An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

12 Days: Alfred the Great and Pepys' 'Fanatiques'

January 06, 2022

Description

A key battle in the history of England and a forgotten uprising in 17th century London round off our 12 (13) Days of Christmas. Back with to our regular schedule next Monday 10th January. *The...
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Books Referenced

Ladybird book (on Alfred the Great/Anglo-Saxon history)

Author: Ladybird Books

Context:

Referenced as a source for the story of Alfred the Great and the Viking invasion, with mention of 'a fabulous illustration in the Lady Bird book'

The Last Kingdom

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Context:

Referenced as both a book series and TV adaptation depicting Alfred the Great's story, specifically praised for its depiction of the Battle of Eddington

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

Author: Anonymous

Context:

Referenced as a historical source documenting that the Viking attack on Chippenham 'took place in midwinter after Twelfth Night'

Barnaby Rudge

Author: Charles Dickens

Context:

Briefly mentioned in connection with discussion of the Gordon Riots as a comparison point for religious violence in London

The Diary of Samuel Pepys

Author: Samuel Pepys

Context:

Extensively quoted as the primary source for the account of the Fifth Monarchist uprising of January 1661, described by the host as 'my favourite diarist'