Retrospect
Journal.

EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY'S HISTORY, CLASSICS AND ARCHAEOLOGY MAGAZINE

Journal Archive

Due to plan changes on our previous hosting services, a number of our previous print journals are not currently available to view online. However, we are currently in the process of migrating all of our issues to a brand new site, so you’ll soon be able to access our full archive in one place. Make sure you’re subscribed to our mailing list for updates when this goes this live!

Twice a year, we publish a print journal on a theme chosen by our committee. Here you’ll find an archive of our print editions available to read online. Click on a cover to read the selected issue.

In Retrospect's second print journal of 2021/22, we asked our writers to consider the theme of Communication and Conflict, questioning how the two go hand in hand across History, Classics, and Archaeology. Covering topics from Ancient Greece to medieval Scotland, to concepts of tabloids, espionage, and translation. With seventeen articles accompanied by illustrations, this publication is perfect to sit down with and consider your own ideas of communication and conflict.
Retrospect's first Print Journal of 2021/22. Discussing the theme of 'Development and Deterioration,' Retrospect's writers have tackled some of the toughest questions in the discipline of history - is all progress a facade? Is there ever really development independent of destruction? Read articles spanning from Ancient Greece to modern Nigeria, covering science, race theory, mental health, and more.
In collaboration with RACE.ED, Retrospect Journal has published a special issue on the theme of “Race in Retrospective” in June 2021. Drawing on contributors from a range of disciplines and backgrounds, our issue weaves an unofficial genealogy of race and racialisation at the University of Edinburgh, situating the ongoing work of RACE.ED in a wider context.
Histories of Hope, the second of our 2020/21 print journals, follows on from Prejudice and Pandemics, offering a glimpse at hope after, or sometimes during tragic times. While often disappointing, the history of hope can provide an interesting perspective throughout global crises.
Prejudice and Pandemics, the first of our 2020/21 print journals, explores two themes which have dominated human experience in the past year and throughout history, as well as the intersection between them.
The second of our 2019/20 print editions, Margins aims to explore overlooked histories and challenge writers to reflect on their understanding of the past
The first of our 2019/20 print editions, Celebrations & Commemorations was made in collaboration with the 300th anniversary of the appointment of Charles Mackie to Chair of History.
The second of our 2017-2018 printed editions, this issue of Retrospect explores themes related to the School of History, Classics and Archaeology’s social responsibility and sustainability initiative led by Dr. Esther Mijers.
Explore the complex and diverse relationships between individuals and their communities in the first of Retrospect’s 2017-2018 printed editions.
We mark our 10th Anniversary with a wide variety of articles that connect current events in Edinburgh and the UK with previous phenomena that occurred across the world in different eras and epochs.
the 2016-17 academic year. Find here a bumper issue of articles that speak to the themes of leadership, power, and war, and the pitfalls and promises that come with these themes.
Retrospect’s Autumn/Winter 2015 issue encompassing the contrasting themes of ‘Terror’ and ‘Tranquillity’. Read our academic pieces, features and reviews, as well as our new historical fiction section.
A compilation edition of Retrospect’s ‘Discovery’ and ‘Milestones’ issues of the academic year 2014/15.
Our issue for winter 2014 was themed ‘Discovery’.
The Spring/Summer 2014 edition of Retrospect is based on the theme ‘Origins.’
The Autumn/Winter 2013 issue of Retrospect was based on the theme ‘Freedom.’ It includes academic articles, features and reviews on films, books and exhibitions.
The Spring/Summer 2013 issue of Retrospect was based on the theme ‘Failure.’
The Autumn/Winter 2012 issue of Retrospect was based on the theme ‘Identity.’ It includes academic articles, features and reviews on films, books and exhibitions.
The Autumn/Winter 2011 issue of Retrospect was based on the theme ‘Riot.’
The Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Retrospect was based on the theme ‘Haves and Have Nots.’
The Autumn/Winter 2010 issue of Retrospect was based on the theme ‘Unlikely Unions.’
The Spring/Summer 2010 issue of Retrospect was based on the theme ‘Empire.’

ED24 Archive

We have printed five ed24 issues which were written, produced, designed and published in one 24-hour period. This project was created as part of the University of Edinburgh’s ‘Innovative Learning Week’ initiative in which the University organises events designed to engage students in new and innovative ways of learning and teaching.

Introducing Innovative Learning Week 2016’s 24-hour edition ‘Echoes of Edinburgh’, another ed24 magazine by Retrospect written, edited and designed in a single day.
Retrospect’s fourth ed24 issue themed ‘Collaborate’ for Innovative Learning Week 2015.
A 36-page online magazine that students from the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh College of Arts created from scratch in 24 hours. Interviews include: Sam Branson, Context MC and Ella Hickson.
A 36-page magazine created from scratch in 24 hours by students at the University of Edinburgh. Including interviews with singer-songwriters, comedians and Caggie Dunlop.
A 24-hour magazine concerning 'Memory'.