Sign up for Intelligence Squared Premium here: https://iq2premium.supercast.com/ for ad-free listening, bonus content, early access and much more. See below for details. Robert Harris is one of the great storytellers of our times. His novels explore the dark side of power and the corrosive effect it has on those who wield it. In his latest bestseller, Act of Oblivion, Harris turns his attention to one of the most divisive episodes in English history, the Civil War, in which Royalists and Parliamentarians fought to determine whether the country should be a republic or a monarchy. The novel follows two fugitives who have been found guilty in absentia for the murder of Charles I and have fled to colonial North America to hide among the Puritan settlers there. Richard Nayler, secretary of the regicide committee of the Privy Council, is tasked with tracking down the fugitives and he’ll stop at nothing until the two men are brought to justice. Hosting the discussion is award-winning author and historian Jessie Childs. … We are incredibly grateful for your support. To become an Intelligence Squared Premium subscriber, follow the link: https://iq2premium.supercast.com/ Here’s a reminder of the benefits you’ll receive as a subscriber: Ad-free listening, because we know some of you would prefer to listen without interruption One early episode per week Two bonus episodes per month A 25% discount on IQ2+, our exciting streaming service, where you can watch and take part in events live at home and enjoy watching past events on demand and without ads A 15% discount and priority access to live, in-person events in London, so you won’t miss out on tickets Our premium monthly newsletter Intelligence Squared Merch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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