Retaining the title of the “Queen of Crime” to this day, Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time. Across 66 novels, 14 short-story collections, and 20 stage plays, she depicted the evil lurking in the hearts of ordinary people. But how did this homeschooled daughter of a privileged English family learn so much about poisons, psychopaths and murder? What in her personal life informed such a suspicious view of ordinary people? And how did she trigger a real-life mystery in 1926 that saw the whole country turn amateur detective?

This is a Short History Of Agatha Christie.

A Noiser production, written by Jo Furniss. With thanks to best-selling crime writer Sophie Hannah.

New episodes of Short History Of will be back in the new year.

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J.R.R Tolkien is one of Britain’s most beloved authors, famous for creating the fantasy world ‘Middle Earth’ through his novels ‘The Hobbit’ and the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. What started out as a bedtime story for his young children, now captivates millions of fans across the world, who long to join his memorable characters on their epic adventures. But how did Tolkien rise from a humble Birmingham childhood to become one of the most respected literary figures of all time? What inspired him to create a detailed imaginary world? And why did it take so long for his greatest works to see the light of day?

This is a Short History Of J.R.R Tolkien.

A Noiser production, written by Luke Lonergan. With thanks to Dr Holly Ordway, a Tolkien scholar and award-winning author of the book, ‘Tolkien’s Modern Reading: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle Ages’. 

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Voted one of the seven modern wonders of the world, Rome’s Colosseum is an instantly recognizable building. Constructed by Emperor Flavian in the first century AD as a gift to his people, and still standing almost two millennia later, it has a rich and fascinating history. Films such as Gladiator and Spartacus popularize its reputation as home to brutal gladiator battles, but what is the real story behind the Colosseum? How did one emperor’s dream become a reality? Why was the arena abandoned for centuries? And what makes it so iconic in the 21st Century?

From Noiser, this is a Short History Of The Colosseum.

Written by Nicole Edmunds. With thanks to Greg Woolf, Ronald Miller Distinguished Professor of Ancient History at UCLA, and author of ‘The Life and Death of Ancient Cities’. 

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Winston Churchill is one of the most recognizable figures of the 20th Century. Voted in 2002 as ‘the greatest Briton’, he’s remembered for his unfailing leadership throughout the Second World War, as he steered Britain through its darkest hour to eventual victory. But what is the real story behind Churchill? How did the rise of Hitler thrust him into the spotlight? What sort of controversy surrounded the famed politician? And why was he dumped by the British electorate just after winning the war in Europe?

This is a Short History Of Winston Churchill.

Written by Dan Smith. With thanks to Andrew Roberts, historian and author of ‘Churchill: Walking With Destiny’. 

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For centuries, stories have been told about highwaymen - dangerous rogues who attacked unsuspecting travellers in the dead of night, demanding their money or their life. These robbers have been romanticised into myths, plays, films, and songs. But what’s the truth behind the legends? Who were the real men - and sometimes women - who risked death sentences for the contents of a purse? How did authorities respond to highway robbery? And do these career criminals really deserve such heroic status?

This is a Short History Of Highwaymen.

Written by Danny Marshall. With thanks to Fiona McDonald, author of ‘Gentlemen Rogues and Wicked Ladies: A Guide to British highwaymen and highwaywomen.’

Check out Noiser’s podcast Real Outlaws for more episodes like this one! Search for Real Outlaws wherever you get your podcasts, or follow this link www.podfollow.com/real-outlaws

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In the mid-17th Century, Britain dominated the Slave Trade, shipping over 3 million enslaved Africans across the Atlantic. Conditions on board slave ships were inhumane, and large numbers of enslaved men, women, and children died en-route. However, during the 18th and early 19th centuries, certain individuals started to speak up and demand an end to slavery. So who were these courageous pioneers, brave enough to challenge the status-quo? How did they fight the establishments? And what of the enslaved people who made their voices heard against all odds?

This is a Short History Of the Abolition of the British Slave Trade.

Written by David Jackson. With thanks to Trevor Burnard, Wilberforce Professor of Slavery and Emancipation, and Director at the Wilberforce Institute, University of Hull.

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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. 

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The Gunpowder Plot is an epic tale of adventure and murderous revenge, a detective story complete with secrets, aliases, even an anonymous letter of betrayal. But who was really behind it? What drove the conspirators to attempt such an audacious act of terrorism?

This is a Short History Of the Gunpowder Plot.

A Noiser production, written by Kate Simants. With thanks to Jim Sharpe, historian and author of Remember Remember the Fifth of November: Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot.

This episode is read by Paul McGann. You can continue to hear Paul over on Noiser’s Real Dictators.

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Magna Carta is one of the most enduring documents from the Middle Ages. Reluctantly signed by King John at Runnymede in 1215, it forever changed society and politics in Britain, and the rest of the world. Magna Carta has been credited with inspiring the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, and providing the basis for democracy across the globe. But what does Magna Carta actually say? What events led to its creation? And how has it changed the world today?

This is a Short History Of Magna Carta.

Written by Lindsay Galvin. With thanks to Dan Jones, host of the podcast ‘This is History: A Dynasty To Die For’, and author of Magna Carta: the making and legacy of the Great Charter’. 

This is History Podcast: https://listen.sonymusic-podcasts.link/i_QB7rbc?c=3MuDbSuS3pG_wP1hXuXwWA&h=34a52a3614bd8b67e

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Jane Austen is arguably the most famous female writer in history. Her novels have gone on to inspire countless films, plays, and dramas all over the world, and have been translated into almost 50 different languages. But how did an 18th Century woman create stories that are still loved today? What makes her characters so timeless? And, while we know all about her heroes and heroines, what do we know about the author herself?

From Noiser, This is a Short History of Jane Austen. 

Written by Linda Harrison. With thanks to Janine Barchas, Professor of English Literature at the University of Texas, and author of many books about Austen, including ‘The Lost Books of Jane Austen’.

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