Aspects of History

In 1963, former model Evelyn Westbrook is secretly beginning psychotherapy to understand a recurring nightmare. But as her relationship with Dr Daley develops, her search for answers becomes increasingly unsettling. In this episode of the Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast, author Lucy Ashe joins Ella Beales to discuss The Model Patient, her psychological suspense novel inspired by her own experience of therapy. Together they examine the complex relationship between patient and therapist in the novel, and the narrative's blurred boundary between care and control. Lucy also discusses her character's struggle for autonomy, shifting expectations of women in the 1960s, the role of art in expressing hidden emotions and poses the question of what happens when we trust someone else to help us understand ourselves. Episode Links The Model Patient⁠ Lucy Ashe Links Lucy online ⁠Lucy on Twitter/X⁠ Lucy on Instagram ⁠Lucy on Tiktok Ella Links Ella online Ella on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on Instagram⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early 80s, at the height of the Cold War, a senior KGB officer in revolutionary Iran offered to spy for Britain. His motivation was deeply personal: desperate to save his marriage, Vladimir Kuzichkin believed the West possessed medicines that could cure his erectile dysfunction. What followed was an extraordinary intelligence operation involving MI6, the KGB, the Iranian Communist Party and a Soviet plot that could have transformed the balance of the Cold War. In this episode of the Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast, bestselling author Ben Macintyre joins Phil Craig to discuss Redwood, his story of Kuzichkin and the young MI6 officer, Ian McCredie, who ran him as a source in one of the most dangerous environments imaginable. Kuzichkin possessed detailed intelligence about a planned Soviet-backed communist coup in Iran, including the networks, personnel and weapons involved. Ben outlines how MI6 handled this highly sensitive intelligence, why it was initially withheld from the Americans, and the extraordinary operation to get Kuzichkin out of Iran. The conversation also considers the consequences of the decision to share Kuzichkin's intelligence with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and, alongside the geopolitics, brings to life the remarkable human stories at the heart of the operation, from Kuzichkin's new life in Britain to the moral ambiguities faced by those involved. Episode Links Redwood: The Untold Story of the Cold War's Most Extraordinary Spy Ben Links Ben ⁠online⁠ Ben on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ben on ⁠Facebook⁠ Phil Links Phil online Phil on ⁠⁠⁠The Scandal Mongers⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For much of the Cold War, Sweden presented itself as a neutral country standing apart from the confrontation between NATO and the Soviet Union. In reality, its strategic position left it acutely exposed to the possibility of Soviet attack, and behind the public policy of non-alignment lay extensive secret preparations for occupation and resistance. Among them was a clandestine civilian network designed to survive invasion, gather intelligence and organise sabotage behind enemy lines. In this episode of the Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast, Paul Burke, host of Spymasters, talks to political scientist Johan Wennström, author of The Stay Behinds: Sweden’s Cold War Guardians, about the origins, organisation and operation of this secret resistance movement. They discuss how the network emerged in 1949 from wartime preparations for resistance, why it remained under Swedish national control despite cooperation with the CIA and MI6, and how it operated through tightly compartmentalised cells of ordinary civilians. Johan also explains Sweden’s apparently neutral position during the Cold War, the very real fear of Soviet invasion, the network’s links to the Swedish state and its eventual legalisation in 1955. Episode Links The Stay Behinds: Sweden’s Cold War Guardians Johan Links Johan online Johan on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Johan on Substack Johan on Instagram Paul Links Paul on ⁠Spymasters and Aspects of Crime Paul online Paul on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Paul on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Remain loyal to Britain or join the Indian National Army and its campaign for Indian independence? Set against the backdrop of atrocities committed by their captors, this was the choice faced by many in the Indian Army. In this episode of the Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast, historian and author Gautam Hazarika joins Phil Craig to discuss the experiences of Indian soldiers captured by the Japanese following the fall of Singapore in February 1942. He explains how an unexpected discovery of a manuscript produced inside Changi Prison led him to investigate a largely overlooked aspect of the war in Southeast Asia. Gautam’s book, The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II: Surrender, Loyalty, Betrayal and Hell, documents the experiences of those who escaped Singapore, the difficult reintegration of soldiers on both sides of the divide, and the families left behind, including the ‘waiting wives’ who spent years without news of their husbands. This is a story not simply about strategy and battle, but about memory and the human cost of war. Episode Links The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II: Surrender, Loyalty, Betrayal and Hell⁠ Gautam Links Gautam online Gautam on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Gautam on Facebook Gautam on LinkedIn Phil Links Phil on ⁠⁠The Scandal Mongers Phil on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The murder of a Danish prince becomes a tale of espionage, diplomacy and ancient secrets, as American and Irish diplomats become caught up in a struggle involving the Crown of Denmark, a thousand-year-old mystery and Vladimir Putin’s schemes for a resurgent Russian empire. ⁠Reign of Secrets⁠ is the first novel in the Whit Ransom thriller series and, on this week's episode, Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, is joined by its author, James P. Cain, whose remarkable career from politics, law and professional sport, to the world of international diplomacy as U.S. Ambassador to Denmark inspired the gripping narrative. His experiences at the heart of American politics and transatlantic affairs, paired with a serious engagement with European history, saw him discuss the enduring significance of monarchies, ways in which historical narratives are being manipulated for geopolitical ends, and the changing relationship between America and Europe. Episode Links Reign of Secrets James P. Cain Links Jim ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jim on Instagram Jim on Facebook Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One unforgettable delivery, a genius athlete and a defining figure for many - but still the most teasing historical question remains... can single moments and instances shape eras? This week on the podcast, ⁠⁠Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠, is joined by author Brendan Cooper to discuss his new book, ⁠Ball of the Century⁠, a remarkable exploration of Shane Warne's iconic first Ashes delivery at Old Trafford on 4th June 1993. He traces the story of the Australian leg spinner's rise, the psychological hold he exerted over English cricket, and the wider cultural landscape of Britain and the Ashes during the 1990s. We discuss how sporting mythology, memory and the enduring power of Ashes folklore combined to transcend the boundaries of sport and transform Warne into a cultural icon. Episode Links Ball of the Century Brendan Cooper Links Brendan ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brendan on Twitter/X Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s nothing like a summer blockbuster to get cinema back to the top of the agenda. One of the main talking points of the year so far, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has split opinion but no doubt it’s achieved conversation. In this episode, the first of the newly-rebooted Film Club, Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, is joined first by classicist and YouTuber Erica Stevenson (aka MoAn Inc.) to discuss her new book, The Odyssey Effect, and explore the extraordinary afterlife of Homer’s poem, from the epic tradition’s oral beginnings to this year’s long-awaited adaptation, before welcoming film editor Henry Thackray for an in-depth chat about the film itself. Together, the guests examine why Homer's epic continues to inspire successive generations, debate Nolan's interpretation of the character of Odysseus, the challenge of translating the poem to the screen, the director's commitment to practical effects and spectacle, and whether the film succeeds both as a blockbuster and as adaptation of one of history and literature’s greatest stories. Episode Links The Odyssey Effect: How Homer's Epic Poem Shaped the World Erica Stevenson Links Erica ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Erica on ⁠Instagram Erica on ⁠⁠YouTube Erica on Facebook Erica on X/Twitter Henry Thackray Links Henry ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online Henry on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The power of pilgrimage, the enduring legacy of war, and the significance and delicate nature of truth, memory and reconciliation in an age of renewed global instability – each of these proved to be the inescapable findings of a 1,300km journey on foot across the landscapes of Central Europe, so scarred by conflict over the centuries. In this episode of the podcast, author and historian Anthony Seldon joins Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, to discuss The Path of Light, the remarkable account of his journey from Kilometre Zero on the Swiss border to Auschwitz. Following the success of The Path of Peace, he set out across Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland in search of the men and women, figures of light who stood against tyranny and genocide during the Second World War, uncovering stories of courage, conscience and humanity and explaining why this search remains as relevant today as ever. Episode Links The Path of Light: Walking to Auschwitz Anthony Seldon Links Anthony ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Anthony on Twitter/X Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He remains one of history's most scrutinised figures, but Alexander the Great's victories were far from inevitable. Recent discoveries are beginning to reshape our understanding of his life and legacy, and the immense personal burden of becoming simultaneously Macedonian king, Egyptian pharaoh, Persian Great King and a living god. With Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History, on the podcast this week is Edmund Richardson, historian and classicist, whose book, ⁠Alexander: God, King, Man⁠, re-examines its title character through newly translated sources, groundbreaking archaeology and a wealth of evidence to reveal a conqueror far more uncertain, contradictory and human than legend would suggest. Episode Links Alexander: God, King, Man Edmund Richardson Links Edmund ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Roman Britain might appear a staid topic at first glance, one littered with the usual headliners and the iconic events, Julius Caesar's brief expeditions, Claudius' conquest, Boudicca's revolt and Agricola's northern campaigns. But, dig deeper, the narrative is not quite how it seems, especially in light of archaeological discoveries, the continued challenges of interpreting an ancient past, and the shifting ways generations of Britons have come to understand the Roman occupation. This week on the podcast, Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, is joined by historian and author Ferdinand Addis to discuss his new book, ⁠Conquest: A History of Roman Britain⁠. The conversation ranges from Iron Age hill forts and ancient DNA to imperial ideology, national identity. He also discusses his approach to writing history, the importance of landscape and place, and why the Roman conquest remains one of the defining encounters in British history. Episode Links Conquest: A History of Roman Britain Ferdinand Addis Links Ferdinand ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ferdinand on ⁠Twitter/X⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, it's a special episode as three of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ gang – Antonia Senior⁠⁠, Richard Foreman⁠⁠ and Jane Thynne – join Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in person to talk through their recommendations for your holiday reading list. Plenty of picks, with links below, to accompany you in your hand luggage this summer! Books The August Coup: The Destruction of the Soviet Union and the Making of New Russia, 1985-1991, by Robert Service Stalin’s Apostles: The Cambridge Five and the Making of the Soviet Empire, by Antonia Senior The Writers' Castle: Reporting History at Nuremberg, by Uwe Neumahr Cold War Football: A History in Ten Matches, by Tony Shaw and Alan McDougall White River Crossing, by Ian McGuire The Black Death: A Global History, by Thomas Asbridge Nonesuch, by Francis Spufford Conquest: A History of Roman Britain, by Ferdinand Addis Guests ⁠⁠Antonia Senior - Author and Historical Fiction Reviewer for The Times⁠ ⁠⁠Richard Foreman - Author and Publisher⁠ Jane Thynne - Author Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if you had a sibling as brilliant as Oscar Wilde…?  This week’s episode offers a vivid window through which to view the artistic, literary and theatrical world of late Victorian London, a period of remarkable creativity, dramatic falls and cultural change. But, instead of viewing this fin de siècle moment through the brightest lights, why should we not focus on the forgotten characters? Joining ⁠Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on the podcast is acclaimed biographer Matthew Sturgis to discuss Relative Failures, his exploration of three overlooked figures who lived in the shadow of their more famous siblings: Willie Wilde, brother of Oscar Wilde; Mabel Beardsley, sister of Aubrey Beardsley; and Howard Sturgis, younger brother of the novelist Julian Sturgis. Episode Links Relative Failures: The Lives of Willie Wilde, Mabel Beardsley and Howard Sturgis Matthew Sturgis Links Matthew ⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠ Matthew on Instagram Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Weimar Republic, synonymous with German culture, idealism, and artistic brilliance, has become a common trope in the 21st century, as everyday politics becomes more polarised across Europe. Is Germany’s journey from fragile optimism to fascist collapse a warning we ought to be heeding today? Joining Phil Craig on the ⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast is historian Katja Hoyer, whose latest title, Weimar: Life on the Edge of Catastrophe, offers an astute depiction of that period between 1919 and 1939 through the perspective of the small town and its residents. She explains the optimism of post-war democracy and the trajectory to economic despair, political radicalisation, and life lived in the shadow of Buchenwald concentration camp, all the while keeping an eye on the uncomfortable moral ambiguities that would come to shape daily life under Nazism. Episode Links Weimar: Life on the Edge of Catastrophe Katja Hoyer Links Katja online Katja on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Katja on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack Phil Links Phil on ⁠⁠The Scandal Mongers Phil on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s helping of the podcast recounts the terror of the world’s first ballistic missile and the heroic efforts of the Polish resistance, all contained in this tale of innovation and daring that reads like a wartime thriller – except it’s true… Pairing up with ⁠Phil Craig for this episode of the Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast, author and historian, Guy Walters gives a blow-by-blow account of the remarkable true story of the race to uncover the secrets of Nazi Germany’s V-2 missile programme. His book, Stealing Hitler's Rocket, poses the question of whether said rocket could have changed the course of the war, observes at close quarters the intelligence battle to understand Hitler’s fatal technology, and why this little-known operation deserves a place among the greatest secret missions of the conflict. Episode Links Stealing Hitler's Rocket Guy Walters Links Guy on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guy on Instagram Guy on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Phil Links Phil on ⁠⁠⁠The Scandal Mongers⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In just a few days time, the 2026 Fifa World Cup will begin, a vast 48-team affair across North America, the geopolitical backdrop to the tournament as fractious as it has ever been in recent times. It goes without saying, however, that ideology, propaganda and diplomacy have always been at the forefront of the beautiful game throughout the tournament’s history. Joining Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, for this week’s episode are Tony Shaw and Alan McDougall, their collaborative efforts in Cold War Football: A History in Ten Matches making for a fascinating dive into the sport on both sides of the Iron Curtain and beyond. From Dynamo Moscow’s infamous 1945 clash with Arsenal to the revolutionary style of Hungary’s Magical Magyars, North Korea’s bond with Middlesbrough in 1966, and the charged meeting of East and West Germany in 1974, our conversation reveals how the game both reflected and transcended global tensions, breaking and building connections on either side of the Cold War’s cultural divide. Episode Links Cold War Football: A History in Ten Matches Tony Shaw Links Tony ⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠ Alan McDougall Links Alan ⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From a legendary escape across the North African desert to a daring mission to rescue prisoners from concentration camps in Fascist Italy, this week offers breathless tales of endurance, ingenuity, and courage against the odds. Bestselling historian, writer and war journalist, Damien Lewis joins ⁠⁠Phil Craig⁠ on the ⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast to chat his latest book, ⁠SAS Great Escapes 5⁠⁠. Drawing on newly uncovered family archives and surprising firsthand accounts, Damien and Phil reflect on how these stories are pieced together, the legacy of special forces operations in the Second World War, and the leadership of figures like Blair Paddy Mayne. It’s a gripping conversation about history, memory, and the stories of brotherhood and daring that continue to shape our understanding of war. Episode Links SAS Great Escapes 5 Damien Lewis Links Damien online Damien on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Damien on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Phil Links Phil on ⁠⁠The Scandal Mongers Phil on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

That word mission might make you think of Robert De Niro or Jeremy Irons in Jesuit robes clambering up the Iguazu Falls in deepest South America, but, lagging as they might have been and forgotten as their efforts may be, there was a Protestant expansion too, a clear will to propagate the Gospel to the world, that challenges those preconceptions.  This week on the podcast, Professor Alec Ryrie joins ⁠Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠, to discuss his new book, The World’s Reformation: How Protestantism Became a Global Religion, published by Yale University Press. From Lapland to the Caribbean and across Asia and Africa, we discuss how a now global religion attempted to convert the nations, sometimes falteringly, some successfully, and examine the motivations, approaches and instances where religion, colonialism and empire become intertwined. Episode Links The World’s Reformation: How Protestantism Became a Global Religion⁠ Alec Ryrie Links Alec ⁠⁠online⁠⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The medieval period is rife with kingmakers, but what about the dynasty-maker who also served as head of the church? In his excellent new study of Thomas Arundel, the master of medieval studies, Dr Chris Given-Wilson, Emeritus Professor at St Andrews, tells Nathen Amin all about the remarkable figure who served as Chancellor and Archbishop before helping change the path of English politics forever. Episode Links Chris Given-Wilson Links: University of St Andrews Profile at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/people/cjg2/⁠ Nathen Amin Links: Website: www.nathenamin.com Substack: https://nathenamin.substack.com/ Aspects of History Links: Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Economic turmoil of the 1930s and the need to create a new post-war fiscal order after 1945 were the challenges faced by Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Their vision, and the policies by which they enacted it, underpinned recovery, global cooperation, and long-term stability.   Joining  ⁠Phil Craig for this episode of the Aspects of History⁠ podcast, historian and Chalke History Festival supremo, James Holland offers his thoughts on those leaders of the free world who contributed so much to both Europe and North America in the 21st century. His latest book, The Visionaries: The Making of the Post World War II Order in the West⁠ examines international responsibility, and the enduring impact of political leadership, considering the stark contrast between past and present economic strategy. Episode Links The Visionaries: The Making of the Post World War II Order in the West James Holland Links James on ⁠⁠⁠⁠We Have Ways James ⁠online⁠ James on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ James on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack Chalke History Festival Links Full line-up and tickets online Phil Links Phil on ⁠⁠⁠The Scandal Mongers⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rumours whispered in the forum, graffiti scrawled on walls, and scandalous tales passed between senator and citizen - the Roman emperor was as much a manifestation of gossip as of power. But how far can we trust these tales, and what do they reveal about the imperial system itself? Joining Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠, on the podcast today is Caillan Davenport, professor and historian, whose study, Behind Caesar’s Back, offers a bold, fresh approach to imperial Rome. Moving beyond traditional biographies, his sweeping study reconstructs the “oral world” of the Roman Empire, sharing insight into political talk, public opinion and the delicate relationship between ruler and ruled. Episode Links Behind Caesar's Back: Rumor, Gossip, and the Making of the Roman Emperors Caillan Davenport Links Caillan ⁠online⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a warring world of thousands of city-states, where honour, prestige, and survival were constantly at stake, two names would rise above the rest – Athens and Sparta. Though once allied together against the Persians, the powers would end up locked in a rivalry, the Peloponnesian War. In this episode of the podcast, Adrian Goldsworthy joins ⁠Zeb Baker-Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠, Editor of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠, to discuss his latest book, ⁠Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry that Shaped Ancient Greece⁠. His stimulating account runs from its mythic origins to the Peloponnesian War, exploring their contrasting identities and ideologies – militaristic Sparta as a conquering elite and democratic Athens as an autochthonous society – and quite how these shaped their politics and ambitions. Our conversation also considers the challenges of sources like Herodotus and Thucydides, the fragile alliances of the Persian Wars, and what descent into this enduring conflict reveals about power, warfare, and strategy. Episode Links Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry that Shaped Ancient Greece Adrian Goldsworthy Links Adrian ⁠⁠online⁠⁠ Adrian on Twitter/X Adrian on YouTube Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Henry VII was the king the brought the Plantagenets tumbling down and replaced them with the Tudor Dynasty. But his reign was anything but peaceful. Join Nathen Amin to tell us all about the first Tudor monarch's tense, turbulent and uncomfortable reign is Dr Sean Cunningham, author of 'Henry VII: Treason and Trust' and Head of Medieval Records at the National Archives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Few scandals have captured the imagination quite like the Cambridge Five - recruited in the 1930s, these infamous names would each penetrate the deepest recesses of the British intelligence system while secretly working for the Soviet Union. Their actions compromised operations, reshaped the nation’s security services and left a legacy that continues to echo in today’s world. Joining ⁠Phil Craig on the Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠ podcast is historian, writer and journalist Antonia Senior, whose latest book, Stalin's Apostles: The Cambridge Five and the Making of the Soviet Empire, reexamines the lives and careers of some of the most intriguing figures in 20th century espionage. She sets forth the state of the world that produced these men, how they were recruited, and just how damaging their betrayal of information was. Episode Links ⁠Stalin's Apostles: The Cambridge Five and the Making of the Soviet Empire⁠ Antonia Senior Links Antonia on The History Book Buffs Antonia on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Phil Links Phil on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s episode of the Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast sees historian ⁠Phil Craig⁠⁠⁠⁠ joined by author Jack El-Hai to explore the disturbing psychological drama behind the Nuremberg Trials. After last year’s adaptation starring Rami Malek and Russell Crowe, the journalist discusses his book, The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, the uncanny relationship between US Army physician Douglas Kelley and the war criminal Hermann Göring, and what it reveals to us eighty years later about the nature of evil. Drawing on personal archival material, what follows is a gripping conversation about power, personality, and the disconcerting idea that the 20th century’s worst crimes might be rooted in ordinary human behaviour. Episode Links ⁠The Nazi and the Psychiatrist: Hermann Goring, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, and a Fatal Meeting of Minds at the End of WWII by Jack El-Hai Jack Links Jack on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter/X Jack on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Jack on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky Jack ⁠online⁠ Phil Links Phil on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast, best-selling historian Helen Carr passionately explores the fourteenth century, subject of her vividly-told and immersive new book Sceptred Isle including insightful discussion of John of Gaunt, Katherine Swynford, exploring the voices of women of the past, and writing on the themes of loss and grief. Nathen Amin Links: Website: www.nathenamin.com Substack: https://nathenamin.substack.com/ Helen Carr Links: Website: https://www.helenhcarr.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sceptred-Isle-history-fourteenth-century/dp/1529151651 Aspects of History Links: Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com Email: [email protected] ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Nuremberg Trials brought the surviving leaders of the Third Reich to justice, but they also posed a deeper question. How could ordinary men commit such extraordinary crimes? Joining Phil Craig on the Aspects of History⁠⁠ podcast is historian Helen Fry discussing Nuremberg: The Translator's Tale published by Yale University Press. Her new book tells the fascinating story of Howard Triest, a young German-Jewish refugee who returned to Germany as a US Army translator and found himself interviewing the very men responsible for the regime that had murdered his parents. His is a story of justice, memory, and the attempt to understand the architects of evil at the heart of the Nazi regime. Episode Links Nuremberg: The Translator's Tale by Helen Fry Helen Links Helen on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Helen online Phil Links Phil on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠⁠online⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast, historian, author and novelist David Pilling joins to share his thoughts on Edward I, the Crusader King of England remembered for his uncompromising rule and struggles with the Welsh and Scottish. It's a fascinating discussion about a monarch who has become increasingly misrepresented and perhaps misunderstood. Nathen Amin Links: Website: www.nathenamin.com Substack: https://nathenamin.substack.com/ David Pilling Links: Substack: https://medievalrealms.substack.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0086PTSCW Aspects of History Links: Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com Email: [email protected] ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Themistocles is a name conjures up many adjectives and epithets - a visionary, an outsider, the architect of Athenian maritime success, and, ultimately, an exile who ended his days in among his once-enemies. Alongside ⁠Zeb Baker-Smith⁠, Editor of ⁠Aspects of History⁠, on the podcast today is Professor Michael Scott of the University of Warwick, academic, author and broadcaster. His biography of one of the most compelling and controversial figures of the ancient world observes a city’s political upheaval, Greece’s fight for survival against the invading Persians and that audacious gamble at Salamis. Episode Links Themistocles: The Rise and Fall of Athens’s Naval Mastermind Michael Scott Links Michael online Michael on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ Michael on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠⁠online⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast, renaissance man of culture - comedian, musician, novelist, actor, podcaster and now historian - Charlie Higson joins Nathen Amin for a wide-ranging discussion around his podcast and accompanying book Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee. Find out who Charlie thought were 'stinkers' as monarchs and just why history matters so much. Charlie Higson Links: Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee Podcast Nathen Amin Links: Website: www.nathenamin.com Substack: https://nathenamin.substack.com/ Aspects of History Links: Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com Email: [email protected] ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lover of an emperor-to-be, the subject of scurrilous rumours of incest and a target of Juvenal’s anti-Semitic ranting - but who exactly was Berenice of Judea and why must her life viewed through these prejudiced lenses? Joining Zeb Baker-Smith, Editor of Aspects of History, on the podcast is Bruce Chilton, scholar and biographer. His fine-tuned account of a 1st-century client queen turns the spotlight onto religious upheaval in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, female agency within the Herodian dynasty, imperial succession and the life and times of an inspiring figure. Episode Links Berenice: Queen in Roman Judea Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠online⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on ⁠Twitter /X⁠ Zeb on ⁠⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast, historians Robert Lyman and Phil Craig move between modern Britain and the interwar years to ask a disturbingly familiar question: why do we keep repeating the same mistakes when it comes to military preparedness?   Drawing on Robert Lyman’s recent book Victory to Defeat (written with General Lord Dannatt), the discussion explores how Britain’s formidable military machine of 1918 was allowed to waste away, even as other powers - most notably Germany - absorbed and applied the lessons of British success. The failure to prepare for war, or to apply credible deterrence in the 1930s, would have grave consequences.   Are we witnessing a similar pattern today? And should we rethink the balance between being ‘good global citizens’ and exercising hard national power? Episode Links ⁠Victory to Defeat: The British Army 1918-40 Aspects of History Links AoH ⁠online⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠ Robert Links Robert on ⁠⁠Twitter /X⁠⁠ Robert on ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠ Phil Links Phil on ⁠Twitter /X⁠ Phil on ⁠⁠Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We think we know about gladiators, toned biceps on show during a deadly bout in the arena. But is that Hollywood depiction less interesting than the actual truth? We’d venture so… Joining Zeb Baker-Smith, Editor of Aspects of History, on the podcast is Harry Sidebottom, whose day-at-the-games account shines light on the life of a gladiator and the realities behind Rome’s most enduring spectacle in his book, Those Who Are About To Die. Episode Links Those Who Are About To Die: Gladiators and the Roman Mind Aspects of History Links AoH online AoH on ⁠Twitter /X⁠ AoH on ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠ Zeb Links Zeb on Twitter /X Zeb on ⁠Substack⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A round-up of the best 2025 Tudor books - Joining host Nathen Amin are guest contributors, and authors extraordinaire, Sarah Gristwood and Steve Veerapen. Sarah Gristwood Links: Website: https://sarahgristwood.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B00IVN1JM6 Steven Veerapen Links Website: https://www.stevenveerapen.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B07PBBLPRL Nathen Amin Links: Website: www.nathenamin.com Substack: https://nathenamin.substack.com/ Aspects of History Links: Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com Email: [email protected] ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When his queen Eleanor of Castile died in 1290, how did Edward I demonstrate his love for the woman 'whom in life we dearly cherished, and whom in death we cannot cease to love'. Joining Aspects of History today for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation, history titan Alice Loxton adeptly explains how she followed, quite literally, in Edward's grief-stricken footsteps not just to commemorate his grief but to celebrate love. Alice Loxton Links: Website: https://aliceloxton.com/ Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England's Lost Queen Nathen Amin Links: Website: www.nathenamin.com Substack: https://nathenamin.substack.com/ Aspects of History Links: Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com Email: [email protected] ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello and welcome to the Aspects of History 2025 books of the year podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IWM Live on Saturday 1st November, Ollie spoke with Tessa Dunlop in front of a live audience discussing how we memorialise war. Thanks to the Imperial War Museum Tessa Dunlop Links ⁠Lest We Forget: War and Peace in 100 British Monuments⁠ ⁠Alfred the Great - The Telegraph (£)⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest film club is to celebrate the publication of Roger Moorhouse's latest book, ⁠Wolfpack⁠, and it's Das Boot, the Wolfgang Petersen masterpiece. Links ⁠Wolfpack⁠ ⁠Das Boot on Wikipedia⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Tim on X⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the West’s dominant golden age at an end? What can the past tell us about the future? Joining today is Johan Norberg who poses these and many more questions in his fascinating book Peak Human. Episode Links ⁠Peak Human⁠ Ollie Links ⁠⁠Ollie on Twitter / X⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 9th February 1981 a novel was published that would reinigerate historical fiction, begin a series that would sell millions of copies, and inspire a certain Shefflield born actor to take on a role that would lead him to Hollywood as a Bond villain and the star of Lord of the Rings. Sharpe’s Eagle was that novel, and Sean Bean the actor. There is a new Sharpe out, Sharpe's Storm, set in late 1813 during the British invasion of southwest France. Today I have the great pleasure of speaking with Bernard Cornwell in a wide-ranging chat which starts off with my mention of his publisher, Susan Watt who very sadly died recently. Episode Links Sharpe's Storm Ollie Links Email me: [email protected] Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the build up to World Cup 98 in France, Glenn Hoddle pondered the selection of England’s greatest and most skilful player. A mercurial genius capable of turning a game with one drop of the shoulder or defence splitting pass. His free kick ability was legendary. A scorer of great goals as well as a great goalscorer. I am of course talking about Matthew Le Tissier, and England went out on penalties, a skill Le God had perfected having scored 48 from 49. But we’re not here to talk about the Channel Islands’ greatest export, but instead the World Cup Finals that he sadly never graced, as Jonathan Wilson, football writer for the Guardian and author of The Power and the Glory: A New History of the World Cup, joins to discuss his new book. Episode Links The Power and the Glory: A New History of the World Cup Ollie Links Get in touch:: [email protected] Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 27th September 1943, in German occupied Naples, an uprising began that lasted four days. By the 29th the Germans had lost the city and so made the decision to leave, heading north for safety as the victorious Neapolitans and Partisans celebrated in the streets. On 1st October the Allies arrived, and the city was secure. Or was it? Within months starvation descended on Naples, and with it disease, prostitution and misery. Joining today is Keith Lowe, author of⁠ Naples 1944⁠ as we delve a little bit deeper into this piece of Italian and WW2 history, including the notorious Camorra. I’ll be at the ⁠Imperial War Museum on Saturday 1st November⁠, so it would be great to see you there. Episode Links Links ⁠Naples 1944: War, Liberation and Chaos⁠ ⁠IWM Live⁠ Ollie Links Email me: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Ollie on Twitter / X⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest film club is to celebrate the publication of Roger Moorhouse's latest book, ⁠Wolfpack⁠, and it's great sub movie ⁠Hunt For Red October⁠, starring Sean Connery & Alec Baldwin. We talk crazy Ivans, safety measures on torpedoes and an egregious example of mansplaining. Links ⁠Wolfpack⁠ ⁠Hunt For Red October on Wikipedia⁠ ⁠Caterpillar Drive⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Tim on X⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1562 the Witchcraft Act was passed in England during the reign of Elizabeth I. The Act stated that anyone who should "use, practise, or exercise any Witchcraft, Enchantment, Charm, or Sorcery, whereby any person shall happen to be killed or destroyed", was guilty of a felony without benefit of clergy, and was to be put to death. The Scottish Witchcraft Act followed a year later. Joining today is Steven Veerapen, author of⁠ Witches: A King’s Obsession⁠ as we explore the reign of James VI of Scotland and I of England and its attitude to so called witches. James wrote a book on witchcraft and oversaw a huge uptick in legal proceedings against women who made up 85% of those accused. Links ⁠Witches: A King's Obsession⁠ ⁠IWM Live⁠ Ollie Links Get in touch: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries there was huge demand among medical practitioners for corpses on which to practices and perform. With the demand so came the suppliers in the form of body snatchers. These were highly motivated and well organised groups who solved the supply problem by taking the freshly buried dead and selling them to desperate surgeons. Joining today is Paul Bavill from the ⁠History Rage podcast⁠ as discusses the practice, the economic rewards and the quantities. Paul joins me as part of the ⁠Podcast Show Live preparations at the Imperial War Museum⁠ on Saturday 1st November. Do get your tickets and I’ll see you there. Links ⁠History Rage Podcast⁠ ⁠IWM Live⁠ Ollie Links Email me: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In October 1939 U-47 approached Scapa Flow in silence, as its crew prepared to attack. Their target were British warships at port in the deepwater natural harbour. The U Boat’s tubes were filled with water, and three torpedoes were fired, heading for HMS Royal Oak. This mission, so early in the war, was a huge success for the Kriegsmarine and was commented on by Winston Churchill in the House of Commons. So began the U-Boat war that would strike fear into both Churchill and the Allied High Command. Joining today is Roger Moorhouse, great friend of the show and the author of ⁠Wolfpack: Hitler’s U Boat War⁠ as we discuss the death rate the submariners faced, the threats from above and what life was like underwater. Coming up on 1st November I’ll be hosting a live recording at the ⁠Imperial War Museum’s Live Podcast show⁠ Links ⁠Wolfpack: Inside Hitler's U-Boat War⁠ ⁠IWM Live⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ Ollie Links Email me: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Ollie on Twitter / X⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the night of 14th August 1943, a Halifax bomber approached the Savoie region of SE France. Coming under fire from the ground, the aircraft was hit and only one airman survived, Squadron Leader Frank Griffiths. Now alone and in German occupied territory, he began the perilous journey to the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. Joining me is Adam Hart, Frank’s great grandson as he followed in his footsteps to tell the remarkable story. Announcement: This Thursday, 9th October, I’ll be interviewing Roger Moorhouse on his new U Boat book Wolfpack at the⁠ Tring Book Festival⁠ in Hertfordshire. Then, on Saturday 1st November at the ⁠Imperial War Museum London⁠ at 10am I’m speaking with Tessa Dunlop and Iain MacGregor as part of the Podcast Live Show where I and others will be broadcasting our pods in front of a live audience. Links for both these events are in the show notes, or head to their respective websites, and I hope to see you there. Links ⁠⁠Operation Pimento: My Great-Grandfather's Great Escape⁠⁠ ⁠⁠IWM Live⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Tring⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠⁠⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Ollie on X⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to our four part special on submarine movies for the Film Club – last week began with Crimson Tide, today it’s the British 1943 classic We Dive at Dawn, and towards the end of October we have, appropriately, the Hunt for Red October before culminating with Das Boot. All in honour of Roger Moorhouse’s new book Wolfpack: Inside Hitler’s U Boat War, so sit back and listen to Roger, director Tim Hewitt as we discuss We Dive at Dawn. Links ⁠Wolfpack⁠ ⁠IWM Live⁠ ⁠Tring⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Tim on X⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you think you know Oliver Cromwell and Prince Rupert of the Rhine? I’ve discussed both figures on this podcast, but I don’t think I’ve delved into their wives, daughters, mothers or consorts who all give a more nuanced and view of these two major players of 17tg century Britain and Ireland. Miranda Malins, author of a forthcoming history of the Cromwell dynasty, and Mark Turnbull, author of ⁠Prince Rupert of the Rhine⁠ join to discuss the women of these two men who fought each other during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Links ⁠Puritan Princess⁠ ⁠Rebel Daughter⁠ ⁠Prince Rupert of the Rhine⁠ ⁠⁠Charles I's Private Life⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠⁠⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Ollie on X⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest film club is to celebrate the publication of Roger Moorhouse's latest book, ⁠Wolfpack⁠, and it's the Tony Scott classic starring Denzel Washington & Gene Hackman. Links ⁠Wolfpack⁠⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Tim on X⁠ ⁠Roger on X⁠ ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 17 November 1942 Allied troops began their campaign against the Germans and Italians in the Tunisian campaign, in the last effort to push the Axis out of North  Africa, and open the way to Sicily and Italy, and,  as you heard from the Winston Churchill quote at the top, meaning Germany would be surrounded in the last 18 months of the war. So why was this campaign so important, and who was involved? Bestselling historian Saul David joins to discuss Tunisgrad, the long running fight to secure Africa. His new book is out, and links are in the shownotes. Saul David Links ⁠Tunisgrad⁠⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠⁠⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Ollie on X⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices