Stephen Brumwell

Historian & writer C18th specialist with wide-ranging interests - heritage, culture, music, beer & more. Ex-pat, 2 kids, 2 cats.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@TheCinesthetic I thought that Ripley was truly brilliant, with Andrew Scott in the lead role delivering a performance that was both chilling and strangely moving. It was so well shot, that I decided to pause it at random moments to check the composition. Every single time the image was striking

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

https://t.co/6oJLVKSqor via @WSJBooks This WSJ review has proved timely. I'm sure that GW, who admired F the G as a soldier, but recoiled from his authoritarianism, would have approved of the speech to Congress by Britain's King Charles III, with its emphasis on checks & balances

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@itis_telbin @Osint613 Charles was referencing Britain's defeat of France in North America during the Seven Years War (or French and Indian War), which ended in 1763. He wasn't talking about the Rev War. Ironically, victory over New France paved the way for US independence - but that's another story.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@balmer_tim Perhaps worth remembering that 'Zulu' originated in an article by John Prebble, who spent all of WWII in the ranks in the Royal Artillery. Prebble also co-wrote the screenplay for 'Zulu' with Cy Enfield. His book 'Culloden' inspired the groundbreaking 1964 film by Peter Watkins.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@Bigvadrouiller1 I love the anecdote about the Scots at Cravant cursing the retreating Lombards in their 'bad French'

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@afneil Thank you. I had no idea of this very moving and uplifting family story.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@SketchesbyBoze I've reviewed two of these five for the Wall Street Journal (sadly mostly behind a paywall) but, in a nutshell, as a fan of narrative history, I'm gobsmacked by the thought - in terms of both research and construction - that went into them. As a bonus, they're also very readable.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@Knightly_Hist This, and all the other duels, are brilliantly portrayed in this fine film. As a history buff, I've always appreciated the attention to detail, but the movie triumphs on all levels. People less obsessed than me have found the story, acting, cinematography - and score - engaging.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@cwik_greg My 19-year-old son, who hasn't read a book in years, picked up my old paperback copy of Blood Meridian on a whim & is now so engrossed that we have regular conversations about it as he moves along (without spoilers). Despite not being a big reader, he clearly finds it compelling.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@Taff_Gillingham I had the good fortune to meet Major Corrigan last year at the annual meeting of the historical tour company for which he was a stalwart and respected expert guide. He gave an engaging talk about India, was very funny, and was clearly a firm favourite with the company's staff.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@TheCinesthetic Re-watched this just last night. It's certainly one of the best sequences in a movie that does not lack for striking scenes.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@RayBarlow19 @WSJBooks Cheers, Ray. Much appreciated as ever.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

The grinding conflict of the Hundred Years’ War between England and France permanently reshaped Europe’s political geography. https://t.co/3VAfulDYMB via @WSJBooks My latest WSJ review examines two engaging books about a fascinating era. And this vivid image still packs a punch.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

American History Hit https://t.co/xuhrGUousP via @acast I really enjoyed talking about Benedict Arnold to Don Wildman, host of the American History Hit podcast. We covered a lot of ground - Arnold's personality, his military exploits, and the factors behind his notorious treason.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@JChimirie66677 @atrupar @POTUS Thank you for that eloquent assessment of the realities at play here. Hopefully the points you raise so forcefully will hit home in Washington, and throughout the US.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@TracyBorman @HRP_palaces Many a historian's dream job, and very well done for earning it through all of your work.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

‘The Eagle and the Hart’ and ‘Henry V’: Kings, Cousins, Enemies https://t.co/XXmCiRFDee via @WSJBooks
For the first time, I've had two WSJ book reviews published within one week (the other emerged on Tuesday). Now I'd better crack on with those Christmas cards...

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

‘Robert Rogers, Ranger’ Review: Daring Exploits, Dodgy Reputation https://t.co/jiC185k2fN via @WSJBooks
My WSJ review of a new take on a divisive figure from Colonial America. The full article is behind a paywall, but this opening extract conveys the book's central thesis.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@TradeCardCarl @Readex That's brilliant. Newspapers give such a wonderful insight into so many aspects of life in the past. Although, like today, don't believe every story they print.

[Stephen Brumwell @BrumwellStephen]

@ThatchGer1 @ProfTonyPollard @mcribbHistory @Artemisapphire @ErickR1982 @suffolkjohnny I first watched this film at school in the mid-70s, and think that it stands up really well. The use of close-ups compensates for the lack of extras/CGI, & despite some comments that would be challenged today, the narrative is compelling. Overall, a powerful and moving docudrama.