Can a film turn history into mythology? What can a novel tell us about war that a history book can’t? How did a convicted murderer write one of the great wartime novels? And were the Romans really as civilised as we’ve been taught?
This week on Ask Penguin, Rhianna is joined by authors and podcasters Al Murray and James Holland to talk about Arnhem: Black Tuesday and Cassino ’44, two books that look beyond the grand narratives of the Second World War to the people caught up in them.
Together they explore the overlooked voices, personal accounts and unexpected characters that give history its humanity. Plus, Terry Deary joins us to talk about his latest book, A History of Britain in Ten Enemies, forgotten heroes, questionable national myths and why he has such a strong dislike for the Romans.
For the full list of books plus transcript visit: Episode 6: History Special
Books and authors mentioned in this episode:
Arnhem Black Tuesday by Al Murray
A History of Britain in Ten Enemies by Terry Deary
Mary Queen of Scots by Alison Weir
The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley
Swords of Honour by Evelyn Waugh
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Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast
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