History Rage

💥 Jane Austen wasn’t all tea, weddings, and waltzes — she was writing through war, poverty, and radical politics!In this episode of History Rage Live, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Dr Helena Kelly to take a sledgehammer to the myths surrounding one of England’s most beloved writers — Jane Austen.Think Austen only wrote about polite society, balls, and matchmaking? Think again. Dr Kelly reveals how Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Persuasion are steeped in the Napoleonic Wars, rural poverty, class tension, and even political radicalism. From cousin marriage to enclosure, from naval officers to the fear of French invasion — Austen’s world was anything but tranquil.Dr Kelly explains how Persuasion unfolds during Napoleon’s exile and return, why Emma explores the politics of land and hunger, and how Austen’s teenage “History of England” may have been a bold critique of monarchy itself. Together, Paul and Helena expose how critics and TV adaptations have softened Austen’s sharp social observations into a genteel myth — and why it’s time to reclaim the radical Jane.Whether you’re a lifelong Austen fan or “Austen-curious,” this episode will make you see her world — and her wit — in an entirely new light.About Our Guest — Dr Helena Kelly 📚 Author of Jane Austen: The Secret Radical and The Worlds of Jane Austen Dr Helena Kelly is a literary historian and acclaimed Austen scholar whose work uncovers the hidden politics and subversive messages behind England’s favourite novelist.📖 Buy her books:Jane Austen: The Secret Radical — https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781837731237The Worlds of Jane Austen — https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781836004189📲 Follow Helena:Twitter/X & Threads: @msashtondennisAbout History Rage 🎙 History Rage is the podcast where historians deliver their anthems for doomed myths — where truth has its mention in despatches and lazy legends are made to listen to all that bloody poetry.📡 Follow & Contact:Twitter/X: @HistoryRageInstagram: @historyrageThreads: @historyrageFacebook: facebook.com/HistoryRageEmail: [email protected]💬 Support the Podcast: Help keep the Rage alive and get early, ad-free episodes, bonus content, and access to live streams! 👉 Join us on Patreon or subscribe via Apple Podcasts.www.patreon.com/historyrage📢 If you enjoyed this episode: Tell a friend, share the rage, and leave us a review — it really helps other history lovers discover the truth behind the myths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hollywood got it wrong: The Spitfire was not the work of one man.Aviation historian Paul Beaver dismantles the myths created by the Hollywood film, First of the Few. He reveals that while Mitchell was a brilliant engineer, the idea of him single-handedly designing the Spitfire is a fantasy. Instead, the aircraft was the result of a collaborative, unsung team at Supermarine.Discover how films distort historical truths and why figures like Mitchell and Alan Turing are often misrepresented to create a more dramatic narrative. Paul Beaver exposes a compelling, untold story of engineering genius, collaboration, and a team of unsung heroes who truly built the Spitfire.A Team, Not a Single HeroWhile Mitchell was a brilliant engineer and a visionary team leader, the Spitfire was the product of a dedicated team at Supermarine. Beaver highlights key figures who deserve recognition:Alf Faddy: The head of the design team, who sketched the initial plans with Mitchell.Beverly Shenstone: An engineer who contributed his expertise in wing design, leading to the aircraft's famous elliptical wing.Joe Smith: The man who later became Supermarine's chief designer in 1941.George Pickering and Geoffrey Quill: The crucial test pilots who risked their lives to develop the aircraft.A More Nuanced LegacyPaul argues for a more truthful understanding of Mitchell's legacy. Mitchell, who died at the age of 42 in 1937, was a prolific engineer with 24 different aircraft types to his name. His work extended far beyond the Spitfire, including designs for bombers and seaplanes. He even famously redesigned a colostomy bag after his surgery, showing his relentless engineering mindset.Ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about the Spitfire? Listen now and get the full story.Follow Paul on X @BeaverWestminst and on Instagram/Threads @pilotbeaverOrder the Book: To dive deeper into the real history, order Paul Beaver’s book, Father of the Spitfire, from your local independent bookstore via https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781783969036.Support Us: If you love the show, please consider supporting us for a few pounds per month on Apple or Patreon. Your support gives you access to early episodes, ad-free listening, and exclusive content like the sneak preview live stream, invites to submit questions for future guests, and even a coveted History Rage mug. You can subscribe at patreon.com/historyrage.Connect: Follow us on social media for more historical insights:Twitter: @historyrageFacebook: History RageInstagram: @historyrageStay curious, stay passionate, and let the rage for historical truth burn on! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes the brilliant mythologist and author Natalie Haynes, to unravel the tangled web of Greek mythology and challenge the male-centric narratives that often dominate our understanding of these ancient tales.Myth vs. Reality: Natalie passionately argues that the stories from ancient Greece are not as male-dominated as they are often portrayed. She encourages listeners to reconsider the powerful roles women play in these myths, particularly through figures like Medea and Hera, who defy the traditional expectations of their time.The Argo and Its Heroes: Dive into the legendary quest for the Golden Fleece as Natalie dissects the dynamics of the Argonauts. Are they truly a cohesive unit or merely a collection of egos? Discover the complexities of their relationships and the conflicts that arise as they embark on their perilous journey.Women in Mythology: Explore the surprising strength and agency of female characters in Greek mythology. Natalie highlights how goddesses like Athena and Artemis offer a stark contrast to the often flawed male heroes, challenging the notion that women were merely passive figures in these ancient stories.Hollywood’s Take: The conversation takes a critical turn as Natalie examines the portrayal of Greek myths in popular culture, particularly in films like Jason and the Argonauts and Disney’s Hercules. She reveals how these adaptations often strip away the complexity and richness of the original tales, reducing powerful female figures to mere side characters.Support History Rage on Patreon for exclusive content and early episode access at www.patreon.com/historyrage.Follow History Rage on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/Buy the Book: No Friend to this House: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781529061543Listen to Natalie Haynes Stands Up For the Classics: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b077x8pc/episodes/playerFollow NatalieInstagram: @nataliehaynesauthorTwitter: @officialnhaynesBluesky: @nataliehaynes.bsky.social Stay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Mark Ellis, known for his gripping Frank Merlin detective novels and his latest work, Boom Time: True Crime in World War II London. Together, they traverse the shadowy underbelly of wartime Britain, revealing the grim realities that lay beneath the celebrated Blitz spirit.The Dark Side of the Blitz: Mark passionately confronts the myth that the British public maintained a dignified composure during the war. He unveils the shocking truth: crime surged by 60% from 1939 to 1945, with ordinary citizens engaging in looting, black market dealings, and even violent crime amidst the chaos.Notorious Criminals: Delve into the lives of infamous figures like Gordon Cummins, the 'Blackout Ripper', and John Haig, the 'Acid Bath Killer', whose heinous acts thrived in the cover of darkness. Mark shares harrowing accounts of wartime crimes that challenge the narrative of British resilience.The Black Market Boom: Explore the expansive black market that flourished during the war, as spivs and organised gangs capitalised on rationing and scarcity. Mark explains how these operations were not merely opportunistic but well-planned criminal enterprises that included everything from armed robberies to the theft of military supplies.Police Struggles: With police numbers dwindling as many officers enlisted, Mark discusses the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating this surge in crime. The episode highlights the corruption and complicity within the ranks, as some officers became entangled in the very criminal activities they were meant to suppress.American Influence: The arrival of American troops brought both camaraderie and chaos, introducing their own brand of crime and racial tensions to the streets of London. Mark reveals how the differing legal systems between the UK and the US created unique challenges for law enforcement and military justice.Join us for this eye-opening exploration of crime in wartime Britain, where the reality of human behaviour starkly contrasts with the glorified myths of the Blitz. Stay tuned for more episodes of History Rage, where we continue to uncover the hidden truths of our past.Support History Rage on Patreon for exclusive content and early episode access and the coveted History Rage Mug at www.patreon.com/historyrage.For more historical insights, visit our website www.historyrage.com.If you want to get in touch with History Rage, email us at [email protected] History Rage on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrageStay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on History Rage, Paul is joined by historian, archaeologist, and author Dr. Simon Elliott, who takes us on an enlightening journey through the life of Septimius Severus, the often-overlooked African emperor of Rome. Together, they challenge the prevailing myths surrounding Julius Caesar and explore the rich tapestry of Severus's reign.Debunking Caesar: Simon passionately argues against the common misconceptions about Julius Caesar, asserting that he was never an emperor and highlighting the true origins of his name. From his PR genius to his military campaigns, Simon dismantles the romanticised narratives that have persisted for centuries.The Rise of Septimius Severus:Discover the dramatic rise of Severus, who seized power during the tumultuous Year of the Five Emperors. Simon recounts how Severus, with sword drawn, commanded respect from the Senate and established the Severan dynasty, leaving a profound impact on Roman history.Military Might and Legacy: As a military historian, Simon delves into Severus's extensive campaigns, including his ambitious invasion of Britain. Learn how Severus expanded the Roman Empire's territorial reach and the monumental statements he made through his military conquests.North African Heritage: Simon highlights the significance of Severus's North African roots and how they shaped his approach to governance and military leadership. This episode sheds light on the cultural dynamics of the Roman Empire and the importance of inclusivity in its ranks.Guest Information:Explore Dr. Simon Elliott's work by purchasing his book, The African Emperor: The Life of Septimus Severus, through the History Rage Bookshop at https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781837731725Follow Simon on X: @simonelliott20 and on Instagram: @simonelliott8671.Join the conversation and share your historical rants on Twitter @HistoryRage . Use the hashtag #HistoryRage.Support History Rage on Patreon for early episode access, ad-free listening, and exclusive perks at www.patreon.com/historyrage.For more historical insights, visit our website www.historyrage.com.If you want to get in touch with History Rage, email us at [email protected] History Rage on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrageStay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.