“YOU CAN’T HAVE HISTORY WITHOUT BIAS”
EXPERT BIO
Al Murray studied history at Oxford University before pursuing a career in comedy. He is the co-host of the WWII podcast We Have Ways of Making You Talk with historian James Holland and has written several books, the most recent being The Last 100 Years (Give or Take) and All That from Quercus Books.
“We’re actually living in a history book,” Al Murray exclaims as we begin to chat about his love of history and his own new book The Last 100 Years (Give Or Take) And All That. “They’re definitely going to read about us.” Chatting via video call in late-2020 demands an acknowledgement of the moment we’re in and some speculation of what’s to come. “The shelves will be groaning in 2150 and they’ll be different schools. There’ll be an intentionalist school and there will be a rationalist school, there will be a Marxist interpretation, it will be fantastic. It’s brilliant. We made it!”
If that hasn’t made it clear already, Murray has a deep affection for history and the study of history. Best known for his award-winning stand-up comedy and Pub Landlord persona, he is also a keen historian, with podcasts and TV shows that delve into British history. We were delighted to chat with him about his love of historical study and how he went about writing his book.
First, could you tell us a little about your history background? How far did you pursue it academically?
I grew up in a family that does history. My father and my mother, that’s what they read mainly. My father, in particular, is very, very interested in Second World War histories and is actively working at a
