Episode 14: The Man Who Inspired 'Shōgun'

Historian Giles Milton joins Miranda and Paul to talk about the life and times of William Adams, an English navigator who was part of a Dutch expedition to the Spice Islands. Adrift in the Pacific, they ran aground in Japan, then a closed and secretive land in the grip of brutal civil war. Unusually for a European, Adams integrated into Japanese society and developed a strong working relationship with the all-powerful shōgun.

Giles told Adams' story in his book 'Samurai William'. Also inspired by the real tale was James Clavell, whose 1975 novel 'Shōgun' was recently adapted as a major drama series by Disney+.

'1666 and All That' is presented by Paul Lay and Miranda Malins. The producer is Hugh Costello. Original music is by George Taylor. The episode was mixed by Sam Gunn.