‘Historical Journal Special Issues’ will be published annually and will be collections of cutting-edge articles linked by an overarching theme of wide interest across the historical profession. We are interested in considering proposals on any historical subject, dealing with the period from 1500 onwards, so long as the individual essays are excellent, and the collection as a whole is coherent.  

The editors invite proposals (of between two and five pages) from scholars interested in editing collections of such essays. A proposal should set out a list of proposed essays with abstracts and a timetable for completion. It should include a justification for the intellectual importance of the special issue and how the collection of essays would advance appreciation of developments in the specific field in view, while being of wider interest. We are keen that the range of contributors to special issues reflect the diversity of the historical profession. 

‘Historical Journal Special Issues’ are expected to come out at around 100,000 words in length. We expect an article-length introduction to the supplement. Selected special issues will go through full peer review and will only be accepted for publication at the discretion of the editors of The Historical Journal. 

The editors, Dr Sara Caputo (sc914@cam.ac.uk) and Dr John Gallagher (j.gallagher1@leeds.ac.uk), are very happy to answer informal queries on this call. The deadline for receipt of proposals is Friday 12 December 2025. 

Final proposals should be sent to the Historical Journal’s managing editor, Bruce Bruschi (hjhist@cambridge.org).   Past examples of our special issues include “Intoxicants and Early Modern European Globalization” and “Malthusian Moments”. These can be viewed on the HJ Website