One of our most cherished and favourite authors, Gordon Corrigan, passed in the last week. Gordon was a soldier, broadcaster, historian and friend. He wrote, on a variety of periods and subjects, with both scholarship and style. He was one of our most popular guests on the podcast. He will also be much missed around the dinner table. Gordon was sage, charming and fun. The conversation and wine may flow a little slower now.
As much as we will dearly miss Gordon as a friend, we would also like him to be remembered as a great historian. His books are full of insight and narrative drive. They are as entertaining as they are educational. We have recommended a few titles below, though we would also urge you to check out his other books.
Mud, Blood and Poppycock: Britain and the Great War
Along with Gary Sheffield’s Forgotten Victory and Niall Ferguson’s The Pity of War, Gordon’s breakthrough book Mud, Blood and Poppycock helped change the game in the way historians and readers thought about the First World War. Gordon was never afraid to ruffle feathers or challenge orthodoxy, but he did so with professionalism and charm.
Wellington: A Military Life
One of Gordon’s favourite books. This biography is an example of how Gordon’s experiences as a soldier helped inform his thoughts and writing.
A Great and Glorious Adventure: A Military History of the Hundreds Year War
Epic and enjoyable. One of the best one volume history books of the period. As well as being strong on the military aspects of the conflict, Gordon provides great insight into the key participants, such as Edward III, the Black Prince and Henry V.
Waterloo: A New History of the Battle and its Armies
Again, Gordon’s time as a soldier helps to paint a vivid portrait of a seminal battle. Even experts on the subject will find something new in this book. Gordon was always in his element writing about the English defeating the French.
Douglas Haig: Defeat Into Victory
As well as writing comprehensive histories on the likes of WW1 and the Hundred Years War, Gordon was also a master of the short history book. His writing was pithy and, at times, punchy. In his prose, or holding court at dinner, Gordon knew how to tell a story. He wrote a number of short history books (including biographies of Rommel, Monty and Cromwell – as well as books about key battles such as Agincourt and Stalingrad) but Haig is our favourite.
