In the days of tall ships, one dreaded foe was responsible for more deaths at sea than piracy, shipwreck and all other illnesses combined: Scurvy. Countless mariners suffered an agonizing death, which began with bleeding gums, wobbly teeth, and the opening of old wounds. Surgeon James Lind, Captain James Cook and physician Sir Gilbert Blane...

Human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, is causing a build-up of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) in the...

In 1977, FBI Special Agent Robert Ressler first used the term ‘serial killer’ after a visit to Bramshill Police Academy, near London, where someone referred to a ‘serial burglar’. The inspired coinage was soon in general use to describe killers such as necrophile Ed Kemper (ten victims), schizophrenic Herb Mullin (14),...

They were among the most frightening of early secret societies, a furtive group both feared and hated by citizens of the Roman Empire. Many suggested killing every man, woman and child who were members. Others proposed caution, having heard tales of bloody vengeance taken against enemies of the group. Some grew worried that their own...

This is a military companion for my 1998 book, 1000 Airlines in Colour. It shows the range of military aeroplanes and the colour schemes worn. The aim is not just to look at the latest fast jets, they are in, but to show the range of aircraft types that have served in uniform over the last forty years. Military aircraft have in recent years...

Food is the one thing none of us can do without. Fortunately very few of us in the developed world ever have to. Yet strangely, in these times of plenty, food is talked about more and more. In the past, most people had very little choice over what they ate. Nowadays, we are genuinely spoiled for choice. Supermarkets provide a year-round...