Audiobooks narrated by Mark Elstob

The History of England Volume 5: James I and Charles I

Despite considerable concerns throughout England, the transition of the House of Tudor to the House of Stewart, from Elizabeth to James I (reigned 1603-1625) proved untroubled, not least because the queen left the country in ‘flourishing circumstances'. The new monarch moved to London and, despite being James VI of Scotland, made it his home for the next two decades. Unsurprisingly, his early distribution of honours benefitted more Scots figures than English, and coloured the nature of his English court, though he prudently left most of the main offices in the hands of Elizabeth's ministers. Various plots – involving among others Sir Walter Raleigh, and, in 1605 the ‘Gunpower Conspiracy' – were swiftly dealt with; and though James regarded himself ‘an absolute king', this was leavened by pragmatism. Hume considers the continuing activity of learning and the arts in the reign of James, through the work of Shakespeare, Ben, Johnson, John Donne and Francis Bacon; and that James himself was a ‘middling' writer. He died aged 58 in 1625.Unlike his father, Charles I (reigned 1625-1649) came to the throne aged 25 ‘unexperienced and impolitic,' and was further challenged by personal debts and public commitments due to overseas military ventures. This forced him to request Parliament for extra funds, which he expected would be little more than a formality, and, bearing in mind this was a new relationship, Parliament acceded.But the strengthening of the ‘puritanical' party in the house of commons set the seeds of future disruption, flames which were fuelled by the king's increasingly ‘lofty ideas' of his monarchical authority over constitutional practices in the government of the country. Hume's extensive research presents the growing animosity between king and Parliament in detail, culminating Charles ordering the dissolution of Parliament on 10 March 1629. For the next 11 years the king ruled alone. Hume takes a balanced view of Charles the man and Charles the king. ‘A kind husband, an indulgent father, a gentle master, a steadfast friend; to all these eulogies, his conduct in private life fully entitled him. As a monarch too, in the exterior qualities, he excelled; in the essential, he was not defective…But the high idea of his own authority, which he had imbibed, made him incapable of giving way to the spirit of liberty, which began to prevail among his subjects.' What's more, Charles allowed himself, inadvisedly, to be influenced by a few strong personalities which eventually led to his destruction. 1639 finds Charles, ‘in despair of being able to stem the torrent'. With a historian's care, but with a natural flair for telling the story, Hume relates the descent into civil war, the fluctuating fortunes of both sides, the ascendence of the new model army, and the execution of the king. This, one of the astounding moments in English history, is finely told, with Hume uncovering the conflicting emotions on all sides, adding vivid colour to the facts.

David Hume (Author), Mark Elstob (Narrator)

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The Impossible Man: Roger Penrose and the Cost of Genius

In 1937, Roger Penrose and his father discovered a sundial in a clearing behind their house in C olchester. In that machine made of light, shadow and time, six-year-old Roger discovered a 'world behind the world' of transcendently beautiful geometry. He had begun a journey that would make him one of the past century's most influential mathematicians, philosophers and physicists. He received a Nobel Prize, a knighthood and dozens of other prestigious honours. He proved the limitations of general relativity and set a new agenda for theoretical physics. But success came at a price as he struggled to connect with friends, family and especially the women in his life. He has spent his final years alone with his research, intentionally cut off from the people who loved him. Compelling and deeply moving, The Impossible Man intimately depicts the relationship between Penrose the scientist and Roger the human being. It reveals the tragic cost – to himself and those closest to him - for his extraordinary life.

Patchen Barss (Author), Mark Elstob, TBD (Narrator)

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The History of England Volume 4: The Reign of Queen Elizabeth I

In Volume 4, Hume closes his account of ‘England Under the House of Tudor' begun in Volume 3, and devotes it entirely to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It was not really expected that she would survive to accede to the monarchy; and it was certainly unexpected that she would rule for so long (1558-1603) while steadfastly declining to take a husband. All in all, her reign was a remarkable achievement.Elizabeth had so much to contend with over the years. From the start, she had to oversee the reinstatement of the Protestant religion after the tumultuous reign of her sister, Mary. Then came the testing matter of Mary, Queen of Scots which dragged on for decades. There were also numerous Catholic conspiracies (many threats to her personally), requiring close attention by her protective spymaster ministers William Cecil and Francis Walsingham. Then there were the complex relationships with other leading European powers, France and Spain, culminating in the spectacular climax in 1588 when Sir Francis Drake (and the weather) routed the Spanish Armada.Hume does not approach Elizabeth and her reign with the ‘unbounded panegyrics' so often adopted by historians before him. He criticises them for ‘having been so extremely ignorant of the transactions of this reign as to extol her for a quality which, of all others, she was the least possessed of – a tender regard for the constitution, and a concern for the liberties and privileges of her people.' This, Hume insists, was not quite Elizabeth.Despite acknowledging her popularity, Hume is at pains in his History to present a more rounded portrait. ‘The prerogatives of this princess were scarcely ever disputed, and she therefore employed them without scruple: Her imperious temper, a circumstance in which she went far beyond her successors, rendered her exertions of power violent and frequent, and discovered the full extent of her authority. However, he continues, ‘the great popularity, which she enjoyed proves that she did not infringe any established liberties of the people'.In Volume 4, Hume shows himself to be a historian of character and clarity, but also demonstrates his scholarly integrity. In the controversial issue of the guilt or innocence of Mary, for example, he went back to original documents to support his opinion. This is why his History of England remains an informative and stimulating account in the 21st century.

David Hume (Author), Mark Elstob (Narrator)

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Soldier's Don't Go Mad: A Story of Brotherhood, Poetry and Mental Illness During the First World War

Second Lieutenant Wilfred Owen was twenty-four years old when he was admitted to the newly established Craiglockhart War Hospital for treatment of shell shock. A nascent poet, trying to make sense of the terror he had witnessed, he read a collection of poems from a fellow officer, Siegfried Sassoon, and was impressed by his portrayal of the soldier's plight. One month later, Sassoon himself arrived at Craiglockhart, having refused to return to the front after being wounded during battle. Over their months at Craiglockhart, each encouraged the other in their work, their personal reckonings with the morality of war, and their treatment. Therapy provided Owen, Sassoon, and their wardmates with insights that allowed them to express themselves better, and for the 28 months that Craiglockhart was in operation, it notably incubated the era's most significant developments in both psychiatry and poetry. Soldiers Don't Go Mad tells for the first time the story of the soldiers and doctors who struggled with the effects of industrial warfare on the psyche. As he investigates the roots of what we now know as PTSD, Glass brings historical bearing to how we must consider war's ravaging effects on mental health, and the ways in which creative work helps us come to terms with even the darkest of times.

Charles Glass (Author), Mark Elstob, TBD (Narrator)

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The History of England Volume 3: From Henry VII to Mary I

The accession of Henry VII (reigned 1485-1509) to the throne of England, leading to the end of the Wars of the Roses, opened the door to Tudor rule, setting a different character to the monarchy. In Volume 3 of The History of England, Hume traces the story through turbulent and unpredictable times, the reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, the brief period of Jane Grey; and concluding with the brutal religious persecutions of Mary I. Initially, Henry VII had to establish royal control and legitimacy. With his customary clarity and natural story-telling style, Hume tells how Henry established his authority with a firm, ruthless but sure hand. He suppressed insurrections, faced French incursions into Brittany, instability in Scotland, and other fractious relationships with Spain and Flanders. Just as important was his commitment to improving the monetary state of the country after the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses. As a result, he was able to pass on a wealthier England to his successor. Henry VIII (reigned 1509-1547) was welcomed as a huge contrast, from the ‘jealous, severe and avaricious' character of his father. The bold, youthful and courageous prince of just 18 years engendered much hope in the populace. But his character resulted in a reign of much turbulence, from his marital profligacy as he searched for an heir, to his departure from the religious overlordship of the Pope. Under his flamboyant rule the country was to experience huge uncertainties, with expeditionary failures abroad, introduction of the new religion, the dissolution of monasteries and constant financial challenges. His son, Edward VI (reigned 1547-1553) raised hopes as he was known to be a committed Protestant. But his early death at the age of 15, (apart from the short, disputed reign of Lady Jane Grey), saw the fiercely Catholic Mary (1553-1558) accede to the throne. Predictably, the five years of her monarchy was dominated by religious persecution as an increasingly embittered sovereign sought to impose Catholicism on the nation. Her death after only five years left England in a parlous state. As always, Hume's characterful but well-informed view of events brings the launch of the Tudor monarchy to life. He deals not only with the major events and personalities, but by introducing many less well-known individuals and their actions, brings a vivid quality to the story of England as it unfolds.

David Hume (Author), Mark Elstob (Narrator)

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Truss at 10

Liz Truss's disastrous premiership was the shortest and most chaotic in British history. In the space of just 49 days, Truss witnessed the death of the longest-reigning monarch, attempted to remould the economy, triggered a collapse in the value of Sterling and was forced on a series of embarrassing U-turns that ultimately led to her resignation. The aftershocks of her time in office are still felt today. How did she blow her opportunity so spectacularly? Based on exclusive interviews with key aides, allies and insiders, and focusing on the critical steps that led to her demise, this gripping behind-the-scenes work of contemporary history gives the definitive account of Truss's premiership.

Anthony Seldon, Jonathan Meakin (Author), Mark Elstob (Narrator)

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The History of England Volume 2: King Henry III to King Richard III

The second volume of David Hume's classic survey of English history covers nearly 300 years (1200-1485) from the long reign of Henry III to the dramatic end of Richard III on Bosworth Field – he was the last Plantagenet, and the last king of England to die in battle. In these last centuries of the medieval period, which culminated in the 30 years of the Wars of the Roses, England was ruled by 11 monarchs of varying personalities and abilities. These included the powerful figures of Edward I (reigning 1272-1307) whose authority stabilised the monarchy after his conflicted father; and Edward III (reigning 1327-1377) who similarly asserted his authority on the land following the weak rule of his father, Edward II. After the disastrous reign of Richard II came the steady hand of Henry IV, (reigning 1399-1413), and the short but charismatic time of Henry V (reigning 1413-1422) with the highlight of Agincourt. This was followed by the 40-year reign of Henry VI (1422-1461/1470-71), a very different figure (characterised by Hume as ‘a weak prince, how gentle soever and innocent'). It led the way inexorably to the Wars of the Roses. In telling this all-action tale, Hume delves deeply into contemporary records and presents a considered, even sympathetic view, showing that many factors, not just personalities, resulted in dramatic consequences for the nation. In concluding each reign, he gives a character assessment of each individual who sat on the throne – at a time when strong rule was expected but not always delivered. Throughout, dissension was continually driven by conflicting pressures of political, familial, and commercial rivalries coloured and shaped by uncontrollable ambition. Harnessing a wealth of detail, yet strong on judgement and opinion, Hume tells the story of this period with pace and the rich literary style, features which make The History of England in its entirety admired by historians even in the 21st century.

David Hume (Author), Mark Elstob (Narrator)

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Fallen: George Mallory: The Man, The Myth and the 1924 Everest Tragedy

On June 4,1924 George Mallory donned an oxygen set and set off for the summit of Everest with his young partner Andrew Irvine. Next day they were glimpsed through clouds heading upwards, but after that they were never seen again. Whether they died on the way up or on the way down no one knows. In the years following his disappearance, Mallory was elevated into an all-British hero. Dubbed by his friends the 'Galahad' of Everest, he was lionised in the press as the greatest mountaineer of his generation who had died while taking on the ultimate challenge. Handsome, charismatic, daring, he was a skilled public speaker, an athletic and technically gifted climber, a committed Socialist and a supremely attractive figure to both men and women. His friends ranged from the gay artists and writers of the Bloomsbury group to the best mountaineers of his era. But that was only one side to him. Mallory was also a risk taker who according to his friend and biographer David Pye, could never get behind the wheel of a car without overtaking the vehicle in front, a climber who pushed himself and those around him to the limits, a chaotic technophobe who was forever losing equipment or mishandling it, the man who led his porters to their deaths in 1922 and his young partner to his uncertain end in 1924. So who was the real Mallory and what were the forces that made him and ultimately destroyed him? Why did the man who denounced oxygen sets as 'damnable heresy' in 1922 perish on an oxygen-powered summit attempt two years later? And above all, what made him go back to Everest for the third time?

Mick Conefrey (Author), Mark Elstob (Narrator)

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The History of England Volume 1: From the Invasion of Julius Caesar to King John

Though David Hume (1711-1776) is now best known for his role as a prominent philosopher of the Enlightenment rather than an historian, it was his momentous six-volume The History of England that really brought him national attention during his lifetime. It came out in instalments between 1754 and 1762 and proved an instant success. As it covers the ground from Julius Caesar to James II and the Glorious Revolution, it may not be so surprising that it is now overshadowed by A Treatise on Human Nature and An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. Surely its limited purview – taking English history only to 1688, virtually a century before Hume – would seem of limited interest to 21st century readers? This is not the case. Hume undertook widespread and careful research in his preparation for his History, as is evidenced by the voluminous references underpinning his information. Furthermore, he was relatively close to many key events in English history – not least the periods of the Stuarts, Cromwell and the Interregnum. This underpins the sense of authority which pervades his history – for Hume's purpose is not just to present the facts, but to dress them colourfully with character and opinion. For example, the account of each monarch closes with a vivid assessment of the reign and personality. In conjunction with Hume's lively, even challenging literary style, The History of England is entertaining and thoughtful as well as informative. This is shown from the opening book. Not surprisingly, this volume covers the greatest number of years; the increasing availability of historical record allows for far greater detail. But Hume is still fascinating as he discusses the passage of time from Julius Caesar, through the advent of William the Conqueror and the Normans, to the death of King John in 1216. Starting the story here sets up the listener for what is unquestionably a varied and exciting journey.

David Hume (Author), Mark Elstob (Narrator)

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The Heavy Water War: Beating Hitler to the Bomb

During the course of the Second World War, the Allies mounted a series of attempts to prevent Germany from manufacturing heavy water utilising hydroelectric plants in occupied Norway. These efforts comprised a mix of bomber and Commando raids. The overall aim was to stop Nazi Germany building a nuclear bomb. In fact, Hitler was never as close as the Allies thought, but the idea that his regime could construct and deploy such a device was the ultimate doomsday scenario, one that would have tilted the balance in favour of the Nazis. The mere threat might have been sufficient to force a negotiated peace with the perception of a Nazi bomb hanging over the world like a nuclear-powered sword of Damocles. Production, and therefore the Allied target, centred on the Vemork Power Station standing by the Rjukan Waterfall at Telemark. A series of daring raids – Operations Grouse, Freshman and Gunnerside – neutralised the plant's capacity. In Operation Freshman, every single glider-borne paratrooper was either captured or killed. In February 1943, a force of SOE-trained Norwegian Commandos succeeded in sabotaging the plant's production capacity. Further manufacturing effort was abandoned, and the Nazis attempted to spirit away the heavy water they had on the ferry SF Hydro. The Norwegians managed to sink the vessel in the deep waters of Lake Tinn. Using primary source material and published on the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the Hydro, The Heavy Water War tells a story of extraordinary courage and endurance. The stakes in any special forces raid in history have never been higher.

John Sadler (Author), Mark Elstob (Narrator)

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Money and Promises: A History of the World in Seven Deals

In the twelfth-century, Pisa was a thriving metropolis, a powerhouse of global trade, and a city that stood at the centre of Mediaeval Europe. But Pisa had a problem. It was running out of coins. In the face of financial crisis, it was here that the foundations of modern banking were born. In Money and Promises, the distinguished financier, entrepreneur and historian Paolo Zannoni examines the fascinating, complex relationship between states and banks. He draws upon seven case studies: the republic of twelfth-century Pisa, seventeenth-century Venice, the infant years of the Bank of England, Imperial Spain, the Kingdom of Naples, the nascent USA during the American Revolution, and Bolshevik Russia in 1917-1921. Spanning a multitude of countries, political systems, and historical eras, Zannoni shows that at the heart of these institutions is an intricate exchange of debt and promises that allowed the modern world as we know it to take shape. Featuring fresh insights and innovative research, this authoritative yet extremely accessible book explores the vital relationship upon which all individual, financial, and political systems still depend.

Paolo Zannoni (Author), Mark Elstob (Narrator)

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The Eastern Front: A History of the First World War

Nick Lloyd (Author), Mark Elstob, TBD (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Mark Elstob