Lit Fest 2008
Flesh and blood of soldier's life
In a rip-roaring hour, celebrated historian Richard Holmes took his rapt audience on a fast-paced potted history of the man he believes is Britain's greatest soldier - John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough.
Having only a passing knowledge of the historical period, I struggled to keep up with the hugely complex family dynamics and political power struggles that drove Marlborough to greatness.
But Holmes's captivating speaking style, obvious passion for his subject and wealth of knowledge made the lecture a real pleasure.
Richard Holmes' great achievement was in his evocation of the human side of the characters in his historical drama - from Marlborough's often spiky relationship with his wife Sarah, to his bouts of mind-numbing migraine headaches - the sort of detail that help us paint a picture of the human beings behind a series of dates.
He explained: "I've got all the Phds, but really I'm a heart historian, not a head historian."
10:19am Wednesday 14th May 2008
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