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The Rest Is HistoryAug 1, 2022

216. Pigeons

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for 216. Pigeons with Gordon Corera on The Rest Is History.

Guest

Gordon Corera

Books mentioned

Operation Columba Natural History Herodotus

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In 216. Pigeons, Gordon Corera and the hosts mention Operation Columba by Gordon Carrera, Natural History by Pliny the Elder, and Herodotus with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

Operation Columba Natural History Herodotus

3 books from this episode

Operation Columba

Gordon Carrera

Gordon said that he had written a book, which I had missed, called Operation Columba, The Secret Pigeon Service, the untold story of World War II res…

Natural History

Pliny the Elder

So the Bible, most obviously.

Herodotus

Herodotus says that there were two black doves were sent flying from Thebes in Egypt.

Guest: Gordon Corera

Episode summary

‘If it became necessary immediately to discard every line and method of communications used on the front, except one, and it were left to me to select that one method, I should unhesitatingly choose the pigeons’, wrote Major General Fowler, Chief of Signals and Communications of the British Army, after the First World War. On today's podcast Tom and Dominic are joined by Gordon Corera, the BBC's Security Correspondent and author of 'Operation Columba: The Secret Pigeon Service', to discuss the often under-appreciated role of pigeons throughout the course of history. Join The Rest Is History Club for ad-free listening to the full archive, weekly bonus episodes, live streamed shows and access to an exclusive chatroom community. *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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Operation Columba

Gordon Carrera

The host mentioned 'Operation Columba' to highlight the fascinating role pigeons played during World War II, particul…

Card

Natural History

Pliny the Elder

The host mentions 'Natural History' by Pliny the Elder to highlight the historical significance of pigeons in various…

Card

Herodotus

The host briefly mentions Herodotus to illustrate a historical perspective on doves and their symbolism. He shares an…

Card

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Answers to common summary, books, and takeaway questions for this episode.

What is 216. Pigeons about?

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for 216. Pigeons with Gordon Corera on The Rest Is History.

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What are the main takeaways from 216. Pigeons?

These are the strongest takeaways surfaced by the transcript, summary copy, and linked mentions for 216. Pigeons.

The conversation centers on classical writers and doves.
A second recurring theme is importance of pigeons.
Referenced books include Operation Columba by Gordon Carrera and Natural History by Pliny the Elder.
The strongest audience signal points to History enthusiasts and those interested in unique wartime narratives. and Readers interested in mythology and history.

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Which books are mentioned in 216. Pigeons?

Operation Columba by Gordon Carrera, Natural History by Pliny the Elder, and Herodotus are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Topic and sentiment signals

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Top triggers

classical writers and doves(1)importance of pigeons(1)pigeons in mythology(1)

Mention sentiment

Passing Reference(2)Highly Recommended(1)

Audience signals

History enthusiasts and those interested in unique wartime narratives.Readers interested in mythology and historyListeners interested in history and mythology

Books Mentioned

The full list below is ranked by how useful each mention is to a listener: stronger recommendation language, clearer quote context, and better timestamp support rise first.

Operation Columba

Gordon Carrera

Best for History enthusiasts and those interested in unique wartime narratives.Often cited around importance of pigeons

“Gordon Carrera, the BBC security correspondent, wrote a book called Operation Columba, The Secret Pigeon Service, the untold story of World War II resistance in Europe, which has pigeons at its heart.”

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Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: importance of pigeons

For: History enthusiasts and those interested in unique wartime narratives.

Key quote: “Gordon said that he had written a book, which I had missed, called Operation Columba, The Secret Pigeon Service, the untold story of World War II resistance in Europe, that, as its name suggests, has pigeons absolutely at its heart.”

The host mentioned 'Operation Columba' to highlight the fascinating role pigeons played during World War II, particularly in resistance efforts. This book, written by Gordon Carrera, provides an untold story that connects historical significance with the often-overlooked contributions of these birds.

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Natural History

Pliny the Elder

Best for Readers interested in mythology and historyOften cited around pigeons in mythology

“Pliny the Elder's 'Natural History' examines the totality of creation, including fascinating details about pigeons and their value in Roman society.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: pigeons in mythology

For: Readers interested in mythology and history

Key quote: “So the Bible, most obviously.”

The host mentions 'Natural History' by Pliny the Elder to highlight the historical significance of pigeons in various cultures and mythologies. This reference serves to underscore the long-standing relationship between humans and pigeons, particularly in religious contexts.

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Herodotus

Best for Listeners interested in history and mythologyOften cited around classical writers and doves

“Herodotus, the first great Greek historian, discusses a story involving two black doves sent from Thebes in Egypt, linking them to oracles in Greece.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: classical writers and doves

For: Listeners interested in history and mythology

Key quote: “Herodotus says that there were two black doves were sent flying from Thebes in Egypt.”

The host briefly mentions Herodotus to illustrate a historical perspective on doves and their symbolism. He shares an interesting anecdote from Herodotus regarding the origins of the dove myth in ancient cultures.

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