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Mortimer's A to Zs of English History

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Mortimer's A to Zs of English History

By: Ian Mortimer
Narrated by: Ian Mortimer
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About this listen

From the bestselling author of the Time Traveller's Guides

In these sparkling A to Zs, time-travelling historian Ian Mortimer visits four classic periods of English history: the fourteenth century, the Elizabethan age, the Restoration and the Regency.

As he ranges from the Great Plague to the Great Freeze, from Armada to Austen, and from tobacco to toenails, he shines a light into corners of history we never knew were so fascinating -- or so revealing of the whole.

How did the button change life in the Middle Ages? If you found yourself at a smart Elizabethan party, should you kiss your hostess on the lips? Why were pistols safer than swords in a duel? And how come Regency Londoners quaffed so much port?

This is Mortimer at his accessible and witty best. As ever, his aim is not only to bring the past to life but also to illuminate our own times.

©2025 Ian Mortimer (P)2025 Ian Mortimer Europe Medieval Renaissance Middle Ages Witty Imperialism
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So much that typical histories miss out. I won’t think about history in the same way anymore.

Fascinating

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Ian Mortimer takes the reader on a fascinating journey through time. It is the social history that makes us who we are today. Highly recommend to all.

Marvellous

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deffo one of the very good history audio books for all audiences. the most light hearted books of his excellent time traveling series. if you plan on ever traveling back in time to any period in English History in the period roughly between 1500 (medieval) right up to the Regency period 1820s these books are indispensable reading. I dont know if I would actually go back to medieval times for a visit, because id be too scared and not understand history from their po8nts of view. that's until I read this! I will definitely now take the opportunity to time travel, albeit just for a month in 1660s to meet Mr Pepys. I may even visit medieval England also (should I get the opportunity in the future) amazing 👏

one of the best history book writers men

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This is a wonderful audiobook from start to finish. The author narrates, and you can tell he’s delivered a public lecture or two as his narration is excellent. Nearly as good as the material itself. Ian Mortimer firmly believes, as do I for that matter, that history isn’t just Kings and Queens, battles and wars. History is everything that has come before, even the most mundane things. This collection spans several centuries and was an absolute pleasure to listen to on my walks.
Highly recommended!

Well narrated, this is accessible history for all

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