The Death of a Monarch and a Divided Nation, with Robert Harris

Intelligence Squared

News, Society & Culture, Arts, News Commentary

4.2 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 7 December 2022

⏱️ 53 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Sign up for Intelligence Squared Premium here: https://iq2premium.supercast.com/ for ad-free listening, bonus content, early access and much more. See below for details. Robert Harris is one of the great storytellers of our times. His novels explore the dark side of power and the corrosive effect it has on those who wield it. In his latest bestseller, Act of Oblivion, Harris turns his attention to one of the most divisive episodes in English history, the Civil War, in which Royalists and Parliamentarians fought to determine whether the country should be a republic or a monarchy. The novel follows two fugitives who have been found guilty in absentia for the murder of Charles I and have fled to colonial North America to hide among the Puritan settlers there. Richard Nayler, secretary of the regicide committee of the Privy Council, is tasked with tracking down the fugitives and he’ll stop at nothing until the two men are brought to justice. Hosting the discussion is award-winning author and historian Jessie Childs. … We are incredibly grateful for your support. To become an Intelligence Squared Premium subscriber, follow the link: https://iq2premium.supercast.com/ Here’s a reminder of the benefits you’ll receive as a subscriber: Ad-free listening, because we know some of you would prefer to listen without interruption One early episode per week Two bonus episodes per month A 25% discount on IQ2+, our exciting streaming service, where you can watch and take part in events live at home and enjoy watching past events on demand and without ads A 15% discount and priority access to live, in-person events in London, so you won’t miss out on tickets Our premium monthly newsletter Intelligence Squared Merch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hello, I'm Ian Stirling and I'm with one of McCain's farmers who grow their potatoes hang on these are odd-looking potatoes
0:06.0	That's kale Ian. You do know you need potato to make chips, right?
0:10.5	Yes, but we don't just grow potatoes. We actually rotate different crops to help keep the soil healthy. So we eat McCain chips
0:16.8	I'm helping do some good. Exactly. Yeah, you're supporting the move to regenerative farming
0:22.3	By the way, I do know the difference between kale and potatoes
0:26.1	Of course you do.
0:27.6	McCain, let's all chip in.
0:30.8	I mean Stirling and today I'm at a McCain potato field being chased by a massive war
0:36.4	It's just a lady bird Ian. Well, it had a real war spanner, Jay. Why are they here? Well, we plot wildflowers to help encourage wildlife
0:44.7	Like birds and insects. So we eat McCain chips. I'm helping do some good. Yeah, exactly. You're supporting the move to regenerative farming
0:52.1	Okay, this time. It's definitely a war. My life's in danger
0:55.8	Ian, that's a butterfly. McCain, let's all chip in
1:00.4	Hi, everyone Connor here. If you don't know already
1:03.0	We have launched intelligent squared premium for bonus content early access listens and exclusive extras
1:08.9	Just head to IQ2 premium dot supercast dot com or see the link in the episode description
1:15.1	And if you're an apple podcast person hit subscribe for the bonus extras from your podcasts up to thanks again for all your support
1:23.6	Welcome to intelligent squared. I'm Connor Boyle coming up on the podcast
1:28.6	We have one of the greatest storytellers of our time Robert Harris in conversation with author and historian Jesse Childs
1:36.4	They discussed his new book active oblivion which explores one of the most divisive episodes in English history the Civil War
1:43.9	In which royalists and parliamentarians fall to determine whether the country should be a republic or a monarchy
1:50.3	Robert and Jesse also reflect on how the conflicts of the 17th century are reflected in political divisions were witnessing today
2:03.6	Here's our host Jesse Childs with more
	...

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