Historical hysterics?

Loz · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:56 am Post subject: Historical hysterics?

I'm reading "Elizabeth the Queen" by Alison Weir at the moment. It's the life story of Elizabeth I, and it's surprisingly gripping even though I know what happens next! I'm a bit mad about that time in history and am making my way through a shelfload of books on it. Henry VIII to Liz I is a great time in history IMHO- it's all love, sex, lies, betrayal, death and fantastic looking dresses.

But I was wondering, is anyone else slightly fanatical about a particular period in time or a historical person they just love reading about?

Or am I just very strange? Sad

Lady Clara · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 3:31 pm Post subject:

Second world war and 1528 -1603.

A Random Me · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 4:08 pm Post subject:

Not strange at all.

Lisa WTS-Collins · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 4:55 pm Post subject:

Where to start?????

Franco's Spain '39 - '75.

Ancient Rome - most of it.

Weimar Germany. '20's

USA in the 20's.

But then again I get paid for most of this stuff!

Berry · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 7:09 pm Post subject:

I always wanted to be really interested in bits of history, I like a bit of Aztec history when I'm in the mood

Lady Clara · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 7:52 pm Post subject:

Dr Hill · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 8:51 pm Post subject: Historical Hysterics

Ancient Rome (all those mad Emperors)

Anything in the horrible histories series, I know they're meant to be for kids, but theres loads of good stuff in them.

18th & 19th century social history, especially the odd stuff, like grave robbers, crime, anything about real people as opposed to Kings and Queens.

The Napoleonic and Revolutionary Wars

Aviation and military history from WW1 & WW2.

Anything else that sparks my interest, for instance if I see a historical film I will quite often try to find a book about it. After watching (with gritted teeth) that Mel Gibson pile of crap "The Patriot", I bought a very good and balanced book on the American War of Independence. There is no record of any British troops burning down churches full of civilians.

One of the best "history books is "What is History" by E H Carr as it makes you look at history critically. For instance who wrote it, who for and why? So Richard the Third becomes a piece of tudor propaganda as opposed to just a good play.

Azathoth · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 9:31 pm Post subject:

Well it's an easy mistake to make, y'know. Nazis burning down Temple full of Jews they'd poisoned and British troops burning down churches full of the brave and pure. Rolling Eyes

swineherd · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 9:31 pm Post subject:

Since reading Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle, I've been very taken with late 17th, early 18h centuries. Helluva long read, but well worth it. Covers the whole planet.

A Random Me · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 9:51 pm Post subject:

> There is no record of any British troops burning down churches full of civilians.

I seem to recall after making the film they ended up having to make an apology to the descendants of one of the characters (possibly a name change too), though this is only dimly remembered so I might not be correct.

I definitely recall hearing how they'd edited out what they deemed to be the more "unsavoury" traits from the main character they'd based it off to be a more likeable hero.

Tripitaka · Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 3:42 pm Post subject:

The Emperors Julius Caesar and Vespasian.
Alcibiades.

Janet · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:35 pm Post subject:

Wars of the Roses and the Meiji Restoration

I was also inspired to look into the period surrounding the Glorious Revolution by Neal Stephenson's Baroque Trilogy. My sister lent me a book on the Winter Queen, which is either an Alison Weir or a Jean Plaidy, if memory serves me correct. Unfortunately my enthusiasm didn't last very long as it's still sitting on my writing desk waiting to be read.