China has eyes on Taiwan, and how can we in the West respond? Should we respond? What about our intelligence services and military capabilities? Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent, joins to discuss his new thriller which envisages an invasion of the small island by its larger neighbour. This episode is thanks to the Chalke History Festival, the UK's Number 1 history festival.  Frank Gardner Links Invasion Frank at the Chalke History Festival, sponsored by Aspects of History Frank on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Late at night on the 5th June 1944, British paratroopers set off on their flight that would land them in Normandy, with the key objective to capture and hold two bridges of vital strategic importance to the allied landings the next morning. Saul David, author of Sky Warriors, joins to discuss one of the most successful airborne operations of the Second World War. Part One of our D-Day series. Part Two continues with the Allied landings, and the German response to them. Saul David Links Sky Warriors: : British Airborne Forces in the Second World War Map of the operation Saul at the Chalke History Festival Saul on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Thank you to our sponsor Incogni. Check them out at incogni.com/aspectsofhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets and lies have been part of us for as long as we've been around and are found as early as the Book of Genesis. And what of the Stasi and the archives recording how citizens informed on friends, family members and even spouses? Andrew Gold joins to discuss his new book, The Psychology of Secrets, and he takes us on a journey that features the mad founder of a school, Scientology, Lie Detectors, the secret communities and much more. Andrew has a hugely successful podcast and YouTube show, so do check him out. Andrew Gold Links The Psychology of Secrets: My Adventures with Murderers, Cults and Influencers Heretics on YouTube Andrew on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Get in touch: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany, the political make up of the Second World War was turned on its head, and Churchill allied with Stalin. So began a short-lived relationship that was both tumultuous, but also warm - though fuelled by alcohol. Giles Milton's new book looks at the US, British and Russian alliance that turned the tables for the Allies and led to the defeat of Hitler. Giles Milton Links The Stalin Affair Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Get in touch: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 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: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bonus episode sees the historical consultant of the new Disney series Shardlake join to discuss disability and the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the history behind the new show. Based on the novels written by C.J.Sansom who died on Saturday 27th April. Shardlake Links Shardlake on Disney Dissolution by CJ Sansom Antonia Senior tribute to CJ Sansom 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: [email protected] Ali Ansari Links Ali's Book: Iran Ali on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Get in touch: [email protected] Latest issue: Aspects of History Issue 21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 19th April 1600, after nearly two years at sea, William Adams, one of only nine surviving crew members, made land at modern day Usuki, on the east coast of Japan. He was starving, scurvy ridden and close to death. So began an extraordinary story as Adams rose up the ranks to become a revered figure in Japan even today. So much so that a new Disney TV series, Shogun has been making waves starring Cosmo Jarvis as Adams and Giles Milton joins to tell his story. Giles Milton Links Samurai William Shogun Giles on X Aspects of History Links Episode on the Japan of Shogun Ollie on X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The release of The Passion of the Christ in 2004 caused outrage, fury and accusations of antisemitism and sadomasochism. With Easter recently celebrated, we thought it time to re-examine Mel Gibson's passion project (sorry), as director Tim Hewitt joins to talk Jim Caviezel, controversy and even a QAnon. Links The Passion of the Christ on Wikipedia The Passion of the Christ on IMDB Interview with Mel Gibson Christopher Hitchens on Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ Ollie on X Tim on X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Berlin Wall stood for 28 years, but up until the very end, on the 9th November 1989, the whole world thought it was permanent. It's now 35 years since the Wall fell, but how did it get built, what was its impact, and how did it fall? Iain MacGregor, author of Checkpoint Charlie, joins as we go back the dark days of the Cold War through to its end. Iain MacGregor Links Checkpoint Charlie: The Cold War, the Berlin Wall and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth Iain on X Aspects of History Links Berlin Wall - OIlie at the Wall Ollie on X Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a dark night in April 1944 a German general was returning to his villa on the Nazi occupied island of Crete. Suddenly, two men, dressed as Wehrmacht soldiers, emerged from the darkness and stopped the car. The two men were British officers, and together with Cretan resistance fighters, they bundled the general into the back, and drove through Heraklion and 22 checkpoints. So began one of the most audacious operations of World War Two, orchestrated by Patrick Leigh Fermor, autodidact, writer and war hero. Artemis Cooper, biographer of Paddy, joins to discuss his early life, the operation, his walk through Europe and his writing.  Artemis Cooper Links Patrick Leigh Fermor: An Adventure Cairo in the War: 1939-45 Patrick Leigh Fermor Links 3 Books Collection Set (A Time of Gifts, Between the Woods and the Water, The Broken Road) Abducting a General: The Kreipe Operation and SOE in Crete Mani: Travels in the Southern Peloponnese Roumeli: Travels in Northern Greece Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 24th March 1603 at Richmond Palace Elizabeth I died. She had not named a successor, but James VI of Scotland was proclaimed king in London that same day, and he headed south to accede to the English throne. What sort of man was he, and how had his rule in Scotland shaped his character? Steven Veerapen joins to discuss James, his rule, the union of the crowns of Scotland and England and the new show Mary & George which has been making waves in its depiction of the Stuart court. Steven Veerapen Links The Wisest Fool: The Lavish Life of James VI/I Steven's episode on Elizabeth I Steven on X Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Get in touch: [email protected] 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

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: [email protected] 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

Steven Spielberg's 1993 masterpiece is hugely influential even today. His adaptation of the Thomas Keneally's Booker Prize winning Schindler's Ark, filmed in black and white, brought the Holocaust to a mass audience. Joining Ollie to discuss the film are Roger Moorhouse and Tim Hewitt, and they look into the history, the filmmaking process and much more. Links Discussed The Forgers: The Forgotten Story of the Holocaust’s Most Audacious Rescue Operation, by Roger Moorhouse Spielberg interview on the film and girl in the red coat Ralph Fiennes interview on the bath scene Ralph Fiennes interview on the SS uniform Ollie on X Get in Touch: [email protected] Roger on X Tim on X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 2nd September 1942 in Loch Ewe, Scotland, a large convoy of ships carrying food, ammunition, tanks, artillery pieces and materiel set sail for Archangel, Russia. This convoy would be of vital importance to the Soviet troops fighting the Nazis at Stalingrad. The Germans did all they could to disrupt and destroy the ships of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy, and many of the green recruits, at sea for the first time, had the freezing weather conditions to deal with as well as the enemy. John McKay joins to discuss the horrors experienced by the crew members of PQ18. John McKay Links Arctic Convoy PQ18: 25 Days That Changed the Course of the War Ice on Deck SS Mary Luckenbach explodes John on X Ollie Links Ollie on X Clash of Empires: The Anglo-Ashanti Wars - Aspects of History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gordon returns to discuss those WW1 Commanders that lost out to Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig. Plenty of talent here, and some less so, however we start off with Alanbrooke as he was barely discussed in the previous episode. The list Admiral Jellicoe Admiral Beatty General Wilson General Plumer General Chetwode General Allenby Major TE Lawrence General Maude Field Marshal Robertson (the Editor's favourite) Gordon Corrigan Links Mud, Blood and Poppycock: Britain and the Great War Douglas Haig: Defeat Into Victory Ollie Links - Get in Touch Ollie on X/Twitter [email protected] Links Discussed Spy Masters podcasts - Aspects of History Are there foxes in South Africa? Get in touch: [email protected] Great Hatred: The Assassination of Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson MP Rules Restaurant 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 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

We've ignored the suitcase from Sepp Blatter bulging with cash and returned to football's roots to discuss the origins in England, the class system, the rise of the working class and the might Preston North End side of 1888/89 - thought Arsene Wenger did it first with the Invincibles and diet? Well you'd be wrong - it was PNE under William Sudell. We also look at public (private) schools - click here for the rules of Harrow Football (still played today), transport, technology and the two world wars, plus a rant about VAR. Gavin Mortimer Links A History of Football in 100 Objects Gavin's latest book, 2SAS Gavin on X Ollie Links Growing Up with Delia Burgess Ollie on X Email us: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss medieval Japan in today's episode, in preparation for the new TV show, Shogun. Professor of Japanese History Frederik Cryns joins to discuss the practice of suicide - Seppuku, the clash of cultures as Japan was visited by Portuguese merchants, Jesuits and in 1600, the first Brit: William Adams. Links Discussed Shogun In the Service of the Shogun: The Real Story of William Adams, by Frederik Cryns Seppuku Ollie on X Email us: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In May 1940 the Sadler's Wells Ballet Company took the brave, or as some might think foolhardy, decision to go on tour to mainland Europe, several months after the outbreak of World War Two. The result was a hasty retreat from the Netherlands as the Germans invaded. Lucy Ashe joins to talk about the evolution of Ballet from the royal courts of Europe to Versailles and the Sun King, Louis XIV, to the Ballet Russe as the Russians came to dominate. Margot Fonteyne, Ninette de Valois and Rudolf Nureyev all feature. Lucy Ashe Links Sleeping Beauties Clara & Olivia Documentary on BBC iPlayer: The Magic of Dance Lucy on X Lucy on Instagram Ollie Links Aspects of History - Annual Subscription under £10 Ollie on X Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonaparte: Greatest Frenchman or Corsican Ogre? Progressive or reactionary? Louis Sarkozy, the author of a new book on Napoleon, joins to discuss his image in France, Russia, Prussia and England; attempts to cancel him; and his love of reading. We at Aspects of History are fascinated by the man who invited both scorn and admiration from Britain, as well as fear and respect throughout Europe. Thousands of books have been written about him, but do we really understand him? Louis Sarkozy Links Napoleon's Library Louis' website Louis on X Aspects of History Links Episode on Ridley Scott's Napoleon Episode on Napoleon's Invasion of Russia Ollie on X Email us: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Antonia Senior joins to discuss her new podcast SpyMasters, from Aspects of History. She and Ollie chat the Cambridge Spies, David Petraeus and the latest spy fiction as she talks about what we can expect. Links SpyMasters David McCloskey David Petraeus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gordon Corrigan, the Major, returns as we go through those commanders from the Second World War that missed out when we settled on Bill Slim. The big names from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are here: Montgomery, Alexander, Alanbrooke, Auchinleck, Pound, Cunningham, Harris, Dowding, Parks and Portal. Gordon gives his view, and in particular it's Monty who takes quite a bit of flak. Auchinleck, Harris and Cunningham gain his approval, as does Alexander and Alanbrooke. Episode Links Earlier Episodes in the series: Great British Commanders: Bill Slim Great British Commanders: Douglas Haig The Second World War: A Military History, by Gordon Corrigan Gordon's Substack Ollie on X/Twitter Email us [email protected]  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 [email protected]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The recent Channel Four documentary, The Princes in the Tower: The New Evidence saw historian Philippa Langley and TV personality Judge Rinder examine documents which they believe prove Edward V and Richard Duke of York were not murdered by their uncle Richard III, but were in fact spirited away to mainland Europe. From there they plotted both their return and the overthrow of Henry VII, victor over Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Joining today me in the first of a new series of bonus episodes is Jackson van Uden, the host of the History with Jackson podcast. Jackson chats about this evidence, as well as past episodes on his pod, and then we both talk about what to expect in 2024. Episode Links History with Jackson - Jackson's Podcast History with Jackson site The Princes in the Tower: David Pilling on 'The New Evidence' - Aspects of History Channel Four: The Princes in the Tower: The New Evidence Image of The Princes 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 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the Napoleonic period, if you got into a serious disagreement and you were of the officer class, then you would challenge your opponent to a duel. Ben Kane joins our editor to discuss duelling, with pistols and swords during the Napoleonic period, as well as 'rivet counters'; readers of historical fiction who get in touch with writers to highlight inaccuracies. Ben is the bestselling author of our Fiction Book of the Month, Napoleon's Spy. Ben Kane Links Ben Kane Napoleon's Spy Ben on X/Twitter Ollie Links Ollie on X/Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One evening in 376AD two Gothic kings attended a lavish dinner thrown by Lupicinus, a Roman general responsible for defending the Empire's eastern border. The bloody conclusion to the party resulted in catastrophe for Rome and the death of an Emperor. Simon Turney, bestselling novelist and historian joins to discuss this event, the wars and historical fiction in general. Simon is a hugely successful author of Marius' Mules, the Damned Emperor series and Para Bellum. Simon Turney Links Para Bellum The Damned Emperors Marius' Mules Rise of Emperors (with Gordon Doherty) Who was Agricola? - Aspects of History Simon on X/Twitter Ollie Links Ollie on X/Twitter 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 [email protected] 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

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

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

At the age of 17 in 1891 whilst at Harrow School, Winston Churchill learned that his mother was sending him to stay with a French family for Christmas. He wrote to her, ‘My darling Mummy, never would I have believed you would haave been so unkind. I am utterly miserable..I can’t tell you how wretched you have made me feel. Oh my Mummy. I expect you were too busy with your parties and arrangements for Christmas. I comfort myself by this. Your loving son, Winny.' That letter shows there is more to Churchill than the titan of World War Two. My guest today is David Reynolds who has written a book about the great figures who influenced him - Mirrors of Greatness: Churchill and the Leaders Who Shaped Him so we discuss Gandhi, Attlee and Clementine as well as Winston himself. Since it's Christmas I have an offer of half price on an annual subscription using the code HISTORY50% at our website: Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine - Aspects of History **Gift Subscriptions available** David Reynolds Links Mirrors of Greatness: Churchill and the Leaders Who Shaped Him Ollie Links Ollie on X/Twitter [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 6th November 1966 Paul McCartney died in a car crash, and he was replaced in the Beatles by William Shears Campbell. Now that’s not actually true, but it hasn’t stopped many people to believe that it is. This theory is just one of many conspiracies that I discuss with Jonn Elledge, co-author (with Tom Phillips) of a book on their history. We talk about whether we’re living in a simulation, JFK and Abraham Lincoln’s assassinations, crop circles and many more - but it’s not always internet obsessives who push these ideas. Jonn is a journalist and author and you'll find his work in The New Statesman, The Guardian and he has a great Substack. Jonn Elledge Links Conspiracy: A History of Boll*cks Theories, and How Not to Fall for Them, by Jonn Elledge & Tom Phillips The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything - Substack Jonn on X/Twitter Links Discussed Abbi Richards' brilliant Conspiracy Chart Do We Live in a Simulation? Chances Are about 50–50 1234: The Beatles in Time, by Craig Brown Ollie Links 6 Books on Napoleon Ollie on X/Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In November 1969 news broke of a massacre of Vietnamese civilians by US troops in the village of My Lai in the So Tonh district of Kwang Nai in the South Central coast region of Vietnam. The killings themselves had taken place more than a year earlier on the 16th March 1968. It’s difficult to know how many deaths there were – the US army puts the figure at 347, and there are estimates of around 500. Marshall Poe joins to discuss the build up, the massacre itself and the events of that day, the cover up, and we try to answer why it happened. Marshall Poe Links The Reality of the My Lai Massacre New Books Network Massacres in Vietnam The Vietnam War Ollie Links Ollie on the NBN - Entrepreneurship & Leadership Ollie on X/Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the early 1930s, a new movement threatened to smash the established ruling party, the Conservatives, as well as the Labour party. Led by a charismatic leader, capable of brilliant oration, the British Union of Fascists attracted many to their cause, most notably aristocrats and even royalty. Joining our editor today is Alec Marsh, journalist and author of Rule Britannia, along with historian of the period Martin Pugh, author of Hurrah for the Blackshirts. They discuss it's causes, the great counter-factual of whether they could have take control, and whether there are modern day fascists around. Martin & Alec Links Hurrah for the Blackshirts Rule Britannia Alec on X/Twitter Ollie Links Ollie on X/Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Holland joins to discuss the Allied campaign in Italy in the autumn of 1943 as they sought to capitalise on the capture of Sicily and head up the boot of the Italian peninsular, to both knock the Italians out the war, and to reach the Nazi factories of southern Germany and Austria. James is the author of The Savage Storm, his new book on the campaign, as well as a myriad of other titles so he is certainly Mr World War Two. James Holland Links The Savage Storm: The Heroic True Story of One of the Least told Campaigns of WW2 James on X Previous episode: The Second World War with James Holland Oliver Webb-Carter Links Email Ollie [email protected] Ollie on X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Antonia Senior, Roger Moorhouse and Richard Foreman join Ollie to discuss their books of the year, as well as current events. Please Note: Episode Recorded 17th November 2023 One guest does curse.. Get in touch: [email protected] X/Twitter Books of the Year One Fine Day, Matthew Parker Adama, Lavie Tidhar Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad, Daniel Finkelstein Conflict, General David Petraeus & Andrew Roberts Homer & His Iliad, Robin Lane Fox The Temple of Fortuna, Elodie Harper The Weimar Years, Frank McDonough The Forgers, Roger Moorhouse The Glutton, AK Blakemore A Nasty Little War, Anna Reid Sharpe's Command, Bernard Cornwell Operation Chiffon, Peter Taylor Episodes Referenced Israel Palestine Podcast Episode with Roberto Mazza Nazi Soviet Pact with Roger Moorhouse Conflicts Post War with General David Petraeus & Andrew Roberts The Troubles with Peter Taylor Other Books Mentioned 1923, Mark Jones A Splendid Little War, Derek Robinson Sword of Bone, Anthony Rhodes 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 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 22nd November 1963 President John F Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas Texas. The assassination shocked the world. In 1991, Academy Award winner Oliver Stone, a Vietnam veteran, directed JFK starring Kevin Costner. In it he argues a conspiracy and the movie has helped lead to more than 60% of Americans believe him. Director Tim Hewitt joins our editor Ollie to talk the movie, the allegations of conspiracy, their favourite actors, best scene, as well as most inaccurate, and finally the legacy of the film. *Please note it was in fact the Assassination Records Review Board that was established in the wake of the movie, not the House Select Committee on Assassinations Links Discussed Libra, by Don Delillo American Tabloid, James Ellroy Oswald's Tale: An American Mystery, by Norman Mailer Hollywood & History: The Debate Over JFK JFK: Director's Commentary Umbrella Man, Errol Morris Oswald Photograph Bullet Theory Get in Touch Ollie on X/Twitter [email protected] Tim on X/Twitter 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 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 15th October 1962, President John F Kennedy was presented with photographs showing Soviet nuclear missiles on the island of Cuba, just 90 miles off the Florida coast. So began the Cuban Missile Crisis, depicted in the political thriller Thirteen Days, Directed by Roger Donaldson and starring Kevin Costner. Join our editor Ollie and Director Tim Hewitt as they discuss the film including best scene, best performance, most inaccurate scene and legacy rating. Links Thirteen Days Abyss: World on the Brink, The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962, by Max Hastings Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine, by Lawrence Freedman Ollie on X Tim Hewitt on X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who is our greatest monarch, and who is our most interesting? Where should we start - 1066 or 886? Should we include Louis, Matilda, Lady Jane Grey and of course the Cromwells? Which Prime Minister and ruler would make the greatest combination? Iain Dale joins the editor, along with friends of the show Miranda Malins and Steven Veerapen to discuss these questions and more. Iain Dale Kings and Queens: 1200 Years of English and British Monarchs The Prime Ministers: 55 Leaders, 55 Authors, 300 Years of History The Wisest Fool: The Lavish Life of James VI and I, Steven Veerapen The Rebel Daughter, Miranda Malins Ollie Links Ollie on X Still plugging the GB News appearance (50mins in) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices