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Mentions across episodes
“Flashman, the bully from Tom Brown's school days, whose memoirs are the subject of George McDonnell Fraser's brilliantly entertaining memoirs.”
Sentiment: Highly Recommended
Trigger: beards in history
For: Readers interested in historical fiction and cultural commentary.
Key quote: “Flashman, the bully from Tom Brown's school days, whose memoirs are the subject of George McDonnell Fraser's brilliantly entertaining memoirs.”
The host mentions 'Flashman' to highlight the entertaining portrayal of historical figures and events, specifically referencing Lord Raglan's views on beards. This book serves as a humorous lens through which to examine the cultural significance of facial hair in different eras.
The Rest Is HistoryMar 30, 2023
“There's a tremendous scene in the Flashman book where Flashman pitches up in Madagascar and serves as her military advisor and concubine.”
Sentiment: Passing Reference
Trigger: African queens and Amazons
For: Listeners interested in African history and literature
Key quote: “that comes from one of our very best sources on 19th century Africa, the papers of Sir Harry Flashman, who in the novel Flashman's Lady by George MacDonald Fraser, he pitches up at the court of Rana Valona, the mad monarch of Madagascar, a tremendous figure.”
The host mentioned 'Flashman' as a source that provides insight into 19th century Africa, particularly in relation to powerful figures like Rana Valona. This reference serves to highlight the historical context of African female warriors and their significance in society.
“The speaker recalls a scene from Flashman where Elphinstone gets shot in the buttocks, discussing the historical accuracy and license taken in the narrative.”
Sentiment: Passing Reference
Trigger: first Anglo-Afghan war
For: Listeners interested in military history and literature
Key quote: “It's our first great encounter with Afghanistan, some listeners will know it as the stuff of the very first Flashman book.”
The host mentions the book 'Flashman' as a way to connect the historical context of the first Anglo-Afghan war to contemporary events. It serves as a cultural reference point for listeners familiar with the narrative surrounding British military failures in Afghanistan.
The Rest Is HistoryJan 11, 2021
“Flashman is discussed in terms of its narrative voice and how it reflects Victorian attitudes towards empire.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: historical novels and empire
For: Readers interested in historical fiction and imperial narratives.
Key quote: “I think the narrative voice in Flashman is as good as any narrative voice in any historical novel.”
The host discusses the narrative style and thematic complexity of George MacDonald Fraser's 'Flashman' series, highlighting its cleverness in portraying Victorian imperial fiction. They emphasize how the books reflect changing attitudes towards empire and the ambiguities present in the character of Flashman himself.