History
Paul Beaver on Mitchell: Father of the Spitfire
The aviation historian discusses the designer of the Second World War's most iconic fighter.
Paul Beaver, your new book is on Reginald Mitchell, the aviation engineer who designed the Spitfire. What was special about Mitchell? Mitchell was a very special engineer. At Supermarine, he fostered the right balance of experience and innovation, which for a small...
Trial by Battle: Max Hastings Interviewed
The veteran chronicler of war’s latest title delves into the successes and frustrations of the D-Day landings at Sword Beach, for many troops their first taste of war, with our editor.
Trial by Battle: Max Hastings Interviewed Max, it wasn't long since we discussed your last book Operation Biting and you've already produced this fantastic book, Sword. How do you do it? I'm an old man in a hurry, but there's lots of things I still want to say about...
‘Let’s Get Those Jerries!’: Luftwaffe Airmen and British Captors
Encounters between captors and captives, many exemplifying hospitality, some harm, are explored through newspapers and personal accounts of the time.
Let’s Get Those Jerries!’: Luftwaffe Airmen and British Captors On a hazy summer’s day in August 1940, a lone German bomber is hurtling uncontrollably towards the ground in the north-east of England; the aircraft whines in protest at the sharp hiding it has just taken...
Historical Heroes: Prince Rupert of the Rhine
A dashing cavalier or a Prince Robber - a new biography re-examines the life of a key figure in the tumult of the 17th century
Historical Heroes: Prince Rupert of the Rhine Though this is an article about Rupert as a historical hero, I should, ironically, start by pointing out that he is also considered to be a historical villain! In his heyday enemy propaganda named him ‘Prince Robber’ or...
Who Will Rescue Us?
The story of the Jewish children who fled to France and America during the Holocaust
My recent book Who Will Rescue Us? represents over ten years of historical research on a group of primarily Jewish children who fled Nazi Germany and Austria. The goals of my study were multiple: I wanted to grasp- to the extent possible- what it felt like to be a...
R.J. Mitchell: Father of the Spitfire
The iconic Spitfire's designer was an extraordinary aeronautical engineer.
R.J. Mitchell: Father of the Spitfire Reginald Mitchell died at the age of 42. In his short working life, he had achieved astonishing engineering success with Schneider Trophy victories and the design of more than 20 aeroplanes, and he had put together a team which...
Episode 237
Episode 236
Those Who Are About To Die: Gladiators and the Roman Mind, by Harry Sidebottom
An exploration of gladiatorial life and Ancient Rome that is packed with wit, scholarship, and gripping storytelling.
Those Who Are About To Die: Gladiators and the Roman Mind, by Harry Sidebottom Harry Sidebottom has written an invaluable work for scholars and storytellers alike. Those Who Are About To Die is a masterclass in how to both educate and entertain the reader...