Listener Request: If you could live in any fantasy universe... [Episode 198]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton examines the Britishness of Timothy Dalton's first outing as Ian Fleming's creation, James Bond, 007.Part One: Brits in AfghanistanThomas touches on iconic imagery, such as the infamous painting, “The remnants of an army, Jellalabad [sic], January 13, 1842”, which is better known as just "Remnants of an Army". It was painted by Elizabeth Thompson, Lady Butler in 1878, and shows Dr. William Brydon, assistant surgeon in the Bengal Army, arriving at the gates of Jalalabad in January 1842. He was thought to be the only survivor of a massacre at The Khyber Pass. This is detailed in a book Thomas has recommended before, "The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia" by Peter Hopkirk, the chapter "Massacre in the Passes". For the sake of variety, Thomas reads from a book not previously covered in his episodes on the British Empire, namely, Jeremy Paxman's "Empire: What Ruling the World Did to the British".If it wasn't clear in the episode (Thomas has been down with a cold and is still a tiny bit fuzzy), the 'British' were fighting in Afghanistan mainly to forestall any Russian influence there, as it was seen as the gateway to India. Not so different from James Bond's objectives in the movie, I suppose.Part Two: A Potpourri of Britishness Covering a shop with a dress code, British technology, Aston Martins, and country estates. Thomas can't resist referencing an American court case, Leonard v. Pepsico, Inc. Give me a harrier jump jet, or I'll sue...Part Three: Fleming. Ian Fleming.Again, seeking some measure of variety, Thomas reads two short sections from "The Life of Ian Fleming" by John Pearson, Fleming's friend and biographer. Two further biographies were consulted, especially the ones by Nicholas Shakespeare and Andrew Lycett, but Pearson's was better on this occasion. Thomas also refer to a collection of Fleming's writing recently released, named, "Talk of the Devil", possibly getting the title wrong. If he does get it wrong, he blames the cold.Hungry for more?Check out episodes 133 & 134, all about Gibraltar thanks to my friend Caine, who spent a weekend on The Rock purely to help out my podcast. Also, episode 189, an interview with the movie’s director, John Glen.Visit the podcast website: https://albionneverdies.com/Message Thomas anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies, or e-mail: [email protected] out Thomas' Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out the Red Bubble shopSubscribe to the newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton was asked by his friend, and listener to this podcast, David Webber, ‘If you could live in any fantasy universe, which one would it be?’ – this podcast first looks at the concept of 'escapism' and then answers that question in detail!Thomas considers:The world of James Bond, 007A galaxy far, far away...The world of Harry PotterJ.R.R. Tolkien's Middle EarthA couple of extras are touched on at the end, Star Trek Voyager and Dr. Who, and a final verdict *is* given. The assumption is that Thomas is not the hero (or villain) of these worlds, and that the visit could be anything from one day to one year.Message Thomas anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies, or e-mail: [email protected] out Thomas' https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out the Red Bubble shopSubscribe to the newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Host Thomas Felix Creighton and British novelist Roland Hulme talk about James Bond in the USA, particularly the three movies set there directed by Guy Hamilton; Goldfinger (1964), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), and Live and Let Die (1973). Their talk ranges from Ian Fleming's original 007 novels to contemporary perspectives on American culture. Roland Hulme on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolandhulme/Roland Hulme on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/rolandhulmeRoland Hulme on Amazon: Check out the "Knuckleheads Motorcycle Club" books.***Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: [email protected] out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSubscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards and presents, and at this time of year, Christmas cards: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton shares his parents’ letters, written from Kuwait in 1978, and reflects on their first experience as Brits in a non-Western country.A huge part of this channel is drawing on Thomas' international experience, so he regularly gets messages asking, ‘why did you live abroad?’ – The usual reply is, ‘My parents started it!’. So, not unreasonably, some people ask, ‘Okay, so why did your parents live abroad?’. One formative experience for the older Creighton generation was living in Kuwait 1978-1981. It was not Lee and Frank Creighton's first time overseas, they’d lived in Germany together already. But, Kuwait was a particularly impactful experience, and one they often both talked about. Germany was more familiar, they were with a much larger British Army contingent. Whereas in Kuwait, they were with the much smaller ‘Kuwait Liaison Team’ (KLT) team, and Kuwaiti culture very different from what Lee Creighton was familiar with. Frank had lived in Egypt and Aden (Yemen) as a child - again in British Army camps, but with ample opportunity to observe and interact with the local culture. Thomas reads three letters from his parents. The first, an e-mail sent in 2012, is a reflection on their time in Kuwait, 30 years later. The second, is Lee Creighton’s first letter to her parents in England, from Kuwait (1978). The third reading is Frank’s letter to Lee’s parents, also 1978. Thomas gives further reflections on his time in Saudi Arabia (2012/13), and uses that to remark on his parent’s recollections.For more, check out the 'podcast highlights' section of AlbionNeverDies.comhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/podcast-highlights/brits-in-the-desertMessage Thomas anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies, or e-mail: [email protected] out Thomas' https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out the Red Bubble shopSubscribe to the newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton examines the Britishness of ‘Live and Let Die’, both the 1954 novel by Ian Fleming, and the 1973 movie starring Roger Moore. Contributors include British author in the USA, Roland Hulme, New York based Youtuber Alex Lamas (Always say YES to Adventure), and blogger and writer Matt Spaiser (Bondsuits.com). The main interview at the end is with Peter Brooker, co-author of ‘From Tailors With Love’ (with Matt Spaiser) and ‘Boy Wanted on Saville Row’, a biography of Sir Timothy Everest. You can also find him at his podcast, ‘There Will Be Bond’, which is available from all great podcasting apps.The podcast in in three main parts:An examination of the 1954 novel, and what made it a best-seller in the UK. If JFK made 007 a household name in the USA, what made him a best-seller here in the UK years before? The Suez Canal Crisis, and the author’s high society connections, played a vital part.Heading towards the 1973 movie features contributions from Roland Hulme examining ‘the race question’, Alex Lamas giving a take on authentic portrayals of New York, and Matt Spaiser, also in New York giving an overview of the menswear featured in the film.  Finally, we have the interview with Pete Brooker, recorded in 2022, now released for the first time. Yes, that is the speed of my podcast, it’s analysis not news. He talks about having a shirt made from the same bolt of fabric, by the same shirtmaker, as the one worn by 007 in the movie.Books I reference include:·         Ian Fleming – the Complete Man, by Nicholas Shakespeare ·         The Life of Ian Fleming, by John Pearson·         The Man with the Golden Typewriter, edited by Fergus Fleming·         Some Kind of Hero – The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films, by Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhry  ·         The 007 Diaries, by Roger Moore Recommended Rabbit Hole: K. Hagen · The Spectre of “Bloody Morgan”: Ian Fleming’s Use of the Pirate Motif (available online): International Journal of James Bond Studies · Vol. 1, Issue 2 · Spring 2018 www.albionneverdies.com Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies, or e-mail: [email protected] out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shop (...and thank you to the listener in Germany who ordered an 'A is for Albion' mug recently!)Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks to Alex (Sifu) Lamas about the trailer for the forthcoming James Bond video game, First Light.Currently a martial arts instructor, Alex Lamas was in the film business for 25 years, working as storyboard artist, assistant art director, and weapons specialist. He’s not a gamer, he played Goldeneye N64 only *twice* in the 1990s. He gives Thomas (a strictly casual gamer) a cinephile’s view on the new video game trailer. You can find Alex at: https://www.youtube.com/@yestoadventure007 https://www.instagram.com/sifu_lamas/ Thomas had been playing Hitman 2 for a several hours before recording this game, relevant as these are the same people working on the new 007 game. Many more hours in, the statements in the podcast still hold true. Do check out the new website:www.albionneverdies.com Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks about the British perspective on 4th July – American Independence Day. This episode is perfect to listen to as you drive to a family barbeque on the day, giving you fun facts, and a unique perspective you can share!Why is there a triumphal arch close to where this episode was recorded in England, celebrating the American victory? Was 1776 the start of a new identity? What inspired the US constitution? Would slavery have ended sooner for the USA if the colonies had stayed with Britain?All these questions are answered, with the following books and films recommended (listen in order of mention in the episode):Books:Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens, by David MitchellA Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain by Marc MorrisCromwell, by Antonia FraiserOrigins of the American Revolution (2nd ed.) by John Chester MillerMovies: 1973’s Robin Hood (Disney)1968’s The Lion in Winter (with Timothy Dalton as Phillip II of France)2010’s Robin Hood (the Russell Crowe one)1970’s Cromwell Released on the first of July, to give you time to listen in advance of the celebratory day, when many will be busy with family, or in case you have a really long drive to get to that barbeque!   Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies, or e-mail: [email protected] out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shop (...and thank you to the listener in Germany who ordered an 'A is for Albion' mug recently!)Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616  Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks to Oxford historian Dr. Steven Parissien about his forthcoming book, ‘Another Round – A Post-War History of Britain in 12 Strong Drinks’ from publisher August Books.We talk about class, age, gender, as factors in British ‘drinking culture’, as well as the UK’s ever changing international outlook, and the effect of marketing, in shaping our trends in drinking. We even talk about the rise of zero alcohol drinks in Britain.So, raise a glass to the Great British tradition of booze, and the twelve drinks that made it what it is today… Cheers!The history of Britain, perhaps more so than any other country, is defined by its drinking culture. Built on a foundation of pubs, clubs and watering holes, the UK has remained in the global top five for alcoholic intake per capita since 1700. It doesn’t matter how it comes – nip, schooner, pint or yard – we will always gladly have another.But of such a vast and varied drinks menu, which are Britain’s favourites? Which have stood the test of time? And what do they say about our wider culture?Steven Parissien’s 'Another Round?' uncorks contemporary Britain’s relationship with booze in twelve very different drinks. From the 1950’s classic Babysham, to the house party favourite WKD, these flagship brands reflected and redefined British culture and politics.This book publishes in the UK on 11th September, 2025. You can pre-order on Amazon (and all good sellers), and it will be available in Hardcover (£14.99), Paperback (£9.99), and eFormats (£9.99) on the day of release. Thomas has read an advance copy of this book, and strongly recommends it.Dr Steven Parissien is Director of Compton Verney museum and gallery in Warwickshire, England, and Visiting Fellow at Kellogg College, University of Oxford, and the University of Warwick. Born in London and raised in Buckinghamshire, Steven obtained both his undergraduate and doctoral degrees from Oxford. Steven has written extensively on architectural and cultural history. His nine books to date include Adam Style (Phaidon, 1992; Apollo magazine's Book of the Year for 1992 and The American Institute of Architects' Book of the Year Choice for 1993), George IV: The Grand Entertainment (John Murray, 2001); Interiors: The Home Since 1700 (Laurence King, 2008); and, most recently, The Life of the Automobile (Atlantic, 2013). He lives in Oxford, England, and has a daughter, Julia. Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies, or e-mail: AlbionNevSupport the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton interviews Christopher Morales, also known as @ThatOneBondGuy on Instagram and Youtube, to get a Californian's perspective on 1985's James Bond film A View to a Kill. https://www.instagram.com/thatonebondguyhttps://www.youtube.com/thatonebondguyThis final Roger Moore 007 film takes place in San Francisco, for the final hour, close to where Chris lives. Both he and Thomas have enjoyed exploring the locations, so here they happily share their love of the film. Some light spoilers for the film, but if you're listening to them enthuse over a 40 year old film, hopefully you've seen it already! This film was discussed in Episode 189, an interview with the film's director, John Glen.Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies, or e-mail: [email protected] out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shop (...and thank you to the listener in Germany who ordered an 'A is for Albion' mug recently!)Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks about Britishness in the 1950s, drawing on both academic sources, and family diaries, letters, and recollections. This episode covers family experiences of the Second World War, births in the baby boom, and life in Britain and the Empire in the new Elizabethan Age.Books recommended include:Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945, by Tony Judt, which was previously reviewed on the Youtube channel @BritishCulture (007's Retirement Reading, Part 4)Austerity Britain, 1945-1951, by David Kynaston, and Family Britain, 1951-1957 by the same authorLooking for Trouble: SAS to Gulf Command - The Autobiography, by General Sir Peter Edgar de la Cour de la Billière, KCB, KBE, DSO, MC.Thomas also talks about the following Youtube videos, which give some imagery to what is here described: A Colonial Childhood │ 3 Generations of Brits in CyprusCyprus Under British Rule｜With Cinéfilm from the 1950s & video from todayA Frontline Soldier's Last Letter Home - Italy, 1943WWII: A Letter From a Frontline Soldier in Italy, September 1943A Teacher in the Raj: My Great-Grandfather, F.E. CreightonIf you have memories or family stories to share, please do get in touch:Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies, or e-mail: [email protected] out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSubscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show