Vulgar History: Regency Era

This week, I'm joined by author Rachel Cantor to talk about her new book, Half-Life of a Stolen Sister, a retelling of the story of the Brontë siblings. Chapter by chapter, the novel brings together diaries, letters, home movies, television and radio interviews, deathbed monologues, and fragments from the sprawling invented worlds of the siblings’ childhood. As it does so, a kaleidoscopic portrait emerges, giving us with startling intensity and invention new ways of seeing—and reading—the sisters who would create some of the supreme works of literature of all time. Learn more about Rachel and her books at rachelcantor.com -- Buy Half-Life of a Stolen Sister from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781641294645 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking with author Craig Shreve about his new novel, The African Samurai. Set in late 16th-century Africa, India, Portugal, and Japan, The African Samurai is a powerful historical novel based on the true story of Yasuke, Japan’s first foreign-born samurai and the only samurai of African descent. Learn more about Craig Shreve and his books at craigshreve.com and follow him on social media @ cgshreve -- Buy The African Samurai from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781668002865 -- Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're talking with debut novelist Jamila Ahmed about her book Every Rising Sun. Every Rising Sun is a retelling of the tale of Scheherazade, set amid the real-life events of twelfth-century Persia and the third crusade. -- Buy Every Rising Sun from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781250887078 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to Mary's legacy and scandilicious score, there's too much for one person to cover. Which is why I've brought in Vulgar History all-stars (and Mary QofS fans) Allison Epstein and Lana Wood Johnson for this discussion. We also got input from author and Scottish person Jennifer Morag Henderson to help figure out the scores. Is it any wonder this is nearly 2.5 hours long? Mary deserves no less. -- Learn more about Lana Wood Johnson and her books at lanawoodjohnson.com and follow her on IG and Threads at @ muliebris -- Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison -- Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking about 10th-century Norway, the mythical figure of Gunnhild, and the importance of women's work with Genevieve Gornichec! Learn more about Genevieve and her books at genevievegornichec.com Buy The Weaver and the Witch Queen from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780593438244 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a way to tie a bow on this season, we're learning more about Mary, Queen of Scots's inner life, motivations, and emotions through her use of textiles. I'm joined by author Clare Hunter, author of Embroidering Her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power, to discuss what we can learn about Mary from what she wore, and what she stitched. Learn more about Clare and her work at her website sewingmatters.co.uk Buy Embroidering Her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781529346282 And you can also buy Clare’s other book Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle wherever you get books including this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781419747656 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm joined this week by Nikki M. Taylor to discuss her fascinating new book, Brooding Over Bloody Revenge: Enslaved Women's Lethal Resistance. Nikki is Professor and Chair in the Department of History at Howard University. She specializes in nineteenth-century African American History. From the colonial through the antebellum era, enslaved women in the US used lethal force as the ultimate form of resistance. By amplifying their voices and experiences, Brooding over Bloody Revenge strongly challenges assumptions that enslaved women only participated in covert, non-violent forms of resistance when they consistently seized justice for themselves and organized toward revolt. -- Buy Brooding Over Bloody Revenge from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781009276849 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The saga of Mary, Queen of Scots concludes with the ultimate outfit reveal. And: so much spy shit!! -- References: The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth I and her Greatest Rival by Kate Williams Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter Imprisoning Mary, Queen of Scots: The Men Who Kept the Stuart Queen by Mickey Mayhew https://www.historytoday.com/archive/ridolfi-plot-1571 by Cyril Hamshere https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zpy9fcw/revision/4 George Lasry, Norbert Biermann & Satoshi Tomokiyo (2023) Deciphering Mary Stuart’s lost letters from 1578-1584, Cryptologia -- Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison -- Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vanessa Riley's new book Queen of Exiles is about Queen Marie-Louise Coidavid Christophe, Queen of the Kingdom of Hayti. The story of her Regency reign and exile is ripped from the headlines for this historical fiction novel. Learn more about Vanessa, her book, and where she'll be appearing to promote this book at vanessariley.com -- Buy Queen of Exiles from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780063270992 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode we get to talk about Mary's various treason embroidery projects AND learn the fates of several of our least-favourite Scottish men. Here is a link to Mary's embroideries we discuss today, including the treason pillow, the rhinocerote, and the "byrd of America". A Catte (by Mary, Queen of Scots) A Catte Named Hepburne (by Jan Jupiter) in the Vulgar History merch store -- References: The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth I and her Greatest Rival by Kate Williams Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter Imprisoning Mary, Queen of Scots: The Men Who Kept the Stuart Queen by Mickey Mayhew https://www.historytoday.com/archive/ridolfi-plot-1571by https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zpy9fcw/revision/4 -- Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison -- Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where did The Patriarchy™️ come from? Why has it been fucking up peoples lives in so many cultures in so many eras and geographic locations? Angela Saini is here to explain all in this chat about her book The Patriarchs: The Origins of Inequality. — Buy The Patriarchs at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780807014547 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, our girl is BACK as Mary dons at least one disguise and manipulates numerous fools around her! -- References: Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter Homecoming: The Scottish Years of Mary Queen of Scots by Rosemary Goring Mary Queen of Scots: Escape from Lochleven Castle by Theresa Breslin Mary Queen of Scots’ Secretary: William Maitland--Politician, Reformer, and Conspirator by Robert Stedell Mary Was Here: Where Mary Queen of Scots Went and What She Did There by Historic Scotland -- Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison -- Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid the unrelenting grimness of the Mary, Queen of Scots story comes a NICE story with a HAPPY EVER AFTER ENDING. Let's all take a brain break to learn about Jean Gordon, daughter of Cock o' the North, briefly the wife of Bothwell, and how her life turned out GREAT after all that happened. My guest is Jennifer Morag Henderson, who wrote the book Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary, Queen of Scots, which I've been using as a resource in almost every episode this season! So it was great to chat with her. Learn more about Jennifer and her work at jennifermoraghenderson.com -- Buy Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary, Queen of Scots at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781913207755 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Mary pays a visit to her baby son and then everything goes really badly. Content warning SA: 1:08:10-1:09:29 -- References: Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter Homecoming: The Scottish Years of Mary Queen of Scots by Rosemary Goring Mary Queen of Scots’ Secretary: William Maitland--Politician, Reformer, and Conspirator by Robert Stedell Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy Mary Was Here: Where Mary Queen of Scots Went and What She Did There by Historic Scotland -- Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison -- Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking with author Claudia Cravens about her queer wild west brothel revenge historical novel, Lucky Red! Keep up with Claudia on Instagram @claudia.cravens and Twitter @claudia_cravens -- Buy Lucky Red at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780593498248 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In which Mary attends the wedding of two of her favourite servants. Content warning: murder Here's the drawing of Kirk O'Field we discuss. And here's the mermaid drawing. -- References: Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter Mary Queen of Scots and the Murder of Lord Darnley by Alison Weir Mary Queen of Scots’ Downfall: The Life and Murder of Henry Lord Darnley by Robert Stedell Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy -- Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison -- Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

* Audio note: my mic was a little different this week just FYI ** I'm joined this week by Mattie Kahn, author of the new book Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions. From the American Revolution itself to the Civil Rights Movement to nuclear disarmament protests and the women’s liberation movement, through Black Lives Matter and school strikes for climate, Mattie Kahn uncovers how girls have leveraged their unique strengths, from fandom to intimate friendships, to organize and lay serious political groundwork for movements that often sidelined them. Their stories illuminate how much we owe to girls throughout the generations, what skills young women use to mobilize and find their voices, and, crucially, what we can all stand to learn from them. Learn more about Mattie, her book, and her current book tour here! -- Buy Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780593299067 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Mary, Queen of Scots hosts an eventful dinner party. Content warning: murder -- References: Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson David Rizzio and Mary Queen of Scots: Murder at Holyrood by David Tweedie Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter Mary Queen of Scots and the Murder of Lord Darnley by Alison Weir Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy Rizzio: A Novella by Denise Mina -- Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison -- Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a Pride Month treat, enjoy this remastered version of last year's episode about La Chevalière d'Éon, with special guest Maya Deane! Maya's book Wrath Goddess Sing was recently nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, and has just come out in paperback, so it seemed a great time to revisit this, one of my favourite interviews! Learn more about Maya and Wrath Goddess Sing at mayadeane.com Purchase a copy of her book anywhere you get books, including at bookshop.org via this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780063161191 -- Buy Chevalière d'Éon tees at vulgarhistory.com/pride, with funds going to support Point of Pride. -- References: Queer as Fact podcast Article by Hugh Ryan Article by Emma Powys Maurice -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

* The audio is a bit different sounding in this episode, just FYI, due to mic issues on my end * Today's a special author interview, because this is a historical fiction novel about someone already profiled on Vulgar History! In the previous episode, I referred to this person as Zheng Yi Sao, which is a name referring to her as the wife of someone else. This novel is all about her story on its own terms, which is why author Rita Chang-Eppig uses the name Shek Yeung. Rita's new novel about Shek Yeung/Zheng Yi Sao is called Deep As The Sky, Red As The Sea, and it's so good and you should all read it!! Learn more about Rita and her book here -- Buy Deep As The Sky, Red As The Sea at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781639730377 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I both engage in some matchmaking. References: David Rizzio and Mary, Queen of Scots: Murder at Holyrood by David Tweedie Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter Homecoming: The Scottish Years of Mary Queen of Scots by Rosemary Goring Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy -- Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I'm joined by author Logan Steiner to discuss her new novel After Anne. After Anne is a historical fiction novel that explores the life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of the Anne of Green Gables series. Learn more about Logan and After Anne at logansteiner.com -- Buy After Anne at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780063246454 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In which Mary, Queen of Scots goes with her half-brother James to visit the Northern parts of her kingdom. -- References: Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter Homecoming: The Scottish Years of Mary Queen of Scots by Rosemary Goring Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy Mary Was Here: where Mary Queen of Scots went and what she did there by Historic Scotland -- Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm joined for an incredibly interesting conversation with author Debra Magpie Earling, author of the new historical fiction novel The Lost Journals of Sacajewea. Among the most memorialized women in American history, Sacajewea served as interpreter and guide for Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery. In this visionary novel, acclaimed Indigenous author Debra Magpie Earling brings this mythologized figure vividly to life, casting unsparing light on the men who brutalized her and recentering Sacajewea as the arbiter of her own history. Learn more about Debra and her book here! Buy The Lost Journals of Sacajewea at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781571311450 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Vulgar History merch available at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shoppers) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shoppers) -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our in-depth discussion of the life of Mary, Queen of Scot’s begins! In France! Just like Reign! References: Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy Mary Was Here: where Mary Queen of Scots Went and what she did There by Historic Scotland -- Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone knows the name Cleopatra, but her daughter Cleopatra Selene is little-known these days. Jane Draycott has written the first modern biography of one of the most influential yet long-neglected rulers of the ancient world: Cleopatra Selene!. -- Learn more about Cleopatra's Daughter: From Roman Prisoner to African Queen, here Learn more about Jane and her research here Follow Jane on Twitter @JLDraycott -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marie-Catherine Le Jumel de Barneville, Baroness d'Aulnoy, aka Countess d'Aulnoy, aka Madame d'Aulnoy, was a French author who invented the term "fairy tales". She also was one of many real-life figures who inspired Celia Bell to write her historical fiction novel, THE DISENCHANTMENT. Celia joins us to talk about her book, which is a fictional story about a passionate love affair between two noblewomen who wish to free themselves from their repressive society, whatever the cost. There's also murder in it, as well as Vulgar History fav La Voisin and, The Affair of the Poisons! Learn more about Celia and her book here Follow Celia on Twitter @celiadbell -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nesta, or Nest ferch Rhys, was a Welsh princess in the late 11th and early 12th century. Her father was the last King of Wales, and Nesta was taken to England where she became mistress of the future Henry II. Her story is so fascinating and deserves to be better known, which is why it's so great bestselling historical fiction author Elizabeth Chadwick has written a new book about her! Elizabeth joins me to share the story of Nesta and talk about her latest book, THE KING'S JEWEL. Learn more about Elizabeth and her books Buy a copy of THE KING'S JEWEL from bookshop.org -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So who was the real Queen Charlotte aka Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz? Was she at all like the spirited heroine of the Bridgerton spinoff series? Or was she actually the most basic and bland person ever profiled on this podcast? And if the latter, how low will her score be? This episode was recorded before QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY came out on Netflix, and contains no spoilers! But also, we didn't know what the show was like when we had this discussion, so bear that in mind. -- References: The Real Queen Charlotte: Inside the Real Bridgerton Court by Catherine Curzon -- Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new Netflix series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story adapts the real-life story of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, presenting her as a Black woman living in 18th-century England. There have long been rumours about Charlotte's real-life Black ancestry. To understand this complex situation, I sat down with two experts to learn more. ** Content warning: at around 1:33:25, the derogatory racial term "mulatto" is used twice, in a historical context. ** Stacey Morrell is a Ph.D. candidate at Brown University. Stacey works on the western Mediterranean throughout much of the Middle Ages (c.900-1520), with a particular emphasis on the relationship(s) between gender, sexuality, and power. Learn more about Stacey Murrell and her work YouTube video of Stacey's presentation on Madragana (her part is from 1:00:15 to 1:26:46) Follow Stacey on Twitter @theamyrlinseat Dr. Brooke Newman is an Associate Professor of history at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a historian of early modern Britain and the British Atlantic, with a current special interest in the history of slavery, the abolition movement, and the British royal family. Learn more about Dr. Newman and her work Follow Dr. Newman on Twitter @DrBrookeNewman -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All scandalicious things must come to an end, and so it is with the unrelentingly wild saga of Catherine de'Medici. But how will she score on the Fredegund Memorial Scandilicous Scale??? -- Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson -- References: Blood, Fire & Gold: The Story of Elizabeth I & Catherine de'Medici by Estelle Paranque The Rival Queens: Catherine De' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal That Ignited a Kingdom by Nancy Goldstone -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're talking about the history of language with Dr. Valerie Fridland, author of the new book Like Literally Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English. Valerie has a PhD in linguistics and is a Professor and former Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of English at the University of Nevada in Reno. Learn more about Valerie and her book here Click to buy a copy on Bookshop.org -- Tits Oit For Trans Rights http://vulgarhistory.com/donate -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second part of Catherine de’Medici’s story, or, how do you solve a problem like De Guises? -- Here's a link to the fundraiser: Tits Out For Trans Rights Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson -- References: Blood, Fire & Gold: The Story of Elizabeth I & Catherine de'Medici by Estelle Paranque The Rival Queens: Catherine De' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal That Ignited a Kingdom by Nancy Goldstone -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a super special! This time we're joined by Vanessa Wilkie, author of the new biography A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE: THE SPECTACULAR RISE OF ALICE SPENCER IN TUDOR ENGLAND. This book has crossover with the Vulgar History episode about Anne Stanley Countess of Castlehaven, in that, Alice Spencer was Anne Stanley's mother. She was also the wife of VH fav Ferdinando Stanley, and also a member of the Spencer family you may know from Princess Diana's whole deal. Learn more about the book and buy a copy here Info about Vanessa's role and research at the Huntington Library Listen to the Vulgar History episode about Alice's daughter, Anne Stanley Countess of Castlehaven, here -- Tits Out For Trans Rights fundraiser vulgarhistory.com/donate -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No discussion of Mary Queen of Scots is complete without talking about her one time mother-in-law, Catherine de'Medici. In part one, we set the stage for Catherine's long life of relentless scheming. Also, I learn how to correctly pronounce her name! Plus: discussion of her husband's maybe wonky dick. And, how she, her husb, and his mistress were not really a Diana/Charles/Camilla scenario. Plus: Popes! -- References: Blood, Fire & Gold: The Story of Elizabeth I & Catherine de'Medici by Estelle Paranque The Rival Queens: Catherine De' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal That Ignited a Kingdom by Nancy Goldstone -- Here's a link to the fundraiser: Tits Out For Trans Rights Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

***Note: the audio quality is a bit different in this one because my computer was having a fit, but don't worry, it's still a great episode and SO IMPORTANT and I'm glad to release it despite some audio oddness.*** It's a super special! I'm joined by Max Wallace to talk about his new book, AFTER THE MIRACLE: THE POLITICAL CRUSADES OF HELEN KELLER. I truly can't recommend this book enough, I've never had my understanding of a woman from history expanded as much as what Max discusses about Helen Keller. Learn more about the book and find links to buy a copy here -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author (and actor) Paterson Joseph joins us to share the story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, a Black man from Georgian England whose story deserves to be much more widely known. Which is why Paterson wrote a book about him! Paterson's novel, The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, is available everywhere you get books, including bookshop.org Including as an audiobook, read by the author! You can follow Paterson on Twitter @ignatius_sancho and on Instagram @patersondjoseph -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second part of Marie de Guise's story is no less chaotic than the first part, as she winds up single-handedly running Scotland while fending off the Asshole Scottish Lords, dealing with her useless brothers, and honestly spending most of her time wishing she was back in France for the wine and cheese. Here are links to EKsplaine, who I quote here about her hilarious Scottish history reels and Youtube! eksplaine Youtube eksplaine IG -- And here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson And here's a link to my birthday fundraiser: Tits Out For Trans Rights -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time to learn about Marie de Guise, the mother of Mary Queen of Scots! De Guise expert Lana Wood Johnson joins us to talk about just how influential Marie's family was, how and why she wound up in Scotland, how she dealt with the Asshole Scottish Lords ft. John Goddamn Knox, and how nature AND nurture would lead to in the development of Mary Queen of Scots's personality later on. I forgot to say in the episode, but my main source of info about Marie was this book: Scourge of Henry VIII: The Life of Marie de Guise by Melanie Clegg Here are links to EKsplaine, who I quote here about her hilarious Scottish history reels and Youtube! eksplaine Youtube eksplaine IG -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friend of the podcast Gina Berry joins us to talk about one of her favourite women from history: Nefertiti! In this incredibly long conversation, we get into exactly how long ago Nefertiti lived (VERY LONG AGO), how unusual her husband Akhenaten's reign was (VERY), and how messed up everything still is vis-a-vis her famous sculpture and where it's located. You can follow Gina on Twitter @gbdolfan If you want to read more about Nefertiti and ancient Egypt, Gina recommends: Amarna Sunrise: Egypt from Golden Age to Age of Heresy by Aidan Dodson Amarna Sunset: Nefertiti, Tutankhamen, Ay, Horemheb, and the Egyptian Counter-Reformation (Revised) by Aidan Dodson Nefertiti, Queen and Pharaoh of Egypt: Her Life and Afterlife by Aidan Dodson Nefertiti: Unlocking the Mystery Surrounding Egypt's Most Famous and Beautiful Queen by Joyce Tyldesley -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in the thrilling conclusion of Margaret Tudor's story we get: two terrible husbands! Several infant and child kidnappings! Sneaking across the border more than once! A shocking alliance on par with Margaret of Anjour/Warwick and Rani Didda/Phalguna! Cannon-based divorce drama cause that's just how they do it in Scotland! And: her scandilicious score. As Henry VIII would say: Herman, my pills!! Recommended next listening: the episode about Margaret Douglas from season 4, because that's Margaret Tudor's daughter and we talk more about what happened with her. -- References: Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots: The Life of King Henry VIII’s Sister, by Sarah-Beth Watkins Sisters to the King: the tumultuous lives of Henry VIII’s sisters - Margaret of Scotland and Mary of France by Maria Perry -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In season 6, we'll be looking at the story of Mary, Queen of Scots. And where better to start off than with her grandmother, whose life was also oddly setting up several precedents for Mary to the point it's like: are they the same person across time? Learn about Margaret's child bride queen era, how she ensured her entry to Scotland was on par with that time Rihanna wore Guo Pei to the Met, and how the Tudor affliction of falling for bad boys is going to play out for her. Coming up next week: Herman, my pills!! -- References: Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots: The Life of King Henry VIII’s Sister, by Sarah-Beth Watkins Sisters to the King: the tumultuous lives of Henry VIII’s sisters - Margaret of Scotland and Mary of France by Maria Perry -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Molly Greeley's new historical fiction novel, MARVELOUS, is based on the real-life story of Petrus Gonsalvus and his wife, Catherine. Petrus aka Pedro had a condition called hypertrichosis which meant his body was covered in hair. This caught the attention of the French Queen (a certain CATHERINE DE'MEDICI), who liked having unusual people around her. And so, Petrus/Pedro was well educated and raised in the royal court. Petrus/Pedro's wife, Catherine, did not have this condition and then most of their children inherited it. The story of Petrus/Pedro and Catherine may have inspired a version of the Beauty & the Beast fairy tale (and maybe the prosthetics used on the Beast in the recent live-action adaptation)? Learn more about Molly and her book at mollygreeley.com Buy a copy of MARVELOUS using this bookshop link to help support Vulgar History -- Tune in to watch VULGARPIECE THEATRE LIVE at youtube.com/@vulgarhistory on March 4 at 5pm Pacific/ 7pm Central/ 8pm Eastern. -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the 100th episode** of Vulgar History, and who better to chat with than author Jac Jemc! Jac is the author of the new book EMPTY THEATRE, which is a story mostly about Empress Sisi and her Cousin "Mad King" Ludwig II, but also talks about Lola Goddamn Montez, Ludwig "nature or art" I, and is an overall delightful romp through this part of history. Learn more about Jac and her upcoming events at jacjemc.com and follow her on Instagram @jacjemc and Twitter @jacjemc Buy a copy of EMPTY THEATRE from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History at this link: bookshop.org/a/1419/9780374277925 -- And tune in to watch VULGARPIECE THEATRE LIVE at youtube.com/@vulgarhistory on March 4 at 5pm Pacific/ 7pm Central/ 8pm Eastern. -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. -- ** depending on if you count the super special episodes, which I do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Princess O'Nika Auguste, a Saint-Lucian writer, theologian, historian, poet-critic, researcher, and digital content creator. She's here to talk about Amanirenas, Queen of the Kingdom of Kush from c. 40 BCE to c. 10 BCE, and was a one-eyed Black woman who prevented the Romans from taking over most of the African continent. Follow Princess O'Nika Auguste: Instagram: @isletheologian Substack: princessonikaauguste.substack.com Twitter @isletheologian Merch store www.zazzle.com/store/isletheologian Patreon: patreon.com/isletheologian Ko-Fi ko-fi.com/isletheologian -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of So This Asshole used to live behind a paywall on Patreon, but now is free for all to hear! In it, friend of the pod Allison Epstein takes the lead to discuss a person they hate very much: Napoleon Bonaparte. We also talk about Allison's upcoming new book, LET THE DEAD BURY THE DEAD, and how Napoleon is involved in it (he is not literally in the book, but his presence looms large). Learn more about Allison and their new book at allisonepstein.com and follow them on Twitter @rapscallison and IG @rapscallison and subscribe to their newsletter rapscallison.substack.com/ Want to hear more episodes of So This Asshole? Support Vulgar History on Patreon at the $5/month+ level here: patreon.com/annfosterwriter -- Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I'm sharing my chat with Emran Iqbal El-Badawi, Program Director and Associate Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Houston, where he is also Chair of Modern and Classical Languages. He's here to talk about his new book: "Queens and Prophets: How Arabian Noblewomen and Holy Men Shaped Paganism, Christianity and Islam." He's here to talk all about ancient Arabia, why other scholars in the field challenged him about writing this book, the role of women in this culture, and to explain how he's able to research people who lived so long ago there is very little written historical record (it helps he's able to read in a multitude of languages!) "Queens and Prophets" is available everywhere, including through bookshop.org. Click here to buy a copy using the Vulgar History affiliate link. Follow Imran on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/emrane -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I'm sharing my chat with author Flora Fraser about her newest historical biography: Pretty Young Rebel: The Life of Flora Macdonald. Flora Macdonald was a Scottish woman who lived in the 18th century, and kind of accidentally became a heroine of the Jacobite rebellion. As Flora Fraser discovered in her research, Macdonald's life also included involvement in the American Revolution, and she and her family passed through parts of Atlantic Canada before she wound back up in Scotland. Learn more about Flora Fraser and her work at florafraser.com "Pretty Young Rebel" is available everywhere, including through bookshop.org. Click here to buy a copy using the Vulgar History affiliate link. -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I got to talk with Joanna Hickson, author of seven books (so far!) about 15th-century English women, mostly from the Tudor era. The occasion for our chat is the paperback release of her latest book, The Queen's Lady, which is about a very interesting Tudor-era woman I'd never heard of before named Joan Vaux. Keep up with Joanna and her books at twitter.com/joannahickson and facebook.com/joannahickson You can buy a copy of The Queen's Lady (or any of Joanna's other books) at any bookseller near you, and/or by using the Vulgar History link at bookshop.org bookshop.org/a/1419/9780008305659 -- Support Vulgar History on Patreon Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order -- Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A special treat for you! This episode of used to only live behind the paywall on Patreon, but Charles Dickens was simply too much of a dirtbag to keep the story from you all. ** Note that this was originally recorded in December 2021, for Patreon, so some of the chit-chat is that of a younger me, so long ago, so bear that in mind. ** If you'd like to hear me talk about more terrible men from history, you can subscribe to my Patreon at the $5/month level! You can join up here: patreon.com/annfosterwriter And you can learn more about Catherine Hogarth Dickens in the book The Other Dickens by Lillian Nayder Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices