Biography

Charles Dickens is widely considered one of the greatest English novelists.

His works shone a light on prevalent issues of his era, such as poverty, disease, and inequality, and called for widespread social change. They have been translated into 150 languages, and have never been out of print.

But how did a boy from Portsmouth turn into one of the world’s most celebrated literary figures? Why were his words so effective in sparking real societal change?

And, as a pillar of Victorian society, did his private life align with his famous public image?

A Noiser podcast production. Hosted by John Hopkins.

Written by Dan Smith. With thanks to Lucinda Hawksley, author of Dickens and Travel, and great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles and Catherine Dickens.

This episode was originally featured on Short History Of...

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Jane Austen is probably the most famous female writer in history.

Her novels have gone on to inspire countless films, plays, and television dramas all over the world, and have been translated into almost 50 different languages.

But how did this eighteenth-century parson's daughter create stories that are still beloved today? What makes her characters so timeless?

And, while we know all about her heroes and heroines, what do we know about the author herself?

A Noiser podcast production. Hosted by John Hopkins.

Written by Linda Harrison. With thanks to Janine Barchas, Professor of English Literature at the University of Texas, and author of many books about Austen, including The Lost Books of Jane Austen.

This episode was originally featured on Short History Of...

Noiser+ members get ad free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started, or visit noiser.com/subscriptions.

No part of this podcast may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems. In accordance with Article 4(3) of the DSM Directive 2019/790, Noiser Ltd expressly reserves this work from the text and data mining exception.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Margaret Thatcher was one of the most controversial figures of the 20th Century.

Praised by some as a fearless leader and feminist icon, and despised by others as a heartless politician, the Iron Lady caused divisions wherever she went.

But why did Britain’s first female Prime Minister inspire such extreme hatred? What policies did she implement, how did they affect the communities of Britain?

And what, if anything, is her legacy today?

A Noiser podcast production. Hosted by John Hopkins.

Written by Nicole Edmunds. With thanks to Chris Collins, historian, and editor of Margaretthatcher.org.

This episode was originally featured on Short History Of...

Noiser+ members get ad free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started, or visit noiser.com/subscriptions.

No part of this podcast may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems. In accordance with Article 4(3) of the DSM Directive 2019/790, Noiser Ltd expressly reserves this work from the text and data mining exception.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joan of Arc is a historical superstar, a peasant who rose above her rank and gender to help free France from foreign occupation.

Claiming to be acting under the orders of saints and angels, she became a symbol of national freedom.

But how did a near-illiterate teenage girl win the hearts and minds of soldiers and citizens alike? What was behind her angelic visions?

And why was she abandoned to a brutal fate at the age of just nineteen?

A Noiser podcast production. Hosted by John Hopkins.

Written by Jo Furniss. With thanks to Kathryn Harrison, author of Joan of Arc, A Life Transfigured.

This episode was originally featured on Short History Of...

Noiser+ members get ad free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started, or visit noiser.com/subscriptions.

No part of this podcast may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems. In accordance with Article 4(3) of the DSM Directive 2019/790, Noiser Ltd expressly reserves this work from the text and data mining exception.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marilyn Monroe was one of the most famous screen actors of all time.

Known for her charisma and beauty, her private life and turbulent health made headlines throughout her career, and her early death cemented her iconic status.

But how was she shaped by her disrupted childhood? Did she change Hollywood – or did it destroy her?

And why does her legend still inspire and exert such power, sixty years after her death?

A Noiser podcast production. Hosted by John Hopkins.

Written by Kate Harrison. With thanks to Michelle Morgan, author of Marilyn Monroe – Private and Undisclosed.

This episode was originally featured on Short History Of...

Noiser+ members get ad free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started, or visit noiser.com/subscriptions.

No part of this podcast may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems. In accordance with Article 4(3) of the DSM Directive 2019/790, Noiser Ltd expressly reserves this work from the text and data mining exception.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.