George Orwell is one of the most celebrated novelists, essayists, and journalists in modern British history.
Tom and Dominic are joined by Robert Colls, Professor Emeritus of History at De Montfort University, to discuss the life and legacy of the man who wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four, Animal Farm, and Homage to Catalonia.
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Jan 15
635. Joan of Arc: For Fear of the Flames (Part 4)
What were the harsh conditions of Joan of Arc’s imprisonment, at the hands of her English captors? How did Joan’s trial unfold, and with what was she charged? And, would Joan confess at the last moment in order to save her own life…? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the terri ... Show More
1h 2m
Jan 12
634. Joan of Arc: Heroine in Chains (Part 3)
How was Charles VII, with the help of Joan of Arc, able to fight his way to Reims to be crowned in the ancient seat of French kings? Why was she able to continually defeat the formidable soldiers of England, in battle? And, how was Joan’s legendary ascent finally brought shatteri ... Show More
1h 3m
Jan 8
633. Joan of Arc: Saviour of France (Part 2)
How did a young, uneducated peasant girl dressed in men’s clothing, Joan of Arc, plan to crown the son of the mad and feeble Charles VI, the King of all France, and save them from the English? What happened when she met with the Dauphin? And, what happened when, in April 1429, Jo ... Show More
55m 59s
Feb 2024
Origins of the Civil War
<p>The war between the Union and the Confederacy is a major turning point in the history of the United States. But why did it happen?</p><br><p>From slavery and states' rights, to economic, legislative, moral, and political issues, in this episode, Don and Professor Adam Smith ex ... Show More
34m 54s
Feb 2024
Love: a weird & wonderful history
From prehistoric carvings and medieval spell books to grand romantic gestures and tokens of affection, throughout history there has been no shortage of ways to say those three little words. Speaking to Charlotte Hodgman, Edward Brooke-Hitching shares some incredible, and curious, ... Show More
26m 17s
Jul 2023
Robert E Lee: Life & Legacy
<p>He is undoubtedly the most famous member of the Confederate forces. But it wasn't always set to be that way.</p><br><p>In this episode, Don speaks to Jonathan Horn to find out about the life of Robert E Lee, why he made the decision to join the Confederate side, and how he was ... Show More
35m 46s
Oct 2022
The Rise and Fall of Roman London
<p>In 43 AD, the Romans set up temporary forts along the banks of a river to wait for their Emperor, Claudius, to march onto the enemy capital of Camulodunum (Colchester), and eventually conquer Britain. The river was the River Thames. At the time, it was an area of marshy low-ly ... Show More
1h 1m
<p><strong> </strong></p><br><p>For many, he is the greatest writer in the history of the English language. </p><p>Outside the UK, he is known as the author of two of the most important political fiction books in history: Animal Farm & 1984.</p><p>Learn about the amazing life ... Show More