Aspects of History (Oliver Webb-Carter)

This month’s film club is the epic Alexander, directed by Oliver Stone, starring Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie and Val Kilmer. Links Alexander on IMDB Alexander on Wikipedia Alexander the Great, by Robin Lane Fox 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Mark on Twitter John Christie, serial killer Walter H. Thompson Aspects of History Top 10 Historical Films (Spoilers!) My top 10 Historical Movies: 10 - Alexander 9 - La Reine Margot Reel History 8 - Breaker Morant 7 - Missing 6 - Katyń 5 - Culloden 4 - One Day in September 3 - The Civil War 2 - The Battle of Algiers 1 - Downfall Reel History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Plutarch's Nine Greek Lives Thucydides The History of the Peloponnesian War Aeschylus The Persians Herodotus The Histories 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Owen Matthews - Overreach Nigel Biggar - Colonialism Victoria Mackenzie - For Thy Great Pain Roger Moorhouse – The Forgers Tom Holland - Pax Saul David - Devil Dogs John Sayles – Jamie MacGillivray David Carpenter - Henry III pt 2 Martyn Rady – The Middle Kingdoms Wilbur Smith – Nemesis Katie Daysh – Leeward Katja Hoyer – Beyond the Wall Anthony Seldon – The Path of Peace Peter Stothard – Palatine Guests Antonia Senior - Historical Fiction Reviewer The Times Roger Moorhouse - Historian Richard Foreman - Author and Publisher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Nicholas on X Aspects of History Links Clash of Empires: The Anglo-Ashanti Wars - Aspects of History Ollie on X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Buckingham History Festival Jane Thynne: Midnight in Vienna Paul Lay: Providence Lost Miranda Malins: The Rebel Daughter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Sarah on X Aspects of History Links Subscribe to the magazine: only £/$9.99 per year Ollie on X Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week three writers join to talk summer reading recommendations from the world of history and historical fiction. Books Paris '44, Patrick Bishop The King's Mother, Annie Garthwaite Izabela the Valiant, Adam Zamoyski Endgame 1944, Jonathan Dimbleby Sky Warriors, Saul David The Muse of History, Oswyn Murray Bonjour, Sophie, Elizabeth Buchan Iran, Ali Ansari Spy Masters, Various The CIA, Hugh Wilford The Eastern Front, Nick Lloyd The Sleeping Beauties, Lucy Ashe Guests Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Antonia Senior - Historical Fiction Reviewer The Times Roger Moorhouse - Historian Richard Foreman - Author and Publisher Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Elizabethan Secret Agent Ranger Fédon's rebellion Sir John Moore Operation Condor Salvador - Oliver Stone Movie Missing - Jack Lemmon Movie set in Chile The US invasion of Grenada Heartbreak Ridge - Clint Eastwood Movie Aspects of History Links Summer Holiday Reading Recommendations @olliewcq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Ollie on the Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Peter on Twitter A History of Love & Hate in 21 Statues Prevalence Induced Concept Change The Social Dilemma Documentary on Netflix The Age of Surveillance Capitalism The Managerial Revolution Georges Lefebvre - The Great Fear Aspects of History Links Ollie on Twitter Aspects of History Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Arnhem: Black Tuesday Command: How the Allies Learned to Win the Second World War 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 Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Demetrius: Sacker of Cities Ghost on the Throne: The Death of Alexander the Great and the Bloody Fight for his Empire James on Twitter Aspects of History Links Alexander the Great in the Dock - Aspects of History Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Every Spy a Traitor 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 Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Socrates in Love Ancient Greek Music on YouTube Armand on X Aspects of History Links Aspects of History on X Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Tom's film: The Patrol Article: Were the SAS Rogue Heroes? - Aspects of History by Tom Petch Tom on Twitter Aspects of History Links Article: Aspects of History The Birth of the SAS in WW2 by Gavin Mortimer Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: An Ungentlemanly Act (1992) The Iron Lady (2011) Tumbledown (1988) This is England (2006) The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4, by Sue Townsend The Falklands Play (2002) Who Dares Wins, by Dominic Sandbrook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Charles I's Private Life CavalierCast Mark on X/Twitter Ollie Links Ollie on X/Twitter Email me history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Rising Tide Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor? - Aspects of History USS Arizona goes down Alan on X The Kappillan of Malta, by Nicholas Monsarrat Ollie Links Ollie on X Email us: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Pictures of Josephine Twitter: @authordlewis Aspects of History Links Homepage Twitter: @aspectshistory Twitter: @olliewcq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Gabriel’s Moon William Boyd & David Bowie Art Hoax 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Sky Warriors, David A Bridge Too Far, Ryan Airborne Carpet, Farrar-Hockley Arnhem 1944, Middlebrook Arnhem, Beevor Arnhem: Black Tuesday, Murray 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 Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Homer & His Iliad Alexander the Great Robin on his book Ollie Links Alexander in the Dock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Triggernometry Tom Holland on the Great Awokening Roger Moorhouse on the Russian invasion of Ukraine Alistair Williams Brexit joke Aspects of History Links Website Me on the Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Leanda on X The Gunpowder Plot and Fake History - Aspects of History Ollie Links Ollie on X email history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 The Queen's Lady Joanna on the Twitter Ollie Links Aspects of History, 2 Years On Ollie on the Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Louis on X Aspects of History Links Subscribe to the magazine: only £/$9.99 per year Ollie on X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Interview with Brad Pitt Ollie on X Tim on X Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Of Blood Descended The Queen's Jewel Black Tudors 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Roger on X 13 Minutes 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Ali Ansari Links Ali's Book: Iran Ali on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 The Hated Cage Aspects of History Links Book Club: Andrew Roberts on Masters & Commanders Unpublished Novel Competition - £500 Prize! The Falklands War: The Untold Story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Bomb Group by Paul Bingley Bomber Boys by Patrick Bishop Masters of the Air on Apple TV Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut The Way to the Stars Battleground Pod Documentary on Bomber Command with Ewan McGregor Debate: The Allied bombing of German cities in World War II was unjustifiable Email us history@aspectsofhistory.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Wiki Page for Josephine Baker 41m27s Ena Collymore and the ATS in WW2. Tessa Dunlop on Army Girls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 The Bounty (1984) Mutiny on the Bounty Tim Hewitt on X/Twitter Ollie on X/Twitter Email: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Bonnie & Clyde Bonnie's Poetry The book to read Ollie on X Tim on X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 DDay Map Breakout Map Gordon Corrigan Links The Second World War: A Military History Blood, Sweat and Arrogance: The Myths of Churchill's War Gordon on Substack 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 Philip on Substack Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Real Special Relationship: The True Story of How the British and US Secret Services Work Together The Special Relationship - Aspects of History Michael on Twitter Aspects of History Links Ollie on Twitter Aspects of History home - Aspects of History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Public Enemies The book on which PE is based Ollie on X Tim on X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Conspiracy (2001) 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 The Conference (2022) The Wannsee Conference (1984) Roger on X/Twitter Ollie on X/Twitter JustWatch (to find movies on which platform) Email us at history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 IMDB Dunkirk, by Hugh Sebag Montefiore Aspects of History Links Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Gordon's thoughts on Ukraine Tipping Points of History: The Battle of Aegospotami Tipping Points of History: The Battle of Atlanta Ken Burns: The Civil War 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Elizabeth & Philip Paperback Cover story in latest issue of Aspects of History Aspects of History Links New Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Arnhem: Black Tuesday  Time of the Child The Eagle and the Hart The Price of Victory Naples 1944 The Wide Wide Sea Henry V The House of War Izabela the Valiant The Peacock and the Sparrow Military Matters Gabriel's Moon The Siege 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 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Munich Munich on IMDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Ollie on X/Twitter Email - history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Article on Myths Of Blood Descended Of Judgement Descended Aspects of History Links Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Agent in Berlin Agent in Peril Alex Gerlis Alan Furst novels Klaus Barbie Alex on Twitter Aspects of History Links Our Website Me on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Ollie on X/Twitter Tim on X/Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Crécy: Finest Hours Book 1 England Expects:The Battle of Sluys A Great and Glorious Adventure: A Military History of the Hundred Years War Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Finest Hours: The Battle of Crécy - Aspects of History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Blenheim: Battle for Europe 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 The Rabbit Hole Detectives Ollie Links Sticky Wicket: From Bodyline to Bairstow - Aspects of History Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Why I Became an X Troop Commando: A Life of Colin Anson, the German who Fought for Churchill, by Helen Fry Invasion of Sicily 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"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 Aspects of History Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Lone Star (1996) John on Twitter Aspects of History Links Aspects of History's Top 10 War Films - Aspects of History Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 All Things Tudor Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 history@aspectsohistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Valkyrie on IMDB Valkyrie 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 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Military History Plus Podcast 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 Ollie on X/Twitter history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Part One 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 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Anthropoid on IMDB Anthropoid 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 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Roger on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Peter on Twitter Cassius Parmensis, Caesar, Boris and Saddam - Aspects of History Ollie Links Luxury & Power: Persia to Greece at the British Museum - Aspects of History Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Once a Runner: A Novel Lore of Running, Tim Noakes Park Run Locations Ollie Links Ollie on X/Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Iain on the Twitter Aspects of History Links Ollie on the Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 The Jungle War The Gurkha Museum The Gurkha Welfare Trust Kohima Educational Trust Hari Budha Magar Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 The Rebel Daughter The Puritan Princess Miranda on Twitter Aspects of History Links The Trial of Charles I - Aspects of History Charles II: A Thoroughly Modern Monarch - Aspects of History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 The Russo-Ukrainian War Serhii on Twitter Ollie Links Ollie on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Our Enemies Will Vanish Yaroslav on X Ollie Webb-Carter Links Ollie on X Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Matthew Parker on AoH Matthew on X/Twitter Ollie Links Ollie on X/Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 The Skin, by Curzio Malaparte DDT 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 Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Ollie on Twitter/X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Tom on X Ollie Links Aspects of History home - Aspects of History Ollie on X Email us: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 The Phoney Major Winged Dagger Who Dares Wins movie with Lewis Collins Aspects of History Links Aspects of History Home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Helen on X Ollie Links Ollie on X history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Willy Willy Harry Stee 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Michael on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 SAS Daggers Drawn 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: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 A Savage Moon The Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings ,by Neil Price Sycamore Tree Ollie Links GB News Interview - Go to 50 Mins In Ollie on X history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Tessa on the Twitter Aspects of History Links Books of 2022 From Aspects of History - Aspects of History Ollie on the Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Why return the Marbles? Contact the UK Government Minister Lucy Frazer Contact the UK Opposition Minister Lucy Powell The Acropolis Museum, Athens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Mario on X/Twitter Mario's links Mario's profile New material from the Ottoman archives and discusses the firman Lord Elgin's Firman - Dyfri Williams Ollie Links Ollie on X/Twitter British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 The Pacific MiniSeries Aspects of History Links: Homepage: https://aspectsofhistory.com/ The History Teacher YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheHistoryTeacherUK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Poetic Justice Metamorphoses, transl. Stephanie McCarter Ovid Banished from Rome, JWM Turner Aspects of History Links Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices