The editor of Aspects of History, Ollie Webb-Carter, interviews historians and authors on the past – from the ancient world right up to the modern day. In each episode, Ollie seeks to get to the bottom of a story or scrutinise a figure from history. There are bonus episodes too, from current events and anniversaries to the Aspects of History Film Club.
The podcast Aspects of History is created by Oliver Webb-Carter. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
On 31 August 1422 Henry V, England’s finest king, died aged 35. His successor, Henry VI was only 9 months old and so his uncle, and Henry V’s brother, John, Duke of Talbot, became regent and continued the war in France. The young Henry was a gentle child, and most worrying for England he lacked a monarch as mentor, and so little understanding of how to handle the politics of kingship in the 15th century. The consequences would be severe as the Wars of the Roses would erupt in 1455 for a number of reasons, chief among them Henry VI.
Joining to discuss the causes is historian and author Derek Birks, whose new book A Guide to the Wars of the Roses is out, and David Pilling, also a historian and author and his latest novel is Kingbreaker, set during the Wars of the Roses. So we look into why it broke out, a clash so catastrophic it chewed up four kings as well as countless nobles and peasants. In part one we discuss Henry VI. Part two, out on Wednesday, examines the factions involved.
Links
A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks
Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling
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During Nazi rule it is estimated that 8 million Germans were members of the party, that’s around 10% of the population. The ideology they believed in was responsible for the deaths of 6 million jews, as well as gypsies, homosexuals and the infirm. Millions more were murdered via slave labour and in the invasions east and west.
So what about the mindset of the people who carried out these crimes against humanity? Were they brainwashed by Hitler? Were they mentally ill, or were they simply all psychopaths? Joining the podcast today is author and broadcaster Laurence Rees to discuss his new book, The Nazi Mind. Laurence is responsible for the hugely powerful TV documentary Nazis: A Warning from History and his insight into the psychology of Nazis is illuminating.
Laurence Rees Links
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On 9th November 1918 Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated the German crown and retired to Holland where he learnt Dutch and began a passion for archaeology. But during the rise of the Nazis hope was raised that he could once more stride the imperial stage arm in arm with Adolf Hitler. These hopes were taken on by his son the Crown Prince but these too were dashed, and then began an attempt to cleanse the Hohezollern name, a name that evoked names such as The Great Elector, Frederick William and Frederick the Great.
Joining today is the acclaimed historian Stephan Malinowski, the author of The Hohenzollerns and the Nazis and we discuss the German Royal Family’s opportunities, and opportunistic attempts, during the rise of the Third Reich, their involvement, or lack of, in the resistance, life after the war and what the Hohenzollern name means in Germany today.
Stephan Malinowski Links
The Hohenzollerns and the Nazis
Nazis and Nobles: The History of a Misalliance
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In a continuation of Saturday’s discussion with Paul Rahe, we delve into the Peloponnesian War after the Sicilian Expedition, as the Spartans take Persian gold to subdue their democratic rivals Athens. The war continues for a further nine years as the Athenians rise again after their Sicilian disaster, before ending in crushing defeat in 404BC. Paul then goes on to talk about current events and the importance of honour to states today, and of history to the health of society.
Paul A. Rahe Links
Sparta's Third Attic War: The Grand Strategy of Classical Sparta, 413-404 BC
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In 415BC, the Athenian Empire, during a lull in the Peloponnesian War against the Spartans, voted to embark on a massive campaign to capture Syracuse. So began the Sicilian Expedition, which soon became a proxy war between Sparta and Athens, as the Spartans despatched just one man, the great general Gylippus, to assist the Syracusans. The war had been underway since 431 BC and would last until 404BC and end in total defeat for Athens with the loss of its empire.
Joining today is Paul A. Rahe, a highly distinguished ancient historian the first in a two part discussion with him. Coming up next on Wednesday he discusses contemporary events, and how his understanding of the Peloponnesian war seeks to help policy makers in the United States as its supremacy is challenged by China.
Paul A. Rahe Links
Sparta's Third Attic War: The Grand Strategy of Classical Sparta, 413-404 BC
Book on Alcibiades discussed: Nemesis: Alcibiades and the Fall of Athens, by David Stuttard
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On the 22nd November 1963 President John F Kennedy was assassinated…..by Lee Harvey Oswald right? Well wrong, because today’s guest has a suspect, the boss of the New Orleans mafia, Carlos Marcello who, along with other family bosses Sam Giancana and Santo Traficante, conspired to have the President whacked.
Louis Ferrante joins in this second part of our discussion on the mafia and the Kennedys as we talk about the assassination, motives, evidence and those involved. If you haven’t listened to part one that’s the previous episode.
Louis Ferrante Links
Borgata Vol II: Clash of Titans: A History of the American Mafia
Borgata Vol I: Rise of Empire: A History of the American Mafia
Episode from 2024 with Louis Ferrante
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In early 1957, the Robert F Kennedy and his brother Jack were part of the US Senate Rackets Committee and they both attacked the notorious Jimmy Hoffa, the leader of the Teamsters union and a man with numerous connections to the mob. But as Hoffa probably knew at the time, the two of them were themselves involved with the mafia. Joining today is former member of the Gambino crime family and friend of the show Louis Ferrante, the author of three volumes on the history of the mafia in American and today we discuss the second, Borgata Vol 2, Clash of Titans. This is a two part special, with the second episode following on Wednesday.
Louis Ferrante Links
Borgata Vol II: Clash of Titans: A History of the American Mafia
Borgata Vol I: Rise of Empire: A History of the American Mafia
Episode from 2024 with Louis Ferrante
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On the 2nd December 1980, four American nuns were driving from San Salvador international airport when their van was attacked and run off the road. Men from the El Salvador National Guard, the ruling government’s military, dressed in civilian clothing, raped, shot, then buried the four women. This event failed to halt US funding of the Salvadorian regime as billions of dollars were spent in propping up the fascist rulers. In 1985, before shooting Platoon, Oliver Stone began filming Salvador, starring James Woods as Richard Boyle so this is your January film club. Please do like, subscribe and follow, and if you can leave a kind rating then thank you, but it’s over to me, Roger and Tim on Salvador.
Links
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Early in 14th century Switzerland was under the control of their far more powerful neighbour, Hapsburg Austria. In the small town of Aldorf in the canton of Uri, which is at the centre of Switzerland, near Lake Lucern and the city of Zurich there lived a brutal Austrian governor, Albrecht Gessler. Gessler hated the Swiss, a proud and rebellious people, and to remind them of their subjugation he placed his hat on a large post in the middle of the town, and demanded the Swiss bow when passing.
William Tell, an expert crossbowman and hunter, refused. Furious, Gessler set Tell a challenge. Shoot an apple off his son’s head, from 100 yards, as the wretched child was tied to the post or the boy would be executed. Tell reluctantly agreed, and with a miraculous shot he succeeded, and so began the revolt against Austria and Switzerland’s journey to independence for which it is known today, as well as dubious banking practises.
Joining the podcast is the director Nick Hamm who has made a film of William Tell, starring Claes Bang, Ben Kingsley, Jonathan Pryce, Golshifteh Farahani, Rafe Spall, Ellie Bamber and Connor Swindells. Also on the chat is the historian Almut Seurbaum.
William Tell Links
William Tell Movie on Wikipedia
Aspects of History Links
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Gavin Mortimer joins me this week for a rollicking ride through the invasion of Sicily and Italy with the SAS and Paddy Mayne, Bill Stirling and his brother David. We discuss the portrayal Mayne, what the show gets right, and what it gets wrong. Rogue Heroes S2 stars Jack O'Connell and Connor Swindells.
!SPOILER ALERT!
Gavin is the author of The Phoney Major, a new book that examines both Stirling and Mayne closely, and one that has exploded the myth of David Stirling, so he's well placed to discuss the series.
Gavin Mortimer Links
The SAS in 1943: Operations in Sicily and Italy
The SAS in Italy with Gavin Mortimer
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Today’s episode is a chat with the acclaimed and bestselling author, William Boyd. He has written countless books including a Solo a Bond novel, screenplays, operas and he even took part in a brilliant art hoax with David Bowie. Last month I had the chance to talk with him about his new book, Gabriel’s Moon, the first in a trilogy of espionage novels set in the 1960s featuring the hero Gabriel Dax. We cover that period, spy writing and plenty of other subjects. I should mention that this episode first appeared on our sister podcast SpyMasters and you should definitely check it out where my colleague Antonia Senior interviews spy authors, historians and maybe even a few spooks themselves.
William Boyd Links
William Boyd & David Bowie Art Hoax
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On the afternoon of 31st May 1916 the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet sighted ships of the Imperial German Navy’s High Seas Fleet and so began the major significant sea battle of the First World War. The result was inconclusive, but what were the real consequences? Naval historian joins to discuss this and other subjects as we cover the naval history of Britain in the 20th century. Now I should warn you we do mention briefly the famine in Ireland and the navy’s role in it to begin with, and we end with a brief chat on Admiral Nelson, and the future of naval combat so there is plenty of ground covered.
N.A.M. Rodger Links
The Price of Victory: A Naval History of Britain: 1815 – 1945
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On the 20th October 1827 in Navarino Bay on the west coast of the Peloponnese in Greece, the Royal Navy under Admiral Edward Codrington won its greatest victory post Trafalgar. Codrington became a household name with pubs named after him, but at the highest levels of government there was fury and embarrassment. Despite Greece winning independence the battle had given Russia supremacy over the Ottoman Empire, and British interests in the Mediterranean were threatened.
Joining the podcast in this first of a two part special is the great naval historian N.A.M. Rodger, whose new book The Price of Victory covers the history of Britain from 1815 to the end of the Second World War. In this episode, we talk about the 19th century, before Wednesday’s concluding chat covers the First and Second World Wars, as well as future conflicts in the South China Sea.
N.A.M. Rodger Links
The Price of Victory: A Naval History of Britain: 1815 – 1945
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This month’s film club is Apocalypse Now, Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 masterpiece. For next month’s movie listeners have an opportunity to vote on the poll via the Spotify app, it’s either Salvador directed by Oliver Stone or Carol Reed’s The Third Man.
Links
Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
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At the end of June in 1399 Henry Bolingbroke, son of John of Gaunt and cousin to King Richard II, landed at Ravenspurn with a small force intent on the overthrow of Richard. The King, who had been in Ireland, did not rush to return to England, but when he did, his throne had been lost, and Bolingbroke became King Henry IV. Richard would die in mysterious circumstances not long after. Henry had secured the throne but his would not be a happy reign.
Joining to discuss the two grandsons of Edward III is Helen Castor, author of The Eagle and the Hart: the Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV as we delve into the two characters in a fascinating period of medieval history.
Helen Castor Links
The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV
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In this second and concluding episode of our special on the Battle of the Bulge, it is Christmas Eve 1944 and the German advance has run aground as US troops counter-attack, and the weather cleared to allow the resumption of allied air superiority.
Joining to discuss are two acclaimed military historians, Gordon Corrigan, author of The Second World War: A Military History, and Philip Blood, author of War Comes to Aachen as we cover Germans in American uniform, atrocities and murder, and finally the battle's legacy for both NATO and the current conflict in Ukraine.
Episode Links
The Front Line during the ‘Bulge’
The Second World War: A Military History, by Gordon Corrigan
War Comes to Aachen: The Nazis, Churchill and the 'Stalingrad of the West', by Philip W. Blood
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On the morning of 16th December 1944 , German artillery opened up a massive barrage before Tiger tanks, supported by infantry, began their attack across the front line and into Allied territory. In freezing conditions, US troops struggled to contain the advance, and soon a large bulge in the American defensive line emerged.
In this first of a two part special on the Battle of the Bulge, Gordon Corrigan and Philip Blood join to discuss the last major battle of the Western Front as they chat freezing conditions, the bigger picture, German and US soldiers, Bastogne and nuts. Links showing the front lines are in the show notes.
Episode Links
The Front Line during the ‘Bulge’
The Second World War: A Military History, by Gordon Corrigan
War Comes to Aachen: The Nazis, Churchill and the 'Stalingrad of the West', by Philip W. Blood
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In today’s episode we hear from a wonderful writer, Elizabeth Buchan. She’s been at the top of her game for many years now, and has recently written two books that take the reader to post war France and Italy, with both countries dealing with the trauma of WW2. In the French case, collaboration, and with Italy, the rise of Communism.
Elizabeth has been in publishing prior to her writing career, so we’ll hear stories of her involvement with writers such as Dirk Bogarde and VS Naipaul. Links are below, including to her bestseller she talks about, the Revenge of the Middle Aged Woman, so what better name for the episode than that!
Elizabeth Buchan Links
Revenge of the Middle Aged Woman
Books Elizabeth mentioned:
Perfect Wives in Ideal Homes, by Virginia Nicholson
Bad Blood: A Memoir, by Lorna Sage
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On the 14th October 1066 two armies faced each other on the south coast of England. One, under Harold Godwinson was tired after marching from the north but had the high ground. The other was a foreign force led by Duke William of Normandy. The result of this battle, not far from Hastings, would have major ramifications for European and world history.
Joining me are two writers to discuss the events leading up to Hastings, the claims on the English throne, the battles beforehand and the characters involved. Adam Staten and Paul Bernardi are the authors of series set during the Norman invasion.
Episode Links
Honour Bound: Blood Debt & Oath Breaker, by Adam Staten
The Huscarl Chronicles: Thurkill's Revenge, Thurkill's Battle, Thurkill's Rebellion; Blood Feud, by Paul Bernardi
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It's time for this year’s Books of the Year podcast. We talk histories of the Middle East, medieval kings, nautical novels and naval epics plus much more. Roger Moorhouse, Antonia Senior and Richard Foreman join for an informal chat.
Books of the Year - Links
Podcast Links
Spy Masters podcasts - Aspects of History
The Siege Episode - Aspects of History
Naples 1944 Episode - Aspects of History
The House of War Episode - Aspects of History
Izabela the Valiant Episode - Aspects of History
Henry V Episode - Aspects of History
Arnhem Episode - Aspects of History
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This month’s film club is the presidential thriller All the President's Men, directed by Alan J. Pakula, starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman
Links
The Vote for next Film Club Episode
All the President's Men on IMDB
All the President's Men on Wikipedia
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The great city of Aachen was of key strategic importance during the Second World War. The seat of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlamagne is a wonderfully beautiful baroque city of stunning architecture, best exemplified by its cathedral. However early on in the war the RAF began a bombing campaign that had devastating consequences, not only for the civilian population, but also for US troops who would endure fighting reminiscent of Stalingrad at the end of 1944.
Friend of the show Philip Blood joins to discuss a fascinating episode in the last year of the war as he talks about his book War Comes to Aachen.
Episode Links
War Comes to Aachen: The Nazis, Churchill and the 'Stalingrad of the West'
Putin’s War, Russian Genocide, Edited by Philip W. Blood
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Charlie Higson joins, he's a comedy legend, actor, author of the young Bond novels and presenter of a successful podcast Willy Willy Harry Stee, which covers all the monarchs over several series so do check it out.
Episode Links
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As we all now are aware, Donald Trump will be the next American president. This episode looks into the intelligence and foreign policy implications, taking into account the US and UK’s shared history. As we’ve seen in the past few weeks, historians are the ones to listen to, not so called political experts, and so Michael Smith, author of The Real Special Relationship joins to discuss the new Trump appointments, Trump’s plans for the Middle East and Ukraine, and what may happen vis a vis China and Taiwan. Michael is a long standing journalist, former intelligence operative and historian of many books on espionage.
Episode Links
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In 1937 a seventeen year old German arrived at Liverpool St station in London, not speaking the language, but with a strong sense of freedom considering the place he had left. Claus Ascher was Jewish and had found safety, but sadly his father was not so lucky. Claus became Colin Anson and joined the British Army, then became a Commando, becoming one of Churchill’s special forces conducting ungentlemanly warfare. Historian and author Helen Fry joins to discuss his life.
Episode Links
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On the 30th April 1980 six armed Kuzhestanis burst into the Iranian Embassy at no.16 Prince’s Gate, in the smart London neighbourhood of Kensington. So began a six day siege that ended in dramatic scenes, broadcast on live TV, as members of the SAS smashed their way into the British consciousness, and the building, bringing to an end the terrorist attack in a ruthlessly executed operation.
Joining me is bestselling author Ben Macintyre as we discuss Operation Nimrod, the SAS, the hostages and the significance of the event to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Episode Links
The Siege with Ben Macintyre
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Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
Holler boys, holler boys
God save the King!
Joining to discuss is Peter Tonkin, historian and novelist of the period and author of Shadow of Treason.
Episode Links
Richard Hammond blows up Parliament
Aspects of History Links
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Early on the 10th July 1943, advance units of elite British troops landed on the island of Sicily, and began series of raids against the Germans to allow the larger force to land on the beaches, and so began the invasion of Sicily. The unit tasked with this key job was the SAS, now a ruthless fighting force. joins to discuss.
Joining to discuss is Gavin Mortimer author of The SAS in 1943: Operations in Sicily and Italy.
Episode Links
The SAS in 1943: Operations in Sicily and Italy
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This month’s film club is the epic Alexander, directed by Oliver Stone, starring Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie and Val Kilmer.
Links
Alexander the Great, by Robin Lane Fox
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Blair Paddy Mayne was one of the most decorated soldiers of the Second World War, and one of the original members of the SAS. After David Stirling was captured he commanded the regiment and carried out incredible acts of heroism, but controversially was never awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry. He also battled demons as his war experiences, including discovering concentration camps, had a big effect on his mental health.
Joining to discuss Paddy Mayne is Damien Lewis, author of SAS Daggers Drawn as we look at the psychological impact on Mayne and his comrades during the war.
Episode Links
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On the 21st October 1805, 27 ships of the line of the Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral Horatio Nelson engaged the combined fleets of France and Spain. Nelson sent the signal, ‘England Expects every man to do his duty’ and over the next few hours, under terrible fighting conditions, the British fleet overcame their enemy and won a famous victory, but at a cost.
Joining to discuss the battle of Trafalgar is naval historian and hydrographer Michael Barritt, author of Nelson’s Pathfinders as we discuss the conditions, the seamanship and the hydrography, the discipline of naval intelligence, the method to chart sea beds – it’s worth remembering the Royal Navy lost twice as many ships to shipwreck as to battle.
Episode Links
Nelson's Pathfinders: A Forgotten Story in the Triumph of British Sea Power
Breaking the Line - Map of the battle
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On the evening of 21st October 1805 Great Britain won perhaps her finest military victory, defeating the navies of France and Spain in one of the bloodiest naval battles at Trafalgar, not far from Gibraltar. In command was Admiral Horatio Nelson, who had tragically been shot by a cowardly French sharpshooter, though as his life ebbed away, he was consoled that victory was his. When the news reached England, the country was plunged into grief, despite the result.
Joining me to discuss the great man is Dominic Sandbrook. He has written a fantastic new book, Nelson: Hero of the Seas, and is one half of a very well-known podcast. Coming up on Tuesday I have naval historian Michael Barritt talking Trafalgar on the anniversary.
Episode Links
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On the 11th September 1683, at the great city of Vienna, the armies of the Ottoman Empire were preparing to storm the city, but their scouts to the west noticed a vast cavalry force approaching. The next day Christian horsemen (Poles, Lithuanians, Germans of the Holy Roman Empire and Cossacks) swept down upon the troops of the Caliph and swept them away in one of the most stunning military victories of all time. But what lay at the heart of this clash between Christendom and the Caliphate, West vs. East, Christianity vs. Islam?
Joining to discuss is historian of the Middle East Simon Mayall. We talk about the past’s influence on today’s fanatics, the conquests of Spain and the Levant by the Moors and the Crusaders and much much more.
Episode Links
The House of War: The Struggle between Christendom and the Caliphate
Aspects of History Links
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Publius Ovidius Naso was a Roman poet much of whose life coincided with the reign of Augustus. He was the most famous poet during this time, a genuine superstar, and his works dealing with sex, violence and mythology have meant he continues to attract study, translations and books today - Metamorphoses being his most famous work.
Joining me today is Fiona Forsyth, author of Poetic Justice, who discusses the poet’s life, his work and his legacy, as well as a recommended translation.
Episode Links
Metamorphoses, transl. Stephanie McCarter
Ovid Banished from Rome, JWM Turner
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Within months of the allies liberation of Naples in October of 1943 the city was plunged into the horrors of disease, starvation, prostitution and racketeering. How did this happen, who was responsible, what about the mafia and what was the impact on a city that is despised by the rest of Italy, and itself views the world very differently from other Mediterranean cities.
Joining is Keith Lowe, author of Naples 1944, an account of the chaos that resulted from what was supposed to be a release from the misery of occupation.
Episode Links
Naples 1944: War, Liberation and Chaos
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On the 25th October 1415 Henry V led the English army onto the field of Agincourt. There he defeated the flower of French chivalry to win perhaps the finest victory of the medieval period, made famous by Shakespeare’s play. But who was Henry V? Brilliant general, skilled politician or simply a warmonger? And is there a figure from the past that he most resembles?
Dan Jones, the author of a new biography of Henry joins to answer these and many more questions as we try to get to the bottom of who Henry V was.
Episode Links
Henry V: The Astonishing Rise of England's Greatest Warrior King, Dan Jones
YouTube video of young Henry's surgical procedure to remove the arrowhead
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Our Operation Market Garden series concludes with a chat on the 1977 classic directed by Richard Attenborough.
Joining is Roger Moorhouse, author of The Forgers, and film maker Tim Hewitt.
Links
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At 3 o’clock in the afternoon on the 20th September 1944 in Nijmegen, Holland, men of the 504th regiment, US 82nd Airborne embarked in canvas rowing boats and began an amphibious assault that was one of the most heroic in military history. Facing the well defended objective on the north end of the Nijmegen bridge over the river Waal, 134 men were killed or wounded in the crossing, more than half the force, but the attack was a success and the bridge was captured. The road to Arnhem was the final jigsaw in Operation Market Garden. Or was it?
Joining me are two historians to discuss the operation as a whole, from the airborne forces tasked with capturing Eindhoven, Nijmegen and Arnhem, to XXX corps and the German troops facing them. Gordon Corrigan takes the allied side, and Philip Blood the German.
Episode Links
It Never Snows in September, Kershaw
Airborne Carpet, Farrar-Hockley
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On Sunday the 17th September 1944 the 1st Airborne Division began dropping into Arnhem to begin a battle that remains iconic to this day. Within 2 days progress was proving difficult and on Tuesday the 19th, Black Tuesday, things had come to a head. The commander, Roy Urquhart had gone missing, his subordinates were squabbling over command, only 1 battalion had made it to the objective, Arnhem Bridge, and the paras had come up against stiff resistance.
Continuing our Operation Market Garden special, historian and comedian Al Murray joins to talk about that most heroic of failures, the Battle of Arnhem, and focusing on one day when success or failure was decided.
Al Murray Links
Command: How the Allies Learned to Win the Second World War
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Arnhem was one of the greatest battles fought by the British in World War Two. 10,000 men went in, but only 2,000 came out. We’re at the 80th anniversary and Saul David joins to discuss the plan, the personalities involved and the action itself in this special series on Operation Market Garden. Saul is the author of Sky Warriors, which is an account of British Airborne Forces throughout the war. Today we’ll get Saul’s take on the plan, the intelligence, and whether everyone did their job.
This is the first in a series. Next Al Murray joins to talk Black Tuesday, the 19th September, then Gordon and Philip discuss the wider operation as a whole, and finally the Film Club revisits A Bridge Too Far.
Saul David Links
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On the 12th March 1938 German troops crossed the border into Austria, thus completing the Anschluss, the annexation by Germany. Resistance was non existent, in fact the Wehrmacht was greeted by cheering crowds as Nazi flags were draped over the beautiful city of Vienna.
The referendum that followed may have achieved a 99.7% approval, but many in Europe were fearful of a coming war.
Jane Thynne, author of Midnight in Vienna, joins to discuss the city during the 1930s and that feeling of foreboding as communists, Nazis and spies mixed in the City of Music as it is known.
Jane Thynne Links
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By the 1960s Richard Burton was the highest paid movie star in the world. He was paid the equivalent today of $10million dollars per picture, but when one looks at his childhood, the mind boggles at his change in fortune. Born the 12th of 13 children, his family lived in poverty, and his chances of success seemed to have peaked when he worked in a haberdashery. But by the age of 18 he had won starring roles on stage and his life was set.
Joining me today is historian and social media star Alice Loxton whose new book, 18, intriguingly features 18 significant historical figures at that formative age.
Alice Loxton Links
Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives
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On the On 27 May 1942 Czech SOE agents and local resistance fighters attacked Reinhard Heyrdrich's Mercedes as it drove through Prague. Heydrich, number 2 in the SS, died in agony a few days later. This month's delayed Film Club is Anthropoid, the movie depicting the operation starring Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, directed by Sean Ellis.
Joining is Roger Moorhouse, author of The Forgers, and film maker Tim Hewitt.
Links
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Hitler and his cronies are often derided as monsters, but that lets them off the hook. Today Richard Evans joins to look at the leading figures of Nazi Germany for who they were as human beings. We also discuss the trial Evans was a key witness for, when holocaust denier Davig Irving attempted to sue Deborah Lipstadt and Penguin Random House for libel, later dramatised in the movie, Denial starring Rachel Weisz, Tom Wilkinson and John Sessions.
Richard Evans Links
Hitler's People: The Faces of the Third Reich
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Sensitivity readers; fake history; favourite authors and actors, all are discussed in this bonus episode to coincide with the upcoming Buckingham History Festival.
Jane Thynne, Paul Lay and Miranda Malins join to talk how best to write about the past.
Episode Links
Jane Thynne: Midnight in Vienna
Paul Lay: Providence Lost
Miranda Malins: The Rebel Daughter
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80 years ago on the 25th August 1944, the great city of Paris was liberated as the German garrison surrendered and Allied troops arrived along the Champs Elysée. The Nazi grip on France may have been broken, but things were not all as they seem. The allied leadership was reluctant to divert precious resources, and the soldiers who arrived first were mostly Spanish. Patrick Bishop joins to discuss his new book and we discuss the initial surrender in 1940, the occupation, the impact on France today as well as the liberation. Patrick has lived in Paris for many years as Bureau Chief for The Telegraph and so brings a knowledge of contemporary events too.
Patrick Bishop Links
Paris '44: The Shame and the Glory
Josephine Baker: Paris Paris Paris
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On the 1st September 1922 the Turkish Parliament in the new capital of Ankara formally abolished the Sultanate, so ending more than 600 years of Ottoman Rule. The Ottoman Empire had ended, but in its place came the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Pasha also known as Ataturk. Today we discuss the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Turkey with historian Murat Siviloglu and journalist and author Alec Marsh.
Alec’s new book, After the Flood, is a thriller set in the new state of Turkey in the 1930s and Murat is a historian of the period.
Alec Marsh Links
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On the 9th February 1933 the Oxford Union held a debate with the motion “That this House will under no circumstances fight for its King and country." The motion passed and in a time when such debates were big news, the result sent shockwaves through Europe. This was during the rise of the Nazis, the Soviet grip on Russia and throughout the decade there was an increase in the number of spies, and traitors, in England.
Joining me is Alex Gerlis, author of Every Spy a Traitor as we delve into the atmosphere of the 1930s.
Alex Gerlis Links
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Armand D'Angour joins to discuss his new pod, but then we go into a really interesting conversation about Socrates and whether he really is the origin of Western Thought? Is there in fact a woman we should be talking about, the beguiling Aspasia.
Armand D'Angour Links
It's All Greek (& Latin) to Me on Spotify
It's All Greek (& Latin) to Me on Apple
Ancient Greek Music on YouTube
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The French Revolution, the rise of Napoleon, the Industrial Revolution and the collapse of Poland, all these major events were witnessed by Izabela Czartoryska, a Polish aristocrat who was self-taught and is the subject of Adam Zamoyski's latest book. This episode is a sweeping discussion covering many facets of Europe in the 18th century.
Adam Zamoyski is the author of 1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow and Napoleon: The Man Behind the Myth.
Adam Zamoyski Links
Izabela the Valiant: The Story of an Indomitable Polish Princess
Izabela Czartoryska - Aspects of History
Napoleon: The Man Behind the Myth
1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow
Rites of Peace: The Fall of Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna
YouTube Debate with Jeremy Paxman and Andrew Roberts on Napoleon
Narodnost: Russia and Nationalism - Aspects of History
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This week three writers join to talk summer reading recommendations from the world of history and historical fiction.
Books
The King's Mother, Annie Garthwaite
Izabela the Valiant, Adam Zamoyski
Endgame 1944, Jonathan Dimbleby
The Muse of History, Oswyn Murray
Bonjour, Sophie, Elizabeth Buchan
The Sleeping Beauties, Lucy Ashe
Guests
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Antonia Senior - Historical Fiction Reviewer The Times
Richard Foreman - Author and Publisher
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When war in Europe ended on the 8th May 1945, much of continent was in ruins. Cities were destroyed and civilians were at the mercy of occupying powers, partisans, bandits and criminals. There were no police forces, no judicial system and food was scarce. Keith Lowe joins to discuss the chaos from France to Poland and Greece to Germany.
Keith Lowe Links
Savage Continent: Europe in the Aftermath of World War II
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On the 20th July 1944 Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg attended a meeting at the Wolf's Lair at which Adolf Hitler was present. He placed a briefcase containing high explosives under the conference table and then departed. A few minutes later the bomb exploded killing four, but crucially not Hitler.
This month's film club is Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise, the 2008 depiction of the July Plot. Joining is Roger Moorhouse, author of Killing Hitler, and film maker Tim Hewitt.
Links
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On the 20th July 1944, a bomb hidden in a briefcase exploded under a large table over which Adolf Hitler was examining maps of the Eastern Front. The man who had planted the device, Claus von Stauffenberg, had left just before the explosion to initiate the operation that he hoped would lead to the overthrow of the Nazi regime. The plan failed, and Hitler would survive for another 9 months before his suicide on 30th April 1945.
Was this the closest Hitler came to death? What about the November 8, 1939 when Georg Elser so very nearly succeeded where Stauffenberg would fail more than four years later. And what about Allied attempts - Operation Foxley by the British, and then the very strange idea from the American OSS? Roger covers all these in the first part of our series on the 80th anniversary of the July plot.
Part Two continues on Saturday with Valkyrie, the 2008 film starring Tom Cruise.
Roger Moorhouse Links
Killing Hitler: The Third Reich and the Plots Against the Fuhrer
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The Ancient Greeks are the font of all our historical knowledge. Now that's quite a claim, but the historian who joins to discuss makes a strong argument in his book, The Muse of History. Oswyn Murray is one of the country's finest ancient historians and in this chat, beginning with the Peloponnesian War between Athens & Sparta, many subjects are addressed including colonialism, slavery, the wonder of the ancient world, ancient historians fighting in WW1 and WW2 and why we should all learn an ancient language.
Oswyn Murray Links
The Muse of History: The Ancient Greeks from the Enlightenment to the Present
Cover of Thomas Hobbes' translation of Thucydides' The History of the Peloponnesian War
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The Emperor Vespasian began construction of the Colosseum and it was completed by his son, Titus. Vespasian is played by Anthony Hopkins in the new show, Those About to Die, and Justin Pollard, historical consultant, joins to discuss gladiators, charioteers and the Circus Maximus under the Flavian Dynasty. Those About to Die hits Prime on the 19th July.
Justin Pollard Links
Charge! The Interesting Bits of Military History
Aspects of History
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When Alexander crossed the Hellespont to invade the Persian Empire in 334BC, he began a thirst for war that could not be sated. Territory was not his aim, nor was power for its own sake. What of Germany in 1914 and 1939? Competition with the great powers in the former case, and a demand for resources in the second were important motivations.
Joining to discuss these and other examples is Richard Overy, historian of the Second World War and the author of many bestselling and award winning books.
Richard Overy Links
Aspects of History Links
Ollie discusses D-Day on GB News (48mins in)
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Between 1763 and 1767 two British surveyors, Charles Mason and Nathaniel Dixon, established the dividing line between the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. For the two hundred years since, the Mason Dixon Line became known as the cultural divide between North and South, Union and Confederate. But is that correct?
Jonn Elledge joins to discuss this and other boundaries including Ireland, India & Pakistan, Israel & Palestine, and most controversial of all, Middlesex.
Jonn Elledge Links
A History of the World in 47 Borders
Aspects of History
Mason & Dixon, by Thomas Pynchon
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On the 25th October 1415, the English under Henry V met with the French on the field of Agincourt. The resulting victory, and it was a total victory, has gone down in history alongside Blenheim and Waterloo as the finest by an English or British army.
Gordon Corrigan joins to discuss the build up, the internal strife in England and France, the battle itself and the aftermath.
Gordon Corrigan Links
A Great and Glorious Adventure – A History of the Hundred Years War
Finest Hours: Crecy, Poitiers, Agincourt
Aspects of History Links
Ollie discusses Agincourt with Jacob Rees Mogg on GB News (50mins in)
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When France fell in June 1940, the country agreed an armistice with Nazi Germany, and a period of collaboration began, both in occupied France, and with the Vichy government.
Pirate Irwin joins to discuss deportation of the Jews, score-settling, the personalities involved and the murky moral compromises that were made.
Pirate Irwin Links
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On a cold and dark night in February 1942, a company of paratroopers dropped on snow covered occupied France - their target: the Würzburg radar.
Max Hastings joins to discuss the thrilling raid, the personalities involved and its impact on the British bombing effort.
Max Hastings Links
Operation Biting: The 1942 Parachute Assault to Capture Hitler’s Radar
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Concluding our 80th Anniversary D-Day celebrations, Tim Hewitt joins Ollie to discuss the 1962 classic starring John Wayne, Mel Ferrer, Robert Wagner, Richard Burton, Robert Mitchum, Robert Ryan, Henry Fonda, Richard Todd, Kenneth More, Sean Connery, Curd Jurgens and a host of other Hollywood stars.
But is it any good? And should Cornelius Ryan have been allowed to write the screenplay? And, what about the CGI?
All these questions, and more, are answered in this month's Film Club.
Links
Why John Wayne’s Role in the Longest Day Was Hated by Everyone
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The Gurkhas are a highly professional unit within the British Army who hail from the foothills and mountains of the Himalayas, in northern India and Nepal. They have fought in both the British and Indian armies in many wars, but today we discuss their role in the Second World War with the author of a new novel, The Jungle War, Hannah Watson. Robert Lyman, historian of the period, joins too to provide some historical insight.
Gurkha and Jungle War Links
Aspects of History Links
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On the 3rd April 1882, Jesse James put aside his guns and noticed a picture on the wall had acquired dust. He stood on a chair and with duster in hand began to clean. Behind him Robert Ford drew his revolver and shot James in the back of the head.
This event provides the title for the film directed by Andrew Dominik and starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck and Sam Rockwell.
Filmmaker Tim Hewitt joins to discuss the movie, the story of Jesse James, Brad, Oscars and plenty more.
Links
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford on Wikipedia
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford on IMDB
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On the 20th September 1519 Ferdinand Magellan set sail for the Moluccas, the collection of islands containing nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon that promised vast wealth for those who could trade. So began the race between Spain and Portugal, who would soon be joined by the Dutch and English, but the native peoples paid a terrible spice. Roger Crowley joins to discuss his new book, Spice.
Roger Crowley Links
Spice: The 16th-Century Contest that Shaped the Modern World
Aspects of History Links
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On the 6th June 1944 the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy in the battle to free occupied Europe from the Nazi jackboot. Nearly 3 million men took part in the operation, on land, sea and in the air.
Joining to discuss are two highly respected and distinguished historians, Gordon Corrigan and Philip Blood.
Do get in touch if you have comments.
Maps
Gordon Corrigan Links
The Second World War: A Military History
Blood, Sweat and Arrogance: The Myths of Churchill's War
Philip Blood Links
Hitler's Bandit Hunters: The SS and the Nazi Occupation of Europe
Birds of Prey: Hitler's Luftwaffe, Ordinary Soldiers, and the Holocaust in Poland
Aspects of History Links
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In the early hours of 6th June 1944, D-Day, a small squad of SAS troopers parachuted into SE France to begin the Special Forces part of Operation Overlord, the invasion of Nazi occupied Europe. It was the most successful SF operation of the Second World War and set the template that would be followed by Delta, SEALs and other SF for years to come.
Joining to discuss is Tom Petch, author of Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Untold Secret Origins of the SAS.
Tom Petch Links
Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Untold Secret Origins of the SAS
Aspects of History Links
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China has eyes on Taiwan, and how can we in the West respond? Should we respond? What about our intelligence services and military capabilities? Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent, joins to discuss his new thriller which envisages an invasion of the small island by its larger neighbour.
This episode is thanks to the Chalke History Festival, the UK's Number 1 history festival.
Frank Gardner Links
Frank at the Chalke History Festival, sponsored by Aspects of History
Aspects of History Links
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Late at night on the 5th June 1944, British paratroopers set off on their flight that would land them in Normandy, with the key objective to capture and hold two bridges of vital strategic importance to the allied landings the next morning.
Saul David, author of Sky Warriors, joins to discuss one of the most successful airborne operations of the Second World War.
Part One of our D-Day series. Part Two continues with the Allied landings, and the German response to them.
Saul David Links
Sky Warriors: : British Airborne Forces in the Second World War
Saul at the Chalke History Festival
Aspects of History Links
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Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21
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Secrets and lies have been part of us for as long as we've been around and are found as early as the Book of Genesis. And what of the Stasi and the archives recording how citizens informed on friends, family members and even spouses?
Andrew Gold joins to discuss his new book, The Psychology of Secrets, and he takes us on a journey that features the mad founder of a school, Scientology, Lie Detectors, the secret communities and much more.
Andrew has a hugely successful podcast and YouTube show, so do check him out.
Andrew Gold Links
The Psychology of Secrets: My Adventures with Murderers, Cults and Influencers
Aspects of History Links
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With the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany, the political make up of the Second World War was turned on its head, and Churchill allied with Stalin. So began a short-lived relationship that was both tumultuous, but also warm - though fuelled by alcohol.
Giles Milton's new book looks at the US, British and Russian alliance that turned the tables for the Allies and led to the defeat of Hitler.
Giles Milton Links
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On the 25th May 1951 Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean defected to Moscow, and so the opening shots were fired in the dismantling of the Cambridge Spy Ring. Alcoholism took care of them, but what about other traitors including William Weisband, George Blake, Anthony Blunt, John Cairncross and the master spy Kim Philby. And what about Edward Snowden - is he a traitor?
Espionage author Michael Smith joins to discuss traitors from his book, The Real Special Relationship which is our Non Fiction Book Club.
Michael Smith Links
The Real Special Relationship: The True Story of How the British and US Secret Services Work
AoH Book Club: Michael Smith on the Real Special Relationship - Aspects of History
Aspects of History Links
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Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21
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A bonus episode sees the historical consultant of the new Disney series Shardlake join to discuss disability and the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the history behind the new show. Based on the novels written by C.J.Sansom who died on Saturday 27th April.
Shardlake Links
Antonia Senior tribute to CJ Sansom
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Iran & Britain are old friends, they've had ups and downs, and it's probably fair to say we're going through a difficult patch right now, but who better than Ali Ansari to talk about the historical relationship through much of the 20th century. Ali is a child of Iranians, but lives and was brought up here in Britain, where he is Professor of Modern History at St. Andrew's University in Scotland. We talk the Constitutional Revolution of 1906, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, Mossadegh and the Coup of 1953, and the Shah of Iran who was overthrown in 1979.
Those of Iranian descent, and of course any others, please do get in touch: [email protected]
Ali Ansari Links
Aspects of History Links
Get in touch: [email protected]
Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21
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On the 19th April 1600, after nearly two years at sea, William Adams, one of only nine surviving crew members, made land at modern day Usuki, on the east coast of Japan. He was starving, scurvy ridden and close to death. So began an extraordinary story as Adams rose up the ranks to become a revered figure in Japan even today. So much so that a new Disney TV series, Shogun has been making waves starring Cosmo Jarvis as Adams and Giles Milton joins to tell his story.
Giles Milton Links
Aspects of History Links
Episode on the Japan of Shogun
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The release of The Passion of the Christ in 2004 caused outrage, fury and accusations of antisemitism and sadomasochism. With Easter recently celebrated, we thought it time to re-examine Mel Gibson's passion project (sorry), as director Tim Hewitt joins to talk Jim Caviezel, controversy and even a QAnon.
Links
The Passion of the Christ on Wikipedia
The Passion of the Christ on IMDB
Christopher Hitchens on Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ
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The Berlin Wall stood for 28 years, but up until the very end, on the 9th November 1989, the whole world thought it was permanent. It's now 35 years since the Wall fell, but how did it get built, what was its impact, and how did it fall?
Iain MacGregor, author of Checkpoint Charlie, joins as we go back the dark days of the Cold War through to its end.
Iain MacGregor Links
Checkpoint Charlie: The Cold War, the Berlin Wall and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth
Aspects of History Links
Berlin Wall - OIlie at the Wall
Get in touch: [email protected]
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On a dark night in April 1944 a German general was returning to his villa on the Nazi occupied island of Crete. Suddenly, two men, dressed as Wehrmacht soldiers, emerged from the darkness and stopped the car. The two men were British officers, and together with Cretan resistance fighters, they bundled the general into the back, and drove through Heraklion and 22 checkpoints. So began one of the most audacious operations of World War Two, orchestrated by Patrick Leigh Fermor, autodidact, writer and war hero.
Artemis Cooper, biographer of Paddy, joins to discuss his early life, the operation, his walk through Europe and his writing.
Artemis Cooper Links
Patrick Leigh Fermor: An Adventure
Patrick Leigh Fermor Links
3 Books Collection Set (A Time of Gifts, Between the Woods and the Water, The Broken Road)
Abducting a General: The Kreipe Operation and SOE in Crete
Mani: Travels in the Southern Peloponnese
Roumeli: Travels in Northern Greece
Aspects of History Links
Get in touch: [email protected]
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On the 24th March 1603 at Richmond Palace Elizabeth I died. She had not named a successor, but James VI of Scotland was proclaimed king in London that same day, and he headed south to accede to the English throne. What sort of man was he, and how had his rule in Scotland shaped his character?
Steven Veerapen joins to discuss James, his rule, the union of the crowns of Scotland and England and the new show Mary & George which has been making waves in its depiction of the Stuart court.
Steven Veerapen Links
The Wisest Fool: The Lavish Life of James VI/I
Steven's episode on Elizabeth I
Aspects of History Links
Get in touch: [email protected]
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The Mau Mau Uprising ran from 1952 to 1960 in a Kenya administered by Britain. The conflict was a brutal one, with atrocities committed by both sides and it remains controversial to this day.
Nicholas Rankin grew up in Kenya from the of 3 to 13, arriving in 1954 and he has written a moving and powerful book that addresses the questions of rebellion and colonialism.
Nicholas Rankin Links
Trapped in History: Kenya, Mau Mau and Me
Telegram from Guernica: The Extraordinary Life of George Steer, War Correspondent
Aspects of History Links
Clash of Empires: The Anglo-Ashanti Wars - Aspects of History
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Sarah Gristwood returns to talk about the secret diary entries of women's diaries, from the 1st January all the way to the 31st December. There are many great names, and some less well-known, but we delve into some heart-breaking, funny, tragic and shocking accounts written with stunning honesty.
Sarah Gristwood Links
Secret Voices: A Year of Women’s Diaries
Aspects of History Links
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This week's guest is a man who has lived about what he writes. Louis Ferrante was a former member of the Gambino crime family, one of the Five Families of New York. He rose up the ranks until he was convicted of crimes and sent to prison where he became a changed man.
He has now written a fantastic first volume of three on the history of the mafia, Borgata, and he chatted with our editor on the rise of the mob from their humble beginnings in Sicily through to the 1930s prohibition in the US.
Louis Ferrante Links
Borgata: Rise of Empire: A History of the American Mafia
Mob Rules: What the Mafia Can Teach the Legitimate Businessman
Aspects of History Links
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Steven Spielberg's 1993 masterpiece is hugely influential even today. His adaptation of the Thomas Keneally's Booker Prize winning Schindler's Ark, filmed in black and white, brought the Holocaust to a mass audience.
Joining Ollie to discuss the film are Roger Moorhouse and Tim Hewitt, and they look into the history, the filmmaking process and much more.
Links Discussed
Spielberg interview on the film and girl in the red coat
Ralph Fiennes interview on the bath scene
Ralph Fiennes interview on the SS uniform
Get in Touch: [email protected]
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On the 2nd September 1942 in Loch Ewe, Scotland, a large convoy of ships carrying food, ammunition, tanks, artillery pieces and materiel set sail for Archangel, Russia. This convoy would be of vital importance to the Soviet troops fighting the Nazis at Stalingrad.
The Germans did all they could to disrupt and destroy the ships of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy, and many of the green recruits, at sea for the first time, had the freezing weather conditions to deal with as well as the enemy.
John McKay joins to discuss the horrors experienced by the crew members of PQ18.
John McKay Links
Arctic Convoy PQ18: 25 Days That Changed the Course of the War
Ollie Links
Clash of Empires: The Anglo-Ashanti Wars - Aspects of History
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Gordon returns to discuss those WW1 Commanders that lost out to Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig. Plenty of talent here, and some less so, however we start off with Alanbrooke as he was barely discussed in the previous episode.
The list
Field Marshal Robertson (the Editor's favourite)
Gordon Corrigan Links
Mud, Blood and Poppycock: Britain and the Great War
Douglas Haig: Defeat Into Victory
Ollie Links - Get in Touch
Links Discussed
Spy Masters podcasts - Aspects of History
Are there foxes in South Africa? Get in touch: [email protected]
Great Hatred: The Assassination of Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson MP
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You've read the story of Jesse James
Of how he lived and died.
If you're still in need;
Of something to read,
Here's the story of Bonnie and Clyde.
So wrote Bonnie Parker, partner to Clyde Barrow and the famous couple that attracted fans, headlines, cops and in the end, bullets.
Ollie and Tim discuss the iconic film and include the regular categories including Simon Baker Award for Best Performance, and the Argo Award for Most Inaccurate Scene.
Links Discussed
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On the 22nd July 1934 John Dillinger left a movie theatre in Chicago having just enjoyed the Clark Gable film, Manhattan Melodrama. He didn't get far before FBI agents shot him four times - the era of the romantic bank robber was over - or was it? Johnny Depp's portrayal of Dillinger is iconic, even if we think the legacy rating of Public Enemies is low.
Also starring Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Jason Clarke, Billy Crudup, Stephen Lang, Branka Katic, Stephen Dorff, David Wenham and James Russo, Tim Hewitt and Ollie think it's a movie overlooked.
Links discussed
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We've ignored the suitcase from Sepp Blatter bulging with cash and returned to football's roots to discuss the origins in England, the class system, the rise of the working class and the might Preston North End side of 1888/89 - thought Arsene Wenger did it first with the Invincibles and diet? Well you'd be wrong - it was PNE under William Sudell.
We also look at public (private) schools - click here for the rules of Harrow Football (still played today), transport, technology and the two world wars, plus a rant about VAR.
Gavin Mortimer Links
A History of Football in 100 Objects
Ollie Links
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Early on the morning of 7th December 1941, Japanese fighters, dive bombers and torpedo planes descended on the port of Pearl Harbor, the headquarters of the American Pacific Fleet. Within minutes the balance of power had changed, and four days later Hitler declared war on the US.
Alan Bardos joins to discuss the attack, the intelligence failures leading up to it, Japanese and American antagonism beforehand and Taranto, the template the Japanese followed in their plans.
Alan Bardos Links
Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor? - Aspects of History
The Kappillan of Malta, by Nicholas Monsarrat
Ollie Links
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We discuss medieval Japan in today's episode, in preparation for the new TV show, Shogun. Professor of Japanese History Frederik Cryns joins to discuss the practice of suicide - Seppuku, the clash of cultures as Japan was visited by Portuguese merchants, Jesuits and in 1600, the first Brit: William Adams.
Links Discussed
In the Service of the Shogun: The Real Story of William Adams, by Frederik Cryns
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In May 1940 the Sadler's Wells Ballet Company took the brave, or as some might think foolhardy, decision to go on tour to mainland Europe, several months after the outbreak of World War Two. The result was a hasty retreat from the Netherlands as the Germans invaded.
Lucy Ashe joins to talk about the evolution of Ballet from the royal courts of Europe to Versailles and the Sun King, Louis XIV, to the Ballet Russe as the Russians came to dominate. Margot Fonteyne, Ninette de Valois and Rudolf Nureyev all feature.
Lucy Ashe Links
Documentary on BBC iPlayer: The Magic of Dance
Ollie Links
Aspects of History - Annual Subscription under £10
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Bonaparte: Greatest Frenchman or Corsican Ogre? Progressive or reactionary? Louis Sarkozy, the author of a new book on Napoleon, joins to discuss his image in France, Russia, Prussia and England; attempts to cancel him; and his love of reading.
We at Aspects of History are fascinated by the man who invited both scorn and admiration from Britain, as well as fear and respect throughout Europe. Thousands of books have been written about him, but do we really understand him?
Louis Sarkozy Links
Aspects of History Links
Episode on Ridley Scott's Napoleon
Episode on Napoleon's Invasion of Russia
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Yaroslav Trofimov is the Foreign Affairs Correspondent of the Wall Street Journal, a native of Ukraine, and the author of Our Enemies Will Vanish. He joins to talk about the war and the ramifications of the conflict in a geo-political sense. With the war now entering it's third year, and with no end in sight, how do we see this play out, and what lessons will China and other totalitarian states draw?
This is an existential fight for Ukraine, and Yaroslav brings not only insight, but also a deep understanding to the discussion, in what is a fascinating discussion on the war in Ukraine.
Yaroslav Trofimov Links
Ollie Webb-Carter Links
Get in touch: [email protected]
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Antonia Senior joins to discuss her new podcast SpyMasters, from Aspects of History. She and Ollie chat the Cambridge Spies, David Petraeus and the latest spy fiction as she talks about what we can expect.
Links
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Gordon Corrigan, the Major, returns as we go through those commanders from the Second World War that missed out when we settled on Bill Slim. The big names from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are here: Montgomery, Alexander, Alanbrooke, Auchinleck, Pound, Cunningham, Harris, Dowding, Parks and Portal. Gordon gives his view, and in particular it's Monty who takes quite a bit of flak. Auchinleck, Harris and Cunningham gain his approval, as does Alexander and Alanbrooke.
Episode Links
Earlier Episodes in the series:
Great British Commanders: Bill Slim
Great British Commanders: Douglas Haig
The Second World War: A Military History, by Gordon Corrigan
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The new Apple TV series has arrived, Masters of the Air, written and produced by John Orloff, of Band of Brothers. It stars Austin Butler (Elvis, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Barry Keoghan (Saltburn, Top Boy) and Callum Turner (Queen and Country, The Only Living Boy in New York). We discuss the history behind the show with two historians of the Allied Bombing Campaign.
Patrick Bishop is the bestselling author of Bomber Boys and Paul Bingley, historian and author of Bomb Group.
Episode Links
Masters of the Air on Apple TV
Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut
Documentary on Bomber Command with Ewan McGregor
Debate: The Allied bombing of German cities in World War II was unjustifiable
Email us [email protected]
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The recent Channel Four documentary, The Princes in the Tower: The New Evidence saw historian Philippa Langley and TV personality Judge Rinder examine documents which they believe prove Edward V and Richard Duke of York were not murdered by their uncle Richard III, but were in fact spirited away to mainland Europe. From there they plotted both their return and the overthrow of Henry VII, victor over Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field.
Joining today me in the first of a new series of bonus episodes is Jackson van Uden, the host of the History with Jackson podcast. Jackson chats about this evidence, as well as past episodes on his pod, and then we both talk about what to expect in 2024.
Episode Links
History with Jackson - Jackson's Podcast
The Princes in the Tower: David Pilling on 'The New Evidence' - Aspects of History
Channel Four: The Princes in the Tower: The New Evidence
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On the 20th January 1942 fifteen men met at the Wannsee Villa to discuss what they described as the final solution to the Jewish question. The Holocaust had been underway for many months but what those delegates agreed put in motion the industrial nature of the killings.
Roger Moorhouse, historian of Nazi Germany, joins Ollie to discuss the film Conspiracy which starts Kenneth Branagh, Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth. How accurate is it historically? What's the background to the bureaucrats and SS men attending, and what about Wannsee itself?
Conspiracy Links
Berlin at War, by Roger Moorhouse
The Forgers, by Roger Moorhouse
First to Fight, by Roger Moorhouse
The Villa, The Lake, The Meeting: Wannsee and the Final Solution, by Mark Roseman
Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland, by Christopher Browning
JustWatch (to find movies on which platform)
Email us at [email protected]
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During the Napoleonic period, if you got into a serious disagreement and you were of the officer class, then you would challenge your opponent to a duel. Ben Kane joins our editor to discuss duelling, with pistols and swords during the Napoleonic period, as well as 'rivet counters'; readers of historical fiction who get in touch with writers to highlight inaccuracies.
Ben is the bestselling author of our Fiction Book of the Month, Napoleon's Spy.
Ben Kane Links
Ollie Links
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One evening in 376AD two Gothic kings attended a lavish dinner thrown by Lupicinus, a Roman general responsible for defending the Empire's eastern border. The bloody conclusion to the party resulted in catastrophe for Rome and the death of an Emperor. Simon Turney, bestselling novelist and historian joins to discuss this event, the wars and historical fiction in general. Simon is a hugely successful author of Marius' Mules, the Damned Emperor series and Para Bellum.
Simon Turney Links
Rise of Emperors (with Gordon Doherty)
Who was Agricola? - Aspects of History
Ollie Links
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On the 29th January 1928 Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig died of a heart attack aged 66. Less than ten years earlier he had led the British Army to their greatest victories in the 100 Day Campaign of 1918. As he lay in state thousands of his soldiers marched past paying homage.
Two distinguished historians, Gary Sheffield and Gordon Corrigan, join Ollie to discuss why Haig deserves to be remembered alongside Marlborough, Nelson, Wellington and Slim.
Gary Sheffield Links
Forgotten Victory: The First World War: Myths and Realities
Douglas Haig: From the Somme to Victory
The Chief: Douglas Haig and the British Army
Gordon Corrigan Links
Mud, Blood and Poppycock: Britain and the Great War
Douglas Haig: Defeat Into Victory
Get in Touch
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Historian and biographer Adam Zamoyski talks about the new movie, previous Napoleon films and the strange attitude in France to Bonaparte.
Adam Zamoyski Links
Napoleon: The Man Behind the Myth
1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow
Rites of Peace: The Fall of Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna
YouTube Debate with Jeremy Paxman and Andrew Roberts on Napoleon
Narodnost: Russia and Nationalism - Aspects of History
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David Stirling was a great salesman, and so have we been seduced into thinking he's not really responsible for the founding of the SAS, and it was instead his brother?
We have two distinguished historians join Ollie to debate the question. Both are previous guests of the pod, so this is your opportunity to find the truth or is the question more complicated?
Links Discussed
David Stirling: The Phoney Major, by Gavin Mortimer
2SAS: Bill Stirling and the forgotten special forces unit of World War II, by Gavin Mortimer
Speed, Aggression, Surprise, by Tom Petch
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This month's Film Club is Napoleon, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby. Links are in the shownotes, including an article on 6 of the best books on napoleon that Ollie has written, as well as other links. We also have a bonus episode coming up when we get Napoleonic historian Adam Zamoyski’s reaction to the film, so do subscribe so as not to miss out.
Links
Six of the Best: Books on Napoleon - Aspects of History
Historians & Hollywood by Adam Zamoyski - Aspects of History
Stanley Kubrick's Napoleon Screenplay
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At the age of 17 in 1891 whilst at Harrow School, Winston Churchill learned that his mother was sending him to stay with a French family for Christmas. He wrote to her, ‘My darling Mummy, never would I have believed you would haave been so unkind. I am utterly miserable..I can’t tell you how wretched you have made me feel. Oh my Mummy. I expect you were too busy with your parties and arrangements for Christmas. I comfort myself by this. Your loving son, Winny.'
That letter shows there is more to Churchill than the titan of World War Two.
My guest today is David Reynolds who has written a book about the great figures who influenced him - Mirrors of Greatness: Churchill and the Leaders Who Shaped Him so we discuss Gandhi, Attlee and Clementine as well as Winston himself.
Since it's Christmas I have an offer of half price on an annual subscription using the code HISTORY50% at our website: Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine - Aspects of History
**Gift Subscriptions available**
David Reynolds Links
Mirrors of Greatness: Churchill and the Leaders Who Shaped Him
Ollie Links
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On the 6th November 1966 Paul McCartney died in a car crash, and he was replaced in the Beatles by William Shears Campbell. Now that’s not actually true, but it hasn’t stopped many people to believe that it is. This theory is just one of many conspiracies that I discuss with Jonn Elledge, co-author (with Tom Phillips) of a book on their history. We talk about whether we’re living in a simulation, JFK and Abraham Lincoln’s assassinations, crop circles and many more - but it’s not always internet obsessives who push these ideas.
Jonn is a journalist and author and you'll find his work in The New Statesman, The Guardian and he has a great Substack.
Jonn Elledge Links
The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything - Substack
Links Discussed
Abbi Richards' brilliant Conspiracy Chart
Do We Live in a Simulation? Chances Are about 50–50
1234: The Beatles in Time, by Craig Brown
Ollie Links
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In November 1969 news broke of a massacre of Vietnamese civilians by US troops in the village of My Lai in the So Tonh district of Kwang Nai in the South Central coast region of Vietnam. The killings themselves had taken place more than a year earlier on the 16th March 1968. It’s difficult to know how many deaths there were – the US army puts the figure at 347, and there are estimates of around 500.
Marshall Poe joins to discuss the build up, the massacre itself and the events of that day, the cover up, and we try to answer why it happened.
Marshall Poe Links
The Reality of the My Lai Massacre
Ollie Links
Ollie on the NBN - Entrepreneurship & Leadership
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In the early 1930s, a new movement threatened to smash the established ruling party, the Conservatives, as well as the Labour party. Led by a charismatic leader, capable of brilliant oration, the British Union of Fascists attracted many to their cause, most notably aristocrats and even royalty.
Joining our editor today is Alec Marsh, journalist and author of Rule Britannia, along with historian of the period Martin Pugh, author of Hurrah for the Blackshirts. They discuss it's causes, the great counter-factual of whether they could have take control, and whether there are modern day fascists around.
Martin & Alec Links
Ollie Links
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James Holland joins to discuss the Allied campaign in Italy in the autumn of 1943 as they sought to capitalise on the capture of Sicily and head up the boot of the Italian peninsular, to both knock the Italians out the war, and to reach the Nazi factories of southern Germany and Austria.
James is the author of The Savage Storm, his new book on the campaign, as well as a myriad of other titles so he is certainly Mr World War Two.
James Holland Links
The Savage Storm: The Heroic True Story of One of the Least told Campaigns of WW2
Previous episode: The Second World War with James Holland
Oliver Webb-Carter Links
Email Ollie [email protected]
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Antonia Senior, Roger Moorhouse and Richard Foreman join Ollie to discuss their books of the year, as well as current events.
Please Note:
Episode Recorded 17th November 2023
One guest does curse..
Get in touch:
Books of the Year
Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad, Daniel Finkelstein
Conflict, General David Petraeus & Andrew Roberts
Homer & His Iliad, Robin Lane Fox
The Temple of Fortuna, Elodie Harper
The Weimar Years, Frank McDonough
Sharpe's Command, Bernard Cornwell
Operation Chiffon, Peter Taylor
Episodes Referenced
Israel Palestine Podcast Episode with Roberto Mazza
Nazi Soviet Pact with Roger Moorhouse
Conflicts Post War with General David Petraeus & Andrew Roberts
The Troubles with Peter Taylor
Other Books Mentioned
A Splendid Little War, Derek Robinson
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When Charles Stuart was born in 1600 it was his older brother Henry who was expected to get the top job. Charles was a sickly child, suffering terribly for the first few years of his life. Tragedy then struck and he became Prince of Wales. In today's podcast we hear about his illnesses, his attempts at marriage, and a sympathetic treatment of Charles' dealings with Parliament. We also discover who was responsible for declaring war in 1642.
Mark Turnbull is the author of Charles I's Private Life and the host of CavalierCast
Mark Turnbull Links
Ollie Links
Email me [email protected]
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On the 22nd November 1963 President John F Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas Texas. The assassination shocked the world. In 1991, Academy Award winner Oliver Stone, a Vietnam veteran, directed JFK starring Kevin Costner. In it he argues a conspiracy and the movie has helped lead to more than 60% of Americans believe him.
Director Tim Hewitt joins our editor Ollie to talk the movie, the allegations of conspiracy, their favourite actors, best scene, as well as most inaccurate, and finally the legacy of the film.
*Please note it was in fact the Assassination Records Review Board that was established in the wake of the movie, not the House Select Committee on Assassinations
Links Discussed
American Tabloid, James Ellroy
Oswald's Tale: An American Mystery, by Norman Mailer
Hollywood & History: The Debate Over JFK
Get in Touch
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Women have been part of the espionage world since intelligence agencies were established in the early 1900s, so it's no great surprise that they became key assets during the First and Second World Wars, but what does that mean?
Historian Helen Fry talks with our editor about Mata Hari, Edith Cavell and other less known stories from the Cambridge Spies to the Special Operations Executive.
Helen is the author of Women in Intelligence: The Hidden History of Two World Wars
Helen Fry Links
Women in Intelligence: The Hidden History of Two World Wars
Ollie Links
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On the 15th October 1962, President John F Kennedy was presented with photographs showing Soviet nuclear missiles on the island of Cuba, just 90 miles off the Florida coast. So began the Cuban Missile Crisis, depicted in the political thriller Thirteen Days, Directed by Roger Donaldson and starring Kevin Costner.
Join our editor Ollie and Director Tim Hewitt as they discuss the film including best scene, best performance, most inaccurate scene and legacy rating.
Links
Abyss: World on the Brink, The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962, by Max Hastings
Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine, by Lawrence Freedman
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Who is our greatest monarch, and who is our most interesting? Where should we start - 1066 or 886? Should we include Louis, Matilda, Lady Jane Grey and of course the Cromwells? Which Prime Minister and ruler would make the greatest combination?
Iain Dale joins the editor, along with friends of the show Miranda Malins and Steven Veerapen to discuss these questions and more.
Iain Dale
Kings and Queens: 1200 Years of English and British Monarchs
The Prime Ministers: 55 Leaders, 55 Authors, 300 Years of History
The Wisest Fool: The Lavish Life of James VI and I, Steven Veerapen
The Rebel Daughter, Miranda Malins
Ollie Links
Still plugging the GB News appearance (50mins in)
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Remember, remember,
The Fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot;
For I see no reason
Why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
The plan was that on the 5th November 1605, James I would attend the opening of Parliament, and so allow the Gunpowder plotters to blow him and his government, and many of his family, sky hight. What would have happened next? And what of the Stuarts themselves? An extraordinary dynasty; from Mary Queen of Scots, James I, Charles I, Charles II and James II; and the editor runs through them with acclaimed historian Leanda de Lisle, author of Henrietta Maria.
Leanda de Lisle Links
Henrietta Maria: Conspirator, Warrior, Phoenix Queen - ONLY 99P ON KINDLE
The White King: Charles I, Traitor, Murderer, Martyr
The Gunpowder Plot and Fake History - Aspects of History
Ollie Links
email [email protected]
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After the horrific terrorist attacks of 7th October our editor discussed the long running Israel Palestine conflict with historian and author Roberto Mazza. Covering the growing Zionist movement in the early 20th century, to the Balfour Declaration through to the British Mandate for Palestine, the 1948 war and the Six Day War in 1967 Roberto discusses how we got to where we are today and whether there is any prospect for peace.
Roberto is also a host on the New Books Network, where he hosts history podcasts so check that out here:
As well as that, Roberto hosts the Jerusalem Unplugged Podcast.
Map showing Palestinian territories
Jerusalem: From the Ottomans to the British by Roberto Mazza
Jerusalem: The Biography by Simon Sebag Montefiore
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The Vikings are a people so disconnected from us, through time and their paganism, that it's difficult to really know them. Theodore Brun joins Ollie to discuss them, their travels and what we can really know of them.
Theo's the author of the Wanderer Chronicles, the latest of which is A Savage Moon.
Theodore Brun Links
The Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings ,by Neil Price
Ollie Links
GB News Interview - Go to 50 Mins In
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On the 28th April 1789, the crew of HMS Bounty, under the command of Lt. William Bligh, mutinied. Led by Fletcher Christian, Bligh and some of his crew were placed in a rowing boat, whilst the mutineers took the Bounty to the South Pacific.The film, starring Anthony Hopkins and Mel Gibson, depicts these events in a film that is eminently quotable.
Director Tim Hewitt joins our editor to chat about the film, including the usual categories, and the true story behind it.
Links
Email: [email protected]
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When Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the world entered a new and dangerous phase. The fightback by the Ukrainians is now a pivotal struggle between right and wrong. Added to the recent terrorist attacks in southern Israel, now is an ideal time to hear from General David Petraeus and Lord Andrew Roberts about what the future of conflict looks like, and what the past can tell us.
They are the joint authors of Conflict: A Military History of the Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine
General Petraeus & Lord Roberts Links
Conflict: A Military History of the Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine
Chat at Cliveden between the two
Ollie Links
Email - [email protected]
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Are humans designed for long distance running? When was the first running meet? And what about those famous runners in history, from Pheidippides through to the dirtiest race in history. All this and more as writer and runner Duncan Larkin joins the pod to chat history of running.
Duncan Larkin Links
The 30-Minute Runner: Smart Training for Busy Beginners
Run Simple: A Minimalist Approach to Fitness and Well-Being
One Minute at 11,000 Feet
Born to Run, Christopher McDougall
Running with the Kenyans, Adharanand Finn
Ollie Links
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NO SPOILERS IN THIS POD
The Osage Nation, 1920s, Oklahoma, and a string of unsolved murders take place. In this month's Film Club, myself and Director Tim Hewitt discuss Martin Scorcese's latest, starring Leonardo Di Caprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone.
In the second half, I chat with Chief Standing Bear, leader of the Osage Nation about the film and his people today.
Killers of the Flower Moon Links
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Killers of the Flower Moon: Oil, Money, Murder and the Birth of the FBI, by David Grann
Aspects of History Links
email us [email protected]
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At the end of the First World War in 1918, the British Army had achieved victories that matched any of their predecessors from the previous two centuries, and was a highly motivated, efficient fighting machine. So why then, just over twenty years later, were they routed on battlefield in France in 1940 against their humiliated foe, the German Army. What lessons does the experience of the Army teach us today, as we face new threats, not only from Russia, but also now with terrorism.
General Lord Dannatt, former Head of the Army, and historian Robert Lyman join our editor to discuss how the Victory to Defeat happened, who were the characters involved, and what about the British Army today as Ukraine rumbles on.
General Lord Dannatt & Robert Lyman Links
Victory to Defeat: The British Army 1918–40
Could the Holocaust have been prevented, along with WWII?
Ollie Links
Contact Ollie: [email protected]
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On the 29th September 1923 the British Empire reached its largest territorial extent with Britain's responsibility for the Mandate of Palestine. The Empire now covered a quarter of the globe and governed nearly 500 million people. But not all was as it seemed, because soon key colonies were demanding autonomy and the Empire was soon on the decline.
Joining Ollie, historian Matthew Parker talks about not only the colonists, but also the colonised covered in his new book One Fine Day that spans every corner of the vast expanse that was the Empire. As Matthew says, you cannot generalise about the Empire.
Matthew Parker Links
One Fine Day: Britain's Empire on the Brink
Ollie Links
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This week's pod sees the alternative view on the Parthenon Marbles. Our editor, firm proponent of their reunification, chats with Dr Mario Trabucco della Torretta, strong believer in their retention in the British Museum.
Mario is a classical archaeologist and historian, who is writing a book on the Marbles himself, although he would call them the Elgin Marbles.
Dr Mario Trabucco della Torretta Links
New material from the Ottoman archives and discusses the firman
Lord Elgin's Firman - Dyfri Williams
Ollie Links
British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles
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This month's Film Club sees Director Tim Hewitt join our editor to discuss the Munich Olympics epic, Munich. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Eric Bana, Geoffrey Rush and Daniel Craig.
It's the anniversary of the Olympics attack which took place in September 1972 and Munich asks serious questions around the cycle of violence prompted by revenge. We have a guest appearance on the Pod from one of the stars of the film.
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In Part Two of our Hundred Years War series, we deal with Poitiers, and the lead up, the Black Death, the Black Prince and of course the battle itself. Gordon Corrigan, author of a number of histories of the Hundred Years War joins me to chat all things medieval warfare. And there's the small matter of a financial claim against France that Gordon is keen to pursue.
You can listen to Part One here:
The Hundred Years War with Gordon Corrigan. Part One: Crécy
Film Club is out on Tuesday with Steven Spielberg's 2005 thriller Munich, starring Eric Bana and Daniel Craig, and next Saturday we have Part 2 of my Parthenon Marbles series when I deal with the other side.
Gordon Corrigan Links
England Expects:The Battle of Sluys
A Great and Glorious Adventure: A Military History of the Hundred Years War
Ollie Links
Gordon Corrigan on Poitiers - Aspects of History
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This week's guest is Robin Lane Fox, Ancient Historian and author of Homer & His Iliad. He joins Ollie to chat about who Homer was, when he was writing, why it's better than the Odyssey and what Alexander the Great thought of the Iliad.
Robin was the historical consultant on Oliver Stone's Alexander (2004) so he discusses his experience with Hollywood.Coming up, part 2 of the Hundred Years War with Gordon Corrigan, and the other side of the argument of the Parthenon Marbles.
Robin Lane Fox Links
Ollie Links
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This week's guest is the bestselling historian Tom Holland and he talks Ancient Rome - from Nero to Hadrian with our editor. Their discussion goes into Sex and Gender, Hadrian's Wall, Greeks and Rome and then a few light-hearted questions as well as Tom's view of history today.
Tom's latest book is Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age.
Subscribe for plenty more great history coming up on the pod including Part 2 of the Parthenon Marbles, the Battle of Poitiers, the Film Club returns with Spielberg's Munich and much much more.
Tom Holland Links
Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age
Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic
Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind
Ollie Links
Aspects of History home - Aspects of History
Email us: [email protected]
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This week's episode sees Paul Lay join to discuss his book, Providence Lost: The Rise and Fall of Cromwell's Protectorate. Ollie and Paul chat about the period between the execution of Charles I and the restoration of Charles II when Britain saw a new ruler, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector.Paul's book is our Non Fiction Book of the Month and is highly recommended.
Paul is Senior Editor at Engelsberg Ideas and a friend of the show, he runs his own podcast with Miranda Malins called 1666 and All That.
Paul Lay Links
Providence Lost: The Rise and Fall of Cromwell's Protectorate
Podcast: 1666 and All That
Ollie Links
Contact Ollie: [email protected]
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This month's Film Club sees Director Tim Hewitt join our editor to discuss the Australian New Wave movie, Gallipoli. Directed by Peter Weir and starring Mark Lee and Mel Gibson.
It's the anniversary of the Battle of the Nek which took place in August 1915 and Gallipoli depicts that attack in the Dardanelles, Turkey, when the British Empire attempted to knock the Turks out of the war.
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This week's guest is historian and author Paula de Fougerolles, discussing the Dark Ages. As the Romans departed, Britain and Ireland underwent a hugely tumultuous period as Christianity developed, but also natural phenomena caused mayhem.
Paula clears up the murky past, and describes life in the period, and talks about some of the prominent figures from a time when history merges into myth.
Paula de Fougerolles Links
Saint Columba & Aedan: To Dunadd, Citadel of Kings - Aspects of History
Ollie Links
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Old friend of the show Steven Veerapen joins the pod to discuss Elizabeth I in two parts. First he discusses depictions of the greatest English monarch on screen, including performances from Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett and Margot Robbie, and then Elizabeth's presentation of herself as monarch.
Steven is a historian and author of a number of novels and history books. The Queen's Fire is his latest.
Steven Veerapen Links
Steven's Blog of Top 10 Depictions
Ollie Links
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This bonus episode features former cabinet minister Vince Cable as he chats with Ollie about the Coalition, the 2008 Crash and the Coalition's response to it, foreign policy including Russia and China, and of course, Brexit.
Vince has written a new book with his wife Rachel Smith which is an interesting glimpse of life as a politician and as the spouse of a government minister.
Vince Cable & Rachel Smith Links
Partnership & Politics - Aspects of History
Partnership and Politics in a Divided Decade
Ollie Links
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This week's episode, our 100th, sees Roger Moorhouse join to talk about the Holocaust and the extraordinary efforts of Polish diplomats to get victims out using an passport scheme from their embassy in Switzerland.
Roger is an old friend of the show and his latest book, The Forgers: The Forgotten Story of the Holocaust's Most Audacious Rescue Operation, is out now and is an amazing story so well worth settling down and listening.
Roger Moorhouse Links
The Forgers: The Forgotten Story of the Holocaust's Most Audacious Rescue Operation
Article from Roger: Alfred Naujocks: The Man Who Started the Second World War - Aspects of History
Ollie Links
Email me: [email protected]
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This week's episode has two guests and friends of the show in Rob Lyman and the Major returning to chat all things Bill Slim - titan of the XIV Army and one of Britain's greatest generals.
Rob and Gordon discuss with our editor whether Slim is ahead of Montgomery and Alexander, and then whether he can be considered alongside Henry V, Oliver Cromwell and the Duke of Marlborough and the Duke of Wellington.
Do get in touch if you'd like us to cover Henry V, Cromwell, Marlborough and Wellington.
Bill Slim Links
Tales of Empire, by William Slim, Edited by Robert Lyman
Courage and Other Broadcasts, by William Slim, Introduction by Robert Lyman
Aspects of History Links
Bill Slim: a Master of both War and Words - Aspects of History
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This week's pod features historian and intelligence expert Michael Smith who has written about British and American spy agencies and how they've worked well, and not so well, since the Second World War.
We talk the Russian spy Oleg Penkovsky, the Cambridge Spies, the impact of intelligence on the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Falklands and the Iranian Coup of 1953.
Michael Smith Links
The Special Relationship - Aspects of History
Aspects of History Links
Aspects of History home - Aspects of History
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This month's film club, which has NO SPOILERS, is a review of Christopher Nolan's new masterpiece, Oppenheimer, starring Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jnr and Florence Pugh. J. Robert Oppenheimer: the most important man who ever lived?
Both acclaimed Director Tim Hewitt and I saw the film on Monday at 70mm Lux Leicester Square with a sell-out audience, and we were impressed.
Links - Books on Oppenheimer
Short Read:
Oppenheimer: A World Destroyed, by David Boyle
Book on which the film is based:
Storyville Documentary - The Trials of Oppenheimer
Contact us
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This week's pod is The Parthenon Marbles, and our editor welcomes Paul Cartledge, ancient historian and the author of countless books on ancient Greece. Dr Tessa Dunlop also joins to give her view.
Why the case is stronger than ever. Why the British Museum has erred in their display. Who are the people involved? How long will it take to return?
Links
Plenty of links here are discussed in the chat:
The British Committee for the Return of the Parthenon Marbles
GB News Discussion with Tessa Dunlop
Contact the UK Government Minister Lucy Frazer
Contact the UK Opposition Minister Lucy Powell
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A bonus episode as I chat with Harry White from the Modern British Political History Podcast and it's the Falklands War. Over the next hour you'll hear us talk about the build up to the invasion, the British response, the controversy and tragedy as the Belgrano, Sheffield and Coventry warships are sunk. We talk about how Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dealt with the conflict domestically, Chile and the US, and the legacy of the war.
Links
British Political History Podcast
There are plenty of cultural references throughout, and you'll find the links here:
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4, by Sue Townsend
Who Dares Wins, by Dominic Sandbrook
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This week's guest is Charles Spencer talking Charles II - his escape from the clutches of Parliamentarian forces, his early life during the Civil War and his life in exile. Charles goes on to talk about Charles' reign, and Prince Rupert of the Rhine.
Charles is also started a podcast with Richard Coles and Cat Jarman, so we chat about that briefly.
Plenty more great guests and subjects coming up so please do subscribe.
Charles Spencer Links
To Catch A King: Charles II's Great Escape
Prince Rupert: The Last Cavalier
Killers of the King: The Men Who Dared to Execute Charles I
The White Ship: Conquest, Anarchy and the Wrecking of Henry I’s Dream
Ollie Links
Sticky Wicket: From Bodyline to Bairstow - Aspects of History
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This week's guest is the Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy who has written a new book on the history of the Russo-Ukrainian War and he chats with me about Putin's misunderstanding of history, Ukrainian identity, whether this is the last kick of a dying empire and plenty more so if you're interested in why the war began and where we are, this is the chat for you.
Serhii Plokhy Links
Ollie Links
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This week three writers join me to talk summer reading recommendations from the world of history and historical fiction.
Books
Serhii Plokhy - The Russo Ukrainian War
Victoria Mackenzie - For Thy Great Pain
John Sayles – Jamie MacGillivray
David Carpenter - Henry III pt 2
Martyn Rady – The Middle Kingdoms
Anthony Seldon – The Path of Peace
Guests
Antonia Senior - Historical Fiction Reviewer The Times
Richard Foreman - Author and Publisher
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This week's guest is the veteran BBC journalist Peter Taylor and he talks about the intelligence world during the conflict in Northern Ireland. Officers from MI5 and MI6 worked with a local businessman to persuade the IRA and the British government to talk peace.
Peter's new book is Operation Chiffon: The Secret Story of MI5 and MI6 and the Road to Peace in Ireland which completes his series of books, Brits, Provos and Loyalists.
Peter Taylor Links
Ollie Links
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This month's film club is Paul Greengrass' 2002 film, Bloody Sunday, starring James Nesbitt, Tim Pigott-Smith, Nicholas Farrell, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Gerard McSorley, Mary Moulds and Simon Mann.
The film is realistic depiction of one of the worst atrocities of The Troubles, when 14 unarmed civilians were shot and killed by members of the Parachute Regiment.
My next episode is a discussion with legendary BBC journalist Peter Taylor, out this Saturday so subscribe to add to your feed.Email me if you have any questions or comments: [email protected]
Bloody Sunday Links
Remember Bloody Sunday - Peter Taylor Documentary
Excellent YouTube Channel on The Troubles
Operation Chiffon by Peter Taylor
Douglas Murray - Bloody Sunday:: Truths Lies and the Saville Inquiry
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Iain MacGregor returns to talk about the fighting on the Eastern Front after Stalingrad. We talk about the Battle of the Kursk, tanks of WW2, the atrocities committed by the Germans and Hitler and Stalin.
Iain is the author of the fantastic The Lighthouse of Stalingrad and there is a special Easter Egg in the podcast, so if you listen, you are in the running for a very pleasant surprise.
Iain MacGregor Links
The Lighthouse of Stalingrad: The Hidden Truth at the Centre of WWII's Greatest Battle
Ollie Links
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The Major returns to talk the epic battle of Waterloo on the anniversary. It took place 18th June 1815, when Napoleon was beaten once and for all by the allied armies under the command of the Duke of Wellington.We talk the run-up, why the allied armies won, why Napoleon underestimated Wellington and Gordon explodes myths.
Gordon Corrigan Links
Waterloo: A New History of the Battle and its Armies
Gordon on SubstackScotland Forever!
Ollie Links
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Aspects of History goes out into the field, and we are recording from Vimy Ridge, the site of the Canadian memorial to those killed many of whom no known grave was found.This is a quick bonus - the sound on this recording is not perfect, - we were recording from out in the open.
Vimy Links
Canadian National Vimy Memorial
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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Today's episode is a three-way interview as Alexander Larman joins to talk about the Duke & Duchess of Windsor and their treasonous activities both leading up to, and during the war. Tessa Dunlop joins me to chat with Alex about their Nazi connections, the rise of George VI from diffident spare to widely admired monarch, as well as plenty more.
Alexander Larman Links
The Windsors at War: The Nazi Threat to the Crown
Tessa Dunlop Links
Elizabeth & Philip: A Story of Young Love, Marriage and Monarchy
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John Viscardo joins this week - he's the host of the Generals and Napoleon Podcast, which is the place to go to if you want to follow up on your Napoleonic fix.We chat Napoleon, Wellington, Ney, Marmont, Berthier, Davout, Jourdan, Massena and favourite battles including Waterloo, Salamanca, Next week I have a threeway chat with royal historians on the Nazi past of the Royal Family.
Generals and Napoleon Podcast
John's Article on our website: Napoleon & His Marshals - Aspects of History
Or wherever you get your podcasts.
Ollie Links
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This month's film club is Dunkirk, the Christopher Nolan epic starring Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Jack Lowden, Ffion Whitehead, Barry Keoghan and Harry Styles. I discuss the film with acclaimed director Tim Hewitt, including our categories of Best Scene, Best Performance, Most Unlikely Scene and Legacy.
Dunkirk Links
Dunkirk, by Hugh Sebag Montefiore
Aspects of History Links
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This week's guest is James Holland, who bows to no man when it comes to World War Two, the subject of today's chat. Since it's May we focus on the build-up to Dunkirk, the consequences of the evacuation for Germany, and we indulge in a 'What if?' We also look at the moral question of the allied bombing campaign which killed so many civilians - but was there an alternative?James' new book features wonderful illustrations and is a great addition to the many thousands of books out there.
You can join our Patreon and get access to many benefits.
More to be found here:
James Holland Links
The Second World War: An Illustrated History
Ollie Links
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Author Peter Tonkin joins the pod to talk about the epic struggle between Greece and Troy. A conflict that has fascinated for thousands of years, Peter explains the causes and the build-up to the war, as well as the conflict itself. He talks about the heroes and women involved in the story. Homer is our main source, but Peter also talks about others that influence our understanding of the story.
All the heroes feature, and Peter highlights how the Trojan War has impacted the Tudors and the modern day, with Agamemnon playing the part of a modern-day Putin.
Coming up next week, James Holland on the Second World War.
Peter Tonkin Links
Peter on Twitter @petertonkin50
Aspects of History Links
The podcast is now on Patreon where you'll get plenty of extra content for a small amount.
Ollie on Twitter @olliewcq
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PLEASE NOTE THIS EPISODE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED MARCH 25TH 2023
This week's guest is Paul Strathern discussing the Renaissance. Or to be exact, the OTHER Renaissance. Paul has written a new book focussing not on the Italian and Renaissance, but on that which took place further north, in the Holy Roman Empire, the Low Countries, France and England. So we talk about Martin Luther and Protestantism, Capernicus and the orbit of the sun, and Gutenberg and the printing press.Paul's Book: The Other Renaissance: From Capernicus to Shakespeare
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This week's guest is Peter Stothard who joins me to talk about the Caesars of the 1st century AD. From the stability of Augustus through Caligula, Claudius and Nero and up to the year of the 4 emperors in 68AD.We talk slavery, sex, food, glutton and how to get ahead in ancient Rome. Peter is a former editor of The Times and the Times Literary Supplement and is the author of a number of books on Rome.
Peter Stothard Links
Palatine: An Alternative History of the Caesars
Cassius Parmensis, Caesar, Boris and Saddam - Aspects of History
Ollie Links
Luxury & Power: Persia to Greece at the British Museum - Aspects of History
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Tessa Dunlop, old friend of the show joins to discuss the Monarchy as it is now, and as it was in 1953, the last time we had a coronation.
We talk the Commonwealth, the media's role in the Harry & Meghan Wars, the Coronation, the Crown's wealth and I put a royal quiz question to Tessa.
Tessa Dunlop Links
Cover story in latest issue of Aspects of History
Aspects of History Links
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This week's guest is the esteemed Cambridge Don Sir Christopher Clark, talking revolution in Europe in 1848. Think you know your history? Clark reveals how important that year was, how it shaped today's world, and whether we're on the precipice of revolution today.
Christopher Clark Links
Revolutionary Spring: Fighting for a New World 1848-1849
Aspects of History Links
Our Substack, where you can get free articles sent to your inbox
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In the second of our film club episodes on the 2008 Financial Crisis, Director Tim Hewitt and our Editor talk Margin Call, J.C.Chandor's directorial debut from 2011. Rather overlooked at the time, it's since gained cult status. With a low budget, it has an all star cast including Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci and Kevin Spacey. Categories discussed including the AoH Best Performance, Most Unlikely Scene and Legacy.
Coming up in May, Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk.
Links
Films discussed
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This year its' the 750th birthday of Berlin, and to commemorate it historian Barney White-Spunner, author of a book on the city, joins to discuss its foundation, history throughout that period, which is tied up with German history, and wider European history. He discusses Berlin's suffering during the 30 Years War, the Napoleonic occupation, the Nazis and the Cold War.
Coming up on Tuesday, our Film Club continues with Margin Call, the 2011 movie that deals with the Financial Crisis of 2008.
Barney White-Spunner Links
The Story of Berlin - Aspects of History
Ollie Links
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Our Film Club moves on to mark the 15th anniversary of the 2008 Financial Crash, with The Big Short, directed by Adam McKay and starring Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale and Steve Carrell.
This is a comedy, but with a clear moral undercurrent. It's a smart script, great performances, and a great ensemble cast. The crash had massive, global ramifications, but it's great to see this film address such a subject, and make it easy to understand - obviously down to the great book by Michael Lewis.As ever, we'll look at our categories: Best Performance, Least Likely Scene, Legacy.
Next up on Tuesday is Margin Call, starring Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci and Kevin Spacey.
Links
Films discussedT
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It's the Tudors this week and my guest Steven Veerapen gives his Top 10 Greatest Tudor Myths. Among them Mary Queen of Scots and marmalade, Warrior Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn's physical deformity and plenty more.Steven is a historian and author and his novels feature Anthony Blanke, the son of Henry's black trumpeter, John Blanke.
Don't forget to listen on Tuesday for the Film Club which continues with the 2008 Financial Crash movie The Big Short.
Steven Veerapen Links
Aspects of History Links
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In this Easter Bonus Episode, Adam Zamoyski returns to chat about Russia and how its history shapes what we see in Ukraine today.I recommend listening to Saturday's episode on Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812.
Adam Zamoyski Links
1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow
YouTube Debate with Jeremy Paxman and Andrew Roberts on Napoleon
No Fool Like an Old Fool: Kissinger on Ukraine - Aspects of History
Ollie Links
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This week's guest is acclaimed historian Adam Zamoyski, biographer of Napoleon and the author of 1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow He chats with our editor about the build up to the invasion, Napoleon and his opponent, Alexander I of Russia. The state of the French army on the advance and retreat, and the horrors the troops on both sides went through.On Monday, in a bonus episode, Adam talks about Russia's relationship with its neighbours, and the army both now and in 1812 and in the Soviet era.
Adam Zamoyski Links
1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow
YouTube Debate with Jeremy Paxman and Andrew Roberts on Napoleon
Narodnost: Russia and Nationalism - Aspects of History
Charles Minard's Graphical Depiction
Ollie Links
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This week's chat is the 1st of 3 on the Hundred Years War, and we start with the Battles of Sluys, and the big one, Crécy. Gordon Corrigan (The Major) and distinguished historian talks through the early years of the war, with discussion on Joan of Arc - Heretic or witch? The Black Prince, Edward III and of course, the Longbow.Gordon's book is out now, and is an amusing read that gets you up to speed on the rivalry between England and France. No mindless French bashing here, just a fun chat on the English fight for the French throne.
Gordon Corrigan Links
England Expects:The Battle of Sluys
A Great and Glorious Adventure: A Military History of the Hundred Years War
Ollie Links
Finest Hours: The Battle of Crécy - Aspects of History
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The second episode of the Film Club is on Argo, directed by Ben Affleck and released in 2012. Starring Affleck, as well as a host of Hollywood greats including Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin and Kyle Chandler, this movie is rare in that it deals with America's relationship with Iran.
Set during the Hostage Crisis of 1979/80, the Iranian Revolution has seen the US Embassy in Tehran stormed, and many hostages taken. Six Embassy staff escape and gain refuge in the Canadian Embassy, and the CIA has to get them out. Sounds serious? Well this film has plenty of humour too, and that's where Goodman and Arkin come to the fore.Ollie and distinguished director Tim Hewitt discuss the film, best performance, unlikeliest scene and legacy. We also chat Iranian cinema, disagree about Marisa Tomei, and indulge in a Kyle Chandler lovathon.
Next up in the film club: Financial Crash double bill The Big Short and Margin Call.
Links
Films discussed
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This week's guest is James Romm, author of Demetrius: Sacker of Cities. James is an Ancient Historian and an expert in the period after the death of Alexander, when 5 families fought for control of his empire. Demetrius was one of them, and was a hugely attractive figure.
Oliver and James chat about whether Alexander was murdered, Pyrrhus of Epirus and what would the ancient world would have looked like had Alexander had survived. We'd all be speaking Greek, no doubt.
Coming up, the Film Club continues with Argo, directed by Ben Affleck. Please subscribe and rate and review if you can.
James Romm Links
Ghost on the Throne: The Death of Alexander the Great and the Bloody Fight for his Empire
Aspects of History Links
Alexander the Great in the Dock - Aspects of History
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My guest this week is the author Anthony Seldon, author of a number of bestselling books on British Prime Ministers. His latest book is a departure, though, and is an account of his walk along the Western Front Way, tracing the trenches from Switzerland to the Belgian coast.
We talk about why the Great War has that emotional pull, his inspiration in setting the walk up, and we talk about British Prime Ministers whose sons were killed in the war, or who were affected by the conflict.
This episode makes a good companion piece to my talk with Gary Sheffield on the history of the First World War, although with Anthony the discussion is more about the emotions the war prompts.
There's also short trailer at the end for another podcast from friend and author Giles Milton, so do listen to that.
Anthony Seldon Links
Path of Peace: Walking the Western Front Way
Aspects of History Links
The Great War: Was it a Waste? - Aspects of History
Giles Milton's New Podcast
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Your host is Oliver Webb-Carter and this is the Aspects of History Podcast. You'll hear what you can expect on the Pod. Legendary historians, great history, topical subjects, specials and bonus episodes including the new Film Club.
So do subscribe and join Oliver as he delves into the world of History.
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My guest this week is the legendary filmmaker John Sayles, who has just written an epic novel, Jamie MacGillivray, set during the French & Indian War. We talk about the history, Native American tribes and Scotland at the time of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. The French & Indian War was part of the wider Seven Years War conflict, which Winston Churchill described as the first world war.
John's films have a strong historical theme, so we discuss his career, and go on to talk about filmmaking today, and the new challenges posed by streaming services.
John Sayles Links
Jamie MacGillivray: The Renegade's Journey
Aspects of History Links
Aspects of History's Top 10 War Films - Aspects of History
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My guest this week is the bestselling author of the Medieval period Ian Mortimer. We get to grips with the issues of the era, including when it starts and ends; the introduction of time; slavery, serfdom and inequality; the Black Death; the Middle Ages on film, Edward III and Richard III, and plenty more.
Ian is a fascinating historian who makes you think about a period that is often dismissed by certain historians and Tarantino crime lords as simply being about torture and brutality, but the truth is far more interesting.
Ian Mortimer's Links
Medieval Horizons: Why the Middle Ages Matter
The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England
Ollie Links
Latest article: Top 10 War Films
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In the first of a new series of bonus episodes, the Aspects of History Film Club discusses Lincoln, directed by Steven Spielberg with friend of the show Director Tim Hewitt. Released more than ten years ago, it won Daniel Day Lewis his third Oscar for Best Actor. With a host of acting talent including Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, Jared Harris and Gloria Reuben, the film covers the political machinations that led to the 13th Amendment, to the Constitution of the United States to abolish slavery.
We discuss Most Unlikely Scene, Best Performance and Legacy, as well as veering off on a few tangents involving Jared Harris, other Civil War films, The West Wing and a small homage to John Sayles' Lone Star (1996).
Next film in the club: Argo (2012)
Links
Email Ollie - [email protected]
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This week's guest is Nigel Biggar, the author of a new book, Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning, which deals with the British Empire. Nigel asks the question, is it all bad, or is there a more nuanced interpretation of around 300 years of history? We discuss slavery, famine, the Second World War and whether pride or shame are the right responses to the people and events of empire.
Nigel Biggar is Emeritus Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford and he gives a balanced view of empire and colonialism which makes for an interesting chat.
Coming up on Tuesday, the Aspects of History Film Club with Director Tim Hewitt starts with Lincoln (2012).
Nigel Biggar Links
Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning
Aspects of History Links
Ollie's recent piece: The Great War: Was it a Waste?
You can email me [email protected]
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My guest this week is the writer and filmmaker Tom Petch, author of Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Untold Secret Origins of the SAS. It's predominantly the story of Dudley Clarke, played by Dominic West in SAS Rogue Heroes. Clarke was the brains behind so many Special Forces units that sprung up in the War - necessity being the mother of invention. We talk about him, Eric Dorman Smith, T.E. Lawrence and the modern day SAS.
Tom is also a filmmaker, and directed The Patrol, a psychological drama about a platoon of British troops up against the Taliban, so we talk a bit about that and the West's withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Tom Petch Links
Book: Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Untold Secret Origins of the SAS
Article: Were the SAS Rogue Heroes? - Aspects of History by Tom Petch
Aspects of History Links
Article: Aspects of History The Birth of the SAS in WW2 by Gavin Mortimer
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This week's guest is the distinguished historian Gary Sheffield, author of Forgotten Victory: First World War Myths & Realities, and we explode some of those myths that have developed over the years. Thanks to the great TV show Blackadder, and it is great, a view developed that the generals, and in particular British generals, were callous upper class twits who drank fine wines as their .
Why did the war start, and who was to blame? Was it lions led by donkeys? What was Haig like as a general? All this and much more is answered.
Gary Sheffield Links
Forgotten Victory: First World War Myths & Realities
Aspects of History Links
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This week's pod is a real treat - it's the 144th anniversary of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 which began in January. My guest is Saul David, author of Zulu: The Heroism & Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879.
The arrogance of the British Empire resulted in a humiliating defeat at Isandlwana, before recovering with the morale boosting defence at Rorke's Drift, made famous by Stanley Baker and Michael Caine in the 1964 movie, Zulu.
Saul and I discuss the build up to the invasion, the Zulu nation itself and its ancient antecedents, the personalities involved, the Zulu victories before their eventual defeat and what the conflict means for empire and colonialism today.
Saul David Links
Zulu: The Heroism & Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879
Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire
Ollie Links
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I continue my chat with Mark Turnbull on the execution of Charles I, which took place on the 30th January 1649.
Charles is guilty in a stitch up, but what is Cromwell's role? Did Charles crumble in the immediate aftermath of the guilty verdict? What were his final words, and was the chop itself executed (sorry) smoothly?
This is Part Two, so I do recommend going back to listen to Part One on the Trial.
Mark Turnbull Links
Aspects of History Links
The Trial of Charles I by Leanda de Lisle - Aspects of History
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This week's guest is friend of the show Mark Turnbull who returns to talk about the trial of King Charles I, which began on 20th January 1649. The trial was a sham, but Charles behaved admirably, and with great integrity and nobility.
We talk about the events leading up to the trial, the Rump Parliament, New Model Army, Cromwell and the events of the trial itself.
Part Two, the execution, is coming up on Tuesday.
Mark Turnbull Links
Aspects of History Links
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Gavin Mortimer joins me this week for a rollicking ride through the early days of the SAS with David Stirling, Paddy Mayne and Jock Lewes. We discuss the portrayals of Stirling and Mayne, what the show gets right, and what it gets wrong. Rogue Heroes stars Connor Swindells, Jack O'Connell and Alfie Allen.
!SPOILER ALERT!
Gavin is the author of The Phoney Major, a new book that examines both Stirling and Mayne closely, and one that has exploded the myth of David Stirling, so he's well placed to discuss the series.
Gavin Mortimer Links
The Phoney Major : The Life, Times and Truth about the Founder of the SAS
Paddy Mayne and David Stirling. By Gavin Mortimer - Aspects of History
Aspects of History Links
Were the SAS Rogue Heroes? By Tom Petch - Aspects of History
TV Series
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This week's episode, the first of 2023, is with bestselling novelist Joanna Hickson discussing the subject of her new book, Joan Guildford. Lady-in-Waiting at the courts of Henry VII & Henry VIII. We discuss Henry VII, Henvry VIII, royal childbirth, women at court and plenty more.
As we've seen recently, being a lady-in-waiting isn't as easy as it sounds. When they aren't navigating their way through race rows, they're involved in the political machinations at court as reputations rise, and fall. In Joan Guildford, we saw one of the best, and Joanna describes her career.
Joanna Links
Ollie Links
Aspects of History, 2 Years On
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In today's pod, the last of 2023, I welcome Peter Hughes back to the show to talk about his view on history, and society, today. He uses the stories of Confucius, the French Revolution, Frederick Douglass, the Statue of Athena at Palmyra and the death of the Queen to help frame his argument.
Peter's book, A History of Love & Hate in 21 Statues
Peter Hughes Links
A History of Love & Hate in 21 Statues
Prevalence Induced Concept Change
The Social Dilemma Documentary on Netflix
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism
Georges Lefebvre - The Great Fear
Aspects of History Links
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As we enter the Christmas period, I've listed out the top 10 Christmas historical events.
Merry Christmas from Aspects of History.
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In this month's bonus episode, I welcome a professional movie director onto the pod to discuss Top 10 Historical Movies. My list was discussed earlier here.
Ollie's Top 10
10 - Alexander
9 - La Reine Margot
8 - Breaker Morant
7 - Missing
6 - Katyń
5 - Culloden
3 - The Civil War
1 - Downfall
Tim's Top 10
10 - The Passion of the Christ
9 - Richard III
8 - The Bounty
7 - Ran
6 - Barry Lyndon
5 - United 93
2 - Hero
Tim Hewitt Links
Short Film: A Little Place Off the Edgware Road
Ollie Links
Geoff Dyer on Where Eagles Dare
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This week's guest is Iain MacGregor, author of The Lighthouse of Stalingrad, and we discuss the mother of all battles, Stalingrad. The epic struggle between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union saw savage fighting throughout the winter of 1942. It's the 80th anniversary, so join us as we discuss the brutal fighting, Stalingrad and its hold on the Russian psyche, Putin's politicisation of the battle, and the personalities and units that fought there.
You can get 50% off an annual subscription to our e-mag on our website at Aspects of History using the voucher code HISTORY50%
Iain MacGregor Links
The Lighthouse of Stalingrad: The Hidden Truth at the Centre of WWII's Greatest Battle
Aspects of History Links
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This week's guest is friend of the show Dr Tessa Dunlop, talking about the subject of her new book, Elizabeth and Philip and their early life. This couple both served during the Second World War. and Philip in particular had a hugely disruptive upbringing. His mother, Princess Alice, lived under German occupation and indeed saved a family of jews from the Holocaust. His sisters married into senior members of the German aristocracy, two of whom were Nazis.
This is in stark contrast to the more modern version of the royals, with the recent Harry and Meghan Netflix documentary which we inevitably discuss. But the story here is of Philip, looking for stability, and Elizabeth, for the man of her dreams, who united to build a family that now represents modern Britain: the good bits as well as divorce, social media and very public disagreements.
Listeners of the podcast has access to our e-magazine annual subscription for only £/$5 down from £/$9.99. Use code HISTORY50% at the checkout (don't forget to add the product first).
Dr Tessa Dunlop Links
Elizabeth & Philip: A Story of Young Love, Marriage and Monarchy
Aspects of History Links
Books of 2022 From Aspects of History - Aspects of History
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My latest guest is Leanda de Lisle, author of Henrietta Maria: Conspirator, Warrior, Phoenix Queen. She was the wife of Charles I, the English king executed in 1649 after a bloody civil war. Poor old HM got the blame for many of Charles' blunders, even though she married him when she was 15, and he 24.
She grew up in an abusive household - we'll hear about her father, Henri IV's parenting methods, and she was treated very badly when in England.
But, despite her husband's killing, she rose again when her son, Charles II was restored, and her blood flows through Princes William and Harry.
Discount Code of 50% off an annual subscription to Aspects of History. HISTORY50%
Don't forget to add the magazine to your cart first.
Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine - Aspects of History
Leanda de Lisle Links
Henrietta Maria: Conspirator, Warrior, Phoenix Queen
The Trial of Charles I - Aspects of History
Henrietta Maria: Warrior Queen - Aspects of History
Aspects of History Links
Charles II: A Thoroughly Modern Monarch - Aspects of History
Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine - Aspects of History
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My guest this week is the distinguished historian Sir Lawrence Freedman. He is the author of a new book, Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine, and so we discuss the relationships and characters involved in conflicts post 1945. We talk Douglas MacArthur & Korea, the French in Indochina and Algeria, Kennedy and his generals, Ariel Sharon and his tyrannical tendencies, and the British approach.
Lawrence takes a high level view, and so this is not a military tactics discussion, more how important personalities are, as opposed to political persuasion.
Don't forget, you can claim your 50% discount on an annual subscription to the Aspects of History e-Magazine using the code HISTORY50% at checkout -remember to add the product first.
Lawrence Freedman Links
Aspects of History Links
Subscriptions @ Aspects of History
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After speaking with Simon Sebag Montefiore a few weeks ago, I was inspired to list my top 10 families of world history. Join me as I list them from 10 to 1, with links to books that you can read if you'd like to explore further. Of course Sebag's book, The World is hugely recommended. I talk about families from the Mongol steppes to the shores of the Aegean, from the High Plains of the Midwest, to the mountains of Iran.
If you've got your own suggestions, let me know.
Links
Alexander the Great in the Dock - Aspects of History
Books of 2022 From Aspects of History - Aspects of History
Seizing Eichmann - Aspects of History
Debate on the Parthenon Marbles
Book Recommendations from the Top 10
The Mongol Storm, by Nicholas Morton
The Borgias, by Paul Strathern
Cleopatra's Daughter, by Jane Draycott
King of the World (Cyrus the Great), by Matt Waters
Flashman & the Redskins, by George Macdonald Fraser
Abyss: The Cuban Missile Crisis, by Max Hastings
Alexander the Great, by Robin Lane Fox
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In August 1939 the Nazi and Soviet regimes signed their non-aggression pact and the world was stunned. Within days, Poland had been invaded by Germany and Russia, and there then began 22 months of an alliance between Hitler and Stalin. Roger Moorhouse, author of The Devils' Alliance, joins me to discuss the negotiations, the reasoning behind the treaty, and the effects of it. We also discuss the lessons for today's conflict in Ukraine.
Roger Moorhouse Links
The Devils' Alliance Hitler's Pact with Stalin, 1939-1941
First to Fight: The Polish War 1939
Aspects of History Links
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Saul David is my guest this week. He's returning to chat about his new book, Devil Dogs, which follows a US Marines company throughout their campaign in the Pacific theatre of WW2. They fought from Guadalcanal all the way to the shores of Japan, and so were first in, last out.
We also go on to talk about Saul's podcast, Battleground Ukraine, and his thoughts on the current situation, and what options there are to end the conflict.
Saul David Links
Saul's Podcast, Battleground Ukraine
Oliver Webb-Carter Links
Email: [email protected]
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This week I have Mark Urban onto the pod. Newsnight presenter, historian, journalist and broadcaster, his new book Red Devils is just out. We chat about the Paras in WW2, and deal with booze and fighting, Operation Market Garden, the creation of the regiment and how he juggles writing and the TV work.
Mark Urban Links
Red Devils: The Trailblazers of the Parachute Regiment in World War Two
Aspects of History Links
Email me at [email protected] to suggest your top 10 family from world history.
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This week's guest is the worldwide bestselling historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, and he's joined me to discuss his new book, The World: A Family History. We look into the family and why that is a great lens to look at history, as well as focussing in on a few of the families featured, including Alexander the Great's, the Prophet Mohammed's family, the Romanov family and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. We also talk about recent developments in Iran and Ukraine and his musical playlist which is the soundtrack to his book. Links are below.
Simon Sebag Montefiore Links
Aspects of History Links
Alexander the Great in the Dock - Aspects of History
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This week's pod has legendary historian Max Hastings who has written a new book, published its 60th anniversary, on the Cuban Missile Crisis. In October 1962, the world looked into the abyss of nuclear annihilation. We talk about those events, JFK and lunatic American generals, but also about its relevance today, and what lessons we can learn.
Max Hastings Links
Abyss: The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962
Aspects of History Links
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In this bonus episode in honour of Black History Month, contributors from previous AoH podcasts chat about significant historians and events.:
Steven Veerapen discusses John Blanke, one of the first black people living in England.
Then we move on to the experience of African Americans in the War of 1812 as sailors and POWs with Nicholas Guyatt.
Saul David explains why the British were destroyed at Isandlwana in 1879 during the Zulu War.
Damien Lewis talks about Josephine Baker and her rise from showgirl in America to superstar in Paris, before becoming an agent for the Deuxieme Bureau during WW2. Finally,
Tessa Dunlop chats about Ena Collymore, veteran of the Auxiliary Territorial Service during WW2.
Timings & Links
1m58s John Blanke - Steven Veerapen on Of Blood Descended.
7m40s African American Sailors during the War of 1812. Nicholas Guyatt on The Hated Cage.
19m16s The Battle of Isandlwana, 1879. Saul David on Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879.
23m56s Josephine Baker, superstar and French agent. Damien Lewis on The Flame of Resistance.
41m27s Ena Collymore and the ATS in WW2. Tessa Dunlop on Army Girls.
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This week's pod is with the acclaimed classicist and historian, Peter Stothard. In his return to the show after our chat on The Ides of March, Peter discusses Marcus Licinius Crassus - the fabulously wealthy politician and commander who came a cropper at Carrhae up against the Persian Empire, after having defeated Spartacus.
Crass was a rival to Caesar and Pompey, and was of course played by Laurence Olivier in the Kubrick film. Peter's new book is out, it's super short, and I raced through it - it's always entertaining listening to Peter, and he knows the subject so well, and speaks with real flair.
Peter Stothard Links
Peter's earlier pod Caesar's assassination: The Ides of March
Peter's earlier pod Caesar's assassination: The Ides of March Part Two
Aspects of History Links
Munda: The Battle to End Roman Civil War - Aspects of History
Cassius Parmensis, Caesar, Boris and Saddam - Aspects of History
Great Black Britons: Richmond and Molyneux - Aspects of History
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This week's podcast is with Ben Macintyre, the historian whose books read like thrillers. His latest is Colditz : Prisoners of the Castle , an account of the POW prison for those allied servicemen most troublesome for the Nazis. If you think you know the story, though, there is more to it than meets the eye.
We also go on to talk about his other books, which deal with the KGB agent Oleg Gordievsky, the spy who changed history and Kim Philby, the Cambridge spy and traitor.
Ben Macintyre Links
Colditz : Prisoners of the Castle
Aspects of History Links
Historical Heroes: John le Carré - Aspects of History
The Special Relationship - Aspects of History
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This week I'm joined by Tudor historian and novelist Steven Veerapen. We talk about his novels, and the Greatest Hits of the Tudors. Well known names such as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Elizabeth I & Mary Queen of Scots, but also lesser known names such as Anthony Blanke and Kit Marlowe.
Steven Veerapen Links
Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall Trilogy
The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, by Paul Delaroche
Aspects of History Links
The Courtly Code of the Tudors
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Robert Harris, the bestselling novelist and author of novels such as The Ghost, Munich and V2, joins me to chat about his latest, Act of Oblivion.
We're in 1660, and Charles II has ascended to the throne. Two of his father's killers, Puritans Whalley & Goffe, are pursued in an act of vengeance. The story goes from London, to mainland Europe to the as yet largely undiscovered America.
It's the Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid of the 17th century.
Robert Harris Links
Aspects of History Links
The Colourful Court of Oliver Cromwell - Aspects of History
The Bearer Party - Aspects of History
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This week's pod discusses the horrific events in Smyrna, Asia Minor, in 1922 - modern day Izmir in Turkey. On the centenary, Giles Milton and I discuss the horrific events that killed tens of thousands of Levantines living peacefully in the city, and caused a humanitarian disaster. If you don't know about this, you should. Giles is a friend of the show, and author of Paradise Lost, all about the tragedy.
After that, I chat briefly with Paul Lay, author of Providence Lost (you see what they're doing here?) about his Buckingham History Festival, which features many friends of the show and is on soon.
Giles Milton Links
Giles' Sky Documentary (for Greek speakers)
Paul Lay Links
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On this bonus episode of the podcast, I chat with Dr Tessa Dunlop - royal historian and commentator, all about the Queen, her husband, and her son. We also chat about the media coverage, and what newspaper does King Charles read?
Tessa has been very kind in giving me her time, in between appearing on TV and Radio. If you want to explore more with Tessa, you'll find her links below:
Dr Tessa Dunlop Links
Latest book, Army Girls
Signed copies of Army Girls
Previous titles: The Century Girls, The Bletchley Girls
Tessa on BBC Radio: A Military Monarch
Aspects of History Links
God Save the King - Aspects of History by Robert Lyman
The Queen & the Crown - Aspects of History by Matthew Dennison
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The Queen is dead. I pay a personal tribute to her, involving a few Webb-Carter family faux-pas. In a soon to be released podcast, Royal Historian Tessa Dunlop will be joining me, but until then you can enjoy two articles on the Queen from our website below:
Aspects of History Links
God Save the King - Aspects of History by Robert Lyman
The Queen & the Crown - Aspects of History by Matthew Dennison
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If there is one man who can unite British monarchists and Irish nationalists, it is Oliver Cromwell, and so today I’m talking about this huge figure with the historian and novelist Miranda Malins, author of The Rebel Daughter, and The Puritan Princess, which involve Oliver’s daughters Bridget and Frances. We talk about how important women were in Cromwell’s life, and then we go on to talk about the man himself. His rise during the Civil War, His involvement in the trial and execution of Charles I, and his behaviour in Scotland, and most infamously Ireland. Many of you may already have a view of Oliver Cromwell, but Miranda makes the case that we need to step back and look at Cromwell dispassionately. History is nuance!
Miranda Malins Links
Aspects of History Links
The Trial of Charles I - Aspects of History
Charles II: A Thoroughly Modern Monarch - Aspects of History
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This week's episode is a chat with espionage author Helen Fry, about her new paperback Spymaster, the story of Thomas Kendrick. It's an extraordinary story of one man’s efforts against the Gestapo, and his incredible achievement in saving thousands from the holocaust.
He was also station chief of MI6 in Austria, and as we’ll hear, came across two of the great British double agents of the last century, Kim Philby and George Blake. Not only that, but he was also involved in the rather murky episode when Rudolf Hess, then Hitler’s Deputy, flew to Scotland, apparently on his own, in an attempt to make peace overtures with the British government.
Helen Fry Links
Spymaster: The Man Who Saved MI6
Aspects of History Links
Agatha Christie's Greatest Mystery - Aspects of History
Five Questions on War - Aspects of History
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Holiday Episode
Andrew Roberts joins me to chat about his creation, the Cliveden Literary Festival. This is the foremost literary event of the year, and is on over the weekend of the 15th & 16th October. The festival involves three wonderful attractions for AoH listeners, history, writers and books.
We chat about authors that will appear, talks at prior festivals, and Andrew's favourite discussion so far.
This chat took place before the horrific attack in upstate New York, and my thoughts are with Sir Salman and his family.
Cliveden Links
The Satanic Verses, by Salman Rushdie
A Life in History: Antonia Fraser and Andrew Roberts
Andrew Roberts in conversation with Gen. David Patraeus
Women in History. with Saul David, Natalie Livingstone, Dan Jones & Hallie Rubenhold
Rise & Kill: Ronen Bergman & Gordon Carera
Aspects of History Links
Margaret MacMillan asks, and answers, 5 questions on War for AoH.
Historical Heroes: John le Carré - Aspects of History
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15th August 1947 saw Partition, independence of India and the creation of Pakistan. The author of Partition, Barney White-Spunner, joined me to chat about the terrible events that led to approx. 1 million deaths and 15 million refugees.
We talk about the key players: Nehru, Jinnah, Gandhi, Patel, Mountbatten and Auchinleck, key moments and the horrific religiously motivated attacks that took place in August and September of that year.
Barney White Spunner Links
Partition: The story of Indian independence and the creation of Pakistan in 1947
Barney is on Channel 4 on the 7th and 14th August. You can catch up here.
Aspects of History Links
Article on India's victory over Japan in WW2: India's Victory - Aspects of History
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This week's pod features Mark Ellis, bestselling crime novelist and creator of DCI Merlin. We chat about the reality of London life, when not all its population joined together against the common foe. His latest novel, Dead in the Water, features American criminals, Nazis and stolen art.
In the second part of the pod, I give my top 10 historical films. This list is mine, and so a little bit different to the usual lists you'll see. You'll find links to both sections below.
Mark Ellis Links
The latest DCI Frank Merlin: Dead in the Water
Revolt in Cornwall, by Kate Werran - Aspects of History
Aspects of History Top 10 Historical Films (Spoilers!)
My top 10 Historical Movies:
10 - Alexander
9 - La Reine Margot
8 - Breaker Morant
7 - Missing
6 - Katyń
5 - Culloden
3 - The Civil War
1 - Downfall
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My chat this week is with Timothy Ashby, historian, novelist and author of Elizabethan Secret Agent: The Untold Story of William Ashby. Ashby was a spy working for Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster for Queen Elizabeth I. Stationed in Edinburgh, he ran a number of operations to further the Queen's cause against the Spanish.
We also chat about the subject of his novel, Ranger, Fédon's Rebellion in 1795, a slave rebellion on the island of Grenada against the British.
Finally we talk about Operation Condor and the American efforts against regimes and democracies in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Timothy Ashby Links
Missing - Jack Lemmon Movie set in Chile
Heartbreak Ridge - Clint Eastwood Movie
Aspects of History Links
Summer Holiday Reading Recommendations
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Max Hastings chats to friend of the show Saul David about the operation to relieve Malta in August 1942. The Axis powers had the island at their isolated and it was close to starvation. Churchill saw this as an opportunity for a heroic victory, in the mould of Dunkirk, and so ordered the Royal Navy to set sail from Gibraltar to relieve the island.
Max discusses the heroism, and actions that were less heroic, in this fascinating discussion with veteran historian Saul David.
Max Hastings Links
In Which We Serve - David Lean Movie
Greyhound - Tom Hanks Movie
Saul David Links
Aspects of History Links
Recommended Article: Hitler's Greatest Mistake - Aspects of History
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Konstantin Kisin, comedian, podcaster, writer and author of An Immigrant's Love Letter to the West, joins me to discuss his debut book. Konstantin was born in the Soviet Union, and both he and his family are well aware of what life was like outside the West. We discuss comedy today, how it's under threat, even from the police. We also go on to talk about his family's suffering at the hands of the Soviet system.
Where are we now as a society? We may think we're free, but are we really when we see countless examples of people who lose their jobs and reputations needlessly. Konstantin is one person who has seen life in East and West, and he knows which he prefers.
Konstantin Kisin Links
An Immigrant's Love Letter to the West
Tom Holland on the Great Awokening
Roger Moorhouse on the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Aspects of History Links
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Alex Gerlis joins me to discuss spying during the war, and, more importantly (!) football of the period. Alex supports Grimsby Town, and I support Southampton, but which team would the Nazis have taken an interest in? We also discuss Frank Foley, the man who saved thousands of Jews, and Klaus Barbie, the Nazi murderer based in France. Finally, Alex chats about his influences, and the man he has been compared to, John Le Carré
Alex Gerlis Links
Alan Furst novels
Aspects of History Links
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This week's pod is on the brutal English Civil War, or War of the Three Kingdoms. Historian and novelist Mark Turnbull joins me to discuss. Mark is the author of The Rebellion Series, a trilogy of novels set during the Civil War, We chat Charles I, Henrietta Maria, Prince Rupert, Cromwell and the Earl of Essex, as well as Edgehill and Naseby. Was Charles I really a tyrant? Were the Levellers the Corbynistas of their day? Am I a Roundhead or Cavalier?
Mark Turnbull Links
Mark's Trilogy of Novels: The Rebellion Series, the latest of which is The King's Cavalier.
Mark's podcast, CavalierCast, where you'll find more episodes with star guests discussing the Civil War.
Cromwell, starring Alec Guiness and Richard Harris.
Aspects of History Links
Before the Civil War, by Leanda de Lisle - Aspects of History
Jonestown: Living through History - Aspects of History
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"The Freedom to Achieve Freedom". Michael Collins
This week's episode is with journalist and author Gretchen Friemann discussing the Irish Revloution. We discuss the whole shebang, from the Act of Union in 1801, through the Home Rule crisis, Curragh Mutiny, Easter Rising, War of Independence, the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the Irish Civil War. Gretchen is the author of The Treaty.
Gretchen Friemann Links
Gretchen's Book: The Treaty: The Gripping Story of the Negotiations that brought about Irish Independence and led to the Civil War
Podcast series: The Irish Revolution Podcast on History Hub.IE
Twitter: @G_Friemann
Aspects of History Links
The Assassination of Sir Henry Wilson
Ollie on Twitter: @olliewcq
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In this week's episode, Antony Beevor discusses the subject of his latest book, Russia: Revolution & Civil War 1917-1921. Antony is interviewed by a hot new signing for Aspects of History, Robert Lyman, author of A War of Empires and my guest in earlier episodes.
The two historians discuss the brutality of the conflicts, and how Russia deposed the Tsar and transformed into the USSR under the leadership of a small number of ruthless leaders, Lenin among them.
Antony Beevor Links
Russia: Revolution & Civil War 1917-1921
Robert Lyman Links
Aspects of History Links
Issue 10 of Aspects of History
Annual Subscription (only £9.99/$9.99)
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This week's chat is one of the most successful authors writing historical fiction, Conn Iggulden. He's written series on Julius Caesar and Genghis Khan, and more recently on Ancient Greece. Conn and I discuss his latest novel Lion, the Greeks and the Persians, Pericles and the beginnings of the Athenian Empire and Conn's approach to historical fiction.
Conn Iggulden Links
Lion following on from Protector
David Gemmell's Lion of Macedon
Thucydides The History of the Peloponnesian War
Aspects of History Links
Jessie Childs on the English Civil War
Adam Zamoyski on Kissinger and Ukraine
Ronan McGreevy on the assassination that sparked the Irish Civil War
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This week's episode is with bestselling author Damien Lewis, talking about the wonderful Josephine Baker, spy during the Second World War, but also an entertainer loved by so many in Europe. It's a story well told by Damien, and Josephine's awe-inspiring antics led her to be entered into the French Pantheon in November 2021.
Damien Lewis Links
Flame of Resistance: American Beauty. French Hero. British Spy
Twitter: @authordlewis
Aspects of History Links
Twitter: @aspectshistory
Twitter: @olliewcq
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On this week's show, my guest is Gavin Mortimer, author of The Phoney Major, a revision on the revision which exposes Stirling not as the founder of the SAS, but instead as a fraud, a bungling special forces soldier and a narcissistic man who excelled at creating the image that is maintained today. Instead his brother founded the SAS, and Paddy Mayne was the true leader.
Gavin Mortimer Links
Who Dares Wins movie with Lewis Collins
Aspects of History Links
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Tessa Dunlop joins me to discuss the Queen, or Princess Elizabeth as she was, and her wartime service in the ATS. This is the subject of her new paperback, Army Girls.
She also chats about Elizabeth and Philip's courtship during the war, and what she got up to in the army.
There is a Jubilee Special offer for pod listeners - use voucher code HISTORY50% to get half price annual subscriptions on the Aspects of History magazine. Head to the website and use the code at checkout.
Tessa Dunlop Links
Links Discussed
Aspects of History
Voucher Code: HISTORY50%
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In the 2nd part of my chat with Giles Milton on Berlin after the war, we talk about some of the characters involved in the story, and then the main event in the period, the Berlin Airlift. We also touch on the terrible events of Smyrna 1922.
You can get hold of Giles' book, Checkmate in Berlin here.
Timings
Ernest Bevin and NATO: 2m13s
Parallels with Ukraine: 5m10s
German socialists and and the Information war: 9m24s
The Berlin Airlift: 12m46s
Smyrna 1922: 24m52s
Giles Milton Links
Book: Checkmate in Berlin
Map: The Divided Germany
Map: West and East Berlin
Book: Paradise Lost: Smyrna 1922
Giles on Twitter @GilesMilton1
Aspects of History Links
Website: Aspects of History
Me on Twitter: @olliewcq
You can email us [email protected]
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In May 1945 Soviet troops had captured Berlin, and they proceeded to loot the city, and carry out the most horrific abuse of German women. American, British and French troops arrived two months later, and found a desperate and starving population.
Giles Milton has written a brilliant new book, Checkmate in Berlin, about the German capital in the aftermath of the Second World War. In Part One, we discuss that abuse, de-nazification, the Allies and the Soviets in the city, and Churchill's defining Iron Curtain speech.
Timings
Soviet and allied behaviour: 2m07s
DeNazification 7m0s
Soviets and Allies: 11m43s
The Iron Curtain Speech: 25m02s
Giles Milton Links
Book: Checkmate in Berlin
Map: The Divided Germany
Map: West and East Berlin
Film: Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech
Giles on Twitter @GilesMilton1
Aspects of History Links
Website: Aspects of History
Me on Twitter: @olliewcq
You can email us [email protected]
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Douglas Murray is a bestselling writer and broadcaster who has written a new book, The War on the West. In it he argues that those in the West are fortunate, that the West's history is not all shameful, and that we need face up to those that are seeking to traduce the education system with their strange new ideas. We must remember the past is a foreign country, they do things differently there.
We chat Winston Churchill, racist gardens, Critical Race Theory, suggested changes to education and right at the start, the Bloody Sunday Inquiry.
Timings
Bloody Sunday 5m14s
Churchill 21m20s
Reparations 33m20s
Douglas Murray Links
The War on the West: How to Prevail in the Age of Unreason
Bloody Sunday: Truth, Lies and the Saville Inquiry
The Times (London) Article on Reparations (£)
Links Mentioned in the Show
Glenn Loury v. Christopher Hitchens on Reparations
Britain's War Against the Slave Trade by Anthony Sullivan
Aspects of History Links
Voucher code: HISTORY50%
Simon Sebag Montefiore on Voices of History
Interview with Titanic Historian Simon Medhurst
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Continuing our chat, Gordon argues that had Stalingrad gone the other way, we'd be looking at a completely different Europe. He sets the scene and describes relations between Germany and Russia before and at the start of WW2 and then discusses the battle itself.
We also briefly mention Ukraine so I hope you can indulge us.
Intro - 0.15secs
Gordon on Barbarossa and Stalingrad - 3m54s
Gordon on Ukraine - 34m36s
Concl. - 40m10s
Gordon Links
Tipping Points of History: The Battle of Stalingrad - Available for free on Kindle Unlimited
Aspects of History Links
Titanic - A Night to Remember, by Simon Medhurst
Drunk on Titanic, by Giles Milton
The Women of SOE, by Kate Vigurs
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This week's chat is with Gordon Corrigan, acclaimed historian and author of Tipping Points of History: The Battle of Aegospotami. We discuss the clash between Athens and Sparta in the 5th century BC, and what the world would be like had the Athenians won. We then discuss the American Civil War and what would have happened if the Battle of Atlanta had gone the Confederacy's way. Would we have 2 United States of America?
Gordon Corrigan Links
Tipping Points of History: The Battle of Aegospotami
Tipping Points of History: The Battle of Atlanta
David Stuttard: Nemesis: Alcibiades and the Fall of Athens
Aspects of History Links
Voucher Code for half price subscription: HISTORY50%
London: Origins of a Modern City - Aspects of History
Souvenirs from Kyiv - Aspects of History
Happy Easter
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Following on from last week, I chat with Nick about Dartmoor prison and the terrible massacre that no-one has heard of and which took place in 1815. All this is the subject of Nick's fantastic new book, The Hated Cage.
Nick Guyatt Links
Aspects of History Links
Book Club: Andrew Roberts on Masters & Commanders
Unpublished Novel Competition - £500 Prize!
The Falklands War: The Untold Story
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The War of 1812: a memorable event in American history when the might of the British Empire was held at bay. But a fascinating part of the tale was the imprisonment of American POWs in Dartmoor Prison.
I chat with Nicholas Guyatt, author of The Hated Cage: An American Tragedy in Britain’s Most Terrifying Prison and in Part One, he sets the scene of the war, describe the life of Privateers, and the prisoners of Dartmoor.
And yes, The Count of Monte Cristo was not published until 1844! If you haven't read it, do!
Nicholas Guyatt Links
Aspects of History Links
Rewriting the Second World War, by Sean McMeekin
Interview with Thomas Levenson on the South Sea Bubble
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This week's episode is a chat with bestselling historical fiction author Mandy Robothom, about her new novel The Resistance Girl, which is out 31st March. We discuss the themes of the story, including Nazis with unpleasant aromas, the reprisals against innocent civilians, and the heroism of the resistors to the Nazi jackboot.
Mandy Robotham Links
Movie Recommendation: The King's Choice
Aspects of History
Voucher Code for listeners: HISTORY50%
Max Hastings interview on Operation Pedestal
Espionage in Berlin during the Cold War
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With the Ides of March having passed, we go on to talk about other political assassinations, including Abraham Lincoln, RFK, Jo Cox and Margaret Thatcher,
Should we simply dismiss these murders as the actions of madmen? And what about our language? Have a look at this video, a Drilling Music Video which makes you think.
Peter Stothard Links
The Last Assassin: The Hunt for the Killers of Julius Caesar
30 Days: A Month at the Heart of Blair's War
Aspects of History Links
Voucher Code: HISTORY50%
The Man Who Started the Second World War
Alice of Antioch: Rebel Princess
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The Ides of March is on the 15th March, the anniversary of Caesar's assassination. Peter Stothard is the author of The Last Assassin: The Hunt for the Killers of Julius Caesar. It's a brilliant account of the assassination, and the aftermath, featuring Mark Antony, Brutus, Cassius, Octavian and one Cassius Parmensis.
In addition to this, we chat about what it can teach us with Putin, and whether assassination is really what we want. Consequences...
Peter Stothard Links
Aspects of History Links
The White Ship article by Charles Spencer
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With the recent anniversary of Washington's birth, in the second part we go on to discuss Washington the politician. His early days in Virginia, his ascendancy to Commander in Chief, and his relationship with John Adams, and his administration with Hamilton and Jefferson.
David O. Stewart Links:
George Washington: The Political Rise of America's Founding Father
Aspects of History Links:
Mary Frith: Roaring Girl - Aspects of History
The Aspects of History Unpublished Historical Novel Award - Aspects of History
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22nd February saw the anniversary of George Washington's birth, 290 years ago in 1732. I discuss with distinguished historian David O. Stewart his early career, familial relationships and the vexed issue of slavery. Washington owned slaves, and for the first part of his life was comfortable with it, but that view changed once he commanded African American troops during the War of Independence.
David O. Stewart Links:
George Washington: The Political Rise of America's Founding Father
Aspects of History Links:
Heart of Darkness: The Slave Ship Zong - Aspects of History
Mason & Dixon, by Thomas Pynchon
Homage to Bernard Cornwell - Aspects of History
AoH Book Club: Leanda de Lisle on The White King
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Following on from Part 1, Keith Lowe, author of Inferno and Savage Continent, talks about the horrors of the allied bombing. We also talk about the impact of the war on the continent of Europe as civil war erupted across many countries.
Keith Lowe Links
Inferno: The Devastation of Hamburg, 1943
Savage Continent: Europe in the Aftermath of World War II
Aspects of History Links
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Historian of the Second World War Keith Lowe joins me to chat about the monuments to the conflict such as Berlin's memorial to the Holocaust, Soviet statues and Winston Churchill. This is Part One - next week we talk about the bombing of Hamburg in 1943 which killed nearly 40,000 civilians.
Keith Lowe Links
His book: Prisoners of History
The Motherland Calls - enormous statue!
Aspects of History Links
Unpublished Historical Novel Competition - £500 prize!
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Michael Ridpath is a bestselling novelist, and we continue our discussion on spies of the 1930s, and the moral dilemmas of the time.
We go on to discuss Iceland and financial crime, both areas that Michael has written about.
This podcast episode is great for anyone interested in history and fiction.
Aspects of History links:
The AoH Unpublished Novel Competition 2022
Michael Ridpath links:
Traitor's Gate - 1938 Munich, Chamberlain and the plot against Hitler
Michael's website with the history behind his novels
Writing in Ice - Non fiction on Iceland
Free to Trade - Michael's first financial thriller
On the Edge - Thriller involving sexual harassment
66* North - Financial Crash and Iceland
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Michael Ridpath is a bestselling novelist, and author of Traitor's Gate, a novel based around the plot against Hitler in 1938, and Neville Chamberlain's visit to Munich. Traitor's Gate is our February fiction book of the month.
There is a new Netflix film out so we sat down to discuss the history behind it, and his writing. This is the first part; next week we discuss spying in the 1930s, Icelandic murder mysteries and financial crime.
This podcast episode is great for anyone interested in history and fiction.
Michael Ridpath links:
Michael's website with the history behind his novel.
Aspects of History links:
British Heroes of the Holocaust
The AoH Unpublished Novel Competition 2022
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Saul David has written a new book on the SBS, and in our chat we go on to discuss his future projects, Time Commanders (highly recommended!), his new venture the Military History Club and other events in history he's written about, including the Charge of the Light Brigade, the Zulu War and World War One.
Saul David links:
SBS: Silent Warriors: https://amzn.to/3GwXnib
The Military History Club: https://militaryhistoryclub.org/
Time Commanders: https://youtu.be/jkGVh102Tlw
Aspects of History Links:
Homepage: https://aspectsofhistory.com/
The History Teacher YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheHistoryTeacherUK
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Saul David has written a new book on the SBS. It's an authorised history, and he was granted unique access to the secretive unit. We discuss their inception, rivalry with the SAS, operations in Europe and the Far East, and other units inspired by them.
Next week Saul discusses his new venture the Military History Club and other events in history he's written about, including the Charge of the Light Brigade, the Zulu War and World War One.
Saul David links:
SBS: Silent Warriors: https://amzn.to/3GwXnib
https://militaryhistoryclub.org/
Aspects of History Links:
Homepage: https://aspectsofhistory.com/
Medal of Honor Winner: Edward A Carter: Medal of Honor Winner - Aspects of History
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"Scargill was right!"
The legendary presenter of Newsnight and University Challenge talks with me about how the Coal Mining Industry built Britain, the 1984/85 Miners Strike and Arthur Scargill, as well as discussing Napoleon and the two Central American countries of Belize and El Salvador.
Jeremy Paxman links (discussed in the chat)
Black Gold: The History of How Coal Made Britain: https://amzn.to/3qXy6qX
Being Napoleon, the Netflix Documentary featuring the 'New Napoleon': https://www.netflix.com/title/80993489
Paxman's Interview with 'Napoleon': https://www.ft.com/content/e82dd1c2-1a22-11e5-a130-2e7db721f996
The debate between two biographers of Napoleon, Adam Zamoyski and Andrew Roberts, chaired by Paxman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxQ4TcTcPbI
Aspects of History links:
https://twitter.com/olliewcq
https://aspectsofhistory.com
https://youtube.com/aspectsofhistory
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In Part Two, Andrew Lownie chats with me about being warned off the story, unsolved murder, conspiracy and Guy Burgess.
You can get hold of me on Twitter @olliewcq
Andrew is @andrewlownie
Andrew has written a new book, Traitor King: The Scandalous Exile of the Duke & Duchess of Windsor
You can donate to his Crowd Justice case here.
In our discussion we talked about a few things you can find out more about:
Len Deighton's SS-GB (also a good TV Series on Netflix)
Any Human Heart, by William Boyd.
John Banville: The Untouchable based on the Cambridge Spies.
The movie with (young) Rupert Everett and Colin Firth: Another Country based on Guy Burgess
The Alan Bennett play, An Englishman Abroad, based on Burgess' chance encounter in Moscow.
Andrew's book is Stalin's Englishman
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
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Joining me on today's podcast is Andrew Lownie, the author of Traitor King: The Scandalous Exile of the Duke & Duchess of Windsor. We talk Nazis, treachery and Andrew's campaign against the government for access to archives.
You can get hold of Andrew's book here: https://amzn.to/3oITHTZ
Andrew's crowdfunder can be found here: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/andrew-lownies-case/
The Aspects of History Short Story Collection:
Imperium - https://amzn.to/3oK63vd
Iron & Gold - https://amzn.to/3IBPQAl
The Aspects of History YouTube Channel.
You can find Andrew on Twitter: @andrewlownie
Me: @olliewcq
Aspects of History: @aspectshistory
https://aspectsofhistory.com
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We all remember the summer of 2020 when, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, statues were brought down in the UK and the US. But is this the right way to ensure we continue to live in a liberal democracy? Should we think about what unites us, rather than divides us? I am joined by Peter Hughes, author of A History of Love & Hate in 21 Statues.
You can get in touch on the Twitter @olliewcq @aspectshistory Email [email protected] or head to our website.
You can buy his book here: https://amzn.to/3ry5tlX
In the show we talked about:
David Olusoga's Black & British
The documentary made by Olusoga's production company, and presented by Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, Statue Wars
Thornton Wilder's novel, The Bridge of San Luis Rey
Andrew Gold's Podcast, which certainly has influenced me, is: On the Edge
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On this week's podcast, I'm talking to Anne O'Brien about the Wars of the Roses, and the family at the heart of her new book, The Royal Game. We also discuss Historical Fiction, as we both disagree strongly with some historians such as Niall Ferguson who dismiss the genre.
Head over to our website to find more articles, short stories, book reviews and interviews, and all absolutely free.
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In the 2nd part, we continue the discussion on the Indian Army, but we also talk about the Japanese forces and their disastrous leadership and finally conclude with Bill Slim. Was he the greatest British general ever?
You can buy Robert's book here.
Visit Aspects of History for articles, short stories, book reviews and interviews, and all absolutely free.
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Robert Lyman joins us today to talk about us new book, A War of Empires: Japan, India, Burma & Britain, 1941-45. We discuss the Japanese invasion of the Far East in 1942, the Chinese Army under Chiang Kai Shek / Jiang Jieshi and the Indian Army.
Part 2 is out next week, when he discusses the victories over Japan, and Bill Slim.
You can buy the book here: https://amzn.to/30neC5O
Head over to Aspects of History where you'll find plenty of articles, interviews, short stories and book reviews, and they're all absolutely free.
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Part 2 of our editor's chat with Tessa Dunlop, the author of Army Girls. In this episode we learn more about what the ATS women had to put up with, and what their experience can tell us about class, sexism and race
Army Girls is out now and you can buy it here.
Head over to our website for more free articles, interviews, short stories and book reviews at Aspects of History.
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Dr Tessa Dunlop, the bestselling and acclaimed historian joined us to discuss her new book, Army Girls. Tessa is renowned for her impressive oral histories, and she spent one national crisis talking to veterans of WW2 as they recounted their experience of another national crisis. Part Two out next week.
You can buy Tessa's Book, Army Girls here: https://amzn.to/3mkekox
Do head over to Aspects of History where you'll find plenty of content freely available: articles, interviews, book reviews and short stories. Christmas is coming, why not gift an annual subscription for ONLY £9.99/$9.99
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In Part Two, Professor Davies continues to tolerate our editor, when discussing George II in his place as a European monarch. We also discuss the King of Slavery, as Norman has recently named him.
You can buy Norman's Book, George II here: https://amzn.to/3aZ60E7
Do head over to Aspects of History where you'll find plenty of content freely available: articles, interviews, book reviews and short stories.
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We had the opportunity to discuss with legendary historian Norman Davies, his new book George II: Not Just a British Monarch. In the wake of last week's episode with Andrew Roberts on George III, what about the family that made him? Well, they're pretty dysfunctional. Norman was also helpful in ensuring I was using the correct language and not looking at the king through a British lens.
Head over to Aspects of History to read more
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In this week's podcast Andrew Roberts discusses his new book, George III, the king who reigned during tumultuous episodes in world history, including the American War of Independence, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars, and all the while dealing with a severe mental illness. I hope you enjoy our chat, and please do subscribe and give us a great rating if you do.
Head over to our website to find more historical content, where we have articles, book reviews, interviews and short stories.
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In the second part of our chat with Sarah Gristwood, we continue the discussion and talk about Henry and Anne of Cleves, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I.
Aspects of History is a magazine and website dedicated to history and historical fiction. You can visit our website where you'll find articles, interviews, short stories and book reviews.
You can buy Sarah's book, The Tudors in Love: The Courtly Code Behind the Last Medieval Dynasty here.
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This week, our editor chats with Sarah Gristwood about the Tudors and Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and courtly love, the code practiced from the 12th century but which was most prominent with the Tudors.
Aspects of History is a magazine and website dedicated to history and historical fiction. You can visit our website, where you'll find articles, interviews, short stories and book reviews.
You can buy Sarah's book, Tudors in Love: The Courtly Code Behind the Last Medieval Dynasty, here.
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In this concluding episode of our discussion with Roger Moorhouse, author of First to Fight, we discuss the actions of the Nazis and Soviets during their invasion, and how Poland suffered.
You can visit our website where you'll find articles from Roger, as well as links to all his books.
You can buy Roger's book here: https://amzn.to/3noXaH6
We also discussed a subject in his 2014 book, Devil's Alliance: Hitler's Pact with Stalin, 1939
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Welcome to the first episode of Aspects of History new podcast. In this episode, the first of two parts, our editor, Oliver Webb-Carter, chats to acclaimed historian Roger Moorhouse, author of First to Fight*.
In Part One they discuss the opening shots of the war, the British and French response, and the state of the Polish Army as they faced the Nazi war machine.
If you'd like more historical content, head over to our website at https://aspectsofhistory.com where you'll find articles, interviews, book reviews and short stories, all absolutely free.
You can buy Roger's book here on Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/3n2XpHV
*First to Fight is titled Poland: 1939 in the USA.
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.
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