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Author: Richard Jones, Luc-Andre Brunet, Neil Younger
  • Activity
  • 15 minutes

Behind The Reputation

Updated Tuesday, 8 April 2025
In this interactive, you’ll uncover the real people behind the icons. Does the reality of the life of Van Gogh, Queen Elizabeth I and Charles Dickens match up with their reputation?

Find out more about The Open University's History courses and qualifications.

We come to know famous figures and historical icons through their reputations. But who are they really? What are they like behind their reputation? It’s time to find out...

Choose your character above to launch the interactive.

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