Dan Jones, a renowned British historian and author, dives into the legacy of Henry V, exploring why he stands out among historical kings. He discusses the importance of learning from history to understand today’s world and shares captivating stories of uncovering lost historical evidence. The conversation also touches on how popular culture influences our perception of past leaders, the impact of misinformation in historical narratives, and the vital connection between understanding history and modern democracy. Tune in for insights that blend the past with the present!
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Mistaken Identity
Dan Jones, a historian, gets mistaken for a suspicious character at the Cliveden Literary Festival.
Security repeatedly stops him due to Salman Rushdie's presence and heightened security.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Cliveden Encounter
Ryan Holiday shares an anecdote about meeting Tim Pool, a citizen journalist, at Cliveden.
He later discovered Pool's unwitting involvement as a Russian agent, highlighting Cliveden's historical connection to espionage.
insights INSIGHT
History Podcasts and Misinformation
History podcasts offer accessible historical information but can also spread misinformation.
An example is a recent incident on Tucker Carlson's show featuring an unqualified historian making false claims about World War II.
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In this book, Dan Jones tells the story of how the world we know today came to be built. It spans from the crisis and collapse of the Roman Empire to the rise of the West, dominated by themes of commerce, conquest, and Christianity. The narrative includes epochal moments such as the demise of Rome, the rise of Islam, the Crusades, the Black Death, and the Protestant Reformation, interspersed with lively portraits of significant figures like William Marshal, Dick Whittington, Charlemagne, and Christopher Columbus. The book is structured to entertain as well as enlighten, making it a engaging read despite its extensive scope[3][4][5].
Essex Dogs
Dan Jones
Essex Dogs is Dan Jones' historical fiction debut, set in 1346 during the Hundred Years' War. The story follows a group of ten men, led by the battle-scarred Captain Loveday FitzTalbot, who land in Normandy and embark on a perilous journey toward the Battle of Crécy. The novel is rooted in historical accuracy and vividly portrays the stark reality of medieval war, highlighting the struggles and loyalty of the Essex Dogs as they navigate the brutal landscape of war. Each character has a unique past and contributes to the colorful and complex dynamics of the group, making the novel an engaging and gripping read[1][3][4].
Henry V
The Astonishing Triumph of England's Greatest Warrior King
Dan Jones
This book by Dan Jones provides a thorough and engaging biography of Henry V, delving into his early life, his apprenticeship in warfare and politics, and his subsequent reign. Jones challenges the traditional dichotomy between the young 'Hal' and the mature King Henry, portraying them as a single, consistent individual. The book details Henry's military campaigns, including the Battle of Agincourt, his diplomatic achievements, and the complexities of his legacy. Written in the present tense, the narrative offers an immediate and intimate look at the life of this historical titan, highlighting both his brilliant leadership and the mistakes he made[2][3][5].
King George III
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Andrew Roberts
The King Must Die
Mary Renault
The King Must Die is a 1958 novel by Mary Renault that reimagines the myth of Theseus. It follows Theseus from his childhood in Troizen to his heroic feats in Eleusis, Athens, and Crete, where he confronts the Minotaur. Renault explores the historical context behind the myth, creating a rich and imaginative narrative. The book is the first in a series, followed by The Bull from the Sea.
The Templars
Dan Jones
In 'The Templars', Dan Jones provides a detailed narrative of the Knights Templar, tracing their rise as a powerful military-religious order in the medieval world. The book explores their role in the Crusades, their innovative financial systems, and their eventual downfall orchestrated by King Philip IV of France. Jones delves into the myths and realities surrounding the Templars, offering a gripping and authoritative account.
The storm before the storm
The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic
Duncan, Michael (Podcaster)
Mike Duncan
This book chronicles the years 146-78 BC, a period marked by the rise of economic inequality, social and ethnic prejudice, and rampant corruption, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Roman Republic. Duncan explores how men like Marius, Sulla, and the Gracchi brothers set new precedents that undermined the traditional principles of the Republic, leading it towards destruction. The book also draws parallels between the decline of the Roman Republic and contemporary political issues, highlighting the importance of maintaining democratic norms and addressing social and economic inequalities.
We’ve all heard of Marcus Aurelius, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, but what about Henry V? British historian Dan Jones joins Ryan today to talk about why Henry V was one of the most unique Kings throughout history, how we can understand the current state of the world by looking at historical patterns, and unbelievable stories of discovering historical evidence.