Episode 51 – How Many Threads Connect Us to the Past and Present? Author Bronwen McShea and Robert Hofler



How many threats connect the past and present? In this week’s episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry sits down with Dr. Bronwen McShea to discuss her latest biography La Duchesse, which chronicles the forgotten life of Marie de Vignerot—Cardinal Richelieu’s niece and heiress. After years of research, Bronwen hopes to bring attention to Marie’s legacy and the enormous political influence she held in 17th century France. Larry and Bronwen discuss Marie’s relationship with Cardinal Richelieu, her inheritance of Richelieu’s web of contacts and wealth, and the extensive search to uncover her history.

After the break, Larry sits down with Robert Hofler to discuss his book The Way They Were, which chronicles the making of the 1973 film The Way We Were starring Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford. Coinciding with the movie’s 50th anniversary, the book recounts the era of McCarthyism, interpersonal issues on set and the mysterious hour of footage cut from the beginning of the film.