Podcasts about Rawlinson

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1914 ROYAL FLYING CORPS Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1914 BELGIUM Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1914 HINDENBERG Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1914-1918 US MERCHANT NAVY Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1916 VERDUN Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1918 JOHN MONASH Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

Nick Lloyd's "The Western Front: The History of the Great War, Volume 1" provides a comprehensive narrative of the Great War in Belgium and France from 1914 to 1918. As the first volume of a planned trilogy, this work aims to offer a nuanced understanding of this pivotal theater, moving beyond common myths and focusing on the operational perspective of senior commanders across all involved powers. 1919 LONDON CHURCHILL Z PERSHING Here's a summary of the key aspects, figures, and events covered: Lloyd's Ambition and Approach Comprehensive Narrative: Lloyd, a reader in military and imperial history at King's College London, undertook this "big project" to create a grand narrative of the entire Western Front, encompassing the French sector, American sector, and the German story, alongside the often-emphasized British perspective. Focus on Senior Commanders: A primary goal was to view the war from the lens of senior commanders, challenging the traditional portrayal of them as "donkeys or butchers and bunglers." Lloyd aims to help readers appreciate the immense pressures and difficulties these individuals faced, offering a "cooler perspective" on their successes and errors. Trilogy: This book is the first of three volumes; future volumes will cover the Eastern Front and global warfare in the Middle East and Africa. Lloyd emphasizes that while other fronts are mentioned, the Western Front remained the decisive theater where Germany, France, Britain, and America determined the war's outcome. British Involvement and Leadership Initial Reluctance: Britain initially entered the conflict with a limited commitment, deploying only four infantry divisions and one cavalry division as the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), a "small army" compared to the French (80 divisions) and Germans (over 100 divisions). This reflected a desire for "limited liability" to the Western Front, contrasting sharply with French demands for more manpower. Early Leaders: H.H. Asquith (Prime Minister) was reportedly distracted by personal affairs at the war's outset. Lord Kitchener (Minister of War) was a professional soldier and hero of the empire, wary of deep British involvement but committed to supporting the French. Field Marshal Sir John French (Commander-in-Chief, BEF) was a Boer War hero who found himself "out of his depth" by 1914, struggling with the war's scale and intensity. During the August 1914 retreat, French considered pulling the BEF out of the line due to immense losses and pressure, a move Kitchener personally intervened to prevent, ordering French to stay and fight. Frencheventually "breaks down" due to losses and pressure and is sent home at the end of 1915. Later Leadership and Strategy: David Lloyd George (Prime Minister from late 1916) is credited as "the prime minister that wins the war" in Britain. He showed great energy in revitalizing British industry and re-equipping the army, despite having poor relations with his top generals. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig replaced French as Commander-in-Chief of the BEF. Haig and Lloyd George had fundamentally different strategic outlooks, leading to "constant arguments and backstabbing". At the Battle of the Somme (1916), Haig favored a breakthrough strategy, aiming for maneuver and cavalry deployment to defeat the German army. However, his army commander, Rawlinson, advocated a "bite and hold" strategy, focusing on concentrated artillery to smash enemy lines, take ground, then consolidate before repeating, acknowledging that a grand breakthrough was not yet feasible for the largely "green" British army. German Strategy and Commanders Initial Invasion: The German invasion of France and Belgium in 1914 was based on the ambitious Schlieffen Plan, which aimed for a massive attack through Belgium to outflank French defenses and destroy their army in a grand battle of envelopment. Helmuth von Moltke the Younger (Chief of the General Staff) was under immense pressure and altered the Schlieffen Plan, weakening its critical right wing, and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown by mid-September 1914. Moltke's controversial decision to order General Kluck's First Army to turn southeast instead of enveloping Paris contributed to the failure of the Schlieffen Plan, despite Kluck initially ignoring the order. Kaiser Wilhelm: His character was inconsistent, often described as a "weather vane," and he gradually became a less central figure as Hindenburg and Ludendorff gained influence from 1916. Erich von Falkenhayn (replaces Moltke in 1914) was the architect of the Verdun Offensive (1916). His vision was unique, aiming not for territorial gains but for attrition: to "kill Frenchmen" and exhaust them. Political Interference: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg often opposed Falkenhayn's desire for unrestricted submarine warfare due to diplomatic concerns (e.g., fear of American entry), illustrating the German military's tendency to prioritize tactical effectiveness over political and strategic issues, which was ultimately "fatal". French Efforts and Leadership Joseph Joffre (Commander of French Forces): Described as a "great hero" of the French army, Joffrepossessed remarkable calmness and an ability to absorb punishment and react quickly. His leadership was crucial in defeating the Schlieffen Plan and counterattacking at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914, preventing a German victory. Raymond Poincaré (President of the French Republic): A nationalist deeply involved in military analysis, Poincaré was central to the political efforts to reassert civilian primacy over the army and secure British manpower commitments. General Castelnau (Joffre's chief of staff): A deeply religious man who personally lost three sons in the war, Castelnau exemplifies the human cost and personal horror experienced by some senior commanders, helping to humanize these figures in Lloyd's narrative. Robert Nivelle: An artillery officer who rose rapidly due to his successes at Verdun, Nivelle replaced Joffrein December 1916. He attempted a decisive breakthrough in his Nivelle Offensive in April 1917 with a "formula" for success, but it failed catastrophically due to his being "out of his depth" at the command-in-chief level, leading to French army issues including mutiny. Philippe Pétain: Replaced Nivelle, Pétain became a "savior of France." He was renowned for his deep understanding of battlefield realities and a strong connection with his troops. At Verdun, he innovated by rotating divisions out of the line for rest and recuperation, contrasting with the German practice of fighting units "until basically there's not a lot left". Ferdinand Foch (Supreme Allied Commander from April 1918): Foch is widely regarded as one of the most important generals of the war. He was an energetic and charismatic leader who successfully coordinated the American, British, and French forces in 1918, leading them to victory in the multinational war. His reputation continues to strengthen over time. American Involvement Entry into War: The United States declared war on Germany and Austria in April 1917. General John J. Pershing arrived in Paris in June 1917 to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), despite having only 113,000 men in the army at the time. Rejection of Amalgamation: Pershing steadfastly resisted French and British desires to "amalgamate" American manpower into their existing divisions, insisting that American soldiers fight as an independent army. He argued that the Allies had a poor record of "not killing your own troops". German Miscalculation: Germany severely underestimated how quickly the United States could build and deploy an army, believing it would take years. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to their defeat once the Americans demonstrated their seriousness in 1918. American involvement became "crucial" by 1917, changing the atmosphere. Evolution of Warfare on the Western Front From Movement to Stalemate: The initial German invasion failed to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the establishment of trench warfare after the Battle of the Marne. Realization of No Breakthrough: After the Second Battle of Champagne (1915), Allied and Germancommanders like Joffre and Falkenhayn began to recognize that a "grand shattering breakthrough" was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Constant Adaptation: This realization led to a continuous arms race. As Allied artillery and tactics improved, German defenses evolved from single lines to complex "zones of pill boxes," making progress difficult and bloody. The war became an intense exercise in violence where commanders constantly adapted to a "cauldron of war". Key Battles and Their Significance Battle of the Marne (September 1914): Joffre's successful counterattack forced the Germans to retreat, effectively ending the Schlieffen Plan and leading to the beginning of trench warfare. Second Battle of Champagne (September-October 1915): A major French offensive that, despite immense effort and casualties, failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, solidifying the understanding that trench deadlock could not be easily broken. Verdun (1916): Falkenhayn's attrition battle, designed to "kill Frenchmen," concentrated immense firepower in a small area, creating a "moonscape effect." While not decisive in destroying the French, it was a moment where "things start to go wrong for Germany," from which she never truly recovers. Somme (1916): A British and French offensive intended to relieve pressure on Verdun, but also driven by Haig's ambition for a breakthrough. The debate between breakthrough and Rawlinson's "bite and hold" strategy highlighted the dilemmas of Western Front warfare. Nivelle Offensive (April 1917): A disastrous French attempt at a breakthrough, which highlighted Nivelle'soverreach and led to significant disillusionment and mutiny within the French army. End of the War and its Legacy German Defeat: Lloyd's book argues that the German army was "falling apart" and "defeated rapidly in 1918" despite the persistent "stab in the back" myth that claimed they were betrayed at home. Armistice Decision: The decision by the Allies not to invade Germany was primarily political, as the British and French were "totally exhausted," while the Americans were "much fresher" and more keen to continue. Lloyd considers the armistice "fair on all sides". Lloyd's work underscores that the Western Front was a complex, multinational struggle marked by evolving strategies, immense pressures on commanders, and profound human costs, which ultimately determined the course of the Great War and cast a long shadow over the 20th century.

2025-08-20_Christine Rawlinson by CurtinFM 100.1 in Perth, Western Australia

Nadia Rawlinson and Michael Alter are co-owners of the WNBA team, the Chicago Sky. Nadia was the Chief People Officer at Slack Technologies when the company was acquired by Salesforce in 2021 for $28 billion.  She is an advisor for Google Ventures, serves on the Stanford University Board of Trustees and is on the Board of Directors for J. Crew and Vail Resorts. Michael is President of the Alter Group, which was founded by his father and has become one of the largest private commercial real estate developers in the country.  He is also the founder and a board member of the non-profit organization City Year Chicago. In today's conversation, we will learn: (1:05) – What were Michael and Nadia's formative years like?(4:16) – How and why did Michael join the family business (Alter Group)?(8:39) – How did Nadia define her career path after the Slack acquisition?(12:23) – What makes for a good board member?(15:12) – What do entrepreneurs get wrong when building a business?(16:43) – Why did Michael decide to buy Chicago Sky?(21:08) – What does being a good “steward” of the Chicago Sky mean to Nadia?(24:35) – How does the organizational structure of a sports franchise work?(29:01) – What life lessons have Nadia and Michael brought home from Chicago Sky?(33:15) – What are Michael and Nadia's “why's”?  © 2025 Northern Trust Corporation. Head Office: 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, IL 60603. Incorporated with limited liability in the U.S. Member FDIC.

I've been shouting this from the rooftops: live social shopping is about to explode—and in this episode, I sit down with someone who's actually doing it at scale. David Rawlinson, CEO of QVC Group, joins me to break down how one of the OGs of commerce + entertainment is going all-in on the next retail revolution.We talk about what's happening with TikTok Shop, why America is behind China in social shopping, how QVC is reinventing itself, and how creators, entrepreneurs, and even “garage sale” sellers can win big in this space. This isn't just theory—this is real strategy for where attention, commerce, and community are all headed.

Dominique CharpinCollège de FranceAnnée 2024-2025Civilisation mésopotamienneColloque - Jules Oppert (1825-1905) et l'assyriologie de son temps - Kevin Cathcart : The Decipherment of Akkadian and its Cuneiform Writing System: Hincks, Oppert and RawlinsonKevin CathcartRésuméIn 1846 Edward Hincks announced that he had made a beginning in the decipherment of Akkadian. Between 1846 and 1849 he established that many signs have more than one reading or represent more than one sound, several signs can be pronounced the same, and signs have "ideographic" (logographic) as well as phonetic or syllabic values. As early as 1849 Hincks was expressing the view that Akkadian was not the language of the inventors of cuneiform. H. C. Rawlinson's most enduring contribution to cuneiform studies was his copying and publication of the Old Persian text of the long trilingual inscription at Behistun. His publication of the Babylonian text was less successful and he was disappointed to find that it was not the key to decipherment that he thought it would be. It took him several years to come to terms with the logo-syllabic nature of the script and to shed his notion that the script was partly alphabetic. Jules Oppert began the study of Mesopotamian cuneiform with the advantages of an excellent academic formation. He had studied in depth Sanskrit and Old Persian when he turned to the study of Akkadian and Sumerian. His archaeological experience in the Near East became an asset in his research on the collections of cuneiform tablets. His clear understanding of the Akkadian language and its writing system is evident in his numerous and detailed publications of texts.

Air Date: June 2, 2025 Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/fk7hby52 Dr. David Chase Stephens (AU '24), winner of the Alabama Historical Association's 2025 Sarah Woolfolk Wiggins Award for the best dissertation in Alabama History, discusses his dissertation entitled “To Obstruct and Resist: Paradise v. Allen, Integration Efforts, and the Alabama State Troopers” (Dec. 2024). Stephens examines the strum und drang of integrating the Alabama State Troopers by hiring and promoting Black and women officers. He examines the four major lawsuits at the heart of these efforts as well as resistance to integration that Gov. Guy Hunt dropped in the mid-1980s. Links mentioned in the episode: Alabama Historical Association: https://www.alabamahistory.net/ Sarah Woolfolk Wiggins Dissertation Award: https://www.alabamahistory.net/wiggins-dissertation-award Stephens, “To Obstruct and Resist: Paradise v. Allen, Integration Efforts, and the Alabama State Troopers”: https://etd.auburn.edu/handle/10415/9481 Paradise v. Allen / NAACP v. Allen: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/paradise-v-allen/ Alabama Department of Public Safety: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/alabama-law-enforcement-agency/ US v. Frazer (1970): https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/317/1079/1415562/ Mieth v. Dothard (1976): https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/418/1169/1602972/ Dothard v. Rawlinson (1977): https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/433/321/ Gov. George Wallace: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/george-c-wallace-1963-67-1971-79-1983-87/ Gov. Fob James: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/forrest-fob-james-jr-1979-83-1995-99/ Gov. Guy Hunt: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/guy-hunt-1987-93/ Cowie, Freedom's Dominion: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jefferson-cowie/freedom%E2%80%99s-dominion-winner-of-the-pulitzer-prize/9781541672819/?lens=basic-books Founded in 1947, the Alabama Historical Association is the oldest statewide historical society in Alabama. The AHA provides opportunities for meaningful engagement with the past through publications, meetings, historical markers, and other programs. If you enjoyed this edition of the Alabama History Podcast, don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In Wellington, New Zealand, the Fork & Brewer (https://forkandbrewer.co.nz) has to live up to a reputation, and head brewer Brayden Rawlinson is up for the challenge. Under the leadership of previous head brewer Kelly Ryan (now with Freestyle Hops), the downtown brewpub garnered numerous awards, and the expectations placed on his successor were huge. Yet Rawlinson brings his own style and swagger to the role, alongside a deep love of fermentation in all its forms, and he's continuing the legacy with different takes on beer that are equally medal-worthy (https://brewersguild.org.nz/2024-nz-beer-awards-winners-announced/). In this episode, Rawlinson discusses: pressure fermentation at warmer temps for faster, pub-centric lagers that win medals brewing pils with 100 percent Riwaka hops added everywhere, from mash and first wort through a dip-hop addition and dry hop achieving a more herbal, Noble-like character with Riwaka sculpting a slightly drier NZ pils applying Italian-style method to beers made with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc grapes and Nelson Sauvin hops balancing the acidity in wine-grape beers with low pH but not overt sourness And more. This episode is brought to you by: G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): For years G&D Chillers has chilled the beers you love, partnering with 3,000+ breweries across North America and beyond. With our 24/7 service and support, your brewery will never stop. Remote monitor your chiller for simple and fast access to all the information you need, and gain peace of mind your operation is running smoothly. Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Berkeley Yeast bioengineers ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don't. Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): As breweries expand beyond beer into other segments like mocktails and CBD beverages, Old Orchard is here to help. We can formulate custom blends featuring specialty ingredients. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer. Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) Taste the modern flavors of Indie Hops at CBC, this year in Indianapolis. Join Indie in Indy for 14 incredible collab beers. Check out the full CBC beer lineup at www.indiehops.com and plan to stop by their booth #3122. Steel Chill Cups (https://SteelChillCups.com) Steel Chill-Cups are the perfect promotional tool! Crafted from 100% recyclable steel and proudly made in the USA. Discover how Steel Chill-Cups can “Put your brand on every pour”—visit SteelChillCups.com today! Arryved (https://www.arryved.com) From taproom to distribution, Arryved gives breweries the tools to streamline operations and boost profits—all in one powerful platform. Want to see the latest innovations in action? Visit Arryved at CBC 2025, Booth 1865, where they'll be pouring beers and showing off the future of brewery tech. Probrew (https://www.probrew.com) If you're at this year's CBC 2025 in Indianapolis, there's one place you must check out—ProBrew at Booth 2801! See ProBrew's solutions in action, chat with our experts, and enjoy a perfectly poured beverage—on us. So don't miss it—ProBrew, Booth 2801. ProBrew, Brew YOUR Beer. Brewery Workshop (https://breweryworkshop.com) If you're launching a brewery or acquiring an existing one, consider our brewery workshop and new brewery accelerator, September 14 through 17th in Fort Collins, Colorado. Over four days, we engage in panel discussions, technical brewery tours, networking, and small working group sessions that help you better understand and prepare for the challenges of brewery operation. Tickets are on sale now.

In this episode of Try and Stop Her, I sit down with long-time friend, business whiz, and honestly mental powerhouse, Corrina Rawlinson.Corrina wears many hats - she co-runs a successful machinery business with her husband, offers business operations support through her own consultancy, and casually manages to build personal AI tools in her spare time (because of course she does). But this convo isn't just about business. It's about survival, honesty, and learning to stop sweeping your sh*t under the rug.We dive into Corrina's journey of being diagnosed with ADHD while writing her chapter, her history with mental health, and how she almost didn't tell anyone she was writing a book until a week before launch.This is one of the rawest convos of the series - packed with laughs, some tears, and a lot of truth bombs. Whether you've ever felt like the doormat, the fixer, or the one who just keeps going until you break, Corrina's story will land right in your gut.Follow her chaotic brilliance over at:

Introduction: Minutes 0 to 8:45 We plan to record about once a month for now. I love the show Berlin ER on Apple TV, it's a lot like The Pitt, which I'm also watching. We were disappointed in the ending of Severence. Chandra is excited for the finale of The White Lotus. Royals: Minutes (8:45) to 33:00 Meghan released her As Ever collection this Wednesday morning. She had shortbread cookies, jam, tea and flower sprinkles. Everything was sold out within an hour. I bought the jam and some lemon ginger tea and Chandra got two teas and a jam. People were mad about how quickly everything sold out. Meghan also launched a commission-based ShopMy page with clothing, makeup and skincare.  A woman named Sophie Chandauka has taken over Prince Harry's Lesotho-based charity, Sentebale. Harry co-founded it with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006. Both Harry and Prince Seeiso resigned from Sentable in late March. The majority of the board of trustees resigned several days before the announcement. Chandauka spent over 400,000 pounds on consultants, lost a major sponsor, and demanded a 300,000 salary, which was not granted. She also failed to fundraise for them and alienated the board as she pushed her way to the top. It was a hostile takeover and was aided by a man named Iain Rawlinson, a former trustee of Prince William's charity, The Tusk Trust. Chandauka and Rawlinsin did an interview together on Sky News. Chandra wonders when Rawlinson started manipulating Chandauka. He was seen at a Sentebale event in October. In her Sky News interview, Chandauka's main example of Prince Harry bullying her was when he resigned from Sentebale after she threatened to sue them. Chandauka spouted Windsor talking points against Harry in an interview with the Financial Times. She also was mad that Meghan and Serena Williams showed up at the charity polo match last April. Chandauka blamed Prince Harry for her failure to fundraise for Sentebale despite the fact that he donated 1.5 million from his proceeds from Spare and that the polo match raised over a million also. She's the woman whom Meghan asked to move during a group photo at that match, giving her a more central place instead of on the side next to Harry. The press made a huge deal out of this at the time and Harry emailed or texted Chandauka asking her to make a statement in defense of Meghan. She refused and now sources are saying that if the email got out it would be damaging to Harry. If so, why don't they release it? The British press's reaction in early March to Meghan gently telling Mindy Kaling that her last name was Sussex revealed so much. The British charity commission is investigating what happened at Sentebale. The trustees have spoken on the record about how abrasive Chandauka is. There's an ongoing narrative that Prince Harry is lonely, that he never should have left England, that he should come back to England. He's probably relieved to be away from these toxic people. We're excited for the second season of With Love, Meghan and hope she does seasonal episodes. Meghan's podcast Confessions of a Female Founder comes out April 8th. Prince William is going to be on Jeremy Clarkson's reality show, Clarkson's Farm. You might remember Jeremy Clarkson's horrible screed against Duchess Meghan. It's also notable that Will and Kate disappeared this week. Comments of the Week: Minutes (33:00) to end Chandra's comment of the week is from Jais on the post about Meghan's As Ever product launch. My comment of the week is from Lightpurple on the story about Cory Booker's marathon Senate speech. Thanks for listening bitches!

This week Jimmy talks with Illinois dance teacher/teaching artist/educator Diane Rawlinson. She talks about her wonderful career in performing arts education, utilizing your global community, and dreaming again.

- CEO Rawlinson Out at Lucid - Tesla Stock Trips and Falls - Stella's Earnings Plummet - NHTSA Cuts 4% Of Workforce - Hyundai Using Private 5G Spectrum in Manufacturing - Kia Emphasizes Bi-Directional Charging - GM and Tesla Score Highest Owner Loyalty - U.S. Mitsubishi Dealers Losing Money, Beg for New Product - Volvo ES90 Gets 800V, 435 Miles Range - Toyota Shrinks Board, Appoints an American

- CEO Rawlinson Out at Lucid - Tesla Stock Trips and Falls - Stella's Earnings Plummet - NHTSA Cuts 4% Of Workforce - Hyundai Using Private 5G Spectrum in Manufacturing - Kia Emphasizes Bi-Directional Charging - GM and Tesla Score Highest Owner Loyalty - U.S. Mitsubishi Dealers Losing Money, Beg for New Product - Volvo ES90 Gets 800V, 435 Miles Range - Toyota Shrinks Board, Appoints an American

Tesla, and its CEO Elon Musk, are the big names in electric vehicles, but a lot of competitors are nipping at their heels, including one led by a former top Tesla engineer. Peter Rawlinson is the CEO of Lucid, a billion-dollar auto startup he says has better technology than its rivals. The company recently completed a $1.75 billion stock offering, and has backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Now, as major automakers such as Volkswagen, General Motors and Ford pull back on their EV ambitions, find out why Rawlinson says Lucid's all-in on luxury vehicles with a high price tag and, eventually, smaller batteries. Plus, why he says he won't be building a $20,000 EV any time soon. He speaks to WSJ's Tim Higgins and Christopher Mims in episode one of our interview series Bold Names. Let us know what you think of the show. Email us at BoldNames@wsj.com Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter.  Further Reading The Withering Dream of a Cheap American Electric Car Elon Musk Plays a Familiar Song: Robot Cars Are Coming  Ultralong-Range Electric Cars Are Arriving. Say Goodbye to Charging Stops.  Used EVs Sell for Bargain Prices Now, Putting Owners and Dealers in a Bind  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's episode we take a look at the 1934 version of The Man Who Knew Too Much, the story so nice that Hitchcock made it twice. The 1956 version with Jimmy Stewart and Doris Day is now better known, but this was one of the key early hits that established Hitchcock's career. It's a kidnapping thriller about a British family who gets accidently mixed up in some international intrigue while on vacation in Switzerland. ***SPOILER ALERT*** We do talk about this movie in its entirety, so if you plan on watching it, we suggest you watch it before listening to our takes. Details: A Gaumont-British Picture released in England on December 9, 1934. Produced by Michael Balcon. Screenplay by Charles Bennett and D. B. Wyndham Lewis, based on a scenario by Edwin Greenwood and A. R. Rawlinson. Starring Peter Lorre, Leslie Banks, Edna Best, Nova Pilbeam and Frank Vosper. Cinematography by Curt Courant. Music by Arthur Benjamin. Ranking: 26 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It's also fun. And it's a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranked lists from critics, fans, and magazines The Man Who Knew Too Much got 1,681 ranking points.

Tesla, and its CEO Elon Musk, are the big names in electric vehicles, but a lot of competitors are nipping at their heels, including one led by a former top Tesla engineer. Peter Rawlinson is the CEO of Lucid, a billion-dollar auto startup he says has better technology than its rivals. The company recently completed a $1.75 billion stock offering, and has backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Now, as major automakers such as Volkswagen, General Motors and Ford pull back on their EV ambitions, find out why Rawlinson says Lucid's all-in on luxury vehicles with a high price tag and, eventually, smaller batteries. Plus, why he says he won't be building a $20,000 EV any time soon. He speaks to WSJ's Tim Higgins and Christopher Mims in episode one of our interview series Bold Names.   Further Reading Why Elon Musk's Robotaxi Dreams Are Premature  Elon Musk Plays a Familiar Song: Robot Cars Are Coming  Ultralong-Range Electric Cars Are Arriving. Say Goodbye to Charging Stops.  Used EVs Sell for Bargain Prices Now, Putting Owners and Dealers in a Bind  Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Description:This episode focuses on Lucid Group's 3rd Quarter 2024 Earnings Call with CEO Peter Rawlinson and interim CFO Gagan Dhingra. We examine a 91% year-over-year increase in vehicle deliveries and discuss the impact of a $1.75 billion capital infusion on the upcoming Lucid Gravity launch. Rawlinson emphasizes production efficiency improvements and outlines recent software updates for advanced driver assistance features. We also highlight the Lucid Air's five-star safety rating and look ahead to potential mid-sized vehicle offerings in late 2026, underscoring Lucid's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in the electric vehicle market.Support the Show:PatreonAcast+Other Podcasts:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastShuffle PlaylistNews:Lucid Motors Q3 2024 Earnings CallSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt. Support the show at https://plus.acast.com/s/kilowatt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucid Motors CEO Peter Rawlinson discusses EVs, Donald Trump's proposed end of EV tax credit and the Trump administration. Rawlinson speaks with Bloomberg's Matt Miller and Sonali Basak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

- EV Sales Forecasts Lowered as Trump Wins - Record EVs Coming Off Lease - JLR Reports Higher Sales and Profits - Rivian Pares Losses, Signs 4695 Battery Deal with LG - Lucid's Losses Deepen - Lucid's Rawlinson Makes More Money Than GM's Barra - Stellantis Partners with Infineon For Chips - Audi Drops 4 Rings for New Brand in China - China Solid State Battery to Drop Anode, Separator - China Car Sales Up Strong in October - Borgwarner Names Fadool To CEO

- EV Sales Forecasts Lowered as Trump Wins - Record EVs Coming Off Lease - JLR Reports Higher Sales and Profits - Rivian Pares Losses, Signs 4695 Battery Deal with LG - Lucid's Losses Deepen - Lucid's Rawlinson Makes More Money Than GM's Barra - Stellantis Partners with Infineon For Chips - Audi Drops 4 Rings for New Brand in China - China Solid State Battery to Drop Anode, Separator - China Car Sales Up Strong in October - Borgwarner Names Fadool To CEO

Jason gives you a quick overview of Library of Ashurbanipal.Read the essay here: https://historywiththeszilagyis.org/hwts256 Find us on Twitter:The Network: @BQNPodcasts The Show: @HistorySzilagyi. Chrissie: @TheGoddessLivia.  Jason: @JasonDarkElf.Send topic suggestions via Twitter or on our Facebook page History with the Szilagyis.History with the Szilagyis is supported by our patrons: PatiSusan Capuzzi-De ClerckLaura DullKris HillBetty LarsenVince LockeJoin these wonderful supporters by visiting patreon.com/historywiththeszilagyis. The BQN Podcast Collective is brought to you by our listeners. Special thanks to these patrons on Patreon whose generous contributions help to produce this podcast and the many others on our network! You can join this illustrious list by becoming a patron here: https://www.patreon.com/BQN

Demetrius II was king last time we checked in with the kingdom of Macedon. In order to establish some context for the time period when both Macedon and Egypt were getting involved in Cleomenes of Sparta's war, we are going to have to introduce both Antigonus III and the young Philip V. Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Rawlinson, G. (1871), A Manual of Ancient History, From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Western Empire. Comprising the History of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judaea, Egypt, Carthage, Persia, Greece, Macedonia, Parthia, and Rome. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Antigonus III Doson (online) (Accessed c.16/04/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Philip V of Macedon (online) (Accessed 15/04/2024 and 16/04/2024).

Description:In this episode, I delve into key highlights from Morgan Stanley's 12th Annual Laguna Conference, featuring Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of Lucid Motors. We discuss Lucid's advanced manufacturing facility and their strategy to scale production beyond 9,000 units, including the upcoming launch of the Gravity SUV to compete in the luxury market. Rawlinson highlights the financial support from the Saudi Public Investment Fund and emphasizes innovation in battery technology to lower costs. We also explore advancements in advanced driver-assistance systems, focusing on improving user experience and achieving a hands-free driving future. Support the Show:PatreonAcast+Links: Steve Sheridan's Youtube ChannelPodfeetBeyond the Post:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastNews:Morgan Stanley Lucid MotorsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt. Support the show at https://plus.acast.com/s/kilowatt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artist, pioneer, and mentor, Peter Layton is one of the founding fathers of British Studio Glass. He discovered the art form while teaching ceramics in the US in the mid-1960s and has played a major part in elevating glass from an industrial medium to a highly collectable art form. Most importantly, he gave it a home in the UK. This month, London Glassblowing presents Glass Heaven, an exhibition uniting two exceptional glass artists: Layton and Tim Rawlinson. The show opened August 2 and will run through September 1, 2024. Representing the next generation of glass talent, Rawlinson combines innovative approach and vibrant compositions to offer a fresh perspective, challenging conventional boundaries and resonating with today's artistic landscape. Layton, a veteran in the glass world, has captivated audiences for decades with his bold, expressive works. His 50-year journey from the studio's beginnings on the Thames to international acclaim highlights his role in elevating glass art.  Born in Prague in 1937, Layton is one of Europe's pre-eminent glass designers. He has directly influenced several of his country's leading glassmakers and inspired many more. Arriving in England in 1939, there he began his education. While at grammar school, he met another boy who had also won the attention of his art teacher – his name was David Hockney. Layton attended Bradford Art College, then went to London's Central School of Art and Design, to specialize in ceramics, where he was taught by several of the most respected potters of the time.  On graduating, Layton was offered a teaching job in Iowa University's Ceramics Department. Once in the US, in 1966, he participated in one of the first experimental glass workshops with Harvey Littleton and was bewitched by the immediacy and spontaneity of hot glass. He went on to expand his connections and friendships on this side of the pond to include participating in a Los Angeles exhibition with Marvin Lipofsky, a San Francisco show with pop artist Mel Ramos, and an exhibition at The Art Institute of Chicago with Viola Frey. Back in Britain, in 1969 Layton helped Sam Herman build the first furnace at the Glasshouse in Covent Garden, and he subsequently established his own small glass studio at Morar in the Highlands of Scotland, a Glass Department at Hornsey College of Art (Middlesex University) and, in 1976, the London Glassblowing Workshop in an old towage works on the Thames at Rotherhithe. In 2009 Layton's London Glassblowing Studio and Gallery moved to much larger premises in Bermondsey. Since its opening, London Glassblowing has nurtured and produced some of the world's leading glass artists, including (most recently) Elliot Walker of Netflix Blown Away fame. Layton's colorful and painterly works of glass art can be found in numerous public and private collections, both at home and abroad, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. He has exhibited widely both nationally and internationally, receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bradford for his contribution to arts and crafts in Britain. Layton is also the founder of the Contemporary Glass Society, which is Britain's foremost organization supporting and championing the work of glass artists, both established and new. A vigorous proponent of glassblowing as an art form, Layton has authored several books, become an Honorary Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, an Honorary life member of the Contemporary Glass Society as well as been given the Freedom of the City of London.  Layton has always taken inspiration from his environment, natural or manmade: a stone wall on a snowy day, the London skyline, or works by great painters. From a mere detail, a flash of a Klimt orange or a slick of oil on the Thames, he creates painterly works with a masterly use of color. The artist is inspired by whatever is around him. For example, during the winter of 2009, the heavy snow turned his long commute by train into an intriguing black and white world full of movement and texture, shaping his recent Glacier series. He has also created a number of conceptual pieces that reflect his specific concerns with issues such as ecology, religion and racial conflict. Layton says: “A fellow artist recently described a piece that I had made for her by saying, ‘…it's as though it holds all my travels in light.' Lovely compliments like that spur me on. You never, ever create the perfect piece of glass and there are always new ideas, techniques and challenges to master. Glass is such an underrated medium – there is a fluidity and uncertainty about it that I choose to embrace rather than overcome. Every piece is an adventure.”  From October 8 – 13, 2024, PAD London returns to the iconic Berkeley Square in Mayfair, where London Glassblowing will be showcasing an extraordinary selection of work from their talented makers alongside designers and galleries from over 20 countries worldwide. To coincide with PAD and Le Verre, London Glassblowing is offering a series of exclusive events, providing a unique opportunity to explore and learn more about the captivating medium of glass. For more information visit https://londonglassblowing.co.uk/blogs/exhibitions/pad-london  

Seleucus II has perished from falling off his horse. Long live king Alexander! Oh... wait... That's too original of a name, isn't it? Well, Seleucus III it is then. Find out in this episode what the new Seleucid regime has to consider. Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Rawlinson, G. (1871), A Manual of Ancient History, From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Western Empire. Comprising the History of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judaea, Egypt, Carthage, Persia, Greece, Macedonia, Parthia, and Rome. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Cleomenes III (online) (Accessed 09/04/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Seleucus III Ceraunus (online) (Accessed 09/04/2024).

Description:In this episode, we review Lucid Group's Q2 2024 earnings conference call with CEO Peter Rawlinson and interim CFO Gagan Dhingra. Key takeaways include a record 2,394 vehicle deliveries, marking a 21.7% quarter-over-quarter and 70.5% year-over-year increase, fueled by rising demand in North America. Rawlinson highlights advancements in production capacity aimed at 9,000 units by year-end and underscores significant brand awareness gains. We discuss the efficiency milestone of five miles per kilowatt-hour achieved by the Lucid Air Pure, as well as the first body shell rollout for the upcoming Lucid Gravity. Lucid's competitive technological advantages and the ongoing partnership with Aston Martin in electric vehicle development. Support the Show:PatreonAcast+New Podcast:Beyond the Post YouTubeBeyond the Post PodcastNews:Lucid's Q2 2024 Earnings CallSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/kilowatt. Support the show at https://plus.acast.com/s/kilowatt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alice liked to be the boss. Her doctor had other ideas. By hardtimes x. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Alice was not used to being kept waiting. She was a busy woman, for Christ's sake! She looked over to the young receptionist who instantly turned bright red and tried to look busy. Alice had already given the poor girl a hard time. twice. Not that she was in a position to do anything about it, of course.Alice looked at her watch again. A whole minute had passed since the last time. Didn't they realise she had a company to run?! Her foot began to twitch. Not a good sign, as anyone who worked for her was only too aware. It didn't help that, as far as Alice was concerned, this whole thing was a total waste of time. She was 35 and kept fit with regular visits to the gym. She had never had a day off sick in her life. What did she need a medical for? But the board had insisted. All senior management. No exceptions. The receptionist's phone rang. Another glance at the watch. Another minute had passed. Fuck them! They're a bunch of idiots anyway. Alice stood and headed for the door. The receptionist put down the phone. ‘Doctor Williams will see you now.' Every gram of her innate arrogance demanded her to continue her departure without so much as an acknowledgment to the receptionist. Hence the inordinate pause as Alice froze with her hand on the handle and the receptionist dare not breathe, before Alice turned, strode across to the other side of the reception, and launched herself through the door into Williams' consulting room. ‘Alice!' welcomed a somewhat startled Dr Williams. ‘Do take a seat.' ‘Ms Rawlinson, if you please.' She sat on the chair at the side of his desk. The foot still twitched. ‘Ms Rawlinson. Of course,' corrected a suitably admonished Williams, although he held her stare unflinchingly. How dare he?! No one held her stare. No one! Having been kept waiting for this charade to begin, Alice was in no mood to be challenged. A familiar burst of adrenaline shot through her body as her hackles rose. She wasted no time in making it clear to Williams that she did not have the time for this stupidity. She was perfectly healthy, and she had a business to run. She was here under duress. He should keep the examination to the essentials only, and conduct even those with the utmost efficiency. Williams allowed Alice to complete her diatribe. At which point he carefully placed his Mont Blanc pen on his pad, leant back in his chair, and looked at her patiently. The audacity! Didn't he know who she was? She wasn't just some junior manager; she was the CEO for fuck's sake! The good doctor was well aware of who she was but was not easily cowed. Williams gave a speech of his own, explaining that he also had a job to do which, this particular afternoon, required him to give her a thorough medical examination on the instructions of her board. It would take as long as was required. Her foot stopped twitching, her face flushed, and Alice became conscious of a warm tingling between her legs. She ignored it and, in a further attempt to take control, began to tell Williams what she thought he required. He quickly interrupted and assured her that he knew what he needed to ask. And so began the medical, with a raft of questions about her lifestyle and diet and family history and; In her life Alice always took control. In business meetings she made sure that she led them, regardless of who's the meeting was. That way she influenced the discussion and got what she wanted. In the office she was the boss, and no one questioned her decisions. It would be the same in her private life, if she had one. Occasionally, when away on business, she would role play subservient with some unsuspecting one night fuck she'd pick up in the hotel bar, but in reality even then she directed the whole thing. But here, with each personal question Williams asked, the balance of power shifted further in his favour. There was nothing she could do to wrest it back. This was not a circumstance Alice relished. Eventually it proved too much. Alice stood and picked up her bag. ‘You must have enough now, doctor. I have to be going.' ‘Sit down.' Williams didn't even look up from his notes. Alice froze, stunned by the man's presumptuousness. 'I said, sit down. I haven't finished yet.' 'Doctor Williams,' began Alice with as much authority in her voice as she could muster. 'Sit!' barked Williams. Alice sat. Her knickers were damp. Absurd! She put it down to the fact that she hadn't enjoyed any cock for nearly a month. God, she'd probably feel the same with the office junior right now. Now, there was a thought. A few more questions and the interrogation was over. But if Alice thought her position was about to improve, she was mistaken. 'Take off your clothes, please,' said Williams as he moved over to the scales. 'Is that really necessary?' queried Alice. Williams remained silent, adjusting the scales. Alice kicked off her shoes and removed her trousers and blouse. 'Everything.' Such was the authority in Williams' voice that Alice unclipped her bra and slipped off her knickers without further question. For the first time in her life Alice found herself stark naked in the presence of, and at the instruction of, a fully clothed man. A warm tingling began again between her legs. This time she chose not to ignore it. She tried to remind herself this was a medical, that the doctor was just doing his job. But this vulnerability was a new sensation for her. and she liked it. For the first time she looked at Williams properly. and she liked that too. Similar age to her. Nice arse. Good body. Obviously works out. With the utmost professionalism, Williams recorded her weight. When it came to her height, as she stood against the wall, she stood tall, thrusting out her full, shapely breasts. But still nothing. Not one casual brush of the hand. Not even a glance at her naked body. Never mind. It was only a thought. 'Stand over there, please,' Williams said, pointing to the centre of the room as he returned to his desk and made some notes. 'Can I put my clothes back on?' Alice asked. 'No.' After what seemed like an eternity, Williams swung round in his chair, steepled his fingers under his chin, and cast his eyes up and down Alice's still naked body. She felt his gaze over her every curve. The tingling spread from between her legs through the rest of her. 'When did you last have sex, Ms Rawlinson?' He broke the silence. 'I beg your pardon?' Alice was somewhat aghast. 'I asked when you last had sex.' Alice hesitated. 'About a month ago.' 'Is that normal for you?' 'Not at all. It's just been a busy of late. What with.' 'So how often do you normally have sex?' interrupted Williams. 'I don't know. Once or twice a week, I guess.' 'And do you prefer to fuck or be fucked.' Alice struggled to decide whether such questions were ethical, but her pussy liked it. She could feel herself getting wetter. 'I like to be in control.' Williams explained himself. 'You see, Ms Rawlinson, your board feel that you are somewhat over authoritative and have asked me to investigate this further. I was just wondering whether it was linked to sexual frustration, but, based on your answers, I'd say not.' 'My board are prats,' retorted Alice. 'That's as may be, but I am obliged to report back to them on their concerns.' 'You're going to report back to them on my sex life?!' 'No. I don't think that will be necessary. I think it is just a matter of you being an overbearing control freak.' 'What?! How dare you say.' Again, Williams didn't allow Alice to finish her objection. 'But what I can do is try to address how that manifests itself in your behaviour.' At this, Williams stood and began to circle Alice. She felt his eyes exploring every inch of her body as her did so. Her heart raced. 'Are you cold,' he asked. 'No,' she replied. 'It's just that your nipples are erect.' At that he took each nipple with a thumb and forefinger, and rolled them around. Alice gasped. 'Beautiful,' he added. Alice wasn't sure if she was hearing him correctly. 'Sorry?' 'I said your nipples are beautiful. Solid, unyielding.' At that he released them, supported the weight of her left breast in his hand, and placed a soft kiss on the nipple. He ran his tongue around it, and he kissed it once again. Williams stepped away. Alice wanted more. He moved behind her. She felt his hands cup her buttocks. 'Now, I could recommend that the board send you on an interpersonal skills course.' 'Go to hell,' exploded Alice. She felt the full force of Williams' hand as he slapped her arse. She yelped. 'What did you say?' 'I said, go to hell.' A second, more forceful slap landed on her other cheek. She cried out with pain and felt a heavy throbbing in her pussy. God, she needed cock! Instead she felt soothing kisses calming her stinging buttocks. No hands. Just the light touch of his lips with each kiss. 'There is an alternative, of course,' he said between kisses. 'But I'm not sure you could see it through.' She felt him run his tongue over one buttock. 'Try me.' 'You said you liked to be in control.' He ran his tongue over her other cheek. 'Yes.' 'I think it's a fear that leads you to that.' Alice closed her eyes and wallowed in the tender attentions being given to her still smarting bottom. The contrast was thrilling. 'You need to try ceding control to someone else. Immersion therapy, if you like. I suggest you try it in your personal life before business, for obvious reasons. And, seeing time seems to be short for you, I recommend a jump in the deep end. Specifically, your sex life.' Alice screamed as Williams sunk his teeth into her arse, and she nearly came. 'Do you think you could do that?' 'I could try.' Williams moved round in front of Alice. He was totally naked. Her eyes fell immediately onto his cock, large and proud before her, and then on to the leather collar and leash he held in his hand. 'On your knees,' he ordered. Alice fought her habitual objection and knelt. Her breathing deepened. Williams took his cock in his hand and rubbed the tip against her lips. Alice opened her mouth and felt his length slip to the back of her throat. Satisfyingly broad as he was long, he filled her mouth, and she sucked on him greedily as he secured the collar around her neck. She held his balls in one hand, firm and full, and fondled them. She began to move on and off of him, slowly, teasingly, running her tongue around his tip each time before going back onto him and slipping her forefinger on behind his balls to tickle his perineum as she did so. He moaned with pleasure. Then, quite without warning, he grabbed her head with both hands and, holding her firm, he furiously thrust his erection in and out of her mouth, his balls slapping on her chin, his bell end reaching deep into her throat causing her to gag a little each time, until, equally suddenly, he pulled right out of her and pushed her to the floor. 'Bastard!' she cried. Williams grabbed the leash and pulled Alice up onto her feet. He held the leash high, forcing Alice onto tiptoes. His face was right up against hers. He kissed her softly. His naked body brushed lightly against hers. She could feel his chest against her breasts and the tip of his cock, still damp from her mouth, against her stomach. Then she felt his hand slip between her legs. She parted them as far as she was able given her position, and his finger slipped inside her. She was sodden. 'Do you want me to fuck you?' 'Yes.' 'Yes, what?' 'Yes, please.' 'Better.' Williams led Alice to his desk and pushed her over it. Once again she parted her legs. This time she felt Williams tease her arsehole briefly with his cock, before slipping down and into her hungry pussy. Despite his size, he penetrated her easily, filling her as satisfyingly as he had her mouth. With one hand holding her back onto him by her hip and the other reaching round to finger her clit, Williams began to plunge himself in and out of her. She could feel his inches as they moved from her entrance to her depths and back again. Alice gripped him hard inside her. She could feel her pussy throbbing and tension coiling within her. Williams built up the speed of his fucking, and with it the force of each thrust. She felt as though he was going to split her apart. His balls slapped against her thighs. His finger worked her aroused clit with increasing pressure. She could feel her body start to convulse and her grip on his shaft tighten even more as the pulsating of her pussy built, and he too must have sensed her imminent climax. 'Do you want to come,' he asked without pausing his motions. 'Yes,' she cried as best she was able. 'Yes, what?' 'Yes, please.' 'Denied.' 'What?!' Once again Williams slapped Alice's naked arse. She screamed out. 'Do you understand?' asked Williams. 'Yes.' 'Yes, what?' 'Yes, sir.' Despite his denial, Williams continued to fuck her mercilessly. She could feel her pussy spasm as her ecstasy increased. She fought it with all her will power, but it was growing undeniable. She thought she was not going to be able to hold back when, suddenly, Williams exploded into her, flooding her vagina with spunk. He grabbed both her hips and pounded out his final thrusts. She gripped him tightly inside her, milking him of every ounce of come he had. It was nearly enough to tip her over the top, but he pulled out of her before she too could come. Alice lay, exhausted, spread over his desk. He tugged the leash. She stood, her hair falling matted over her face. 'Lick me clean,' he demanded. Alice went to her knees and licked her juices off of his shaft, sucking out the final drops of come. Task complete, Williams was once again leading Alice by her leash. This time to his examination table behind a curtain. Following his instructions, she lay on her back upon it. He took her wrists and raised her arms above her head, stretching her up breasts, topped with her engorged nipples, and secured her wrists into two leather straps on the wall at the end of the table. Standing beside her, Williams looked deep into her eyes before placing his lips upon hers and kissing her with a sensuous passion. The kiss lasted eternity as his hands softly caressed her breast and his thumb ran around her nipple, before moving on down over her stomach and her mound. The tip of his finger touched lightly on her clit. He stroked it, barely discernibly, as he moved down to kiss her succulent breasts. Alice groaned with pleasure. 'Close your eyes,' he said, 'and open your legs'. Alice raised her knees and spread her legs, to reveal her dripping pussy between them. She closed her eyes and lost herself in what was to follow. Warm breath on her pussy. Tender fingers parting her lips. One gentle kiss delivered onto her moist flesh within. Her lips were parted further, and she luxuriated in the sensation of tongue being run up the left lip, on over her clit, and down along the right lip. Once, twice, three times. And, after a fourth, of it moving slowly, dead centre, along the length of her slit. She lost herself further to the sensation of her clit being suckled and flicked. She ached to feel tongue dipping inside of her, and she didn't have to wait long. Sedate laps, each pressing deeper than the last, until finally penetrating her pussy, in and out, eventually to be replaced by searching fingers, first one, then a second, stroking inside of her as her clit was once again suckled. She gripped the fingers within her and lifted her hips as high as she could manage to improve the angle of their penetration. The tension was building within her once again. She could feel the pulsing of her pussy and the tingling spreading on through her body. She tried to deny herself a while longer to heighten the climax when it finally came, but the ecstasy became to much as a third finger slipped into her arse, and Alice screamed out in heavenly orgasm like never before. Alice lay on the table, wrists still bound, breasts still high, legs spread, breathless and satisfied. She opened her eyes to see the cute receptionist lift her head from between her thighs, a smile on her face and her mouth glistening with Alice's juices and Williams' earlier deposited spunk. 'Doctor Williams apologises,' explained the receptionist. 'He had to leave for an important meeting. He left instructions for you to return at the same time next week.' 'I'm not sure that.' started Alice before the receptionist interrupted her. 'It was an instruction, Ms Rawlinson,' she clarified as she reached for the electric prod and dildo. Accepting her medicine, Alice closed her eyes again as the receptionist's head disappeared once more between her legs to administer a final session of therapy. By Hardtimes x for Literotica

Lucid Motors CEO Peter Rawlinson discusses the company's revenue expectations. Rawlinson speaks with Bloomberg's Matt Miller and Sonali Basak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The two battlers chat about what's happening around the footy club, biding time until the two rookies Coen Livingstone and Loch Rawlinson make their poddy debutSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Kerr is joined by Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of American luxury electric automaker Lucid Motors, to talk about how the company evolved from an electric battery and powertrain supplier to a frontrunner in the electric vehicle market competing head-on with the German luxury manufacturers. Rawlinson, an auto industry veteran who engineered the Tesla Model S, discusses the technology innovations and design thinking behind the Lucid Air (its first vehicle) as well as its upcoming Gravity model entry into the completive luxury SUV market. He also talks about the EV marketplace and where it's going, how Lucid intends to generate consistent demand for its vehicles, scaling the business to profitability, and capitalizing on Tesla's media 'noise'. Plus: Why Chinese automakers are still years behind on EV techFeaturing: Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO at Lucid Motors (lucidmotors.com)Host:Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout The Luxury Item podcast:The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.Stay Connected: Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

Seleucus is beginning to head out eastwards again- somewhere we haven't been for a long time. Let's familiarise ourselves with Andragoras, governor of Parthia, and the Parsi who we last discussed in episode 42... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur. Broderson, K. (1986), The Date of the Secession of Parthia from the Seleucid Kingdom. Historia: Zeitschrift für Alte Geschichte 35(3): 378-381. Dobbins, K. W. (1974), Mithridates II and his Successors: A Study of the Parthian Crisis 90-70 B.C. Antichthon 8: 63-79. The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2024), Andragoras (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024). Grainger, J. D., (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Lendering, J., Livius (2018, last changed 2020), Arsaces II (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024). Lendering, J., Livius (2018, last changed 2020), Arsaces III Phriapatius (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024). Olbrycht, M. J. (2014), The genealogy of Artabanos II (AD 8/9- 39/40), King of Parthia. Miscellanea Antrhopologica et Sociologica 15(3): 92-97. Rawlinson, G. (1871), A Manual of Ancient History, From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Western Empire. Comprising the History of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judaea, Egypt, Carthage, Persia, Greece, Macedonia, Parthia, and Rome. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Andragoras (Seleucid satrap) (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Priapatius (online) (Accessed 04/03/2024).

In this episode we cover more upland bird hunting and dog training as well as overcoming shooting challenges with seasoned hunting guide and dog trainer, Matty Rawlinson. Additionally, we cover the significance of gun fitting for wing shooting success, sharing insights into how a custom-fitted gun can enhance shooting accuracy. The episode also details Matty's eye dominance discovery in shooting, revealing how switching shooting shoulders improved performance. Moreover, it introduces a new podcast focused on Spaniel field trials to foster interest in the discipline, covering topics from puppy development to field trial strategies. Show Highlights: Listener's Question: Training Young Pups for Hunting Matty Rawlinson's Hunting Season Recap and Dog Training Philosophy Choosing the Right Dog Breed for Hunting Personal Experiences and Preferences in Dog Breeds The Importance of Dog Breed Selection Based on Hunting Style Exploring Forest Grouse Hunting Techniques The Significance of Gun Fitting for Hunters Launching a Spaniel-Focused Podcast: Spaniels in the Field Final Thoughts and Upcoming Plans LEARN MORE | heritagegundogs.com FOLLOW | @heritage.gundogs SUPPORT | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An in-depth discussion with Matty Rawlinson of Heritage Gundogs and Outfitters, a dog trainer, hunting guide, and upland hunter from California, covering his extensive experience in bird hunting and dog training across challenging environments, notably South Texas. The conversation spans the importance of field trials, adaptation strategies for dogs in tough terrains, and intricacies of working with pointing dogs and flushers. Rawlinson also shares compelling stories from his adventures, underscoring the critical role of understanding dog behavior in various hunting scenarios. Show Highlights: Birdshot Podcast Inbox: A boot recommendation Catching Up with Matty Rawlinson: Dog Trainer and Upland Hunter Matty's Adventures and Insights on Upland Bird Hunting The Intricacies of Training Spaniels for Field Trials The Constant Training Journey with Spaniels The Art of Hunting with Pointing and Flushing Dogs The Dynamics of Dog Hunting Styles Learning from the Pros: Insights on Pointing Dogs Challenges and Strategies in South Texas Hunting The Importance of Letting Dogs 'Get Loose' Navigating the Unexpected: Stories from the Field LEARN MORE | heritagegundogs.com FOLLOW | @heritage.gundogs SUPPORT | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: onX Hunt, Final Rise and Upland Gun Company Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Rawlinson (Six / Heathers) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Rachel discuss For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy (Garrick Theatre), Pretty Woman (Milton Keynes Theatre, UK & Ireland Tour) and Syncopation (Bridewell Theatre) as well as the latest news about the Wicked Movie, Babies, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Tammy Faye, Ben Platt and lots more.Rachel recently completed a two year run as a Super Swing in the West End production of Six The Musical (Vaudeville Theatre), covering and playing all six queens. As a child, Rachel understudied Jemima Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium), played Jane Banks in Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre) and Margaret Gormley in Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace Theatre). Some of her other credits include: Wag The Musical (Charing Cross Theatre), Rizzo in Grease (Belinda King), Diva in Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Norwegian), Christmas Spectacular (Thursford), Daisy in Jack and the Beanstalk (Harlow Playhouse) and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Rachel played Stoner Chick and understudied Ms Fleming & Martha in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket). She's preparing to launch her own business called Rest End.Follow Rachel on instagram: @rachelrawlinsonHosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.   

#245. Grant “Axe” Rawlinson is a man of many rare experiences, but perhaps one of his most amazing stories is how he has used his accomplishments to breed success in others. He has stood atop Mt. Everest, has rowed jaw-dropping lengths, and cycled continents. These things have taught him some bold lessons relevant to anyone looking to cooperate with others to achieve great things. A boy on a farm grew to learn how to live according to purpose, not just goals, and he generously shares with us the fulfillment he has gained with his adventurous perspective. Listen and be encouraged, friends. Until next time, be kind to each other.Axe's Website - https://axeoneverest.comMain Landing Page - https://linktr.ee/fromthemidpod​​​​​​VOICE MAIL! Comment, ask a question, suggest topics - (614) 383-8412Artius Man - https://artiusman.com​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ use discount code "themiddle"

In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of perfectionism, procrastination, and self-compassion with Abby Rawlinson, an integrative therapist based in East London. Abby specialises in working with Gen-X and Millennials, addressing issues such as anxiety, imposter syndrome, and low self-esteem. Understanding Perfectionism Abby shares her insights into the true definition of perfectionism and dispels common misconceptions. Drawing from personal experience, she discusses how perfectionism manifests in her daily life, especially as a mother, navigating parenthood and the comparison trap. Impact of Perfectionism and Procrastination Exploring the intersection of perfectionism and procrastination, Abby delves into how these themes affect our creative abilities. She explains the concept of regulating the nervous system and its significance in overcoming these challenges, drawing parallels from historical contexts to modern life. Embracing Somatic Therapy Abby introduces somatic therapy and the importance of getting into the body. She educates us on the three states of the nervous system and shares practical techniques for regulation, emphasising the distinction between fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses. Co-regulating and Boundaries The discussion extends to how others' nervous systems can impact our own, highlighting the importance of awareness and setting boundaries. Abby shares insights into identifying triggers and navigating people-pleasing tendencies, emphasising the importance of self-responsibility. Cultivating Self-Compassion Abby concludes by exploring the practical application of self-compassion as a tool for personal growth and resilience. She discusses the significance of embracing authenticity and setting firm boundaries to foster self-compassion in our daily lives. Join us in this insightful conversation as we unravel the complexities of perfectionism, procrastination, and self-compassion, gaining practical wisdom from Abby Rawlinson's integrative therapeutic approach. Thank you Wild Nutrition for making this Episode of Saturn Returns possible. Use the code SATURNRETURNS for 15% off your first order wildnutrition.com and book your free consultation here --- Subscribe to "Saturn Returns" for future episodes, where we explore the transformative impact of Saturn's return with inspiring guests and thought-provoking discussions. Follow Caggie Dunlop on Instagram to stay updated on her personal journey and receive more empowering insights and you can find Saturn Returns on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.  Order the Saturn Returns Book. Join our community newsletter here.  Find all things Saturn Returns, offerings and more here.

0:52 Question 1: Introduction. Brief Testimony and John came to know the Lord. 9:14 Question 2: Wha...

SummaryIn this episode, Jared and Isaac are joined by Pete, the CMO of AllBound, to discuss the changing landscape of partner relationship management (PRM). They explore the history of PRM and how it is evolving to become more equitable and collaborative. The conversation highlights the importance of building relationships with partners and customers, and how this can lead to mutual value and revenue generation. They also discuss the challenges of translating trust and relationships into revenue and the need for a mindset shift in sales and marketing teams. The conversation explores the difference between building relationships and being strategic in business. It emphasizes the importance of investing in relationships that have mutual value and can drive significant results. The hosts discuss the need for explicit goals and effective execution to achieve desired outcomes. They also highlight the power of creating advocacy between partners to foster long-term collaboration and success.TakeawaysPRM is evolving to become more equitable and collaborative, moving away from the traditional hub and spoke model of partnerships.Building relationships with partners and customers is crucial for creating mutual value and revenue generation.The changing role of partners and the diversification of partner types require a recalibration of the way businesses approach partnerships.Trust and relationships are key in the success of partnerships, and organizations should focus on long-term games with long-term people.The changing dynamics between direct and partner sales require a shift in mindset and a focus on relationship-first approaches.Translating trust and relationships into revenue requires a mutual commercial benefit and a focus on creating value for both parties. Building relationships is valuable, but being strategic in choosing which relationships to invest in can lead to greater benefits for both individuals and companies.Setting explicit goals and effectively executing tasks is crucial for achieving desired outcomes in business relationships.Creating advocacy between partners by aligning with their needs and interests can result in long-term collaboration and success.Investing in relationships that have mutual value and can drive significant results is key to strategic business growth.Chapters00:00Introduction and Football Banter03:00The Changing Landscape of PRM12:23The Changing Role of Partners20:36The Importance of Relationships29:19Changing Partner Types and Activities36:35The Role of Trust and Relationships in Revenue Generation42:13Building Relationships vs. Being Strategic43:22Setting Explicit Goals and Making Them Happen44:22Creating Advocacy Between Partners

In this episode Anna and Polly dive into the world of maternal therapy with Abby. They discuss everything from Glimmers, to Name it to Tame it, to Re-Parenting. This is a practical mental health episode to break yourself out of fight or flight and focus on what's in front of you.

To mark the fiftieth episode of After Alexander, we're going to go back in time all the way to the first wars of the successors to focus on Alexander IV. Specifically, we will focus on a point in his life we didn't mention the first time around- Alexander the Little was married! Sources for this episode: Berger, B. M. (1960), How Long Is a Generation? The British Journal of Sociology 11(1): 10-23. Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur (eBook). Geer, R. L. (1947), Diodorus of Sicily (Volume IX). Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann Ltd. Grainger, J. D. (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Langhorne, J. and Langhorne, W. (1770), on Attalus (date unknown), Life of Demetrius (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Matsamura, S. and Forster, P. (2008), Generation time and effective popular size in Polar Eskimos. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 275: 1501-1508. Plutarch (1920), The Parallel Lives. Loeb Classical Library Volume IX. Reproduced by Thayer, B, University of Chicago (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Rawlinson, G. (1871), A Manual of Ancient History, From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Western Empire. Comprising the History of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judaea, Egypt, Carthage, Greece, Macedonia, Parthia, and Rome. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. Watson, J. S. (1853), on Attalus (date unknown), Justinus: Epitome of Pompeius Trogus' Philippic Histories (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023). Welles, C. B. (1962), Diodorus of Sicily (Volume VIII). Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press and William Heinemann Ltd. Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Aeacides of Epirus (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Alexander I of Epirus (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Alexander IV (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Argead dynasty (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Arybbas of Epirus (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Deidamia I of Epirus (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Demetrius I Poliorcetes (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Neoptolemus II of Epirus (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Philip II (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023). Author unknown, 23andMe (date unknown), Average Percent DNA Shared Between Relatives (online) (Accessed 12/10/2023).

It doesn't feel like that long ago that we were here last, but Syrian War III is here- seven years after the first settled on Syrian War II. Get ready to see Ptolemy III rampage through Syria and the Middle East in a way Egyptian kings haven't done since Thutmose III more than a thousand years previously. Something tells me it's not going well for the Seleucids... Sources for this episode: Bevan, E. R. (1902), The House of Seleucus (Vol. I). London: Edward Arthur (eBook). Casson, L. (1993), Ptolemy II and the Hunting of African Elephants. Transactions of the American Philological Association (1974-2014) 123: 247-260. Drower, M. S. and Dorman, P. F. (2023), Thutmose III (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023). The Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica (2019), Horemheb (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023). Gilbert, N. (2010), African elephants are two distinct species. Nature. Gowers, W. (1947), The African Elephant in Warfare. African Affairs 46(182): 42-49. Gowers, W. (1948), African Elephants and Ancient Authors. African Affairs 47(188): 173-180. Grainger, J. D. (2014), The Rise of the Seleukid Empire (323- 223 BCE), Seleukos I to Seleukos III. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (eBook). Mariette, A. (1892), Outlines of Ancient Egyptian History. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. Murison, R. G. (1951), History of Egypt. Edinburgh. T. & T. Clark. Philips, A. K. (1977), Founder of the XIXth Dynasty? O: Cairo 25646 reconsidered. Orientalia 46(1): 116-121. Rawlinson, G. (1871), A Manual of Ancient History, From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Western Empire. Comprising the History of Chaldea, Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Lydia, Phoenicia, Syria, Judaea, Egypt, Carthage, Greece, Macedonia, Parthia, and Rome. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers. Redford, D. B. (2003), The Wars in Syria and Palestine of Thutmose III. Leiden/Boston: BRILL. TED-Ed, YouTube (2014), The pharaoh that wouldn't be forgotten (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023). Watson, J. S. (1853), on Attalus (date unknown), Justinus: Epitome of Pompeius Trogus' Philippic Histories (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023). Author unknown, The Calculator Site (date unknown), What is 5'2'' in cm? (Accessed 01/11/2023). Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Battle of Raphia (online) (Accessed 23/10/2023).

Today's poem is by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien CBE FRSL (/ˈruːl ˈtɒlkiːn/, ROOL TOL-keen;[a] 3 January 1892 – 2 September 1973), an English writer and philologist. He was the author of the high fantasy works The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.From 1925 to 1945, Tolkien was the Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon and a Fellow of Pembroke College, both at the University of Oxford. He then moved within the same university to become the Merton Professor of English Language and Literature and Fellow of Merton College, and held these positions from 1945 until his retirement in 1959. Tolkien was a close friend of C. S. Lewis, a co-member of the informal literary discussion group The Inklings. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II on 28 March 1972.—Bio via Wikipedia Get full access to The Daily Poem Podcast at dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode we talk to Joe Rawlinson all about his Dad's Guide to Twins Podcast and his twin story about his little girls. We learned some twin parenting tips, stories and more. Wesiseli.com Patreon.com/wes_iseli