Histories of the Unexpected

The Fascinating Stories Behind Everyday Things

Sam Willis, James Daybell

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English

Atlantic
29 November 2022

History; History: earliest times to present day; History: specific events & topics; Humour

Did you know that the history of the beard is connected to the Crimean War; that the history ofpaperclips is all about the Stasi; and that the history of bubbles is all about the FrenchRevolution? And who knew that Heinrich Himmler, Tutankhamun and the history of needleworkare linked to napalm and Victorian orphans?

In Histories of the Unexpected, Sam Willis and James Daybell lead us on a journey of discoverythat tackles some of the greatest historical themes - from the Tudors to the Second World War,from the Roman Empire to the Victorians - but via entirely unexpected subjects.

By taking this revolutionary approach, they not only present a new way of thinking about thepast, but also reveal the everyday world around us as never before.

By: Sam Willis, James Daybell
Imprint: Atlantic
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: Main
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 35mm
Weight: 437g
ISBN: 9781786494146
ISBN 10: 1786494140
Pages: 480
Publication Date: 29 November 2022
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

1: The Hand 2: Gloves 3: Perfume 4: The Bubble 5: Shadows 6: Beards 7: Clouds 8: Dust 9: Clocks 10: Needlework 11: The Itch 12: Holes 13: The Bed 14: Dreams 15: Hair 16: The Paper Clip 17: Letters 18: Boxes 19: Courage 20: Mountains 21: Chimneys 22: Tears 23: Lions 24: Rubbish 25: Snow 26: Cats 27: The Smile 28: The Scar 29: The Lean 30: The Signature

Dr Sam Willis is one of the country's best-known historians. His work takes him on adventures all over the world. He has made twelve TV series for the BBC and National Geographic, including The Silk Road, and has written fourteen books, most recently The Struggle for Sea Power: The Royal Navy vs the World, 1775-1782 and The Spanish Armada, a Ladybird Expert Book. James Daybell is Professor of Early Modern British History at the University of Plymouth and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He has written eight books and has appeared in a number of historical BBC TV documentaries.

Reviews for Histories of the Unexpected: The Fascinating Stories Behind Everyday Things

History as you've never seen it before. -- Dan Snow Irreverent, witty and fabulously well-informed, Histories of the Unexpected is a blast of historical treats and full to the gunwales of extraordinary connections and trivia from the past. -- James Holland History isn't straightforward. It's a complex web of twists and turns. This book will show you how surprising, exciting and downright unexpected history can be. -- Janina Ramirez This is a wonderful, eclectic and entertaining history of everything, full of fascinating, surprising stories. -- Suzannah Lipscomb Fun, witty, and fast-paced, you'll enjoy this innovative approach to telling history * BBC History Weekend *