Published in 1854, 'Walden; Or, Life in the Woods' is a series of 18 essays that reflect Thoreau's experiences living in a small cabin near Walden Pond from July 1845 to September 1847. The book is a personal declaration of independence, a social experiment, and a voyage of spiritual discovery. Thoreau details his life in the woods, discussing the construction of his cabin, his daily activities, and his philosophical reflections on economy, social relations, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. The work is considered a cornerstone of American literature and a foundational text in the Transcendentalist movement, emphasizing the benefits of a simplified lifestyle and the importance of individual freedom and self-reliance[2][4][5].
Published in 1954, 'Lucky Jim' is Kingsley Amis's first novel and follows the academic and romantic struggles of Jim Dixon, a young lecturer in medieval history. The novel humorously explores themes of social class, intellectual pretension, and personal authenticity as Dixon navigates the absurdities of academia and his tumultuous love life. The book is known for its vivid satire of post-war British society and academia, and its portrayal of Dixon's rebellious yet trapped existence within the academic system. It won the 1955 Somerset Maugham Award for fiction and has been included in 'TIME 100 Best English-language Novels from 1923 to 2005'[3][4][5].
In 'Flashman at the Charge', Harry Flashman finds himself entangled in the Crimean War, participating in pivotal battles like the Charge of the Light Brigade. Despite his cowardice, Flashman navigates through historical events with a mix of luck and cunning, eventually thwarting a Russian plot to invade India. The novel combines historical detail with Fraser's signature humor and adventure.
Published in 1772, this booklet by Jean-Jacques Perret details his observations on shaving and proposes the first safety razor. It provides insights into the techniques and tools used during that era, highlighting Perret's contributions to the field of barbering.
This book provides a comprehensive history of male facial hair in England from 1650 to 1900, exploring its cultural, medical, and social contexts. It charts the evolution of attitudes towards beards and shaving, from early modern medical conceptions to Victorian ideals of masculinity and hygiene.
“I like an Englishman to look like an Englishman, and beards are foreign and breed vermin. Also depend upon it, they will lead to filthy habits.”
Europe has had a love-hate relationship with facial hair since the Late Middle Ages. In the eleventh century, beards were celebrated as an expression of fertility caused by men’s “hot breath”. Yet by the turn of the twentieth century, a clean shaven man represented the youth and vigour celebrated in corporate culture. But how did the Reformation impact opinions on beards? Why did Peter the Great instate a tax on beards in Russia? How did the Crimean War lead to the popularity of the Victorian beard? And why did The Beatles end up bearded?
Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss the evolution of the modern beard. With a cast of hairy and hairless characters including the bearded witches of Macbeth, Winston Churchill, Jeremy Corbyn, George Best, W. G. Grace, Charles Darwin, and Lord Kitchener…
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*The Rest Is History LIVE in the U.S.A.*
If you live in the States, we've got some great news: Tom and Dominic will be performing throughout America in November, with shows in San Francisco, L.A., Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Boston and New York.
*The Rest Is History LIVE at the Royal Albert Hall*
Tom and Dominic, accompanied by a live orchestra, take a deep dive into the lives and times of two of history’s greatest composers: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Tickets on sale now at TheRestIsHistory.com
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Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Producer: Theo Young-Smith
Assistant Producer: Anouska Lewis
Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor
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The Rest Is History 
