Legacy

At 18, Marie Antoinette finds herself burdened with the expectation to produce an heir. Her extravagant lifestyle clashes with the suffering of starving citizens. Amidst political unrest, rumors of infidelity swirl around her chaotic marriage. The dramatic fall from grace escalates with the infamous diamond necklace scandal, further tarnishing her reputation. As France's economy crumbles, personal and political turmoil deepens, setting the stage for a revolution that looms ominously over her reign.

At just 14, Marie Antoinette is married off in a high-stakes royal game, but her husband seems more interested in locks than love. The podcast delves into her life, revealing the extensive myths and propaganda surrounding her, often skewed by her gender. As political tensions mount and history shifts, she finds herself caught between personal sacrifice and public scrutiny. The complexities of her royal marriage and the high expectations from her lineage highlight her emotional struggles and the challenges of ruling as the last Queen of France.

Explore the tumultuous life of Charles Dickens at the peak of his fame. Discover his whirlwind romance with Nelly Ternan and his deep admiration for Paris. Relive the harrowing train crash that turned his public persona upside down while he grappled with personal turmoil. Dive into the emotional weight of his final performance and the themes of sacrifice in his beloved works. Ultimately, reflect on Dickens' complex legacy and enduring impact on literature and society.

In this engaging discussion, host Matt Forde welcomes Afua Hirsch, a renowned writer and advocate, and Peter Frankopan, a historian and author. They dive into the scandalous life of Charles Dickens, exploring his tumultuous home life rife with extravagance, infidelity, and personal turmoil. The trio examines the contradictions of Dickens as both a literary genius and a flawed man, while also unpacking his profound influence on modern Christmas traditions. Listeners are sure to be captivated by the unexpected layers of this iconic figure's legacy.

Explore the rise of Charles Dickens as an international celebrity inspired by his hit, 'A Christmas Carol.' Discover how he tackled social issues through his writing while managing a lavish lifestyle and family responsibilities. Delve into Dickens' influence on modern Christmas traditions and his complex portrayals of women. Touch on his heart-wrenching personal losses, including the tragic death of his daughter, and the emotional turmoil surrounding his marriage. This journey highlights the contrast between his public success and private struggles.

Charles Dickens experiences a meteoric rise with hits like 'The Pickwick Papers' and 'Oliver Twist', sparking 'Dickensmania' in both Britain and America. Amidst his success, he faces personal tragedies and needs fresh inspiration. Exploring innovative storytelling and deep emotional connections, he reflects on love and loss. His tumultuous American tour reveals the complexities of fame and social justice themes in his work. Ultimately, a pivotal Christmas tale emerges, redefining modern holiday spirit and kindness.

Explore the tumultuous childhood of Charles Dickens, marked by financial instability and factory work that inspired his writing. Discover his unique ability to craft vivid narratives that reflect societal issues. Delve into the complexities of his character beyond the Victorian stereotype and how his early experiences shaped his empathy for the working class. Unpack the tensions in his marriage and the societal roles of men and women in the 19th century, all while witnessing his rise to literary superstardom.

The aftermath of World War II marked a challenging era as the Labour Party gained power, leading to a complex relationship with Winston Churchill. Protests over his legacy highlight modern tensions, showcasing the duality of his influential leadership and controversial imperialist views. The podcast examines how current politics and social movements shape perceptions of Churchill, reflecting on the moral implications of his actions with Stalin. It seamlessly transitions to Dickens, hinting at the next exploration of literary legacy.

Explore Winston Churchill's fierce opposition to appeasement as Nazi tanks invade Poland. Delve into his pivotal return to government, tackling military failures and inspiring speeches during a national crisis. Discover his steadfast refusal to negotiate peace with Mussolini and the profound influence he had on U.S. involvement in the war. Uncover the tragic Bengal famine and its impact on his legacy, coupled with the public's demands for change post-war, setting the stage for a complex reconstruction era.

The First World War sees Churchill as confident as ever in his role as First Lord of the Admiralty. But rash judgements – especially around the disastrous campaign in Gallipoli - cost thousands of lives. The UK press describes him as ‘a danger to the country’, he’s left out of Lloyd George’s cabinet and, at home, tragedy strikes. All the while he can see trouble brewing in Europe, but no one is listening to him...Listen to Legacy on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/legacy now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.