8TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL – A FLASHY CELEBRATION
From AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST by Chris Fernandez-Packham (Victorian History Lover/Queen Victoria Fan)
May 30, 2025 · 45 min
About this episode
The episode celebrates the 8th anniversary of The Age of Victoria Podcast by exploring the character of Sir Harry Flashman and the historical context of the Flashman Papers.
Episode Summary It’s the 8th anniversary of The Age of Victoria Podcast ! Join your host Chris Fernandez-Packham as he celebrates this milestone with a very special episode dedicated to one of the most unforgettable rogues of Victorian historical fiction—Sir Harry Flashman. In this reflective and richly detailed episode, I explore the character of Flashman, the brilliant mind of his creator George MacDonald Fraser, and how the Flashman Papers have become an unconventional yet insightful lens into the Victorian world. Expect deep dives into: The real history behind the Flashman novels Fraser’s impeccable historical research and cheeky literary hoaxes The balance between historical truth and fiction Flashman’s infamous “heroism” in key Victorian conflicts like the First Anglo-Afghan War, the Charge of the Light Brigade, and the US Civil War A who’s-who of real Victorian figures Flashman bedded, betrayed, or bewildered Whether you’re already a fan of Flashy or new to this bawdy, cowardly antihero, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of Victorian hypocrisy, heroism, and how luck and PR shaped the Empire’s image. Key Topics Covered The Flashman Papers and their place in…
People in this episode
Host: Chris Fernandez-Packham
Topics covered
- Sir Harry Flashman
- George MacDonald Fraser
- Flashman Papers
- Victorian history
- historical truth vs fiction
- First Anglo-Afghan War
- Charge of the Light Brigade
- US Civil War
- Victorian figures
Keywords
- Victorian hypocrisy
- heroism
- Empire's image
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: the Flashman Papers, Flashman Papers, Garryowen
Places: US, Empire, Empire, Gettysburg, Jhansi, Ireland
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