Welcome to the Bristorian

Contextualising the present through the lens of the past

At The Bristorian, we’re committed to publishing provocative and insightful articles from across a wide range of disciplines within the humanities. If you have a nuanced take on something often overlooked or are looking for a platform to complete in-depth investigations into little-known phenomena, the Bristorian is the place for you.

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Mussolini: Son of the Century Review
Mussolini: Son of the Century Review

The release of Joe Wright’s Mussolini: Son of the Century is a stark reminder of Italy’s Fascist past and the fragility of democracy. Rory Conboy takes a look at the series, one that is incredibly relevant to viewers in 2025.

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“We could be heroes”: Christiane F., a cult classic
“We could be heroes”: Christiane F., a cult classic

Anastasia O’Reilly delves into a cult German classic film “Christiane F.”

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‘I wonder if we’ll ever be put into songs or tales’: Tolkien Reading Day
‘I wonder if we’ll ever be put into songs or tales’: Tolkien Reading Day

Ben Bryant reflects on Tolkien Reading Day: its founding, its practice and its legacy today for fans around the world.

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Latest Articles:

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How did Virginia Woolf’s Orlando become an iconic piece of queer media?
How did Virginia Woolf’s Orlando become an iconic piece of queer media?

Manini Manushi Gangal details the enchanting romantic inspiration behind Woolf’s highly acclaimed novel Orlando.

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Featured
Social Class and Justice in Bessie Smith’s ‘Washwoman’s Blues’: How Jazz followed the Lower Class during the Harlem Renaissance.
Social Class and Justice in Bessie Smith’s ‘Washwoman’s Blues’: How Jazz followed the Lower Class during the Harlem Renaissance.

Amanda Schlicht explores the conception of the Harlem Renaissance and how the sound and lyricism of jazz music acted as a form of powerful emancipation for Black voices.

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Review: Bristol History Society’s Black History Panel - Reclaiming Narratives
Review: Bristol History Society’s Black History Panel - Reclaiming Narratives

Read Shujiao Guo’s review of the University of Bristol’s Black History Panel, discussing the theme of this year’s Black History Month: Reclaiming Narratives.

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The Legacy of the Colston Statue in 2024
The Legacy of the Colston Statue in 2024

Molly Blay and Michaela Mamby explore the legacy of Edward Colston’s statue in 2024 and the exhibition which is now on display at Bristol’s M Shed Museum.

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Celebrating Black History Month:

Public History:

Featured
‘What’s true and what is aren’t always the same.’ – The Historical Importance of Assassin’s Creed
‘What’s true and what is aren’t always the same.’ – The Historical Importance of Assassin’s Creed

The Assassin’s Creed games are a standout franchise in the counterfactual world, and gamers are currently getting to grips with the latest release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Ben Bryant explores the series’ history, its depiction of various periods, and its overall historical importance.

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Game of Roses: Immersing Sixth Formers in the Wars of the Roses through Role-play
Game of Roses: Immersing Sixth Formers in the Wars of the Roses through Role-play

Charlie Farmer uses experiences of her sixth-form’s role play game, ‘Game of Roses’ to explore the impact of role play on education and public history.

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“They shall not grow old” for the not-so-old: how children interact with Remembrance Day
“They shall not grow old” for the not-so-old: how children interact with Remembrance Day

Editor-in-Chief AJ Birt explores the way in which children learn about the significance of Remembrance Day through age-appropriate animated films and historical discussions.

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