Rebel Island - Jonathan Clements on the history of Taiwan - part 2

09/12/24 • 64 min

We are back with Jonathan Clements for part 2 of our podcast on the history of Taiwan. In this episode we start with the remarkable story of Taiwan's 50 years as a colony of Japan. And Jonathan then takes the story through the White Terror up to the current day.
And to remind you:
Rebel Island
Jonathan's blog

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You can send a message to the show/feedback by clicking here. The system doesn't let me reply so if you need one please include your email.

Previous Episode

Rebel Island - Jonathan Clements on the history of Taiwan - part 1

Jonathan Clements has written a number of histories of East Asia. His latest, Rebel Island, is a history of Taiwan from the earliest times up to today. If you have any interest in the history of the region this book is an absolute must read. And while it is a serious and meticulously researched history it is also genuinely gripping with 'Blimey! I didn't know that!' moments on every other page. Really terrific stuff.
We ran rather long so I split it into two parts. Part 1 takes us all the way up to the eve of the arrival of the Japanese who established it as a colony in 1895. Jonathan was a hugely entertaining and enthusiastic guest and the depth of his learning really shines through.
And do check out Jonathan's blog, the eccentrically named Schoolgirl Milky Crisis. Full of fascinating history and, indeed, reviews of Finnish cinema!

You can send a message to the show/feedback by clicking here. The system doesn't let me reply so if you need one please include your email.

Next Episode

Giles Milton on Nathaniel’s Nutmeg

The 'spice wars' between the Dutch and the English in the 1600's were quite something. Giles Milton told the story in his remarkable book Nathaniel's Nutmeg. What I hadn't realised until reading this was how feeble and disorganised the English were compared to their competitors. And the Dutch in particular were as ruthless as they were capable.
Visits to the court of Ivan the Terrible, a knight of the realm imprisoned in a cupboard under the stairs, horrific torture, courage and persistence beyond belief - and much much more. Giles, as ever, tells the story just brilliantly.

You can send a message to the show/feedback by clicking here. The system doesn't let me reply so if you need one please include your email.