Nationalism

Utter Hero - Marina Warner

With a resurgence in nationalism from Beijing to Barcelona and with flag-flying dominating the world news, Tom and I look into the origins of this powerful force.

I got to visit the home of author, critic and long-time scholar of fairy tales, Marina Warner. It reminded me a lot of Sherlock Holmes’ Baker Street flat only fewer weapons and more books and art. Despite me drinking the last of her milk and her having a stinking cold, she was a dream to interview. She told me about why fairytales were recorded and how regimeshave used them as a political tool for their own sinister ends.

And with the possibility of a second referendum in Scotland being discussed, Tom went to the spot where Robert the Bruce was buried to consider the challenges of teaching a balanced history curriculum in schools. We saved a lot of BBC License Fee Payer money as Tom was up in Scotland anyway as part of his book tour (buy Dominium, it is ace tom-holland.org/).

I do hope you’re liking the series. You can listen on BBC Sounds and provide feedback by following this link .If you have a moment, that would be excellent of you. I’m dead proud to be part of it!