Thomas Coryat, Odcombian Leg-Stretcher

Alcohol, Morality, and Legislation in 17th-Century Massachusetts Colony

Michael discusses an iconic composition – albeit with a low-tech, in-the-trenches approach.

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To the loyal, cherished, and wonderful fans of the show,

I have a very brief and simple appeal to make. In an attempt to slim down Ye Olde Budget as much as possible, I realize that the cost of hosting British History 101 – $9.95 per month – is a personal budget item that could perhaps be lifted through the kind generosity of just a small portion of British History 101's listenership. Therefore, I humbly request that, if you are so inclined, listeners contribute just $1 US to the show, via PayPal to BritishHistory101@gmail.com. If we do some quick calculations, one finds that a $1 donation from 120 listeners yields enough to maintain the show's hosting cost for an entire year; contributions above that amount, or more people giving $1, keep the show in business longer, and would perhaps even allow me to upgrade my microphone.

HOWEVER – if it should come to pass that this is not a viable choice at this point in time for listeners, fear not! The show will, indeed, still be hosted; I have borne the hosting cost until this point, and I can continue to do so into the future if totally necessary. With that in mind, though, it would be a great help to me to have this particular budgetary burden lifted. Also, should we end up with a substantial amount of money, I will dedicate a portion of it to the show's continued success and donate the balance to a worthy cause, such as the British Museum or the Imperial War Museum.

The listeners of British History 101 are some of the greatest people I have ever been privileged to know, and appreciate any sort of assistance that can be offered. If nothing else, though, just continuing to download the show is a generous display of support and I am incredibly grateful for the continued presence of all the wonderful people out there that join me in discussing history.

Warmest regards,
Michael Anthony

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Just in from the Beeb:

TOLKIEN FESTIVAL PLANNED FOR TOWN

“The influence the Welsh language had on books by JRR Tolkien is to form part of a major new festival in Powys to honour the author.

The Festival in the Shire will celebrate themes inspired by Tolkien, whose novels included Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Fans of the writer, leading academics and illustrators are expected to attend the planned event in Machynlleth.”

Read the rest of the article on the BBC Wales site (for some reason, the blog won’t allow me to link it). You can also check out the official site at www.festivalintheshire.com where you will find that the festival is planned for 13-15 AUGUST 2010. Mark your calendars – I expect to see ALL of you there!

In this episode, British History 101 returns with a casual flavor – Michael comments on Blake's "Jerusalem"

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From the BBC today:

NEW BATTLE OVER BOSWORTH’S SITE

“Today the spot where he [Richard III] is supposed to have met his end – a victim of treachery rather than military genius – is marked by a roughly-cut stone memorial in a quiet grove.

The plaque upon it reads simply: ‘Richard, the last Plantagenet King of England, was slain here 22nd August, 1485.’

Except that he was not.

According to a team of battlefield experts and historians the location of the battlefield was two miles to the south and west. At the moment they are being no more precise because they fear the activities of illegal treasure seekers.”

Source: BBC

Rather interesting news. I believe several historical reenactments have taken place up near Sutton Cheney, so this is obviously a major change. Personally, I think this is a matter more important for archaeologists than historians, but still fascinating.

Graduate studies are well underway for the fall term, and it’s been a whirlwind so far (especially last week). Every once in a while, a nice, quite day will sneak up on you, but not often – usually, there’s plenty of reading and discussing to be done. I must say, though, that even with the heavy load, I’m still incredibly lucky – after all, I get to “do” history all day, every day, in a small, intimate atmosphere with some very interesting people. Sometimes (rarely), an undergrad will even show up for assistance, so a small element of teaching (my ultimate goal) is thrown in there, too.

Do I wish I had time to work on the podcast every single day? Yes, very much so. I don’t think a day passes when I don’t think about how much fun it was when I was able to put out a show every two weeks or so and hear from listeners in the following weeks. I am thinking especially of those people who have supported me through the long term and given me encouragement all along the way – TB from TX, WN from UK, and more. Contrary to what you may think, though, I do still spend no small amount of time pondering the show and what I can do with it now.

I’m currently working on a project that’s not strict historical research on my own part, per se, but I think it will still be interesting when it’s completed (and when I’m legally allowed to post it here) and am pondering putting out an audio version of it. I was also offered an incredible opportunity this morning for an event in London on Tuesday 20 October, but, being a lowly graduate student, the finances simply aren’t there to be able to get to London and stay there for a few days. Still, though, receiving invitations remind me of how rewarding British History 101 has been to me, and I sincerely appreciate all the kind words that have been sent my way. I’m still thinking of all of you, and we will have to gather ’round the microphone sometime soon – if for no other reason than to avoid TB coming after me with a large stick to “motivate” me!

Clearly, it’s been no short amount of time since I last posted an episode of the podcast; the rigors of life outside of the show have been of a nature which makes it nearly impossible to spend any time in research. If I could find someone to pay me full-time to create the show, we’d have a twice-a-week chat about British history and I’d be pleased as punch. However, due to the fact that this small thing called reality requires my efforts to be poured into things which pay the bills, the show has suffered.

But fear not, faithful listener! The academic year looms like a stormcloud over the Tor at Glastonbury, and this time ’round it actually holds more promise for the show, rather than less as has been true for past terms. I am very grateful to have been accepted into the graduate program at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, where I will soon begin studies on my chosen field – which is, at this point, something to do with later 18th-century imperial studies “on the home front.” I’ve yet to narrow it down past that, but suffice it to say that this will provide much more direct research that benefits both my academic work and the show itself. Hopefully, working with the faculty in the department will bring me just a little closer to Britannia, and I will do my best to bring all of you along with me.

Stay tuned. I’ll make no promises, but I sense the mists are clearing. Onward!

I’m pleased to announce that a conversation about the study and nature of history I had with Mr. Nigel Killick of the great project Peopletalk is now available on the Peopletalk site. Mr. Killick interviewed me several weeks ago and the result is now posted on his site. Check it out here and spend some time looking around the rest of the site – it’s a fascinating project of which I’m honored to have taken part! Thanks, Nigel!