Overview

Lessons from History is a joyful romp through the obscurest parts of the past. The annals have been scoured for overlooked figures and events that nonetheless made an impact, and within these pages they are brought hilariously and often poignantly back to life. Alex Deane began tweeting about quirky tales as a distraction from the monotony of lockdown. Now with over 2 million views online, the #deanehistory stories are a social media sensation. These tongue-in-cheek tales about eccentricity and endeavour have been comprehensively reworked and expanded for this book which also contains many new neglected stories from the past. It will introduce you to figures as diverse as Louis-Napoleon, Prince Imperial of France, who died fighting for the British Army in South Africa; Stanislav Petrov, who, sat in his control bunker in Moscow, fatefully ignored his faulty computer's advance warning of nuclear attack and thereby saved the world; James Barry, who, despite being born Margaret Ann Bulkley at a time when women were barred from university, became a highly skilled surgeon and the UK's first female-born doctor; and Dr Ameyo Adadevoh, the first person to raise the alarm about Ebola, who played a vital role in containing the disease and paid the price by losing her life. The book also tells the story of obscure but remarkable events, such as the Aroostook War (also known as the Pork and Beans War), the Houlton Airlift, the Texel Rebellion and the Day of the Tiles. Readers will even be transported to the tiny Greek city state of Plataea in its heyday, before learning about its terrible fate.

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9781785907104

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Reviews

It's never too late to establish the reputation of a hero. This remarkable book reminds us of the giants who never stepped from the shadows and the events which soundlessly shaped history. These are the people and places we forgot to remember, until Alex Deane revivified them. With a light touch, we are introduced to the quiet men, the natural leaders, the reluctant and accidental heroes whose song is now, finally, being sung. - Colin Brazier, journalist and presenter, GB News Deane's stories skip from joyful to absurd to touching and back again, with generous helpings of humour. Highly recommended. - Gavin Esler

It's never too late to establish the reputation of a hero. This remarkable book reminds us of the giants who never stepped from the shadows and the events which soundlessly shaped history. These are the people and places we forgot to remember, until Alex Deane revivified them. With a light touch, we are introduced to the quiet men, the natural leaders, the reluctant and accidental heroes whose song is now, finally, being sung. - Colin Brazier, journalist and presenter, GB News

It's never too late to establish the reputation of a hero. This remarkable book reminds us of the giants who never stepped from the shadows and the events which soundlessly shaped history. These are the people and places we forgot to remember, until Alex Deane revivified them. With a light touch, we are introduced to the quiet men, the natural leaders, the reluctant and accidental heroes whose song is now, finally, being sung. - Colin Brazier, journalist and presenter, GB News Deane's stories skip from joyful to absurd to touching and back again, with generous helpings of humour. Highly recommended. - Gavin Esler Provocative, memorable and humorous - Deane never fails to entertain. - Kwasi Kwarteng MP In this fascinating collection of short vignettes and biographies Alex Deane gives us an insight into people and episodes that are mostly forgotten but immensely interesting and entertaining. The short pieces are full of humour and interest but are also inspiring and they teach many lessons of continuing value, showing the persistent relevance of the past and past lives for the present. A great read, strongly recommended. - Stephen Davies, Head of Education, Institute of Economic Affairs I loved reading this book. At one moment funny, another moment moving, I recommend Lessons from History to all who enjoy stories from our past - with a gentle message for our present, and future too. - Iain Dale, Broadcaster Short stories with a lot of heart. Heroes and heroines galore, and most of them hitherto unknown. I loved it. - Julia Hartley-Brewer A fine collection of unexpected stories - John Rentoul

"""It's never too late to establish the reputation of a hero. This remarkable book reminds us of the giants who never stepped from the shadows and the events which soundlessly shaped history. These are the people and places we forgot to remember, until Alex Deane revivified them. With a light touch, we are introduced to the quiet men, the natural leaders, the reluctant and accidental heroes whose song is now, finally, being sung."" - Colin Brazier, journalist and presenter, GB News ""Deane's stories skip from joyful to absurd to touching and back again, with generous helpings of humour. Highly recommended."" - Gavin Esler ""Provocative, memorable and humorous - Deane never fails to entertain."" - Kwasi Kwarteng MP ""In this fascinating collection of short vignettes and biographies Alex Deane gives us an insight into people and episodes that are mostly forgotten but immensely interesting and entertaining. The short pieces are full of humour and interest but are also inspiring and they teach many lessons of continuing value, showing the persistent relevance of the past and past lives for the present. A great read, strongly recommended."" - Stephen Davies, Head of Education, Institute of Economic Affairs ""I loved reading this book. At one moment funny, another moment moving, I recommend Lessons from History to all who enjoy stories from our past – with a gentle message for our present, and future too."" - Iain Dale, Broadcaster ""Short stories with a lot of heart. Heroes and heroines galore, and most of them hitherto unknown. I loved it."" - Julia Hartley-Brewer ""A fine collection of unexpected stories"" - John Rentoul"

Author Information

Alex Deane is a former Conservative Party aide and a non practising barrister. He is a regular commentator on political events on UK and international news channels. A partner in a global business consultancy based in the Square Mile, he was for some time a local councillor until he received some extremely robust advice from his electorate.

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