Hardcore HistoryJanuary 20, 2000

Show 20 History Under The Influence

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Audio URL: https://podcastmentions.local/hardcorehistory/2000-01-20_show-20-history-under-the-influence.mp3

Book mentions

2 book mentions in this episode.

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Books Mentioned

Alexander the Great, The Invisible Enemy

John Maxwell O'Brien

“This book, which came out in the early 1990s, changed my whole view. It proposes that Alexander the Great may have been a raging alcoholic, providing a modern perspective on his historical character.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: impact of alcohol on history

For: Historians and readers interested in the intersection of substance use and historical analysis.

Key quote: “What if Alexander the Great was a raging alcoholic with all of the modern day symptoms you would associate with somebody in the final stages of massive alcoholism.”

The host mentions 'Alexander the Great, The Invisible Enemy' to highlight how alcohol may have influenced historical figures and events. The book presents a compelling argument that Alexander the Great's behavior could be understood through the lens of alcoholism, providing a new perspective on his dual nature.

ASIN: 0415072549

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40 Ways to Look at Winston Churchill

Gretchen Rubin

“Rubin's book has a whole chapter on whether Winston Churchill was an alcoholic, discussing his drinking patterns and their potential impact on his decision-making.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Winston Churchill's drinking habits

For: History enthusiasts and readers interested in the complexities of historical figures

Key quote: “Rubin has a wonderful story where she talks about a staff meeting, the morning after Churchill dictated a bunch of orders, and Winston Churchill would stay up till real late, you know, four in the morning or something, go to sleep.”

The host discusses the implications of Winston Churchill's drinking on his decision-making during World War II, referencing Gretchen Rubin's book for a nuanced exploration of this topic. Rubin presents arguments both for and against the idea that Churchill was an alcoholic, highlighting the complexity of historical interpretations of his behavior.

ASIN: B00TEJDG4K

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