From the re-inventor of Santa Claus to Queen Victoria's underwear, this delightful compendium exhibits a highly entertaining and informative miscellany of unknown figures and everyday objects from the past.
Too often history focuses on the tales of kings, or those (often men) who were given the credit for shaping our stories. Yet, what fascinates most are the figures who have passed through the cracks of history, people like:
- The fourteen-year-old boy who lived undetected in the chimneys of Buckingham Palace
- Archie Lee, the re-inventor of Santa Claus
- The women at Playtex who helped put the first man on the moon
- Unknown war hero Tommy Brown, whose extraordinary bravery helped the code breakers of Bletchley
But it's not just forgotten heroes that you'll meet, this compendium also reveals the curious back stories behind everyday objects - the humble fork, the china cup, the real history of tea, and Queen Victoria's underwear - to name but a few.
The Stuff of History is a thoughtful, entertaining and carefully curated miscellany of fascinating forgotten histories from Antiques Roadshow stalwart, and popular historian with a huge Instagram following, Steven Moore.
Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781785126505
Number of pages: 304
Dimensions: 223 x 145 x 32 mm
Weight: 424 g
Language: English
Moore is wickedly charming - the naughty uncle you want to be sat beside at the dinner table - Daily Telegraph
With characteristic flair and forensic curiosity, Steven Moore reminds us that history isn't just dates and dynasties: it's teacups, train tickets, and the tantalising detritus of daily life. A delightful rummage through our collective past. - William Hanson, author of Just Good Manners
An absolute gem of a book. More hidden treasures than an entire season of Antiques Roadshow - Hugh Bonneville
This Way Up
The Longest Walk Home
Bloody Dangerous
The Finest Hotel in Kabul
Say Nothing
Domination
How To Kill a Witch
Victory '45
The English House
The Nuremberg Women
The Nazi Mind
Talking Classics
Children of Radium
The Shortest History of Scotland
For a simple person, some objects of regular use pose no question of essence. Yet, precisely these things carry a story of spectacular fantasy. Steven Moore, in his immense knowledge of all things beautiful, presents... More
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