesto” was a call to arms for women to overthrow the male sex and establish a feminist utopia. However, her emphasis on violence led to polarisation – compounded by her shooting of Andy Warhol in 1968. Georgia Smith explores the discourse surrounding this infamous feminist work.
-
The Brontë Sisters and the Importance of Women’s Education in the Nineteenth Century
In their personal lives as well as through their novels, the Brontë sisters challenged patriarchal norms surrounding a woman’s role in society. Isabelle Shaw examines the impact that their work has had on efforts for equal education in the nineteenth century and beyond.
-
The Walker Expedition: Unmanifested Destiny
Written by Sam Marks. In the earliest years of its founding, the United States of America underwent rapid expansion, driven by filibusters who held the belief that such aggressive territorial acquisition was destined. Sam Marks explores the colonisation efforts of William Walker and the ensuing uprising against his regime.
-
Little Freedoms: So-Called ‘Liberation’ in the Wake of the Black Death
Written by Ailsa Fraser. In the aftermath of the Black Death, a lower population allowed those at the lowest social strata to demand higher higher wages. But did this equate to greater liberation for the peasantry? Ailsa Fraser discusses the changing landscape of Britain and the legislations which impacted their lives.
Retrospect Journal 