Daniel Defoe’s 1719 novel Robinson Crusoe is one of the most widely published books in history. This story of a man stranded alone on an island is said to be second only to the Bible in its number of translations. But who was Defoe’s inspiration for creating one of the best-known protagonists in literature? And what led to this real-life sailor spending year ... Show More
Feb 2023
How to Write Historical Fiction | Interview with historian and author Dan Jones on his new novel Essex Dogs
<p>Every historian I know has a secret dream of writing historical fiction, but few ever do it. Dan Jones, a longtime friend of Tides of History and an outstanding historian, has actually done it: <em>Essex Dogs</em>, his fantastic debut novel about a group of soldiers during the ... Show More
58m 38s
May 2022
Julius Caesar Part 1: The Roman Dictator
Politician, writer, warrior, lover... Julius Caesar was the dictator-for-life who became the absolute ruler of Rome and its domains. His life was a series of extraordinary and gruesome adventures. The young student kidnapped by pirates. The general who butchered the people of Gau ... Show More
56m 37s
Nov 2021
Writing a New History of the Middle Ages: Interview with Dan Jones on Powers and Thrones
<p>Friend of the Show, TV presenter, author extraordinaire, and historian Dan Jones returns to Tides to discuss his new book, <em>Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages</em>. It’s a wonderful book and a tremendous achievement, written with both a consummate grasp of ... Show More
52m 36s
Apr 2011
Alexander Selkirk: Who was the real Robinson Crusoe?
<p>In 1695, Alexander Selkirk ran away and joined a band of buccaneers. In 1704, after a fight with his captain, Selkirk was put ashore on an uninhabited island about 400 miles west of Valparaiso. Tune in to learn more about the real-life Robinson Crusoe.</p><p> </p> Learn more a ... Show More
27m 53s
Nov 2021
Idi Amin Part 1: The Butcher of Uganda
From 1971 to 1979, President Idi Amin Dada devastated Uganda. The military dictator sank the economy and deported an entire ethnic class. He slaughtered up to half a million of his fellow citizens. All with the persona of 'Big Daddy', the playful joker. His image as a buffoon, ho ... Show More
55m 51s