EP 51: The Business of History (with Tom Levitt)

Podcast: The Library of Mistakes (LS 40 · TOP 2% what is this?)Episode: EP 51: The Business of History (with Tom Levitt)Pub date: 2026-02-04Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationTom Levitt was exploring a course on 19th century history during the pandemic crisis when he stumbled upon WH Beable’s 'Romance of Great Businesses', a 1926 book exploring 32 iconic British companies. He was intrigued by the realisation that many of them still exist today (although mostly as brand names rather than intact corporations). It inspired the former teacher, MP and business advisor to delve into their stories and write his own book – The Business of History: Tales and Lessons from Two Centuries of British Commerce.Listen in to Tom's entertaining discussion with Russell Napier about famous names such as WH Smith, Boots and Cadbury – and, as an interesting aside, the thriving innovation of commercial lending libraries, before the advent of free public reading resources.And if you're interested in Tom's guided history walks around London, find out more by searching for The Business Of History at www.londonwalks.comProduced by Fraser Allen.www.libraryofmistakes.comThe podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Library of Mistakes, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.