Bonus Episode: In this episode of Forbidden Fruit, we take a deep dive into the life of Christina, Queen of Sweden, who once owned the Devil’s Bible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we follow the 800-year history of a medieval Bible manuscript, famous for its giant illustration of the Devil contained within its pages. We recount its journey across Europe as it changes hands between emperors and queens, and the history it sees along the way – as well as the cursed legends that follow it. Cast List: Dominic Selwood: A historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph Janina Ramirez: A cultural historian, broadcaster and author based at the University of Oxford Tony McMahon: A former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian Elin Andersson: A specialist in ancient manuscripts and an expert on the Devil’s Bible, based at the National Library of Sweden Scott Sophos: Prague-based historian and teacher Dr Andrew Boakye: Lecturer in Religions & Theology at the University of Manchester  Peter Stanford: Writer, editor, journalist and presenter, known for his biographies and writings on religion and ethics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus Episode: In this episode of Forbidden Fruit, we take a deep dive into the Romanov’s relationship to the British Royal Family, and explore the question ‘Could Tsar Nicholas and his family have been saved by his cousin, King George V?’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we look at the murders of the last Tsars (royal family) of Russia in 1918, including the decline of Tsar Nicholas as ruler and the increasing instability of Russia throughout WWI. We cover their grizzly deaths at the hands of the new communist regime, and finish by looking at a century of conspiracy theories that followed their deaths, including a theory that one of his daughters survived. Cast List: James Sherwood An author, curator and broadcaster specialising in sartorial and royal history, fashion and bespoke tailoring, whose work has featured in the Financial Times, the International Herald Tribune, and the Independent on Sunday. Helen Rappaport An author and historian, she has written several books and is an expert on the period 1837–1918 in late Imperial and revolutionary Russia and Victorian Britain. Andrew Cook: A British author, popular historian and former British civil servant, who specialises in early 20th century espionage history. Christopher Warwick: A royal biographer and historian, he is the author of fourteen published books on modern royal subjects and is the authorised biographer of HRH the Princess Margaret. Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forbidden History is back. In our second season, we continue to explore the past’s darkest corners, delve into the history archives and reveal new perspectives on familiar stories. Series two starts May 24th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices