CHAT: Ellen Alpsten on The Tsarina's Daughter

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CHAT: Ellen Alpsten on The Tsarina's Daughter
James Boulton
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In what feels to me a lifetime ago, but was actually only about 12 months, I spoke to Ellen Alspten on the podcast about her book 'Tsarina.

Since then - and I can only assume because of it - the book has gone on to be tremendously successful. It has been shortlisted for the Author’s Club’s Best First Novel award, got a starred review from Booklist and has sold so well that it already has a sequel - 'The Tsarina's Daughter'.

I spoke to Ellen earlier this week about it. Enjoy!

Buy 'The Tsarina's Daughter' by Ellen Alpsten

CHAT: Claire Miles, the Hisdoryan

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Today I speak to one of my favourite history bloggers. Claire is history blogger that lives in the darkest depths of rural Mid Wales (her words). Her great belief is that it’s okay to live in the past and her blog is all about the latest history books to read and the latest period dramas to watch. You can also find the latest historical travel inspiration for when you have a spare day or two and want to travel back in time!

The Hisdoryan blog

Hisdoryan on Twitter

Hisdoryan on Instagram

Hisdoryan on Facebook

CHAT: Elodie Harper on 'The Wolf Den'

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CHAT: Elodie Harper on 'The Wolf Den'
James Boulton
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Elodie Harper is a reporter and presenter at ITV News Anglia. She's worked as a journalist for the past decade, including for Channel 4 News, ITN and BBC Radio with a focus on crime reporting in Norfolk, where her first two novels are set. 

The Wolf Den takes her in a new direction and to a new time period in the lupanar of Ancient Pompeii.

Buy Elodie's book from Blackwells or, if you're not from the US or Canada, from your local bookstore. You can also get it from Amazon, but I reckon Jeff Bezos has enough money.

3.10 Joan of Arc (3) Out of fear of the fire

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3.10 Joan of Arc (3) Out of fear of the fire
James Boulton
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Joan of Arc goes through months of penetrating and humiliating interrogation and trial as her captors seek to break her will and achieve moral as well as military victory

The full court record of Joan's trial

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3.08 Joan of Arc (1) The Maid of Orléans

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3.08 Joan of Arc (1) The Maid of Orléans
James Boulton
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Joan of Arc or Jeanne la Pucelle is the prototypical folk heroine - she is the gold standard on which they are all judged. Today we see how a teenage peasant girl persuaded a prince to let her lead his armies against the old enemy.

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3.07 Tamar of Georgia (2) The Lioness of the Caucasus

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3.07 Tamar of Georgia (2) The Lioness of the Caucasus
James Boulton
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With her position at home secure, it was time for Tamar to make her mark on history, both on the battlefield and in building her cultural legacy

Listen to Mily Balakirev's Tamara, played by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra

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3.06 Tamar of Georgia (1): King of Kings, Queen of Queens

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3.06 Tamar of Georgia: King of Kings, Queen of Queens
James Boulton
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In twelfth century Georgia, a woman comes to the throne. Her people had never had a queen before, and the nation was surrounded by enemies. Tamar would have her work cut out to survive.

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