Ask a Historian

50 Surprising Answers to Things You Always Wanted to Know

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Ask a Historian

By: Greg Jenner

Narrated by: Dan Schreiber, Greg Jenner, Janina Ramirez, Shappi Khorsandi

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About this listen

Why is Italy called Italy? How old is curry? How fast was the medieval Chinese post system? How do we know how people sounded in the past? Who invented maths?

Responding to fifty genuine questions from the public, Greg Jenner takes you on an entertaining tour through history from the Stone Age to the Swinging Sixties, revealing the best and most surprising stories, facts and historical characters from the past. From ancient joke books, African empires and the invention of meringues, to mummies, mirrors and menstrual pads—Ask A Historian is a deliciously amusing and informative smorgasbord of historical curiosities.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

World

Funny

Witty

Thought-Provoking

Middle Ages

Italy

Ancient History

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Critic reviews

"Jenner uses all the questions you never dared to ask about history as an excellent excuse to rummage around in some funny, fascinating, and downright peculiar corners of the past. Every page contains delights, and you will be illuminated and entertained in equal measure." (Lindsey Fitzharris, author of The Butchering Art)

"If history informs our future, Greg Jenner is one of the best informants out there. He is a natural story-teller, conveying complex ideas and events with pep, verve, and wit. For anyone who regularly asks the question 'Why?', this book is for you." (Susie Dent, author of Word Perfect)

Most relevant

This is an excellent informative, well written and researched book. I love Greg’s history podcast and regularly listen on long dog walks. I thought this would be ideal to continue my tradition, but it was so entertaining that I ended up listening to it all day. I prefer books read by the author on the whole, and his enthusiasm for the subject shines through the narration. Please don’t be put off by the review regarding bad language, there’s not much and it is in context. Recommend 100%.