History Book Club

By Oliver Webb-CarterNews Arts Books Politics History

History Book Club episodes

November 20, 2024 Monarchs with Charlie Higson
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
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41 min
November 16, 2024 Trump: Foreign Policy & Intelligence with Michael Smith
As we all now are aware, Donald Trump will be the next American president. This episode looks into the intelligence and foreign policy implications, taking into account the US and UK’s shared history. As we’ve seen in the past few weeks, historians are the ones to listen to, not so called political experts, and so Michael Smith, author of The Real Special Relationship joins to discuss the new Trump appointments, Trump’s plans for the Middle East and Ukraine, and what may happen vis a vis China and Taiwan. Michael is a long standing journalist, former intelligence operative and historian of many books on espionage.
Episode Links
The Real Special Relationship
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44 min
November 13, 2024 Churchill's German with Helen Fry
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
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38 min
November 09, 2024 The Iranian Embassy Siege with Ben Macintyre
On the 30th April 1980 six armed Kuzhestanis burst into the Iranian Embassy at no.16 Prince’s Gate, in the smart London neighbourhood of Kensington. So began a six day siege that ended in dramatic scenes, broadcast on live TV, as members of the SAS smashed their way into the British consciousness, and the building, bringing to an end the terrorist attack in a ruthlessly executed operation.
Joining me is bestselling author Ben Macintyre as we discuss Operation Nimrod, the SAS, the hostages and the significance of the event to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Episode Links
The Siege with Ben Macintyre
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53 min
November 05, 2024 The Gunpowder Plot with Peter Tonkin
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
Holler boys, holler boys
God save the King!
Joining to discuss is Peter Tonkin, historian and novelist of the period and author of Shadow of Treason.
Episode Links
Shadow of Treason
Richard Hammond blows up Parliament
Examples of torture
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55 min
November 02, 2024 The SAS in Italy with Gavin Mortimer
Early on the 10th July 1943, advance units of elite British troops landed on the island of Sicily, and began series of raids against the Germans to allow the larger force to land on the beaches, and so began the invasion of Sicily. The unit tasked with this key job was the SAS, now a ruthless fighting force. joins to discuss.
Joining to discuss is Gavin Mortimer author of The SAS in 1943: Operations in Sicily and Italy.
Episode Links
The SAS in 1943: Operations in Sicily and Italy
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1 hr
October 30, 2024 Film Club: Alexander (2004)
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
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1 hr 28 min
October 25, 2024 Blair 'Paddy' Mayne with Damien Lewis
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
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54 min
October 21, 2024 The Battle of Trafalgar with Michael Barritt
On the 21st October 1805, 27 ships of the line of the Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral Horatio Nelson engaged the combined fleets of France and Spain. Nelson sent the signal, ‘England Expects every man to do his duty’ and over the next few hours, under terrible fighting conditions, the British fleet overcame their enemy and won a famous victory, but at a cost.
Joining to discuss the battle of Trafalgar is naval historian and hydrographer Michael Barritt, author of Nelson’s Pathfinders as we discuss the conditions, the seamanship and the hydrography, the discipline of naval intelligence, the method to chart sea beds – it’s worth remembering the Royal Navy lost twice as many ships to shipwreck as to battle.
Episode Links
Nelson's Pathfinders: A Forgotten Story in the Triumph of British Sea Power
Breaking the Line - Map of the battle
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53 min
October 21, 2024 Horatio Nelson with Dominic Sandbrook
On the evening of 21st October 1805 Great Britain won perhaps her finest military victory, defeating the navies of France and Spain in one of the bloodiest naval battles at Trafalgar, not far from Gibraltar. In command was Admiral Horatio Nelson, who had tragically been shot by a cowardly French sharpshooter, though as his life ebbed away, he was consoled that victory was his. When the news reached England, the country was plunged into grief, despite the result.
Joining me to discuss the great man is Dominic Sandbrook. He has written a fantastic new book, Nelson: Hero of the Seas, and is one half of a very well-known podcast. Coming up on Tuesday I have naval historian Michael Barritt talking Trafalgar on the anniversary.
Episode Links
Nelson: Hero of the Seas
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59 min

About History Book Club

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the History Book Club - the club for all lovers of history, presented by writer and historian Oliver Webb-Carter. Oliver interviews authors of the best historical writing, to draw out the stories that you'll be interested in.