The Rest Is History
Goalhanger
Take a deep dive into History’s biggest moments with Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Sep 13, 2023 • 55min
368. The History Behind Hogwarts: Ancient Schools and Revolting Students
Discover the tumultuous history behind elite British public schools that inspired Hogwarts. Violent rebellions, gruesome hazing, and oppressive rules shaped student experiences. Explore the elite origins of institutions like Eton and their impact on culture. Learn about gender disparities in education and the chaotic boyhood rebellions of the 18th century, revealing a shocking side of character-building. This journey through the past connects historical chaos to today’s educational dilemmas, creating a fascinating narrative of power and rebellion.
28 snips
Sep 10, 2023 • 1h 2min
367. The Real Harry Potter: Magic, Empire and Beastly Bullies
Dive into the captivating world of Harry Potter and its roots in children's literature! Discover how J.K. Rowling's series shapes the moral compass of young readers, echoing themes from classics like Tom Brown's School Days. Explore the connections between Hogwarts and Victorian public schools, including their educational ethos and social hierarchies. Uncover the magic of community identity in boarding schools while grappling with their darker practices. This journey into fantasy and history reveals lasting impacts on culture and character.
119 snips
Sep 6, 2023 • 57min
366. The Architect of Modern China
Rana Mitter, a Professor at Oxford specializing in modern China, joins for an enlightening discussion on Deng Xiaoping's transformative role in shaping contemporary China. They delve into Deng's political rise and significant reforms that shifted China from a rigid communist framework to a dynamic economy. The conversation highlights the grassroots movements that drove change, the tension leading up to the Tiananmen Square events, and Deng's unique balancing act between progress and maintaining Communist authority. With an amusing nod to Wham!'s historic visit, it’s a fascinating exploration of complex legacies.
14 snips
Sep 3, 2023 • 56min
365. Le Marquis de Sade: Sex and Violence
Dive into the scandalous life of the Marquis de Sade, the notorious figure behind 'The 120 Days of Sodom.' Explore his provocative philosophies on sexuality and morality, set against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution. Discover his eccentric demands during imprisonment and his complex legacy that foreshadowed ideas of Darwinism. Unpack the dark humor in his graphic works while contemplating the unsettling intersections of art, violence, and power dynamics. Sade's influence continues to challenge societal norms and provoke deep reflections!
39 snips
Aug 30, 2023 • 53min
364. Sixties Fashion: Swinging London (Part 2)
Dive into the bold world of 1960s fashion as the conversation spins around the scandalous miniskirt debut at Melbourne's Derby Day. Discover how British pop icons like the Beatles shaped a cultural revolution, bringing youthful exuberance and androgyny to the forefront. The rise of the hippie movement is explored, alongside Victorian influences re-emerging in style. With a humorous touch, the discussion reflects on fashion's commercialization and its profound impact on youth expression during the vibrant, transformative years in London.
33 snips
Aug 27, 2023 • 50min
363. Sixties Fashion: The Teenage Revolution (Part 1)
The Sixties marked a vibrant revolution in fashion, elevating London to the world's style capital. From post-war austerity to the bold designs of the Swinging London era, the transition was radical. Discover the clash between Mods and Rockers, each with distinct styles and cultural narratives. Explore the rise of Jean Shrimpton, a model who changed the game. Plus, intriguing insights into the evolution of fashion photography that defined the decade. Dive into the transformative impact of youth culture and iconic trends!
38 snips
Aug 23, 2023 • 49min
362. The Taj Mahal: Love and Death
Dr. Mehreen Chida-Razvi, an art historian and expert on Mughal art, joins the discussion about the iconic Taj Mahal. They explore the profound love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal that inspired its creation. The conversation shines light on the Mughal Empire's rich cultural backdrop and its architectural legacy. Additionally, they delve into the monument's evolving significance, controversies surrounding its identity, and the intricate dynamics of love, power, and betrayal in Mughal history.
136 snips
Aug 20, 2023 • 55min
361. The Lost Library of Alexandria
Explore the grandeur of the Library of Alexandria, a hub of knowledge where figures like Cleopatra sought wisdom. Delve into its legacy, representing the pinnacle of intellectual pursuit and cultural preservation. The conversation challenges myths about its destruction, revealing a gradual decline instead of a sudden loss. Discover how influential scholars shaped its identity and the important role libraries play in our society today, emphasizing their power in safeguarding knowledge through history.
92 snips
Aug 16, 2023 • 54min
360. Fear City: New York in the 1970s
The podcast dives into the chaos of New York City during the tumultuous 1970s, marked by economic decline and soaring crime rates. It paints a vivid picture of the 1977 blackout that unleashed looting and disorder across neighborhoods. The discussion explores the clash of political ideologies regarding crime, the city’s transformation from glamour to fear, and the resulting social unrest. Amidst all this, the resilience of communities shines through, setting the stage for future urban revitalization.
70 snips
Aug 13, 2023 • 54min
359: Martin Luther King's Dream
Explore the historical significance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech, delivered during the pivotal March on Washington in 1963. Discover the enduring legacy of King's message and its profound impact on the global fight for equality. Delve into the role of media in amplifying civil rights narratives and the tensions leading up to this defining moment. The discussion reveals the ideological clashes within the movement and reflects on the emotional resonance and hopeful vision encapsulated in King's powerful oratory.
