October 25 Meeting - "Eighteen" by Alice Loxton

October 25 Meeting

The Book

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Alice Loxton’s Eighteen is a lively and engaging exploration. 

Loxton says : I set out to write this book hoping to get to know the eighteen-year-olds of Britain. To discover who they are, who they have been for the past thousand years. I hope you’ll all come to your own, different conclusions (especially with the inclusion of Chapter Eighteen!). But here is what has stuck out to me.

Loxton brings the era to life with wit, humor, and a modern sensibility that makes history feel fresh and accessible. From the publication of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to the social reforms and shifting politics of the time, she highlights events and figures that shaped not only Britain but also the wider world. What makes Eighteen especially compelling is Loxton’s ability to connect past and present, showing how the issues and transformations of 1818 still resonate today. Her sharp storytelling, supported by vivid anecdotes and lively illustrations, turns history into a narrative full of drama, tension, and humanity. This is not a dry academic text but an entertaining and thought-provoking journey into a single extraordinary year.

The Author

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Alice Loxton is a British historian, writer, and presenter known for her vibrant and accessible approach to history. Passionate about bringing the past to wider audiences, she has built a career on blending serious scholarship with humor and creativity. Educated at the University of Edinburgh, where she studied History and English Literature, she quickly gained recognition for her engaging style on social media, television, and print. Loxton has contributed to numerous historical programs and platforms, making her a recognizable voice in the field of public history. In addition to her work as a presenter, she is a successful author, with Eighteen being her debut book, published in 2023. The book reflects her mission: to make history exciting, relatable, and entertaining for all generations. Whether on screen, online, or in print, Alice Loxton stands out as a historian who turns complex historical events into captivating stories.