The Greatest Nobodies of History: Minor Characters From Major Moments

“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

While famous historical figures traditionally dominate our textbooks, capturing the complete picture of the past requires listening to the minor players who witnessed it. Biographies of legendary figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Henry VIII, and Queen Victoria line library shelves and captivate researchers globally. Yet, history rarely acknowledges the ferret that sat for a Renaissance masterpiece, the attendant who managed the Tudor king's private restroom visits, or the celebrated steed that brought joy to the somber queen.

Adrian Bliss believes these overlooked background figures have spent enough time in the shadows and deserve to share center stage with their fame-seeking companions. Thanks to a collection of unearthed grievance letters, historical legal documents, and journals preserved in bottles, their hidden perspectives are finally coming to light.