In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, host James Crossland is joined by historian and author Chris Kempshall to explore the rise, fall, and legacy of Darth Vader—one of the greatest villains in cinematic history.

From his origins as Anakin Skywalker to his transformation into a Sith Lord, this episode dives deep into Vader’s character development across the Star Wars saga. What drove his fall the dark sides? And how does his story reflect real-world history, politics, and ideology?

Drawing on Chris' The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire and The History and Politics of Star Wars, the pair breakdown the historical influences behind Vader, the nature of power and authoritarianism, and the enduring cultural impact of this iconic character.

From analysing Vader’s crimes to exploring his place at the heart of the Star Wars universe, this episode blends film analysis, history, and pop culture into one compelling deep dive.

If you're interested in Star Wars, film history, villains, or the real-world ideas behind iconic characters, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

See what Chris is up to and purchase his books at: https://chriskempshall.com/ 

Further Reading

Chris’ Stuff – it’s all you need.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Star Wars and Personal Memories

03:14 Darth Vader: The Iconic Villain

09:26 Real-World Influences on Star Wars

14:45 Character Development of Darth Vader

20:22 Darth Vader's Symbolism and Design

28:22 The Tragedy of Anakin Skywalker

32:27 The Dark Path of Anakin Skywalker

35:28 Anakin's Dark Turn

39:57 The Weight of Choices

41:59 Vader's Evolution in the Franchise

47:43 The Legacy of Darth Vader

55:34 Cultural Impact and Parodies of Vader

Music by SOULFULJAMTRACKS 

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In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, host James Crossland is joined by Lisa Traynor (Royal Armouries) to uncover the story of Felice Orsini—the little-known figure behind the first modern terrorist attack.

A radical Italian nationalist, Orsini changed undertandings of political violence with his 1858 assassination attempt on Napoleon III in Paris. Using a unique improvised explosive device known as the Orsini Bomb, his actions inspired a generationa of radicals and pioneered the tactic of terrorism for the modern age.

This episode explores the origins of terrorism, revolutionary politics, and the rise of political violence in 19th-century Europe. How did Orsini’s attack influence future extremists? And why has his legacy been largely forgotten?

Check out James’ book on the subject: The Rise of Devils: Fear & The Origins of Modern Terrorism

See what Lisa and her team are up to at Britain’s Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds

Further Reading

Michael St John Packe, The Bombs of Orsini

Carola Dietze, The Invention of Terrorism in Europe, Russia and the United States

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Modern Terrorism

02:46 The Life and Times of Felice Orsini

05:38 Political Context of 19th Century Italy

08:28 The Rise of Italian Nationalism

11:12 Orsini's Revolutionary Activities

14:14 The Daring Escape from Prison

17:01 Orsini's Celebrity Status and Impact

19:43 The Shift to Terrorism as Tactic

22:36 The Availability of Weapons in the 19th Century

26:17 The Velodog and Personal Protection

28:32 Orsini's Revolutionary Ideals

29:31 The Design and Function of the Orsini Bomb

35:20 The Spectacle of Terrorism

41:32 The Aftermath and Political Repercussions

49:19 Legacy of Orsini and the Concept of Terrorism

Music by SOULFULJAMTRACKS 

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In this HISTORY’S DEVILS two-parter, James Crossland is joined by Jayne Friend to explore the shocking true story of Francis Tumblety - one of the most disturbing conmen of the 19th century. A self-proclaimed doctor, master grifter, and notorious charlatan, Tumblety’s dark life intersects with some of history’s most infamous crimes, including the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the terror of the 1888 Jack the Ripper murders.

From bizarre medical scams and criminal activity to violent assault, illegal abortions and disturbing obsessions, this episode dives deep into the sinister underworld of Victorian era London and Gilded Age America.

If you’re interested in true crime, Victorian history, serial killers, and real-life villains, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

Further Reading

Timothy B. Riordan, The Prince of Quacks: The Notorious Life of Dr Francis Tumblety, Charlatan and Jack the Ripper Suspect (2009)

Donald Rumbelow, The Complete Jack the Ripper (2016)

www.casebook.org – the best website BY FAR on the Jack the Ripper case

Chapters

Episode 1

00:00 Introduction to History's Devils

00:56 The Notorious Francis Tumblety

02:51 Tumblety's Early Life and Background

05:57 Tumblety's Quackery and Medical Practices

11:50 The Rise of Tumblety's Fame

17:57 Tumblety's Criminal Activities and Legal Troubles

23:49 The Civil War and Tumblety's Role

29:45 Conclusion and Reflection on Tumblety's Legacy

30:53 Divisions in the Medical Fraternity During the Civil War

32:09 The Reality of War: Medical Challenges and Quackery

34:45 The Rise of Francis Tumblety: A War Grifter

38:55 Tumblety's Exploits: From Medical Claims to Scams

43:47 The Fallout: Arrests and Accusations

50:46 The Confusion of Identity: Tumblety and the Assassination Plot

54:49 The Wilderness Years: Tumblety's Decline and Arrests

59:58 The Ripper Connection: Tumblety's Final Chapter

Episode 2

00:00 Introduction to History's Devils

00:28 Tumblety's Involvement in Jack the Ripper Case

01:44 Cultural Representations of Jack the Ripper

03:57 The Press and Public Perception

06:02 Tumblety's Reputation and Suspicions

07:40 Evidence Linking Tumblety to the Murders

11:12 Tumblety's Medical Quackery and Theories

14:20 Psychological Aspects of Tumblety's Crimes

17:31 Exploring Tumblety's Identity and Relationships

19:51 The Profile of a Suspect

21:48 The Emergence of Tumblety

24:57 The Arrest and Speculation

27:36 The Evidence and Eyewitness Accounts

33:01 The Life After the Ripper

36:39 The Final Years and Legacy

Music by SOULFULJAMTRACKS 

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In this HISTORY’S DEVILS two-parter, James Crossland is joined by Jayne Friend to explore the shocking true story of Francis Tumblety - one of the most disturbing conmen of the 19th century. A self-proclaimed doctor, master grifter, and notorious charlatan, Tumblety’s dark life intersects with some of history’s most infamous crimes, including the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the terror of the 1888 Jack the Ripper murders.

From bizarre medical scams and criminal activity to violent assault, illegal abortions and disturbing obsessions, this episode dives deep into the sinister underworld of Victorian era London and Gilded Age America.

If you’re interested in true crime, Victorian history, serial killers, and real-life villains, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

Further Reading

Timothy B. Riordan, The Prince of Quacks: The Notorious Life of Dr Francis Tumblety, Charlatan and Jack the Ripper Suspect (2009)

Donald Rumbelow, The Complete Jack the Ripper (2016)

www.casebook.org – the best website BY FAR on the Jack the Ripper case

Chapters

Episode 1

00:00 Introduction to History's Devils

00:56 The Notorious Francis Tumblety

02:51 Tumblety's Early Life and Background

05:57 Tumblety's Quackery and Medical Practices

11:50 The Rise of Tumblety's Fame

17:57 Tumblety's Criminal Activities and Legal Troubles

23:49 The Civil War and Tumblety's Role

29:45 Conclusion and Reflection on Tumblety's Legacy

30:53 Divisions in the Medical Fraternity During the Civil War

32:09 The Reality of War: Medical Challenges and Quackery

34:45 The Rise of Francis Tumblety: A War Grifter

38:55 Tumblety's Exploits: From Medical Claims to Scams

43:47 The Fallout: Arrests and Accusations

50:46 The Confusion of Identity: Tumblety and the Assassination Plot

54:49 The Wilderness Years: Tumblety's Decline and Arrests

59:58 The Ripper Connection: Tumblety's Final Chapter

Episode 2

00:00 Introduction to History's Devils

00:28 Tumblety's Involvement in Jack the Ripper Case

01:44 Cultural Representations of Jack the Ripper

03:57 The Press and Public Perception

06:02 Tumblety's Reputation and Suspicions

07:40 Evidence Linking Tumblety to the Murders

11:12 Tumblety's Medical Quackery and Theories

14:20 Psychological Aspects of Tumblety's Crimes

17:31 Exploring Tumblety's Identity and Relationships

19:51 The Profile of a Suspect

21:48 The Emergence of Tumblety

24:57 The Arrest and Speculation

27:36 The Evidence and Eyewitness Accounts

33:01 The Life After the Ripper

36:39 The Final Years and Legacy

Music by SOULFULJAMTRACKS 

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In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, host James Crossland is joined by Paul Woodadge (WW2TV) to examine the strange and controversial life of Rudolf Hess, one of the most enigmatic figures of World War II.

As Deputy Führer to Adolf Hitler, Hess played a key role in the rise of Nazi Party. But in 1941, he shocked the world with his solo flight to Scotland - an extraordinary and desperate attempt to negotiate peace between Britain and Nazi Germany.

This episode explores Hess’s early life, his fascination with the occult, and his unwavering ideology, while unpacking the mystery behind his actions. Why did Hess believe he could broker peace? Was he acting alone, or was there a deeper strategy at play involving important figures from Britain and Germany?

From wartime diplomacy and Nazi leadership to enduring conspiracy theories, this deep dive into Hess’s story sheds light on one of the most bizarre incidents of the Second World War.

Perfect for listeners interested in WWII history, Nazi Germany, political intrigue, and historical mysteries.

Check out WW2TV – 

https://www.ww2tv.com/

Further Reading

Peter Padfield, Hess: Flight for the Fuhrer (1991)

James Douglas-Hamilton, The Truth About Rudolf Hess (2018)

Roy Connors-Nesbit & Georges van Acker, The Flight of Rudolf Hess: Myths & Reality (2007)

James Leasor, Rudolf Hess: the Uninvited Envoy (2016)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to History's Devils

00:27 Rudolf Hess: The Enigmatic Deputy Fuhrer

04:09 Hess's Early Life and Influences

11:19 Hess's Rise in the Nazi Party

18:11 Hess's Role in Nazi Policies

25:28 The Context of Hess's Flight

31:56 The Fateful Flight to Scotland

39:37 Hess's Capture and Aftermath

43:51 Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Hess

44:23 The Peace Party Theory

46:45 The Lure Theory

56:15 The Madman Theory

01:02:41 Hess's Fate and Legacy

Music by SOULFULJAMTRACKS 

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In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, James Crossland and Phil Craig, author of 1945: The Reckoning: War, Empire and the Struggle for a New World, delve into the complex web of the British Peace Party and its connections to Nazi sympathizers during the late 1930s and early 1940s. They explore the origins of this group, the appeal of fascism in Britain, and the key figures involved in the mission to seek an accord with Hitler, including Lord Halifax, Lord Brockett and the shifty cosplay diplomat James Lonsdale-Bryans, an unscrupulous fantasists who thought he could broker a peace with Nazi Germany and alter the outcome of the Second World War.

Buy Phil’s book:

https://www.hodder.co.uk/titles/phil-craig/1945-the-reckoning/9781399714501/ 

Further Reading

Richard Lamb, The Ghosts of Peace, 1935-1945 (1987)

Charles Spicer, Coffee with Hitler: The British Amateurs Who Tried to Civilize the Nazis (2023)

Klemens von Klemperer, German Resistance Against Hitler: The Search for Allies Abroad 1938–1945 (1992)

KV 2/2839 – James Lonsdale-Bryan’s MI5 file – https://images.nationalarchives.gov.uk/asset/28637/ 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to History's Devils

03:13 The British Peace Party: Origins and Context

06:06 The Appeal of Fascism in 1930s Britain

08:51 The Anglo-German Fellowship and Its Members

12:04 The German Resistance: Allies or Opportunists?

15:01 The Role of Key Figures: Halifax and Chamberlain

18:04 Peace Feelers: Attempts at Negotiation

21:04 The Fall of France: A Turning Point

23:56 The Rise of Churchill: A New Leadership

26:53 James Lonsdale-Bryans: The Cosplay Diplomat

29:59 The Impact of Peace Feelers on War Dynamics

32:52 The Aftermath of Failed Diplomacy

Music by SOULFULJAMTRACKS 

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This episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS delves into the life of Sidney Reilly, a dashing, semi-mythical MI6 officer who has often been referred to – without much reason – as the “Ace of Spies”. James Crossland is joined by Professor Rory Cormac (author of How to Stage a Coup, and Fakers: A Top Secret Tale of Phantoms and Forgeries of the Disinformation Front) for a conversation that explores Reilly’s duality as both a charming spy and a deceitful grifter who worked his way into the British intelligence community whilst building side careers as an arms dealer and radium peddler, all whilst acquiring as many as four wives without ever bother to divorce one of them. Along the way, Reilly allegedly stole German war plans, tried to kill Valdimir Lenin and, in the final act of his melodramatic life, conspired with a supposedly anti-Bolshevik secret society to destroy the Soviet Union from within.

Join James and Rory for this wild ride of truths, half-truths and outright lies!

Buy James’ book:

https://eandtbooks.com/books/rogue-agent/

Buy Rory’s book:

https://www.tgjonesonline.co.uk/Product/Rory-Professor-of-International-Relations-Professor-of-Inter-Cormac/Fakers--A-Top-Secret-Tale-of-Phantoms-and-Forgeries-on-the-Disinformation-Front-Line/15874311

Further Reading

Andrew Cook, Ace of Spies: The True Story of Sidney Reilly (History Press, 2004)

Robin Bruce Lockhart, Reilly: Ace of Spies (1967)

James Crossland, Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots of the Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart (Elliot & Thompson, 2024)

Keith Jeffrey, MI6: The History of the Secret Intelligence Service, 1909-1949 (Bloomsbury, 2010)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sidney Reilly: The Ace of Spies

04:34 The Duality of Sidney Reilly: Hero or Villain?

08:52 Reilly's Early Life and Transformation

12:50 The Rise of a Bigamist: Sidney Reilly's Marriages

25:33 The Legend of the Ace of Spies: Myths and Reality

30:37 The Problem with Historical Sources

31:00 Reilly's War-time Activities

34:15 MI6's Role in America

35:50 The Black Tom Explosion

37:14 Reilly's Recruitment into MI6

40:21 The Bolshevik Revolution and Reilly's Role

42:14 The Lockhart Plot

46:09 Reilly's Failures in Espionage

48:04 Double-Crossing and Confusion

50:23 Reilly's Later Years and Grifting

54:08 “The Trust” and Reilly’s Final Mission

56:21 The Mysterious Death of Sidney Reilly

59:34 The Enduring Legend of the Ace of Spies

Music by SOULFULJAMTRACKS 

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This episode of History's Devils delves into the life of Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general and the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. Joined by the incomparable Edd Mair, James explores Forrest's early life, his rise in the Confederate army, the controversial Battle of Fort Pillow, and his post-war activities, including his leadership in the KKK. The discussion highlights the complexities of Forrest's character, his motivations, and the lasting impact of his actions on American history, particularly in relation to race and the legacy of the Civil War.

Further Reading
John Allen Wyeth, That Devil Forrest: The Life of General Nathan Bedford Forrest (Quatarro, 2016)
Court Carney, Reckoning with the Devil: Nathan Bedford Forrest in Myth and Memory (Louisianna State Press, 2024)
Susan Campbell Bartoletti, They Call Themselves the KKK: Birth of an American Terrorist Group (Clarion, 2014)

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Nathan Bedford Forrest
02:58 Early Life and Character of Forrest
05:55 Forrest's Rise in the Confederate Army
09:06 The Civil War and Economic Motivations
11:51 Forrest's Military Tactics and Leadership
14:36 The Battle of Fort Pillow: A Controversial Legacy
17:34 The Aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction
20:13 Forrest's Involvement with the Ku Klux Klan
35:11 The Origins of the Ku Klux Klan
36:04 The Evolution of the Klan: From Pranks to Terrorism
37:50 The Klan's Structure and Governance
39:15 Psychological Fractures 
41:59 The Klan's Political Aspirations and Violence
44:42 The Klan's Influence in the 1868 Election
47:46 Ulysses S. Grant and the Suppression of the Klan
54:02 The Decline of the First Klan and Its Legacy
58:31 Nathan Bedford Forrest's Later Life and Controversies
01:00:47 The Legacy of Confederate Statues and Memorialization

Music by SOULFULJAMTRACKS 

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In the very first episode of History’s Devils, hosts James Crossland and Jayne Friend explore the roots of British Fascism by traveling back to the 1920s. They uncover the extraordinary story of Rotha Lintorn Orman, an upper-class tomboy, socialite, and drinker, who became Britain’s first fascist.

Lintorn Orman led the British Fascisti, a small but influential group of military veterans, street fighters, and conspiracy theorists, setting the stage for movements that would persist for over a century. From secretive rallies to political machinations, Lintorn Orman's story reveals the origins of fascist ideology that echo in today’s politics.

Follow Jayne Friend on Instagram

@drjaynefriend

Further Reading

Robert Benewick, A Study of British Fascism: Political Violence & Public Order (London: Allen Lane, 1969)

Julie Gottlieb, Feminine Fascism: Women in Britain’s Fascist Movement, 1923-1945 (London: I.B. Taurus, 2000)

Martin Pugh, Hurrah for the Blackshirts!: Fascists and Fascism in Britain Between the Wars (London: Pimlico, 2006)

Music by SOULFULJAMTRACKS 

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