History Rage

• The Borden Murders: Dissecting the 40 Whacks Myth with Rachel McCarthy-James

  This week on History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Rachel McCarthy James, the mind behind the intriguing book "Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder." Together, they delve into the infamous case of Lizzie Borden, a crime so notorious it has inspired nursery rhymes and countless myths.Debunking the 40 Whacks: Rachel sets the record straight on the infamous rhyme, revealing that Lizzie did not deliver 40 whacks, but rather a significantly lower number—18 to her stepmother and 10 to her father. This episode challenges the sensationalism surrounding the case, highlighting how historical narratives can be distorted over time.The Axe Myth: Explore the myth surrounding the weapon itself. Rachel argues that the axe attributed to Lizzie was almost certainly not the murder weapon, as the prosecution's case hinged on dubious evidence and assumptions rather than concrete facts.Life of Lizzie Borden: Discover who Lizzie Borden was, the tensions within her household, and the societal constraints she faced as an upper-class woman in the late 19th century. Rachel provides a vivid picture of the events leading up to the murders and the aftermath that left Lizzie both infamous and isolated.Guest Information:Purchase Rachel McCarthy James’ book "Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder" through the History Rage Bookshop at https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781837733286.Follow Rachel on Bluesky: @rmccarthyjames.bsky.social Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Lizzie Borden and historical myths on Twitter @HistoryRageor directly with Paul Bavill @PaulBavill. Use the hashtag #HistoryRage. Support History Rage on Patreon for early episode access, the chance to submit questions to guests, prize draws, and the exclusive History Rage mug at www.patreon.com/historyrage.For more historical rants and insights, visit our website www.historyrage.com.If you want to get in touch with History Rage, email us at [email protected]. Follow History Rage on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrageBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.social Stay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  45:55

  --------

  45:55
• 253. The Crown of Thorns was not a Crown nor made of thorns with Faith Tibble

  This week on History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes the insightful Dr. Faith Tibble, a historian specialising in iconography and the author of Crown of Thorns, Humble Gods and Humiliated Kings. Together, they delve into the complex and often misunderstood symbolism of one of Christianity's most iconic images: the crown of thorns. Join them as they unravel the layers of history, art, and theology that have shaped our perception of this powerful symbol.The Crown of Thorns ReimaginedBeyond the Thorns: Dr. Tibble challenges the conventional belief that the crown was made of sharp thorns, revealing instead its true nature as a wreath of acanthus leaves, symbolising triumph rather than mockery.Historical Context: Explore the socio-political landscape of first-century Judea and how the Roman perspective on Jesus’ crucifixion plays a crucial role in understanding the symbolism behind the crown.Art and IconographyEvolution of Imagery: Discover how the representation of the crown of thorns evolved over centuries, from a symbol of victory to one of suffering, as Christianity shifted its focus towards the passion of Christ.Royal Connections: Delve into the concept of Christo mimesis, where medieval kings sought to imitate Christ's humility and suffering as a means of legitimising their own rule.The Relic and Its ImpactThe Crown in Paris: Learn about the journey of the purported crown of thorns to Notre Dame and how King Louis IX's veneration of the relic shaped its significance in Christian iconography.Lasting Legacy: Reflect on how the crown of thorns continues to be a powerful symbol in both art and faith, influencing countless representations of the passion narrative.Get InvolvedFollow Dr. Faith Tibble: Connect with her on Twitter @faithtibble and on Instagram and Bluesky @DrFaithTibble.Buy Faith’s book: The Crown of Thorns: Humble Gods and Humiliated Kings: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780567713223Support History Rage: If you’re passionate about this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.Stay ConnectedJoin the conversation and keep the rage alive! Visit historyrage.com for past episodes and updates.Follow us on:Facebook: History RageTwitter: @HistoryRageInstagram: @historyrageStay passionate, stay curious, and let the rage for historical truth burn brighter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  43:38

  --------

  43:38
• 252. Thomas More did not die for the Pope with Joanne Paul

  This week on History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes Tudor historian and author Dr. Joanne Paul to dissect the life and legacy of the enigmatic Thomas More. As they navigate the treacherous waters of Tudor England, they delve into the myths and misconceptions surrounding this controversial figure, aiming to separate fact from fiction. Episode Highlights:- The Man Behind the Myths: Joanne shares her journey into the world of Thomas More, shedding light on his complex character and the historical context that shaped him.- The Pope and the People: Discover the truth behind the popular belief that More died in defence of the Pope, as Joanne reveals his nuanced views on authority and governance.- Martyr or Tyrant?: The discussion explores the reasons behind More's execution, questioning whether it was a matter of conscience or political necessity.- Family Man: Joanne highlights More's role as a devoted family man, challenging the notion that his personal life was overshadowed by his political ambitions.- Ideological Legacy: The episode examines how various ideologies have co-opted More’s image, from communism to conservatism, and what this says about our interpretations of history.- Debunking the Torture Chamber: Joanne confronts the myth that More had a torture chamber, providing a more accurate portrayal of his actions and beliefs regarding heretics.Join us for a riveting conversation that not only unravels the complexities of Thomas More but also prompts us to reflect on the nature of power, authority, and individual conscience in turbulent times. Dr. Joanne Paul's new book, Thomas More: A Life and Death in Tudor England, is available now, and you can find a link to purchase it in the show notes.Buy the Book: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780008370740 Connect with Dr. Joanne Paul:- Follow her on X: @joanne_paul_- Follow her on Instagram: @drjoannepaul Support History Rage:If you’re enjoying the show, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.Follow the Rage:- Twitter: @HistoryRage- Instagram: @historyrage Stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  43:19

  --------

  43:19
• 251. It’s Not All SOE and France! The Untold Story of Belgian Spies with Helen Fry

  In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes back acclaimed historian Dr Helen Fry to uncover the hidden world of Belgium’s wartime intelligence networks — the unsung heroes of espionage who risked everything to fight from behind enemy lines. Drawing from her new book The White Lady, Helen reveals how Belgian agents shaped the course of both World Wars, often at extraordinary personal cost.Far from the glamorous myths of spies in tuxedos and coded martinis, this conversation exposes the real stories of courage, sacrifice, and moral complexity. You’ll hear how intelligence flowed from occupied Belgium to Britain, how messages were smuggled in the most ingenious ways, and why Belgium’s location made it one of the most important hubs of wartime espionage.Helen also explores the vital – and too often overlooked – role of women in intelligence, from couriers and code-runners to key figures in networks like the White Lady. These were ordinary citizens performing extraordinary acts of defiance, held together by trust, loyalty, and an unwavering sense of duty.If you think WWII espionage was all about the SOE and France, think again. This episode pulls back the curtain on a hidden front of the intelligence war, filled with daring operations, hidden heroes, and a vast archive of untold stories waiting to be rediscovered.🎧 Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of true espionage, or simply love hearing history’s myths get blown apart — this is one you can’t miss.📚 Connect with Helen: • Follow her on Instagram: @drhelenfry • Find her on X (Twitter): @drhelenfry • Purchase her book: The White Lady – The Story of Two Key British Secret Service Networks Behind German Lines at Bookshop.org🔥 Support History Rage for ad-free episodes and exclusive content: • Subscribe for just £3/month on Apple or Patreon • Unlock additional perks for £5/month: patreon.com/historyrage • Spread the word and bring more listeners into the Rage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  1:03:00

  --------

  1:03:00
• 250. Eastern Europe: Not Just Russia’s Shadow with Francis Young

  In this enlightening episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Dr. Francis Young to delve into the often overlooked history of Eastern Europe. Together, they challenge the dominant narratives surrounding the region, particularly the misconceptions that arise from a focus solely on the 20th century and the pervasive influence of Russian perspectives.Episode Highlights:- Uncovering the Past: Dr. Young discusses his latest project, Silence of the Gods, which aims to excavate the religious histories of Eastern Europe, highlighting the unique traditions of its lesser-known pagan peoples.- The Misunderstood Region: The conversation critiques the tendency to ignore Eastern Europe's rich pre-20th century history and the impact of this historical short-sightedness on contemporary understanding.- The Role of Kyivan Rus: Explore the significance of Kyivan Rus and its legacy in shaping modern Ukrainian identity, as well as the historical contestation between Ukraine and Russia.- The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: Discover the complexities of this once-great state, its unique political structure, and its cultural diversity, which included a multitude of religions and languages.- National Identity and Resistance: Dr. Young highlights the resilience of national identities in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Lithuania, amidst the pressures of imperial powers.- Recommendations for Further Reading: Gain insights into essential literature that expands on the themes discussed, including works by Robert Frost and Richard Butterwick Pavlikovsky.Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that not only sheds light on the historical significance of Eastern Europe but also encourages a deeper appreciation for its diverse cultures and identities. Dr. Young's book, Silence of the Gods, is set to be released in June, and you can find a link to pre-order it in the show notes.Connect with Dr. Francis Young:- Follow him on X: @rfrancisyoungSupport History Rage:If you’re enjoying this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the coveted History Rage mug.Follow the Rage:- Twitter: @HistoryRage- Instagram: @historyrageStay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  --------  

  47:55

  --------

  47:55

More Comedy podcasts

Trending Comedy podcasts

About History Rage