This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

895
History #66

Power, greed, religion and sex: historian Dan Jones brings the drama of mediaeval history to life through compelling stories, fascinating characters and vivid scenes. “A Dynasty to Die For” tells the story of the Plantagenets, one of the most powerful and dysfunctional families in European history. Their scandals, betrayals and bloody politics shaped the world we live in today. Season 4 tells the story of two kings, Henry and Edward, who are desperately trying to save their dynasty. Their conflicting personalities will be put to the ultimate test as an old friend, Simon de Montfort, and his growing powerbase threaten to destroy the Plantagenets for good. NOTE: If you haven’t heard Seasons 1, 2 and 3 you can go back and hear this wild story from the start.A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Recent Reviews
  • Chris B in the USA
    Can’t get enough
    This is by far my favorite podcast—informative, engaging and funny to boot. Seasons 1-4 with Dan Jones (plus subscriber issues—well worth the cost—are on repeat). Season 5 with Danièle Cybulskie has been an unexpected pleasure. More please!
  • Mimirima
    Episodes won’t play
    I was loving this podcast but the episodes from Season One starting with 11 won’t play. I tried Season Two and those won’t play either. Very frustrating
  • Juliana73
    Excellent!!
    Love, love, love this podcast! I must admit that I was a bit nervous when Dan Jones went on a bit of a hiatus, and Danièle Cybulskie took over for six episodes. However, my fears were allayed. Daniéle is a master storyteller (as is Dan), and I thoroughly enjoyed the foray into Philip the Fair’s story. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to get ahold of some of your books to delve even further into the history of the Plantegenets and their medieval world.
  • EG1995*
    Love it
    I love this show! Dan I think your idea in that ad of a “hotties from history” calendar is fantastic I would order 100 of them. Thanks for another great season! :)
  • rod9868
    Why change the host?
    Fascinating podcast until season 5. Cannot stand the voice of the new host. Sadly stopped listening.
  • Kitchentherapy
    Binged
    Another top notch production from Dan Jones and crew. Like others I too am starting over and listening to every episode while waiting like a commoner for a new episode to drop. To anyone reading this and wondering if purchasing the extra bits is worth it?YES is the answer.
  • Kelley-bug
    Factually incorrect
    I heard Dan on another history podcast I listen to. I found him engaging and thought I would give this a go. Production value is great, script is great - these are the only two reasons I’m giving it 3 stars. Season 1, Episode 4 states that William was the firstborn of Henry II and Eleanore of Aquitaine. This is completely incorrect. Their first born was indeed a Henry (commonly known as ‘the young king’) as he is crowned in the French style while his father is still alive. Dan makes a big deal out of Eustace NOT receiving this honour and Eleanore’s ‘autonomy’ in naming their first born “William”. By deleting Henry the young king from his account, Dan negates all the history that goes along with this - an escalating feud with Becket over the crowning, the young king given no authority on his own, which caused the first rebellion with Henry II’s sons, and the role of France in this antagonism and the early death of Henry the young king, just to name the highlights. Even “The Lion in Winter” - a fictional account - mentions Henry the young king. Very disappointed with the research team.
  • Lghtbrwn
    By far the best history podcast
    I absolutely love this podcast. This could be a tv show. It is really great storytelling. I am not a huge fan of English history but this definitely got my attention. Please keep them coming! Update 5/28 - LOVE Dan Jones and the first 4 seasons. Was very much looking forward to the new season but I am not feeling the new host. The production quality is still great it’s just very difficult to listen to. Her voice doesn’t fit this type of content. Please bring back Dan!
  • solveig valkonen
    Sovalkonen
    The start of the fifth season is very disappointing! The previous seasons were great.
  • Ohbladee ohbladah
    First Four Seasons are Fantastic!
    Then the fifth season started and the host is AWFUL. She sounds like an AI voice reading a children’s book. I cannot hear the story through the voice. Very disappointing and have now stopped listening. Bring back Dan Jones!
  • Alygram
    Great podcast for the history buff
    I binged all three seasons and enjoyed them so much that I plan to relisten to them.I also enjoyed the British Castles series on Netflix. Well done!
  • BlasphemousBill
    Better than fiction.
    The title here is a reference to Game of Thrones, which it’s been said was inspired by the War(s) of the Roses. It’s hard to out do the real life shenanigans of House Plantagenet, though. I have been fascinated by this dynasty since I was about 13 and received the Avalon Hills game, Kingmaker, for my birthday. I’ve read all books I can find on it. Several years ago, my wife gave me a copy of Dan’s “The Plantagenets,” which I reread during COVID. Gave me some perspective on things, for sure. Anyway, give this a listen. Each episode will leave you on the edge of your seat as you learn about these all too real, sometimes, larger than life royal characters. The subject here is middle to late medieval English history, a period of time dominated by the Plantagenet dynasty and includes some well-known historical figures such as Richard the Lionheart and his brother King John, both whom have made it onto the Disney screen, the unfortunate Thomas Beckett, Edward Longshanks (the villain in Mel Gibson’s “Braveheart) and eventually I presume, the notorious Richard the Third. However, it’s not just the male heirs to the English throne that we get treated to here. Dan brings out of the shadows the many amazing women who also shaped history, such as Eleanor of Aquitaine. There is so much more to come. The Black Prince. John de Gaunt. The rather feckless Henry VI and his ambitious Queen, Margaret of Anjou. The Lancaster and the Yorks. The lost Innocents. I can hardly wait. I am pretty familiar with this history, but Dan has made each episode so vibrant that it just comes alive through his fantastic narration. Just give it a listen. You’ll be hooked.
  • Just a bit more time…!
    Please!
    I absolutely love Season 1 (almost finished), with only one irk. In a too short episode of 20 minutes, the ads take up 3-4 minutes. I’ll consider the “ever being reminded of” Subscriber $ further along, but it’s getting irritating enough trying to spend my 30 minutes of free time navigating through 2-3 episodes!
  • aknapplesauce
    Worth all of your time
    Dan jones narration is unparalleled and I subscribed to the full channel because I cannot get enough. Moved from the us to the uk recently and he’s given me such further insight into an area of history I thought I had a grasp on. What a treat! His research is flawless and he uses it to compel a modern audience. I’d listen to any of his projects but this one is spectacular. Never stop Dan!
  • denniscoyle
    Dan’s writing is it improving as the series goes on
    Fun and informative, but the writing/performance has become a parody of itself. Predictable. Singsong. Overproduced. With a lot of padding out the run time with useless descriptions and sound effects - they frequently duplicate each other, like something out of a see and sound book.
  • dkline250
    There’s so much I didn’t know about the Middle Ages!
    Riveting content explained by a truly gifted storyteller. This is History is the first and only podcast that I willingly subscribe to. Keep ‘em coming!
  • TeamObsolete
    Great but omitted a small detail
    A great story well told by a gifted storyteller. However my understanding is that Henry and Eleanor’s “devil’s brood” were not known as the Plantagenets during their time. I am also disappointed that there is no mention of the Angevin Empire. /r James Angevine
  • Lini DL
    A history podcast that feels like a 5 star drama
    Dan really brings the people of the time to life and makes the story a must binge show. Excellent work.
  • LynCraven
    Addicted to this Series
    Dan Jones makes history come alive. I love the way he tells a story while keeping in line with the known facts. After he is done with the Plantagenets I hope he goes on to another era of British history. I love medieval history, this series makes me wonder why anyone wouldn’t. Brilliant stuff. Thank you Dan!
  • Kensiep86
    Best history podcast I’ve listened to
    All history podcasts should be like this. The way it is narrated plays like a non fiction thriller while also being historically accurate. I just discovered it in the middle of season 3. I binge listened to seasons 1,2 and 3. I Couldn’t stop listening. Waiting for season four has been rough. Lol I also recommend the subscription if you can afford it. It deep dives into the episodes so that you don’t miss anything while also giving additional info. I can’t recommend this one enough. Please Dan,don’t stop, take us all the way through to present day.
  • Kallyhoo
    A Medieval Soap Opera
    Listening to Dan Jones tell the story of the Plantagenets is like following a tv drama, and I am riveted! A definite recommendation for history enthusiasts who enjoy good storytelling
  • Ginger Hartnett
    Riveting
    I never thought medieval history could be so fascinating. King Richard comes alive in these podcasts, and I really enjoy the factual references in source documents.
  • Dazzidee
    This was like a movie!
    I found this podcast after watching The Crown and can I tell you, it is gripping I cannot wait for the next season.
  • creepshowbt
    Exceptional
    Absolutely brilliant storytelling. Bravo to all involved
  • lone eyeball
    What an incredible story
    And beautifully told
  • ndavit
    Fantastic
    I can’t get enough of Dan Jones books and now these fabulous podcasts. If you love history you will love this.
  • DezzyLeah
    Captivating & informative
    Just started Season 1 and I’m already hooked! I love the pacing, the subtle sound effects, and how it turns fascinating history into easy listening. A new favorite!
  • L_HT
    Excellent Storytelling
    Like many have stated before, Dan Jones is a gifted storyteller. I’d never heard of him before I stumbled on this podcast. I normally listen to true crime or investigative podcasts, but being a British lit lover, I decided to give this series a try and now I cannot stop listening. Each episode is utterly fascinating! I love the way the episodes move fast and focus on the main points instead of getting lost in the weeds with all the extraneous details (that’s what the bonus episodes are for). Lastly, love that the episodes are told with a humorous tone and with very little gratuitous violence. Please, PLEASE turn these into Netflix series!!!
  • Tea1003
    I’m hooked!
    Dan brings the medieval world and the Plantagenets to life. I recently re-listened to Seasons 1 & 2 and enjoyed it. Trying to space out Season 3 and hoping for a 4th !
  • StarryStairs
    Great history podcast!
    The stories are told in such an entertaining way. I’ve been listening nonstop. Many thanks to Dan Jones and others behind the podcast!
  • Rvalawyer
    Dan brings history alive
    As a yank who has huge knowledge gaps in history outside of the States, I’m constantly enthralled by Dan’s content. He’s just an absolutely gifted storyteller and historian.
  • blakechesson
    LOVE IT!!!!!
    Just AMAZING! Could listen all day, everyday!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Pingle Pie
    Loved it!
    I’m too lazy to go into detail here, but I will say that these three seasons kept me happy for a few months. I listen to podcasts only when I’m in the car, and educational (in a totally fascinating way) podcasts are only when I have a clear head. Otherwise I have to rewind over and over. The point being, this podcast is too good to miss even a sentence. The host is great! Loved his sense of humor. I really want to hear the extras, but you have to pay.
  • akj8408
    Fascinating
    Dan Jones is a master at narration and storytelling. One of the things I love and appreciate about his podcast is he does not waste time with unnecessary speculation and editorializing. I was listening to another historical podcast, and it was seven minutes before they started telling the story. Incredibly interesting history. And his accent makes the history come alive! This American girl is hooked!
  • Kellkert
    Love it!
    I can’t stop listening! Dan does such a great job of making history so alive! I feel like I’m watching a movie. Well done!
  • twinklr14
    Okay
    I have a strict number of times I ever need to hear overtly nasty things such as “doing his nut”. That number is zero.
  • Jrr123456789
    Fantastic podcast
    Kudos to Dan Jones and the makers of this podcast! This is the first history podcast that I’ve not only been able to stick with, but that I’ve really enjoyed and in which I find myself completely engrossed! It covers an era that has never much interested me, but Dan Jones brings it to life. In fact, I now appreciate how the events of the medieval ages form the basis of modern western civilization. Many thanks!
  • The Kidwells
    excellent historical stories
    Finishing up Dynasty to Die For. From all the novels i’ve read through my college years, Dan Jones puts them all in historical context. Here I thought my family had issues. The Plantagenets definitely had theirs. Dan Jones and his team, puts history of Western Europe into an easily understood narrative using anachronistic equivalents to modern life. Great story telling!
  • Pookie Chu
    Excellent Podcast
    Phenomenal story teller. Keeps a good pace and your attention. If you love history you will love this podcast.
  • Alishaj.
    This is History
    Excellent series! Please do a season 4!
  • Ygraine 11
    Exceptional!
    Dan Jones is the best of all historians, in that in addition to his scholarship, he is also a wonderful teacher. He’s the history teacher that every student would ever want in their classroom. This podcast is like watching a movie. And I can’t wait for the next season.
  • Phoenixgrl
    Binge worthy
    My husband and I binged this whole series on a road trip and never got tired of the dramatic stories, salacious details, and Dan Jones’ storytelling. This is one of the best history podcasts!
  • Tsatt3
    One of the best podcasts!
    What an absolutely fantastic podcast! The whole Plantagenet story told in an ordered timeline. I only wish the episodes were longer! Dan is a great storyteller, I always feel like I’m there in the middle of it.
  • Woodland Creature Trash Panda
    Entertaining (not boring) history
    Dan Jones is an excellent storyteller
  • Murr Dubs
    Love! Wish these were longer or combined though
    I thought about giving this only 4 stars but I genuinely love it and think it deserves 5. My only complaint is the short length of each episode. I think for every two this could be one episode. Not sure that they need to be longer per but I think it would be easier to follow along if it wasn’t set up in a choppy way. Other than that, I love this podcast! I really like the perspective of Dan Jones, and have a couple of his books and see bunch of his documentaries. He’s got a really good way of telling stories without making it dry 😊
  • rhetorprof
    Basically a Commercial Platform
    While I enjoyed the narrative structure and the presentation by the narrator, the content is so thoroughly wrapped in commercials and promotional content (surprise: the most interesting tidbit in each episode is for subscribers only) that I eventually had to unfollow. There’s so much greed in the world of podcasting now but, thankfully, still plenty of quality, free content. Skip this one and find a history podcast wherein the presenters are in it to educate, not just line their pockets.
  • Africache
    Engaging Podcast
    I found this podcast and while I do enjoy History I didn’t know anything of note about this era. Mr. Jones is a great storyteller and each episode is informative and engaging. He is the type of person you want as a history teacher! Due to this podcast I have purchased a few of his books.
  • Haoli44
    Wish I was rating it a 5
    One of the most interesting and intriguing advertisements for their paid version I’ve come across. Multiple times each episode, we’re given part of the story, then told that to hear the rest of it, just pay!! He’d love to be able to let us in on the rest of the story, but there’s just not time. After all, these episodes are already between 12 and 15 minutes long. Surely, as the narrator says, “there’s just no time”…, yeah, no time. Maybe with carefully crafted skill, we can get podcasts down to 30 to 60 seconds. What we now call ads. Of course, maybe if we all subscribe, we can listen to ad free ads. How much money are we expected to have? I hear now, from every podcast, “It’s only a few dollars a week/month/episode, whatever. I listen to a couple dozen podcasts, I’m disabled, fixed income, already decide between medication copays or food. How much is reasonable for me to pay? Which meds should I do w/out so I can pay the podcaster? The meds to keep my one kidney alive? The heart meds? Maintenance on breathing apparatus? I don’t know. How about raising the cost of advertising, because apparently advertising doesn’t do it anymore. I wonder how podcasts survived for the past ten years, relying primarily on only advertising.
  • taylor20045689
    I’m hooked
    This series is so good!! I am so excited to keep listening! Season one is awesome now on to season two! Listened to season one in two days!
  • mfreema523
    Excellent – but to be expected
    Dan Jones does as usual a phenomenal job of engaging the listener in an exciting and novel way with his narration of some really interesting points in history. I would expect nothing less as he is a engaging, intelligent and compelling writer. Definitely check it out, it’s worth your time.
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