History Book Club

We are now in an age of nuclear uncertainty, as wars have broken out around the globe and great powers realign. Britain is apparently a nuclear power but relies on the United States for its deterrant, and should the worst happened, would the Prime Minister really authorise a launch of the trident missiles?

And what about the number of nukes? There are over 10,000 in the world today, but should there be?

Joining today is David Holloway, author of Nuclear Weapons: An International History, as we discuss bombs in the 20th century, and more recently, and I ask the questions that perhaps you always wanted to, such as why are there so many of the damn things?

David Holloway Links

Nuclear Weapons: An International History

Link to the Wargame discussed
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Themistocles was a leading Athenian politician and general in the early 5th Century. He fought at Marathon in 490BC, and played a leading role during the Greco-Persian Wars and was the lead admiral at the Battle of Salamis in 480BC when the Persians were defeated, thus ending their chance of conquering Greece.

But it was his decision in the intervening years between Marathon and Salamis to direct the revenue gained from silver mines at Laurium that would set Athens on a course that would lead to its Empire, war with Sparta, and the Classical Age which saw Pericles’ building programme including the Parthenon.

Michael Scott joins, Professor of Ancient history at my old university Warwick, author of a new book, Themistocles: The Rise and Fall of Athens’ Naval Mastermind.

Michael Scott Links

Themistocles: The Rise and Fall of Athens’ Naval Mastermind

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The great historian Antony Beevor joins today to discuss his new book, Rasputin, so we talk the mad monk, Russia then and now and Putin’s grip on history.

Antony Beevor Links

Rasputin And the Downfall of the Romanovs

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This is the first movie to appear on the History Book Club pod. It's the greatest naval film of all time, the Russell Crowe flick, Master & Commander.

In this episode we discuss the lesser of two weevils, cowardly French, the better of two Maxes and much much more.

Master & Commander Links

⁠Bixby Letter⁠⁠⁠James Holland on Saving Private Ryan

⁠⁠Our Awards

Best Performance

Most Egregious Overracting

Biggest Plot Flaw

Historical Inaccuracy

What if Tarantino Made It?

Who won the film?

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A quick bonus for my club members. There has been talk among certain literati that podcasts are replacing books. This is a chat with Roger and Antonia where we address the question head on. Do get in touch I’d love to hear from you.

Ukraine Links

⁠⁠⁠Convoy for Ukraine, run by my friend Ian Wilson-Young⁠⁠⁠

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Oliver Webb-Carter Links

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