Long-somnolent border
In the absence of functioning treaties or other guarantees of peace, let us pray for long-somnolent borders that they may...
Sword-point conversion
A compelling means to bring people over to your opinion and a reason to be cheerful you live in 21st century Grimsby...
As easy as …
A fun simile to sum up wiping out your enemies with ease and efficiency.
For a while...
Germania through Roman eyes
Winder's Germania shows how far we, and Hollywood, view ancient Germany through the eyes of ancient Rome, a boggy and terrifying 'light-deprived...
Contains scenes of …
Now, there's a concept, censoring for blandness rather than violence and passion. Wonder if the film was a hit...
...
Futility worth reading about
I like the idea that something about futility is written so splendidly that it’s worth reading before you give up...
Half-mummified rubbish
I am sure I have some of this down in the cellar. But what treasures can be unearthed from half-mummified...
Map-fuelled idiocy
Beware the map-mad-man. Grappling with the shifting boundaries and complexity of German, let alone European history, needs maps. I am...
Cryptic afterlife
Baron Franz von der Trenck (1711-49), despite dying young and in disgrace, somehow contrived to be preserved in long life...
Wine and conveyor belts
There must be a good study of wine in European trade and war. England’s sometime claim to half of France...
Gum-burning brandy
A toothache-anaesthetizing solution gives a jaunty air to this fun concept of the Dullest Exhibition-case Award. But lest you think...
Brain as bathroom shelf
Simon Winder is a favourite historian and the upcoming review of his Germania will show why. He has more original phrasing...
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