An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

Ben Wilson

3 books referenced

Books by Ben Wilson

Empire of the Deep

Referenced in 3 episodes

610. Nelson: The Battle of Copenhagen (Part 3)

October 19, 2025

Context:

Referenced when discussing the Battle of Copenhagen, specifically about how the Danes were defending their own capital city in front of their friends and families, which was different from previous battles Nelson had fought on neutral territory.

245. Trafalgar: Victory (Part 3)

October 21, 2022

Context:

A passage is read from this book describing the horrific conditions sailors faced during battle, including the smoke, blood, and chaos on the gun decks

243. Trafalgar: A World at War (Part 1)

October 17, 2022

Context:

Dominic explicitly states 'I read a book called Empire of the Deep by Ben Wilson, all about the Royal Navy' when discussing naval phrases and terminology.

Metropolis

Referenced in 1 episode

519. The World's First City

December 05, 2024

Context:

Described as a 'brilliant book' about cities, quoted extensively when discussing the sacred shrine at Eridu around 5,400 BC and later regarding the first named person in history (Cushim the accountant)

Empire of the Deep: The Rise and Fall of the British Navy

Referenced in 1 episode

518. Nelson: The Battle of the Nile (Part 5)

December 02, 2024

Context:

Referenced as author of a history of the Royal Navy, quoted as saying the Battle of the Nile 'was undoubtedly the greatest victory in British naval history.'