Popular History

Breve storia triste (o BST, sempre per obbedire all'esigenza di sintesi) non è più solo il tormentone che impazza sul web ma, come scrive Ivan Cotroneo nella Prefazione, "una specie di esercizio filosofico che in maniera brutale e diretta toglie fronzoli e orpelli e ti mette di fronte l'essenza possibile della storia, a volerla guardare con il filtro dell'ironia". Una chiave narrativa che mescola brevitas e levitas per raccontare non solo le proprie piccole-grandi sfighe del quotidiano, ma che ora si applica a tutto lo scibile umano.

The ticking bomb scenario is a thought experiment designed to demonstrate that torture can be justified in emergency conditions. If there was a bomb hidden somewhere in a major city, would it be justified to torture a captured informant in order to obtain the critical information that could prevent a devastating terrorist attack? In How to Justify Torture, cultural critic Alex Adams examines this thought experiment in depth by exploring the wide range of cultural productions. By critiquing the argument step-by-step, this audiobook reminds us why torture can never be justified.

By "assembling" some of the most fascinating figures in world history, Meeting of Minds provided a groundbreaking opportunity for audiences to be exposed to ideas by way of a medium not normally known for its intellectual vigor. Portrayed by actors, panelists engage in stimulating round-table discussions that were conducted like any other talk show but featured prominent influencers from bygone generations— not just philosophers and politicians, but poets, playwrights, and presidents.

Rein und unvermischt, Urväter deutscher Nation und von überlegener Rasse - die Nationalsozialisten wollten mit den Germanen eine Jahrtausende alte, rassische Überlegenheit der "Deutschen" konstruieren. Auch wir, die es heute besser wissen, stellen uns die Germanen oft recht einseitig vor. Raubeinige Horden, unbarmherziger Krieger und gefürchtete Gegner der Römer - oder doch ein Volk mit reicher Kultur und wechselvoller Geschichte?

War das Mittelalter wirklich finster? Waren Burgen uneinnehmbar und die Menschen damals einfältig-dumm? Um kaum eine historische Epoche ranken sich derart viele und widersprüchliche Mythen wie um das Mittelalter. Es gilt als Inbegriff einer finsteren Zeit voll abergläubischer Intoleranz und grausamer Gewalt: Verschwenderische Fürsten unterdrückten rücksichtslos das darbende Volk, an jeder Ecke standen Galgen, brannten Scheiterhaufen, und schon ein fauler Zahn konnte den Tod bedeuten.

"Don't you forget about me", lautet das Motto dieser Folge, die sich "The Breakfast Club", dem legendären Jugendfilm von John Hughes aus dem Jahr 1985 widmet.

From the depths of the ocean to the farthest corners of the cosmos, "Incredible But True" traverses a vast array of topics, uncovering the most surprising and lesser-known truths of our universe. Listeners will be enthralled by quirky animal behaviors, bewildering scientific phenomena, and historical oddities that defy belief.

Albert Kesselring holds a strange place in the history of World War II. A commander in the Luftwaffe, he is remembered as much for the skill with which he oversaw the German armies as for his mastery of the air fleets. Called "Uncle Albert" by many of his men and "Smiling Albert" by the Allies, he was widely respected by men on both sides of the war and loved by many of his troops, yet he was responsible for massacres in occupied Italy for which he was condemned to death during the post-war trials.

In the early 18th century, 80 years prior to revolution, France went wild for stocks and bonds. Mechanics dropped their tools and tradesmen closed their shops. There was but one profession, one employment, one occupation for persons of all ranks, from peasant to prince. And that profession was speculating in stocks. This is the story of John Law, the adventurous Scotsman played chance against an entire nation.