8TH Anniversary Special – A Flashy Celebration

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 historical fiction George MacDonald Fraser’s approach to mixing fact and satire Flashman’s accidental heroism in major Victorian conflicts Victorian attitudes toward Empire, honour, and race Antiheroes in literature and why they matter Fraser’s links to his own military past and colonial nostalgia Victorian culture, music, and the role of press in myth-making Quotable Moments “If I had been the hero everyone thought I was, or even a half-decent soldier, Lee would have won the battle of Gettysburg…” “Like them or not, the Victorians strode the stage of history in glorious technicolour.” “Some of the most interesting people in history—and in fiction—are really awful in some ways.” Further Reading & Mentions The Flashman Papers series by George MacDonald Fraser Fraser’s interview with historian Saul David Historical figures discussed: Lord Cardigan, Rani of Jhansi, Abraham Lincoln, Lola Montez, and more British colonial history and the forgotten 14th Army of Burma Music: “Garryowen” and its curious journey from Ireland to the US Cavalry Join the Celebration! Thanks to all the listeners who’ve joined the journey over the last 8 years. If you’ve found the show informative, entertaining, or just a good companion on long walks, please consider sharing it or leaving a review. The post 8TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL – A FLASHY CELEBRATION appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST .

You can listen to 8TH Anniversary Special – A Flashy Celebration online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

8TH Anniversary Special – A Flashy Celebration is an episode from AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST by Chris Fernandez-Packham (Victorian History Lover/Queen Victoria Fan).

This episode is 44:56 long.

This episode was published on May 30, 2025.

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