The Rest Is HistoryNov 1, 2021

113. Hallowe'en and modern paganism

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for 113. Hallowe'en and modern paganism on The Rest Is History.

Notable books mentioned: The Making of Cromwell by Ronald Hutton, The Stations of the Sun by Ronald Hutton, witches, druids, and King Arthur by Ronald Hutton, The 39 Steps by John Buchan

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Mentioned at 3:08

The Making of Cromwell

Ronald Hutton

The host mentions Ronald Hutton's book 'The Making of Cromwell' as a significant work that reflects his expertise in the history of paganism. This…

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Mentioned at 3:13

The Stations of the Sun

Ronald Hutton

The host mentions 'The Stations of the Sun' by Ronald Hutton to explore the historical roots of Halloween and its connections to pagan traditions.…

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Mentioned at 3:35

witches, druids, and King Arthur

Ronald Hutton

The host mentions Ronald Hutton's book to explore the historical roots of Halloween and its connections to pagan traditions. Hutton's work provides…

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Episode summary, books & quotes

113. Hallowe'en and modern paganism mentions The Making of Cromwell by Ronald Hutton, The Stations of the Sun by Ronald Hutton, witches, druids, and King Arthur by Ronald Hutton, and The 39 Steps by John Buchan with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

The Making of Cromwell The Stations of the Sun witches, druids, and King Arthur The 39 Steps

Episode summary

In the first of a two part Hallowe’en special, Tom and Dominic are joined by Professor Ronald Hutton to explore the history of modern paganism: from Wicca to Druids, and from Himmler to the Glastonbury Festival. Do its roots reach back to a genuine pre-Christian past? *The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*: Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in London, New Zealand, and Australia! Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook

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Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for 113. Hallowe'en and modern paganism on The Rest Is History.

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The conversation centers on paganism and Halloween.
A second recurring theme is anxieties of urban society.
Referenced books include The Making of Cromwell by Ronald Hutton and The Stations of the Sun by Ronald Hutton.
The strongest audience signal points to History enthusiasts and those interested in paganism and Historians and those interested in pagan traditions.

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Which books are mentioned in 113. Hallowe'en and modern paganism?

The Making of Cromwell by Ronald Hutton, The Stations of the Sun by Ronald Hutton, and witches, druids, and King Arthur by Ronald Hutton are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Top triggers

paganism and Halloween(2)anxieties of urban society(1)Halloween and paganism(1)paganism and folklore(1)Paganism in literature(1)Terry Pratchett's influence(1)

Mention sentiment

Deep Dive(3)Passing Reference(2)Critical Analysis(1)Highly Recommended(1)

Audience signals

History enthusiasts and those interested in paganismHistorians and those interested in pagan traditionsReaders interested in the intersection of religion and literatureReaders interested in literature's reflection of societal anxietiesScholars and enthusiasts of paganism and folkloreFans of fantasy literature and those interested in cultural themes in books.

Books Mentioned

The Making of Cromwell

Ronald Hutton

Best for History enthusiasts and those interested in paganismOften cited around paganism and Halloween

“Ronald Hutton's most recent book, The Making of Cromwell, is described as the speaker's history book of the year so far.”

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Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: paganism and Halloween

For: History enthusiasts and those interested in paganism

Key quote: “His most recent book, The Making of Cromwell, absolutely my history book of the year so far.”

The host mentions Ronald Hutton's book 'The Making of Cromwell' as a significant work that reflects his expertise in the history of paganism. This recommendation comes in the context of discussing the origins of Halloween and its connections to pagan traditions.

ASIN: 0300266448

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The Stations of the Sun

Ronald Hutton

Best for Historians and those interested in pagan traditionsOften cited around Halloween and paganism

“The speaker mentions coming across a book called The Stations of the Sun, which was about the ritual year in Britain.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Halloween and paganism

For: Historians and those interested in pagan traditions

Key quote: “I was very surprised, I think, in, again, the late 90s, where I came across a book called The Stations of the Sun, which was about the ritual year in Britain.”

The host mentions 'The Stations of the Sun' by Ronald Hutton to explore the historical roots of Halloween and its connections to pagan traditions. This book provides insights into the ritual year in Britain, addressing whether modern celebrations have ties to ancient practices.

ASIN: 0192854488

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witches, druids, and King Arthur

Ronald Hutton

Best for Historians and those interested in pagan traditionsOften cited around paganism and Halloween

“The speaker refers to a book called witches, druids, and King Arthur, noting it as the best-named, most acclaimed academic text they've encountered.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: paganism and Halloween

For: Historians and those interested in pagan traditions

Key quote: “And subsequently, again, my uncle gave me what I think is the best-named, most acclaimed academic text I've ever come across, witches, druids, and King Arthur.”

The host mentions Ronald Hutton's book to explore the historical roots of Halloween and its connections to pagan traditions. Hutton's work provides insights into the complexities of paganism and its influence on modern celebrations.

ASIN: 1852853972

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The 39 Steps

John Buchan

Best for Readers interested in the intersection of religion and literatureOften cited around Paganism in literature

“John Buchan, the author of The 39 Steps and all those great thrillers, is very big on this. He wrote about it three times.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: Paganism in literature

For: Readers interested in the intersection of religion and literature

Key quote: “John Buchan, the author of The 39 Steps and all those great thrillers, is very big on this.”

The host mentions 'The 39 Steps' to illustrate how John Buchan incorporates themes of paganism and Protestant anxieties in his thrillers. Buchan's work reflects a tension between modernity and ancient beliefs, showcasing a Christian hero confronting pagan traditions.

ASIN: B00796E8HY

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Wind in the Willows

Kenneth Graham

Best for Readers interested in literature's reflection of societal anxietiesOften cited around anxieties of urban society

“Pan in the Wind in the Willows is really really important. For a start he shouldn't be. He's not part of the story and he disrupts the tone which has been ironic mostly here.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: anxieties of urban society

For: Readers interested in literature's reflection of societal anxieties

Key quote: “But Pan in the Wind in the Willows is really really important.”

The host discusses the cultural anxieties of an urbanizing society and how Kenneth Graham's 'Wind in the Willows' reflects these themes through the character of Pan. The book serves as a lens to explore the tension between modernity and ancient paganism, highlighting the allure of nature amidst societal fears.

ASIN: B00B10GRZK

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Aradia

Charles Godfrey Leland

Best for Scholars and enthusiasts of paganism and folkloreOften cited around paganism and folklore

“It's Aradia or Aradia, I don't know which, by Charles Godfrey Leland. Now this is, you talked about the discovering of texts underlying paganism and this isn't in some ways, I mean it's called, the subtitle is The Gospel of the Witches.”

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Sentiment: Critical Analysis

Trigger: paganism and folklore

For: Scholars and enthusiasts of paganism and folklore

Key quote: “Now this is a book I think you did, am I right in thinking you spoke about this when you were 20 or so in a public debate defending it and then changed your views.”

The host discusses 'Aradia' as a significant text in the context of modern paganism, highlighting its claim to represent a surviving witch tradition in Tuscany. The mention serves to critique the authenticity of Leland's work and its impact on the perception of witchcraft and paganism in historical discourse.

ASIN: 1528723996

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Discworld

Terry Pratchett

Best for Fans of fantasy literature and those interested in cultural themes in books.Often cited around Terry Pratchett's influence

“Pagan motifs in the bestselling novels of Terry Pratchett, who in the 90s was the bestselling British author of all.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: Terry Pratchett's influence

For: Fans of fantasy literature and those interested in cultural themes in books.

Key quote: “Pagan motifs in the bestselling novels of Terry Pratchett, who in the 90s was the bestselling British author of all.”

The host briefly mentions Terry Pratchett's popularity as a bestselling author in the 90s. This reference highlights the cultural significance of his work, particularly in relation to pagan motifs.

ASIN: 180499412X

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