Chalke Valley History Hit

In the great tradition of story-telling, Tom Holland continues his annual recounting of the Greek Myths. This year, he turns to the tale of Jason and the Argonauts, an epic story of honour, adventure, dangerous women and a golden fleece. Told with wit, verve and passion, this magical tale of the first group of super-heroes will be a treat for all, whether young or old.Recorded at Chalke Valley History Festival 2016.www.cvhf.org.uk  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Having attended the commemorations in France for the 100th Anniversary of the start of the Somme as part of the BBC’s coverage, Dan Snow hurried back to the Chalke Valley to give his own thoughts and perspectives – not only on the battle itself, but also its enduring legacy and his own reflections on what he has witnessed in France two days earlier.Recorded at Chalke Valley History Festival 2016.www.cvhf.org.uk.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Squadron Leader Geoffrey Wellum DFC is a British Battle of Britain fighter pilot and author. Aged eighteen, he signed up on a short-service commission with the Royal Air Force in August 1939. He saw extensive action during the Battle of Britain and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1941 in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy. On 11 August 1942, Wellum led eight Spitfires launched from the carrier HMS Furious to reinforce the fighter complement at Luqa airfield on Malta. He wrote a widely acclaimed book about his experiences during World War II, entitled First Light: The Story of the Boy Who Became a Man in the War-Torn Skies Above Britain.Recorded at Chalke Valley History Festival 2016.www.cvhf.org.uk.Subscribe, rate and review on iTunes.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

No American statesman has been as revered and as reviled as Henry Kissinger. Hailed as the ‘indispensable man,’ he also attracted immense hostility. In this talk, renowned historian, Professor Niall Ferguson revealed an extraordinary panorama of Kissinger the man: from his Jewish upbringing in Germany to his rise as one of America’s most influential politicians and grand strategists.Recorded at Chalke Valley History Festival 2016.www.cvhf.org.uk.Subscribe, rate and review on iTunes.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Peter Frankopan @PeterFrankopan is a historian at Oxford University, where he is Senior Research Fellow at Worcester College, Oxford and Director of the Oxford Centre for Byzantine Research. The Silk Roads was named The Daily Telegraph’s History Book of the Year 2015. it has topped the Sunday Times Non-Fiction charts, remaining in the Top 10 for seven months, as well as being #1 in China, India, Ireland and many other countries around the world. Peter has been described in The New Statesman as ‘the history rock star du jour’, we agree.Recorded at Chalke Valley History Festival 2016.www.cvhf.org.uk.Subscribe, rate and review on iTunes.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Chalke Valley History Hit.  We plan to raid the archives of the renowned Chalke Valley History Festival to bring you talks and discussions from some of the best historians working in the english language. Featuring talks ranging from pre-history right through to modern culture. Presented by James Holland @James1940. Series Producer: Dan Morelle @DanMorelle www.cvhf.org.uk. Subscribe, rate and review on iTunes.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.