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Latest Episodes:

Paris- City of Light May 16, 2024

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Paris..a charachter in it's own right. Join me in conversation with Professor Mike Rapport Author of City of Light, City of Shadows: Paris in the Belle Epoque published by Basic Books https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/imprint/basic-books/
If you are traveling to Paris this summer, have traveled to Paris or have ever dreamed of traveling to Paris this is a book you MUST read. A great history book that can easily serve as a travelogue for the curious.
The Eifel Tower, the Metro, Department Stores, Cabarets, the word Bohemian, and Sacre Coeur all came to life in Paris in the years prior to World War I. The mythical age known as the Belle Epoque in the years from 1870-1914 still lives in the imagination of the Western World. Join me in discussion with Professor Rapport as we describe these tumultuous creative years in the decades leading up to the tragedy of the Twentieth Century European Wars.

Borderland: A journey into Ukraine Apr 29, 2024

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Anna Reid, author of Borderland: A Journey Through the History of Ukraine writes about the history of Ukraine in a prosaic story of the people who through the centuries have claimed Ukraine as home. From saber rattling Cossacks to Kiev Rus, to Poles, Jews, Lithuanians and Crimean Tatars all who have walked and fought in Ukraine have woven a tale of hardship, endurance and determination to become a a fiercely proud Ukrainian people. Borderland is an entertainingly informative book to understand Ukraine, past, present, and future and why the independence of Ukraine is so important to Europe and the United States.

The Last Tsarina and Her Sisters Apr 16, 2024

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Two royal princesses from a small principality in late 19th century German lands marry into the House of the Russian Romanovs. Princess Alex of Hesse and her sister Princess Ella lives end tragically when killed by the Russian Communists in 1918. Clare McHugh in her second novel tell the history of the fate of these two young women. Join me in conversation as we talk about Clare McHugh's latest novel The Romanov Brides. published by William Morrow Paperbacks.
Check out Clare McHugh's website http://claremchugh.com

Alfred Dreyfus Mar 22, 2024

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A French scandal over 125 years ago that still reverberates around the world. Alfred Dreyfus was a captain in the French Army whose faith was Jewish. He was accused of spying for the German Army. His conviction in 1894 and subsequent acquittal gripped the attention of the world and forever changed France.
Join me in conversation with Dr Maurice Samuels about his recent book Alfred Dreyfus; The Man at the Center of the Affair published by Yale University Press
https://yalebooks.yale.edu/
Also my podcast now is on the the Crusade Radio Network ...Check it out!!
https://crusadechannel.com/

A Nasty Little War Feb 23, 2024

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Did you know that American soldiers actually went to war in Russia in 1918?
Listen to this discussion with Anna Reid, author of "A Nasty Little War; The West's Fight to Reverse the Russian Revolution" published by Basic Books. It is a tale of heroes and scoundrels that few in the West know about much less understand.
Check out Basic Books ...they have some very well written history books.
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/imprint/basic-books/

"He Left Us So Much" Jan 30, 2024

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A conversation with Father Fessio, Founder of Ignatius Press about "He Left Us So Much" A Tribute to Pope Benedict XVI written by Cardinal Robert Sarah. Pope Benedict XVI -Cardinal Ratzinger was an amazing man. His life spanned the 20th century. He saw the rise of Nazi Germany to the 21st Century crisis in the Church. Throughout it all he followed a spiritual itinerary that lead him to an ever closer friendship with God. The late Pope Benedict was probably one of the most cultured and educated men to hold the Chair of St Peter. His writings today stand as a testament to a European past and what the culture of Europe can still offer to the world today.
You can find this beautiful book and many more at Ignatius.com,

The Book at War Jan 18, 2024

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Did you know that Stalin, Hitler and Mao were voracious readers? Where did the paper book pocket book come from? Join me in this conversation with renowned historian Andrew Pettegree, as we discuss his latest The Book at War, How Reading Shaped Conflict and Conflict Shaped Reading. We discuss the fascinating and often overlooked role of books in warfare, exploring how reading shapes conflict and how conflict, in turn, shapes reading. Professor Pettegree reveals that books are not just hapless victims of destruction in wars but powerful tools for war making, as they can motivate populations and fuel ideologies that lead to wars. The conversation highlights historical examples, such as the destruction of libraries during World War II and the weaponization of book culture by dictatorships like Nazi Germany and Russia. Furthermore, we explore how books have influenced major conflicts, including the American Civil War and both World Wars. Overall, this episode sheds light on the enduring power of books and how they continue to play a significant role in the development and battle of ideas in society.
The Book at War, How Reading Shaped Conflict and Conflict Shaped Reading is published by Basic Books

Napoleon Bonaparte Dec 04, 2023

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Napoleon Bonaparte was not only a brilliant military strategist but also a master of propaganda. Join me in this conversation with Professor David A Bell from Princeton University. He is an author of several books to include

Napoleon: A Concise Biography (Oxford University Press, 2015) is a short study written for Oxford's "Very Short Introductions" series.

You can find more information about Professor Bell at https://history.princeton.edu/people/david-bell
To my listeners who have been so patient! Thanks for encouraging me back to podcasting. It's a joy to be back to talk all things books!!

Its Turkey Time!! Nov 22, 2022

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Join me in conversation with Melanie Kirkpatrick to talk about all things Thanksgiving!! Have a great Thanksgiving!

A Hiker's Guide to Purgatory Nov 15, 2022

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What is purgatory? is it horrible? Does it lack joy? What is it suppose to achieve? Join me in conversation with first time author Michael Norton to discuss his book A Hitchhiker's Guide to Purgatory published by Ignatius Press. This is a charming tale of the possible journey toward eternity.
Find Michele McAloon @MicheleMcAloon1

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