What do you do when a student brings you a collection of family papers in a Harrods tin?

This month, Chris, Angus and Jessica speak to Professor Ian Isherwood about his new book, The Battalion: Citizen Soldiers at War on the Western Front. Along the way, we discuss developing digital humanities projects, the involvement of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis in rambling and the proliferation of bad war poetry.

References:
Ian Isherwood, The Battalion: Citizen Soldiers at War on the Western Front
Ian Isherwood, The First World War Letters of H.J.C. Peirs
Michael Roper, Afterlives of War: A Descendant's History

How do you teach the FIrst World War?

This month we're joined by Dr Ann-Marie Einhaus and Prof Catriona Pennell to reflect on their 'First World War in the Classroom' project that explored the ways the conflict was taught in schools. Along the way we discuss the role of battlefield tours, the time constraints faced by teachers, and whether the centenary has changed the way the war is taught'

References:
The First World War in the Classroom: Teaching and the Construction of Cultural Memory

Can you turn the First World War into sketch comedy?

This month we talk to the public historian, podcaster, and author Greg Jenner. Along the way we discuss his work on the Horrible Histories television show, the difficulties of being funny about twentieth-century history, the different ways in which the public now consume history, and why Jessica might be considering changing career to become a comedian.

References:
Horrible Histories (2008-Present)
You're Dead to Me (2020-Present)

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