Rearview Mirror Chronicles

This episode explores the historical and cultural significance of the National Gallery in London as the setting for Hans Holbein's painting 'The Ambassadors', emphasizing its role as a public institution of art and enlightenment ideals.

This episode continues the historical narrative of Harald Hardrada, exploring his life as a fugitive from Norway and the themes of fate, reputation, and destiny in Viking culture.

A dramatic narrative retelling of a Viking battle involving Olaf and Harald.

The host explores whether any of the Mitford sisters are likable, updating a previous episode that sparked controversy.

This episode explores the coronation of King Athelstan in 925 AD and the political complexities of early English unification.

Keith Hocton examines the six Mitford sisters, focusing on Unity Mitford's self-declared Nazism and unusually close access to Adolf Hitler.

Keith Hockton narrates the undeclared war between Indonesia and Malaysia in the 1960s, known as Confrontasi, driven by Sukarno's opposition to the formation of Malaysia.

This episode examines the true nature of the 1914 Christmas Truce, debunking myths and revealing it as a series of spontaneous, localized acts rather than a coordinated ceasefire.

Rearview Mirror Chronicles examines mysterious manuscripts through the Voynich manuscript, Hildegard of Bingen's 1,011 invented nouns, and Giovanni Fontana's ciphered inventions.

Keith Hockton narrates Julius Caesar's account of the first Roman landing on British soil in 55 BC, exploring its significance.

Keith Hocton examines how Nuremberg's 1945-1946 trials influenced Tokyo, the 1990s tribunals for Rwanda and former Yugoslavia, and the International Criminal Court.

Christopher Marlowe's Tamburlaine transformed English theatre and gave Shakespeare a new dramatic language.

Keith Hockton interviews Sam Dalrymple about the partitions of South Asia, focusing on the India-Pakistan border and its historical impact.

This episode explores the South Sea Bubble of 1720, its impact on Britain's economy and laws, and its lasting legacy on modern financial markets.

Keith Hockton narrates the origins and impact of the Spanish Civil War as a precursor to World War II.

Keith Houghton narrates the story of the Magna Carta, its creation amid civil war, and its enduring impact on holding leaders accountable.

This episode explores the history and significance of Rome's Colosseum as part of a European travel guide, highlighting its iconic status and the best times to visit.

Keith Hockton reads and analyzes a passage from Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, discussing Conrad's 1890 journey to the Congo Free State.