The Greatest Nobodies of History cover art

The Greatest Nobodies of History

Minor Characters from Major Moments

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The Greatest Nobodies of History

By: Adrian Bliss
Narrated by: Adrian Bliss
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE
SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

Narrated by Adrian Bliss, featuring the voices of Beth Rylance, Sebastian Humphreys and Kristin Atherton.

History belongs to the heroes. But to get the full story, sometimes you have to ask the side characters.

The lives of Leonardo da Vinci, Henry VIII and Queen Victoria fill bookshelves and fascinate scholars all over the world. But little attention is given to the ferret who posed for the renaissance master, the servant who oversaw the Tudor’s toilet time, or the famous horse who thrilled the miserable old monarch.

These supporting cast members have been waiting in the wings for too long, and Adrian Bliss thinks it’s high time they join their glory-hogging contemporaries in the spotlight. Fortunately, - thanks to some recently discovered ancient complaint letters, court transcripts and memoirs in bottles - now they can.

Equal parts fascinating and hilarious, The Greatest Nobodies of History is a surreal love letter to life’s forgotten heroes featuring hitherto undocumented accounts from Ancient Greece to the frontlines of the Great Emu War.

All that follows really happened, and some of it could even be true...

'All at once funny, touching, dazzlingly informative and fascinating, brilliantly imaginative and altogether wonderful. Capable of switching between divine silliness and genuinely tender sweetness, tragedy and wonder.' Stephen Fry

©2024 Adrian Bliss (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Historical World Funny Witty Thought-Provoking Royalty

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What listeners say about The Greatest Nobodies of History

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I hadn’t heard of Adrian Bliss

I purchased this book as it was a 2 for 1 offer last week. Owing to the good reviews I decided to give it a try. I’m so pleased I did. I enjoyed it so much. I highly recommend it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantasticly funny

This book is hilarious, silly, interesting and really well made. I laughed out loud often. I really hope Adrian Bliss makes another one!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Unexpected

I’m a huge fan of the writers comedy sketches and the book is just as witty and entertaining. I was not expecting to be moved as I was by most of the chapters. Adrian really knows how to write characters with depth and feeling.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable easy read

The way the characters are portrait and the audio is fantastic. I love listening to the voices, full of charisma. really felt like being there and living the stories. I actually felt sad that it finished and looking forward for the next one.

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AMAZING!! So funny and well read ☆☆☆☆☆

How soon can you bring out the next one Adrian??? Honestly, this book is fabulous and you are a truly funny guy! Had a great chuckle listening, and also learnt quite alot about history too which is always great.
Thank you so much ☆☆☆☆☆

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1 person found this helpful

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The narration is great

I don’t normally like audiobooks narrated by the author, but this works well. Last chapter/story wasn’t great, but I very much enjoyed the rest

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The stories & facts

No one else could have narrated this book as well... More, more please Adrian Bliss

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Loved this

Not my usual listen but I really enjoyed this! Great bedtime stories for adults! Hope he brings out a second book!

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Really good writing, loved the characters

Most of the chapters were amazing. (one or two was actually quite serious rather than funny)

My favourites were the interview with the Plague and the court hearing of the vestal virgin.

Overall it's not the same experience of Adrian’s work without the visuals. I wish these stories were animated.

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Entertainment

I loved how they kept me entertained for 7 whole hours nonstop.Adrain Bliss makes brilliant audiobooks

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