David Starkey

David Starkey

Always good to see TV Presenters and writers give a talk live.  On TV we get the edited version whereas live we can hear and see their style and ability as speakers firsthand.  David Starkey, the historian well-known for being bristly was at our local Wimbledon Bookfest today.  He came across as a contemplative pussy-cat until question time.  It was then that his hackles rose and began charging in to his subject with relish.  It was a clear message that greatness is achieved in history by people who have challenged the accepted rules of their time.  The achievers that have gone on their way steadily working to achieve change and kept their heads down are not much mentioned in our history books.  With great power comes great responsibility and the responsibility bit is a hard pill to swallow unless you have grit, self-belief and humility.  On this occasion Mr Starkey came over as a good speaker and likeable in the flesh.

David Starkey