Charles Dickens is considered one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian Age. His works shone a light on prevalent issues of his era, such as poverty, disease, and inequality, and called for widespread social change. Since Dickens’ time, his books have been translated into 150 languages, and have never been out of print. But how did a boy from Portsmouth turn into one of the world’s most celebrated literary figures? Why were his words so effective in sparking real societal change? And, as a pillar of Victorian society, did his private life align with his famous public image?

This is A Short History Of Charles Dickens.

Written by Dan Smith. With thanks to Lucinda Hawksley, author of ‘Dickens and Travel’, and great great great granddaughter of Charles and Catherine Dickens. 

For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charles Dickens

History is full of the extraordinary.

Each week, we'll transport you back in time to witness history's most incredible moments and remarkable people.

New episodes Mondays, or a week early for Noiser+ subscribers.

With Noiser+ you'll also get ad-free listening and exclusive content. For more information, head to noiser.com/subscriptions

For advertising enquiries, email info@adelicious.fm

Hosted by John Hopkins. Production: Katrina Hughes, Kate Simants, Nicole Edmunds, Jacob Booth, Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer, Cody Reynolds-Shaw. Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/shorthistory for £100 sponsored credit.

History

Society & Culture

Modern genetics tells us that the residents of the far-flung Polynesian islands are one of the most closely related people in the world. But, thanks to the exploration of their ancestors, they’re also the most widely dispersed. Polynesian exploration of the Pacific has been compared to humankind’s missions into space, and has led to a unique and vibrant culture for these islanders. So what do these people scattered across 1,000 islands have in common? How did the earliest pioneers survive epic journeys at sea? And what enables sailors to navigate such treacherous waters without any form of writing or physical map-making? 

This is a Short History Of Polynesian Exploration. 

A Noiser production, written by Jo Furniss. With thanks to Dr Christina Thompson, editor of the Harvard Review, and author of the book Sea People, The Puzzle of Polynesia.

Get every episode of Short History Of a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material, and early access to shows across the Noiser network. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Polynesian Exploration

Beginning only five years after the end of World War Two, the Korean War was an exceptionally violent conflict which led to the death of at least 2.5 million people. It became the most deadly conflict of the Cold War era, a political battle of capitalism versus communism, that almost triggered World War Three. But how was this war encouraged by American, Soviet, European, and Chinese ambitions? Was anything really achieved by the years of fighting? And what was the true aftermath of the conflict, both locally, and for the world at large? 
This is a Short History Of the Korean War. 
Written by Lindsay Galvin. With thanks to Dr Owen Miller, a lecturer in Korean studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. 
Get every episode of Short History Of a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material, and early access to shows across the Noiser network. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Korean War

Ian Fleming’s most famous creation, James Bond, is a cultural icon. To paraphrase one critic, Bond is someone men want to be, and women want to be with. Although many attitudes expressed in the Bond books are out of kilter with modern ideas, Bond remains one of the most enduring fictional characters in history. But what is the story behind his creator - Ian Fleming? What inspired Fleming to write the ultimate spy novels? Did his success bring happiness? And how much of his own character did he lend to James Bond? This is a short history of Ian Fleming. 

Written by Dan Smith. With thanks to Edward Abel-Smith, author of ‘Ian Fleming’s Inspirations: The Truth Behind the Books.’

Get every episode of Short History Of a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material, and early access to shows across the Noiser network. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Fleming

Noiser presents a brand new podcast: The Curious History of Your Home. 
In this taster episode of Noiser’s new podcast, join domestic historian Ruth Goodman as she guides you through the surprising, often epic stories behind everyday objects in your home, starting with the wallpaper. 
To discover more episodes, search ‘The Curious History of Your Home’ wherever you get your podcasts or follow the link https://podfollow.com/the-curious-history-of-your-home. New episodes every Tuesday. Short History Of will be back as normal next week. 
Get every episode of Short History Of a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material, and early access to shows across the Noiser network. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing: The Curious History of Your Home

Since the arrival of the Aztecs in central Mexico from the early 1300s, history has been fascinated by them. They’re widely reputed to be a savage people who left behind obsidian knives, skull racks, and disturbing remnants of human sacrifice. But in reality, the Aztecs were far more multifaceted than that. So what else has history gotten wrong about the Aztecs? Why were they so feared and reviled? How did they become so powerful? And what is the full truth about their downfall? 
This is a Short History Of The Aztecs. 
A Noiser production, written by Nicola Rayner. With thanks to Camilla Townsend, author of Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs. 
Get every episode of Short History Of a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material, and early access to shows across the Noiser network. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charles Dickens

Download our free app to listen on your phone