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Half-Arsed History
Inventions Episode 35: The Internal Combustion Engine
Ep. 40035
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The internal combustion engine is an invention that has completely and irreversibly changed human civilisation and the way we live our lives, unlocking personal transportation, powering global trade networks, and making us reliant on fossil fuels.
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40049. Inventions Episode 49: The Personal Computer
33:16||Ep. 40049The personal computer is an invention that defines the modern information age, a deeply entrenched part of daily life for billions of people all around the world.
20139. QAH Episode 139: The SS Princess Alice Disaster
24:20||Ep. 20139Quarter-Arsed History presents: the story of the SS Princess Alice Disaster, when hundreds of people drowned in raw sewage after two ships collided on the River Thames.
Update: On Recent Episodes Being Late and a Few Other Things Too
12:19|TL;DL: No episodes for the next week or so. I'm a little bit burnt out after a huge year, so I've been struggling to get episodes out on time. Solutions for 2026 forthcoming; apologies for the disruptions in the meantime.
10388. Episode 388: Beatrix Potter, the Enterprising Author
51:13||Ep. 10388In this week's episode, get to know the remarkable Beatrix Potter, whose historical legacy goes a lot further than just the authorship of an immensely successful series of children's books.
40048. Inventions Episode 48: The Pill
27:28||Ep. 40048The pill brought about a huge shift in the history of human civilisation, revolutionising the role of women in society, culture, politics, and economics.
20138. QAH Episode 138: The Mad Trapper of Rat River
26:11||Ep. 20138Quarter-Arsed History presents: the tale of the Mad Trapper of Rat River, a mysterious figure who led the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on a month-long manhunt through the frozen wilderness.
10387. Episode 387: Nations Named After People
52:24||Ep. 10387In this week's episode, hear about the history behind the names of five nations, all named after real historical figures.
40047. Inventions Episode 47: Velcro
24:02||Ep. 40047Velcro - or, officially, the hook-and-loop fastener - is a useful little invention that we all still use today, and one that was popularised after helping us get to the Moon.
20137. QAH Episode 137: W.G. Grace, the Great Cricketer
32:11||Ep. 20137Quarter-Arsed History presents: the story of W.G. Grace, one of the most famous cricketers from the 19th century, famous for his immense skill which helped to revolutionise the game.