Crucible of Hell by Saul David provides a gripping account of the Battle of Okinawa, the last major conflict of World War II. Drawing on extensive archival research and personal accounts, David explores the heroic sacrifices and tragic losses on both sides, as well as the profound consequences of the battle, including its influence on the U.S. decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan. The book offers a detailed and emotionally charged portrayal of one of the war's most brutal battles.
In 'Crusaders', Dan Jones provides a richly detailed and human-focused account of the Crusades, spanning from the roots of Christian-Muslim relations in the eighth century to the present day. The book explores not only the major expeditions to the Holy Land but also the broader context of crusading in regions like Spain, North Africa, and the Baltic states. Jones highlights both the conflicts and the coexistence that characterized this era, offering a nuanced view of the Crusades beyond their popular image.
This book tells the story of Lady Worsley's sensational affair and the subsequent trial for 'criminal conversation', which captivated the public and exposed the societal norms of the time. Hallie Rubenhold masterfully weaves historical detail with engaging storytelling to bring this scandalous tale to life.
In *The Women of Rothschild*, Natalie Livingstone delves into the extraordinary lives of the Rothschild women from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century. These women, despite being excluded from the family bank, forged their own paths as influential hostesses, diplomats, and advocates for social reform. They interacted with prominent figures like Queen Victoria and Miles Davis, contributing significantly to cultural movements and social change.
This book chronicles the history of Cliveden, a lavish English manor, through the stories of its influential female residents. From its scandalous beginnings in the 17th century to the 1960s Profumo Affair, the book explores the lives of women like Anna Maria, Countess of Shrewsbury; Elizabeth, Countess of Orkney; Augusta of Saxe-Gotha; Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland; and Nancy Astor, highlighting their roles in shaping British society.
This book narrates the story of the Indian Mutiny of 1857, which was one of the bloodiest insurrections in the history of the British Empire. Saul David combines formidable storytelling with groundbreaking research to reveal the complex and disturbing causes of the mutiny. The mutiny, sparked by the introduction of the Enfield rifle with cartridges greased with animal fat, was a culmination of long-standing grievances against British colonial rule. The book details the key events, including the initial uprising in Meerut, the sieges of Delhi and Lucknow, and the subsequent British reprisals. David argues that the mutiny was not a spontaneous event but a carefully planned conspiracy with broader political and social implications.
In this book, Hallie Rubenhold delves into the lives of the 'canonical five' women believed to have been killed by Jack the Ripper in the Whitechapel murders of 1888. Rubenhold challenges the traditional view of these women, often portrayed as sex workers, and instead presents a detailed and compassionate account of their lives, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and experiences. The book is a critical examination of the true-crime genre and its treatment of victims, advocating for a more humane and respectful approach to historical narratives.
In *Rubicon*, Sergeant Adrienne Valero is a soldier who has been resurrected nearly a hundred times using advanced technology called 'rezoning.' This process allows her to fight in a war against the Mechans, intelligent machines controlled by a hivemind. After her 96th resurrection, Valero is transferred to an elite special forces unit and equipped with a virtual intelligence implant named Rubicon. As Rubicon evolves into a sentient being, Valero and her new squad must undertake increasingly dangerous missions. The novel explores themes of trauma, camaraderie, and the psychological impact of repeated deaths and resurrections, set against a backdrop of a desperate war where humanity's survival is at stake.
In this archive episode from 2021, we hear from a panel of historians, authors and broadcasters – Hallie Rubenhold, Natalie Livingstone, Dan Jones and chair Saul David – about how women's stories and female historians have been marginalised throughout history. The conversation recorded at The Cliveden Literary Festival also discusses how historians today can help redress the imbalance.
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