Simon Sebag Montefiore

Putin seems determined 'to make Russia great again' His motivations are difficult to understand but listening to historian Simon Sebag Montefiore might go some way to explaining his think ng. Simon Sebag Montefiore explains the mythic status of this eighteenth century Russian statesman, and military leader Grigory Potemkin. In this conversation recorded in London in 2000 Simon Sebag Montefiore tells David Freeman about practical politics in 18th century Russia and how Potemkin made his way in society with the help of the love of Catherine the Great. Their relationship has been told in films but the way Simon tells the story is probably more gripping and unbelievable. Simon told the story in full in his the books, Prince of Princes, and Catherine the Great and Potemkin, The Imperial Love Affair. Interesting to hear Simon say that Putin read this book and what he learned has informed his political views. This lead to the invasion of Ukraine and a significant incident when Russian troops broke into the crypt of the cathedral in Kherson and removed the bones of Grigory Potemkin. This is history to remember. Putin uses this history to justify his actions.

#ads Stream any unabridged audiobook of your choice with premium access by starting your trial on: https://booksreader.space/al-2003/ Title: Young Stalin Author: Simon Sebag Montefiore Narrator: Jonathan Aris Format: mp3 Length: 18 hrs and 43 mins Release date: 09-04-25 Ratings: Not rated yet Genres: Historical Publisher's Summary: Based on revelatory research, here is the thrilling story of how a charismatic cobbler's son became a student priest, romantic poet, prolific lover, gangster mastermind and murderous revolutionary. Culminating in the 1917 revolution, Simon Sebag Montefiore's bestselling biography radically alters our understanding of the gifted politician and fanatical Marxist who shaped the Soviet empire in his own brutal image.

#ads Get premium access to stream any unabridged audiobook by starting your free trial: https://mediabooks.space/il-3926/ Title: Young Stalin Author: Simon Sebag Montefiore Narrator: Jonathan Aris Format: mp3 Length: 18 hrs and 43 mins Release date: 09-04-25 Ratings: Not rated yet Genres: Historical Publisher's Summary: Based on revelatory research, here is the thrilling story of how a charismatic cobbler's son became a student priest, romantic poet, prolific lover, gangster mastermind and murderous revolutionary. Culminating in the 1917 revolution, Simon Sebag Montefiore's bestselling biography radically alters our understanding of the gifted politician and fanatical Marxist who shaped the Soviet empire in his own brutal image.

In this solo episode, Storyline Sessions host Marko Bogdanović talks about his visit to the annual international Belgrade Book Fair and shares some key points from the talk with Simon Sebag Montefiore - British historian, television presenter and author of popular history books and novels. Timestamps: 00:00 - Start 00:15 - Introducing the Belgrade Book Fair and its importance 01:32 - This year's overview 02:12 - Simon Sebag Montefiore 02:50 - Simon on his writing process 04:04 - Simon on witnessing historical events and research 05:52 - Simon on his dreams coming true 06:42 - Simon on writing history books 07:16 - Simon on working with BBC 07:57 - Simon on the idea behind his World book 08:46 - Simon on great historians 09:07 - Jerusalem - City of stories 09:22 - Time travel - my question for Simon 11:19 - Publishing landscape in Serbia 11:58 - COMICS 12:20 - Board games and Brandon Sanderson 12:32 - Antique and used books 12:52 - Conclusion Follow Storyline Sessions Podcast on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/storyline.sessions/

What does the world look like today? What can explain the many wars currently taking place around the globe? Will conflicts like the one in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinians ever end? How dangerous is the Russian war against Ukraine? To answer these questions, Pedro Pinto interviews Simon Sebag Montefiore in this episode of “It’s Not That Simple”, a podcast by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation. In this episode, Montefiore discusses his latest book The World: A Family History of Humanity , a world history written with the grit of a biography, which uses family, the one thing all humans have in common, to tell the story of humanity, and examines how the current “world disorder” is just the end of “what we thought was the way the world normally worked”, describing this “new disorder” as a “multiplayer computer game” in which an array of continental powers and aspiring superpowers are challenging the United States. Montefiore also addresses Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7th and the war in Gaza, stating that the only way out is a "two-state solution", each with new leaderships. The bestselling author of history and novels, awarded several prizes for his previous books, including Jerusalem: The Biography , Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar and The Romanovs , then expresses his concerns about the danger of nuclear proliferation, before considering the Russian invasion Ukraine and why the West must help the latter in fighting of the former. Finally, Montefiore delves into what might happen if Donald Trump is once again elected President of the United States in the 2024 election, in a conversation well worth listening to. More on this topic Montefiore’s essay in The Atlantic on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Montefiore’s interview on CNN Portugal Montefiore discussing his book The World: A Family History of Humanity at The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center in New York An interview with Montefiore on The World: A Family History of Humanity Montefiore on “ The Power of Family Dynasties ” An interview with Montefiore about his book Jerusalem: The Biography Catherine the Great and Potemkin, Simon Sebag Montefiore, 2001 Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar, Simon Sebag Montefiore, 2003 Young Stalin, Simon Sebag Montefiore, 2007 Monsters: History's Most Evil Men and Women, Simon Sebag Montefiore, 2008 Jerusalem: The Biography, Simon Sebag Montefiore, 2011 Titans of History, Simon Sebag Montefiore, 2012 The Romanovs 1613–1918, Simon Sebag Montefiore, 2016 The World: A Family History of Humanity, Simon Sebag Montefiore, 2022

Why is Jerusalem:The Biography book worth reading? Comprehensive and Detailed: The book provides an in-depth historical account of Jerusalem, spanning several millennia. It covers the city's origins, religious significance, political struggles, and cultural developments, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of its complex history. Balanced Perspective: Montefiore presents a balanced view of Jerusalem's history, exploring various perspectives and narratives. The author highlights the city's significance to different religious groups, enabling readers to grasp the multi-layered nature of Jerusalem's past. Engaging Narrative: Despite being a historical account, the book reads like a captivating narrative, making it accessible and enjoyable for readers with varying levels of historical knowledge. Montefiore's storytelling skills keep readers engaged throughout the book. Rich Cultural Insights: The book delves into the cultural and social aspects of Jerusalem, exploring its diverse population and the influence of different civilizations. It provides valuable insights into the city's vibrant mosaic of cultural traditions, architecture, and arts. Unveiling Lesser-Known Stories: Montefiore uncovers lesser-known events and individuals, shedding light on forgotten or overlooked aspects of Jerusalem's history. This enriches the reader's understanding of the city beyond the well-known religious and political conflicts. Contextualizing Current Issues: By understanding Jerusalem's history, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of the contemporary issues surrounding the city. The book provides valuable context for understanding the ongoing religious, political, and territorial disputes. Overall, Jerusalem: The Biography offers a comprehensive, balanced, and engaging exploration of the city's history. Whether one is interested in religious history, political conflicts, cultural heritage, or simply enjoys reading well-researched historical narratives, this book provides a valuable and worthwhile experience. The author of Jerusalem:The Biography book The author of "Jerusalem: The Biography" is Simon Sebag Montefiore. Montefiore is a British historian, writer, and television presenter. He was born on June 27, 1965, in London, England. Montefiore has written several other books on Russian history, including "Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar" and "The Romanovs: 1613-1918". He is known for his thorough and gripping storytelling style and extensive research. "Jerusalem: The Biography", published in 2011, is a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the history of the city of Jerusalem, from its earliest origins to the present day. The book delves into the political, religious, and cultural significance of Jerusalem and provides a nuanced understanding of its complexities and conflicts. Montefiore's work has been praised for its meticulous research, engaging narrative, and insightful analysis. What is the plot of the book Jerusalem:The Biography? "Jerusalem: The Biography" is a historical and cultural exploration of the city of Jerusalem, written by Simon Sebag Montefiore. The book chronicles the history of Jerusalem from its foundation thousands of years ago until the present day. The plot of the book focuses on the various conquers, empires, and religions that have influenced and shaped the city over the centuries. It delves into the struggles for power, the conflicts, the religious significance, and the cultural diversity that Jerusalem has experienced throughout its history. The book begins with the early foundations of the city, including its rise as a religious center for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Montefiore then delves into the r

What is Jerusalem:The Biography book about? Jerusalem: The Biography is a historical non-fiction book written by Simon Sebag Montefiore. It provides an extensive account of the history of Jerusalem, from its ancient beginnings to the modern-day conflicts and disputes. The book delves into various aspects of the city, including its religious significance, political struggles, and cultural developments. It explores the city's importance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and examines the numerous conquerors and rulers who have left their mark on Jerusalem. The narrative is heavily researched and draws from a wide range of sources, including letters, diaries, and historical documents, to provide a comprehensive and insightful portrayal of one of the world's most significant and contentious cities. What is the best book on the history of Jerusalem? There are several highly acclaimed books on the history of Jerusalem. One popular choice is "Jerusalem: The Biography" by Simon Sebag Montefiore. This comprehensive book covers the history of the city from ancient times to the present, exploring its significance to different religions and cultures. Another noteworthy book is "Jerusalem: The Biography of a City" by Martin Gilbert. Gilbert, a renowned historian, delves into Jerusalem's history, emphasizing the city's importance in shaping world events. For a more scholarly approach, "Jerusalem in the Twentieth Century" by Martin Gilbert is highly recommended. This book provides a detailed account of Jerusalem's history during the 20th century, focusing on the political and religious dynamics that shaped the city. Additionally, "Jerusalem: The Illustrated History of the Holy City" by Joseph Millis offers a visually stunning exploration of Jerusalem's history, accompanied by photographs and illustrations. Ultimately, the best book on the history of Jerusalem will depend on your specific interests and preferred writing style. It is recommended to read reviews and sample chapters to ensure the book aligns with your expectations. Quotes of Jerusalem:The Biography book 1. "Jerusalem is a city of contrasts - a melting pot of religions, cultures, and history, where the past and present collide." - Simon Sebag Montefiore 2. "Jerusalem is a mosaic of different faiths and traditions, a place where the holy and the mundane coexist in perfect harmony." - Simon Sebag Montefiore 3. "The history of Jerusalem is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the constant struggle for control over this sacred land." - Simon Sebag Montefiore 4. "Jerusalem has withstood countless sieges, destruction, and rebuilding, yet it continues to captivate and inspire all those who visit." - Simon Sebag Montefiore 5. "Jerusalem is not just a physical place - it is a state of mind, a symbol of religious devotion, and a beacon of hope." - Simon Sebag Montefiore 6. "Jerusalem is the jewel in the crown of the Middle East, a city that has been fought over and revered for millennia." - Simon Sebag Montefiore 7. "In Jerusalem, the fingerprints of history can be found on every street corner, every stone, and every sacred site." - Simon Sebag Montefiore 8. "Jerusalem is a city that defies simple definition - it is a holy city, a political battleground, and a cultural melting pot." - Simon Sebag Montefiore 9. "To truly understand Jerusalem, one must delve into its complex layers of history and immerse oneself in its rich tapestry of faith." - Simon Sebag Montefiore <

What is Jerusalem Simon Sebag Montefiore about? "Jerusalem: The Biography" by Simon Sebag Montefiore is a comprehensive historical account of the city of Jerusalem. The book covers over 3,000 years of Jerusalem's history, from its ancient beginnings to the modern time. Montefiore delves into the religious, political, and cultural significance of Jerusalem, exploring the conflicts and struggles that have shaped the city. The book also examines the various civilizations, empires, and religious groups that have made Jerusalem their own. It is a rich portrayal of Jerusalem's complex and enduring role in world history. Why is Jerusalem:The Biography important? 1. Historical significance: The book provides a comprehensive account of the history of Jerusalem, one of the world's oldest and most contested cities. It traces the city's origins from its early days as a Jebusite stronghold, through its establishment as the capital of the Israelite kingdom, its conquest by various empires, and its role as a holy city for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Understanding the historical significance of Jerusalem is crucial for comprehending the complex dynamics and conflicts related to the city in the present day. 2. Cultural understanding: Jerusalem is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and ethnicities. The book delves into the rich cultural tapestry of Jerusalem, exploring the various communities that have called the city home throughout history. By providing insights into the lives and struggles of different groups, Montefiore helps readers gain a deeper understanding of the cultural complexities that define Jerusalem and its inhabitants. 3. Impact on world affairs: Jerusalem has consistently been at the center of geopolitical tensions and conflicts. Understanding the city's history, its religious and political significance, and the various powers that have sought control over it helps shed light on the current challenges and conflicts surrounding Jerusalem. The book highlights the role Jerusalem has played in shaping world affairs, making it essential reading for anyone interested in international relations and conflicts related to religious and territorial disputes. 4. Human stories: Montefiore intertwines personal stories, biographies, and anecdotes throughout the book to bring Jerusalem's history to life. By highlighting the lives and experiences of individuals who have shaped the city, he humanizes the historical narrative and provides a more relatable and engaging account of Jerusalem's past. This approach makes the book accessible to a wider audience and helps readers connect with the larger themes and lessons from Jerusalem's history. Overall, Jerusalem: The Biography is important because it provides a comprehensive, well-researched, and engaging account of Jerusalem's history, culture, and significance. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this unique and influential city. What can we learn from Jerusalem:The Biography book? 1. Historical significance: The book emphasizes the immense historical significance of Jerusalem, which is considered holy by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It delves into the numerous conflicts, conquests, and religious rivalries that have shaped the city's history. 2. Multicultural past: Jerusalem has a rich multicultural past, with different cultures, religions, and empires ruling over the city at different times. The book explores the interactions and coexistence (as well as conflicts) between the diverse peoples who have called Jerusalem home throughout its histo

950,000 years ago a family of five walked along the beach and left their prints behind. Now, we can view that poignant portrait etched in time — fossils of footprints on the beach — and think of our own families and what memory we might leave in our wake. For award-winning historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, these familiar footprints serve as an inspiration for his latest research in world history — one that is genuinely global, spans all eras and all continents and focuses on the family ties that connect every one of us. In his book The World , Montefiore chronicles the world's great dynasties across human history through palace intrigues, love affairs, and family lives, linking grand themes of war, migration, plague, religion, and technology to the families at the heart of the human drama. These families are diverse and span across space and time. Montefiore tells the stories of the Caesars, Medicis and Incas, Ottomans and Mughals, Bonapartes, Habsburgs and Zulus, Rothschilds, Rockefellers and Krupps, Churchills, Kennedys, Castros, Nehrus, Pahlavis and Kenyattas, Saudis, Kims and Assads. He ties in modern names such as Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelensky. These powerful families represent the story of humanity, with bloody succession battles, treacherous conspiracies, and shocking megalomania alongside flourishing culture, moving romances, and enlightened benevolence. Montefiore's work encourages us to pause and consider our own footprints — and how they might connect to narratives of the future. Simon Sebag Montefiore is a historian of Russia and the Middle East whose books are published in more than forty languages. Catherine the Great and Potemkin was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction. Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar won the History Book of the Year Prize at the British Book Awards, and Young Stalin won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Biography, the Costa Biography Award, and le Grande Prix de la biographie politique. He received his Ph.D. from Cambridge, and he is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. He lives in London. The World The Elliott Bay Book Company

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly Alexander Mikaberidze is joined by Charles Esdaile and special guest Simon Sebag Montefiore for the second in our 'Ukraine Quarterly' occasional series of panel discussions. As the conflict in Ukraine enters its second year their discussion about the war and its historical antecedents offers insights into the way the fighting is playing out today. What are the strengths and (mostly) weaknesses of Russia's autocracy? Why does Ukraine need to continue grappling with its own past? Why does Potemkin matter so much to Putin? The Financial Times article Alex mentions at the beginning can be read here (although to note it's behind a paywall): https://www.ft.com/content/80002564-33e8-48fb-b734-44810afb7a49 Simon Sebag Montefiore's website featuring all of his books can be reached here: http://www.simonsebagmontefiore.com/

Send us Fan Mail This interview was recorded live at Blossom Book House, Bangalore. Many years ago I saw a TV commercial that stuck with me. It showed a montage—sepia tinted portraits of older couples, with rather interesting last names: Alois and Klara Hitler Beso Jughashvili and Ekaterine Geladze (Josef Stalin’s parents) Andruta and Marie Ceausescu (parents of Nikolai Ceausescu, the genocidal leader of Romania.) And a few similar others. And then the punchline “If only these people had heard of Trojan condoms.” This commercial spoke a truth—that families are involved and responsible for the good ones and the monsters alike. We have heard much of the campaigns and conquests and cruelties of world leaders and we have read stories of incidents that might have influenced their growing years. But history is rather quiet on the roles their mothers played. Yes, what about Mom? How did Mom mess with their heads? The most definitive record of this truth—that is the family’s role in history—is written by Simon Seabag Montefiore in his book, " The World—A Family History ". Simon’s book opens with the discovery of footprints. In 2013, a storm lashed the coast of eastern England in Norfolk at a village called Happisburg and uncovered these footprints. They found out that these footprints were left behind at least 850,000 years ago by a small group of humans and children— and that is the first evidence of a family. A blurb in Simon’s book says that from the beginning of history through the present, the one thing that humanity has in common is family. The World—A Family History reveals how the family unit has driven history—from the prehistoric homo antecessors of Happisburg to the modern days—the Trump family included. The book has such a huge span. In about 1300 pages it takes us through recorded history as we know it and in a never done before narrative, presents the history of the world through the families that have caused and created history in every corner of the world. This book is nothing short of a modern day epic. To those who have not had the pleasure of reading Simon Sebag Montefiore, let me say that his narrative is not only deep but gripping. And don't let the size of the book fool you. It is unputdownable and call me if it doesn’t go faster than binge-watching Game of Thrones with as much guts, gore and sex. I have been given the honour of bringing to you this prolific and hugely entertaining historian. ABOUT SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORE Montefiore is the internationally bestselling author of prize-winning books that have been published in 48 languages. Catherine the Great & Potemkin, The Court of the Red Tsar, Young Stalin, Jerusalem: The Biography, and The Romanovs: 1613-1918. He is the author of the Moscow Trilogy of novels: Sashenka, Red Sky at Noon and One Night in Winter. He also wrote Written in History: Letters that Changed the World and Voices of History: Speeches that Changed the World. You can get a special 20% discount at Blossom Book House on Church St in Bangalore. Or you can it order it from them here: The World: A Family History : https://explo.in/3Yy2UxN or better, here: https://explo.in/3XcUP0r . WHAT'S THAT WORD?! Co-host Pranati "Pea" Madhav joins Ramjee Chandran in "What's That Word?!", where they discuss the interesting origins of the word, "CONDOM". WANT TO BE ON THE SHOW? Reach us by mail: theliterarycity@explocity.com or simply, tlc@explocity.com. Or here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theliterarycity Or here: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/expl

In this episode, bestselling author and historian, Simon Sebag Montefiore, discusses his new book, which covers the key families who have shaped global history. His latest work has proven to be a hit, with Henry Kissinger commenting that: ‘Sebag Montefiore interweaves the stories of the servants, courtiers and kings, pioneers, preachers and philosophers who have made history. A brilliant synthesis that will impart fresh insight to even the most learned readers.’ Simon starts the interview by describing Putin’s fascination with Ukraine and the Potemkin era, and continues with the access granted to him to explore the Russian archives to write about Stalin. He explains how the welcome went from warm to frosty after the publication of ‘Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar’. He then describes the powerful impact of human migration, and influence of powerful families; from the Medicis and Mughals, to the Kennedys, Pahlavis, Kenyattas, Kims and Assads. His work tells the stories of the families that have shaped our world and he brings to light stories unknown to us, including why great families continue exert extraordinary and under-recognised influence. Enjoy more episodes of the podcast, via our spin-off show, ' Curated Podcasts - With Simon Brewer '. Follow on Apple Podcasts here , or Spotify here ! Designed for finance professionals, these episodes showcase a range of innovative investment funds - as well as other finance businesses - and how they're disrupting their respective markets. The Money Maze Podcast is kindly sponsored by Schroders , Bremont Watches , LiveTrade and Mintus .