Christopher de Bellaigue's book The Lion House is a brilliant history of the first part of Suleiman the Magnificent's reign. I love history and I can't remember loving a history book more that this one. As I say in the podcast, I think it is an unabashed masterpiece and such a pleasure to read. Christopher tells the story in particular of two men at the court of Suleiman and their struggle to rise and prosper in extraordinarily difficult times. And it is the story also of Suleiman's love for his concubine (and later wife) Hurrem. Christopher is not only a great writer, he is also a superb conversationalist and I think this is an episode that everyone will enjoy.
The Fate of Rome with Kyle Harper
David Abulafia and the Boundless Sea
Tyler Cowen rates A Separation
Alex Tabarrok versus the People (Parasite and Burning reviewed)
Agnes and Abe Callard are philosophical about films
Philip Matyszak - author of the ancient world
David Friedman - Legal Systems Very Different From Ours
Agnes Callard, Adjective
Is this the most improved school in Britain?
Patreon, Paypal and the impending gorilla
Stopping smoking - easier than you think
Alternate worlds, same old socialism
No good deed goes unpunished
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History Obscura
Historycal: Words that Shaped the World
Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra
The Rest Is History