For a festive The Rest Is History special, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook were joined by author and alcohol historian Henry Jeffreys to discuss some Christmassy tipples, from sherry to port, champagne to clairet. As well as a discussion on why certain drinks revealed your political leanings, and how one Shropshire gentleman set his furniture on fire trying to cure his hiccups after one too many bottles of wine. The Rest Is History aired on Boxing Day 2022 and you can catch up on the episode here.
Amanda Owen joins Puffin in 7 book deal
We’re overjoyed to announce an exciting new adventure for Amanda Owen, the Yorkshire Shepherdess, as she steps into the world of children’s literature. Amanda's enchanting storytelling is about to captivate a brand new audience, spanning picture books, non-fiction and middle-grade fiction in a 7 book deal with Puffin, negotiated by Wolfsong. Set to launch in September 2025, the first book, Christmas Tales from the Farm, is a wonderful collection of festive short stories for children age 8-12, inspired by real-life rural escapades and the characterful farm animals that call Ravenseat home. With beautiful illustrations by Becca Hall throughout, children will enjoy tales of mischievous lost sheep, abandoned chickens in search of a loving home, a playful runaway reindeer and much more, all told with Amanda's trademark warmth and humour. Christmas Tales from the Farm will be published by Puffin on September 11th 2025.