The problem with history is that it's just like the present, absolutely stuffed full of those damned "unknown unknowns'! However, to be fair, at least today we can discern - just about! - where and how they gradually became 'known knowns'! Yes, as you will have guessed, I am still diligently working my way through "The Story of Britain" by Sir Roy Strong. I have now reached what I suspect is the fulcrum of the story - Henry VIII.
He, of course, was far more than just the "very naughty boy" we were all taught about at 'skool' because he was, in fact, a monstrous, murderous maniac, although to be fair, so were most of his predecessors! However, such was the monumental nature of his - dare I say? - revolutionary actions that the entire history of Britain shifted to a new axis. Much of what he wrought was in fact the work of what might be called Britain's first 'Head of the Civil Service', a certain Master Thomas Cromwell. (So no change there then!) I mention all this because a new, and apparently definitive, biography of the man has just been issued: "Thomas Cromwell: A Life" written by Diarmaid McCullach.
‘The likeness that has shaped the tormented afterlife’: Hans Holbein the Younger’s 1532-33 portrait of Thomas Cromwell (detail). Photograph: Fine Art/Corbis via Getty Images
I am pleased to say that Ms. Hilary Mantel, whose very fictional novel of the man captured the public imagination, has written in praise of McCullach's ultra-realistic book despite it being a very different portrait. Anyway, dammit, that's yet another book I just must have!
Hmm, not the 'Cromwell' I'm waiting for. David I hope you can hold out another century!
Posted by: Whitewall | Monday, 24 September 2018 at 19:35
No problem, Whiters, if only to keep SoD's hands off my overdraft!
Posted by: David Duff | Monday, 24 September 2018 at 20:03
They can't bang on about La Gloire when we have saved them twice running from speaking German. If they dislike us it's because they cannot erase that history, they are beholden and they hate it.
Plus no one else in the world speaks their language which also hurts. And their cars are crap.
Posted by: graham b | Tuesday, 25 September 2018 at 08:12
Oh come on, Graham, be fair, their wine is pretty scrumptious!
Posted by: David Duff | Tuesday, 25 September 2018 at 08:39