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Every book Tony Gilroy recommended on podcasts
Tony Gilroy appears on culture and media podcasts to discuss screenwriting, history, and the political underpinnings of his creative work, revealing a lifelong passion for historical research and autodidactic learning. Throughout his interview on Interesting Times, Gilroy referenced several monumental historical books that fueled his deep, enduring obsessions with major revolutions. He recounted reading Stefan Zweig's biography, Marie Antoinette, at a young age, which sparked a lifelong fascination with the French Revolution. This historical interest resurfaced years later through his reading of Hilary Mantel's acclaimed historical novel, A Place of Greater Safety, which he praised as a terrific and amazing book. Additionally, Gilroy discussed his extensive historical research into the Russian Revolution, highlighting Yuri Slezkine's extensive and incredible book, The House of Government, which details the lives of the Bolshevik elite. Through these references, Gilroy demonstrates a rigorous commitment to historical accuracy and deep contextual research in his creative endeavors.
Books recommended by Tony Gilroy
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A Place of Greater Safety
A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel is a historical novel that chronicles the lives of key figures of the French Revolution, including Georges Danton, Maximilien Robespierre, and Camille Desmoulins, from their early years through the height of the Terror.
Discussed“I probably revisited the French Revolution half a dozen times in my life, and probably the last thing I read was oh, there’s a great novel. Hilary Mantel’s a place of greater safety. Oh Yeah. No, it’s a terrific book, amazing book.”
Where to get it
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Marie Antoinette
Discussed“I mean, I probably read Stefan zweig’s Marie Antoinette when I was 15 or 16 years old and started a French Revolution Jag.”
Where to get it
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The House of Government
Discussed“And I was obsessed with the Russian Revolution. And then the literature on that has expanded over time and the show trials and how have you ever seen house of government. It’s just an incredible book.”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| What Makes "Andor" Left-Wing? | Interesting Times with Ross Douthat | Interesting Times | 2025-06-05 | 3 |