The Stuff of History: A Curated Compendium of Curious Objects and Forgotten People - Hardcover

Too often history focuses on the tales of kings, or those (often men) who were given the credit for shaping our stories. Yet, what fascinates most are the figures who have passed through the cracks of history, people like:

• The fourteen-year-old boy who lived undetected in the chimneys of Buckingham Palace
• Archie Lee, the re-inventor of Santa Claus
• The women at Playtex who helped put the first man on the moon
• Unknown war hero Tommy Brown, whose extraordinary bravery helped the code breakers of Bletchley

But it's not just forgotten heroes that you'll meet, this compendium also reveals the curious back stories behind everyday objects - the humble fork, the china cup, the real history of tea, and Queen Victoria's underwear - to name but a few. The Stuff of History is a thoughtful, entertaining and carefully curated miscellany of fascinating forgotten histories from Antiques Roadshow stalwart, and popular historian with a huge Instagram following, Steven Moore.

Praise for Steven Moore:

"Mooreis wickedly charming - the naughty uncle you want to be sat beside at the dinner table" --Daily Telegraph

"With characteristic flair and forensic curiosity, Steven Moore reminds us that history isn't just dates and dynasties: it's teacups, train tickets, and the tantalizing detritus of daily life. A delightful rummage through our collective past." --William Hanson, author of Just Good Manners

"An absolute gem of a book. More hidden treasures than an entire season of Antiques Roadshow." --Hugh Bonneville