An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List
Episodes Referencing This Book
September 05, 2025
Context:
Extensively discussed in the bonus content section as a fantasy classic, with analysis of its themes related to WWI and British mentality in the 1920s-30s.
June 16, 2024
Context:
Discussed extensively as the source of the dragon Smaug, noting Tolkien began writing it in the early 1920s and how it draws on Norse and Old English traditions
September 01, 2022
Context:
The hosts read the opening passage and discuss this 1937 book as a children's story about Bilbo Baggins going on a quest with dwarves
August 29, 2022
Context:
Mentioned as one of Tolkien's major works, the main subject of the podcast episode discussing its author
July 22, 2022
Context:
Referenced alongside The Wind in the Willows as another example of the idealized rural England being created and consumed by urban people during the same period as Metroland's development.