History Now Mail+
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- History
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Author and historian Guy Walters presents a Mail+ history podcast talking to top experts on stories from the past which still have an impact on our lives today
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The real Game of Thrones: The true story of John of Gaunt
Even today, there are pubs and a horse race named after John of Gaunt, a 14th century prince and warrior who rose to become one of the most powerful men in England, and whose son would return from exile to claim the throne, and found the House of Lancaster. Author and historian Guy Walters talks to Helen Carr, author of The Red Prince, on how John of Gaunt schemed his way through a real-world game of thrones, becoming the forefather of all English kings and queens.
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Hitler's hoard: The real place where looted Nazi treasures still lie hidden
From half a billion buried in a Polish palace to submarines full of glittering loot, ‘lost Nazi gold’ is an urban myth which refuses to die - but there IS one place where there genuinely is a huge amount of Nazi treasure still waiting to be discovered. Author and historian Guy Walters talks to World War 2 expert James Holland on why most hoards of Nazi treasure are never found - and where the thugs of the Third Reich REALLY hid their loot (so safely that it’s still there today).
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The real enigma: Why every story you have heard about Alan Turing is a lie, by Dermot Turing
Alan Turing was the oddball genius who single-handledly broke the Enigma code, ended World War II, and was hounded to death by the ungrateful authorities over his homosexuality… right? Wrong, says his nephew Dermot Turing, who tells author and historian Guy Walters that his uncle’s story has been seriously distorted to fit in with modern-day obsessions - and that the story told in films such as The Imitation Game risks masking many of Alan Turing’s real achievements in the field of computer science.
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'Never greater slaughter': The ancient battle which spelt life or death for the English
In the year 937, the idea of Englishness came close to being wiped off the face of the Earth as four armies faced off against the shield wall of the Anglo-Saxon king Athelstan in a brutal battle which left thousands dead. Author and historian Guy Walters talks to author Michael Livingston about why the Battle of Brunanburh was so pivotal for the English - and why the battle arouses such strong passions today that Livingstone had death threats after suggesting a location where it may have taken place. (Photo: Richard Cutts)
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Crumbs! The curious history of a very British treat - the biscuit
From its origins in Mesopotamia in 3,000 BC, the history of Britain’s favourite tea-time snack takes many surprising turns - from biscuit recipes made by alchemists, to sponge fingers dipped in wine by aristocrats. Author and historian Guy Walters talks to biscuit guru Elizabeth Collingham about the history of a treat which Britain eats more of than any country on Earth (and how eating Custard Creams was once seen as daringly cutting-edge).
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The real Great Escape: The very different true story behind the stirring Hollywood tale
It was one of World War II’s most daring escapes, where dozens of POWs attempted to crawl to freedom down tunnels built under the noses of their German guards - and the 1963 Steve McQueen film became a cherished Bank Holiday favourite in Britain. But what was the real story? Author and historian Guy Walters reveals why the reality of the escape from Stalag Luft III was VERY different (and why not everyone in the camp wanted to escape in the first place).
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Customer Reviews
Next episode soon please
A great informative and interesting podcast, I really enjoy it
History Now is a must
I am a big fan of Guy Walters books however in this case I am leaving my feedback about the “History Now” series. Fantastic guests so far and Guy’s great sense of humour is a bonus.
IT IS A MUST, folks! If you have never been into history topics, believe me, you will be now!
Great content
I can highly recommend this podcast. There is great content across a range of topics, often revealing new facts or a interesting new interpretation. Now too dense or throw away.