I simply LOVE it when a new player lands on the history scene (case in point, see my review of the history on demand service History Hit). Currently there are history podcasts popping up all over the place, so it was a pleasant surprise to see a new history magazine arrive on the scene.

Inside History Magazine

Inside History magazine is a new quarterly publication bought to us by editor Nick Kevern after a successful crowdfunding campaign. He describes his new magazine as ‘tak[ing] you closer to the past one theme at a time. Each issue is packed with articles dedicated to each theme by some of the finest historians in their field of expertise’. 

The first issue focuses on the history of medicine and surgery. It features some really interesting articles from some great historians, including Dr Lindsay Fitzharris and Dr John Woolf. The second issue is due in January 2020 and the theme will be Crime and the Underworld.

Before I continue I want to point out that I have not been asked to review this magazine. I contributed to the crowdfunding initiative because I was genuinely interested to see what Inside History would be like.

Inside History – My Verdict

• Available in a variety of formats – As well as a print edition (which is available WORLDWIDE btw) you can also chose to purchase a PDF version of the magazine – perfect for an increasingly digital world. Also perfect if you’re trying to cut down your paper consumption.
• Aesthetically appealing – Inside History has hit the nail on the head in terms of its design. It’s modern and bold – but not so much that it will date. I also really like the large visuals that are used. Overall, its a really well-designed magazine.
• Great selection of contributors – As well as reading articles from historians I was already aware of, I was introduced to some great new historians and their work. There were also contributions from people who you wouldn’t class as academic historians.  This was one of the plus points for me. Being part of the online history community I am fully aware of the many great historians out there who truly are experts in their field but who don’t write necessarily write books or papers. They’re the same people who don’t end up in existing history magazines. This new magazine has the potential to be a great showcase for their talent and knowledge.
• Thematic issues – I think this is more of a personal preference, but I enjoy having a magazine where I can really get my teeth into a subject. I have previously subscribed to a history magazine and there were instances where I would get an issue where the main articles were all about areas of history that didn’t really interest me. With a thematic issue I know what I’m getting.

Inside History Live

As I write this post the Inside History world continues to grow. On Saturday the 23rd of November the first Inside History Live! event will be held in historic Chester. Hot off the success of his book The Wonders: Lifting the Curtain on the Freak Show, Circus and Victorian Age, historian and author Dr John Woolf will be exploring the history of the Victorian freak show through the stories of the ‘freak performers’ who graced the boards of this popular form of Victorian entertainment. Check the Inside History website for the latest info and tickets.

As well as the events, I also think there’s potential for the Inside History website to grow. There’s a blog section which could be used for further history articles, and a great online bookshop which is already growing.

So hats off to Inside History editor Nick Kevern for taking the risk and bringing the history magazine into the 21st Century. His hard work has definitely paid off and Inside History is already growing. I can’t wait to see what comes next.