James Daybell & Sam Willis – Histories of the Unexpected

In this fascinating and original talk, Sam Willis and James Daybell lead us on a journey of discovery that tackles some of the greatest historical themes – from the Tudors to the Second World War, from the Roman Empire to the Victorians – but via entirely unexpected subjects.

You will find out here how the history of the beard is connected to the Crimean War; how the history of paperclips is all about the Stasi; how the history of bubbles is all about the French Revolution. And who knew that Heinrich Himmler, Tutankhamun and the history of needlework are linked to napalm and Victorian orphans?

This presentation not only presents a new way of thinking about the past, but also reveals the everyday world around us as never before.

Dr Sam Willis is a historian and television broadcaster. He is the author of the best-selling Hearts of Oak Trilogy and the Fighting Ships Series and has consulted on maritime history for many clients including the BBC, Channel 4, NBC America and Christie’s. Professor James Daybell teaches early modern British History at Plymouth University.