Our historians are leaders in their field, authors, podcast hosts, documentary filmmakers and sought-after experts for articles, movies and TV shows.
But who are they really? To give you an inkling, we’ve modified the Proust Questionnaire for our historians. Popularized by Marcel Proust, this set of questions is said to reveal a person’s true nature.
Today, historian Hugh MacDonald-Buchanan answers our Historians Proust Questionnaire. Hugh MacDonald Buchanan specializes in London-based excursions in the UK and military history tours in Europe. While his initial focus was on the French Revolution in Paris and the subsequent Napoleonic era — including the downfall of Napoleon at Waterloo — he has branched out to include the Western Front in WWI and pivotal moments of WWII. In 2006, he achieved the prestigious title of Blue Badge Guide of the Year.
Hugh leads the Battle of Britain Tour and is one of our historians for the WWI: Western Front and Operation Overlord tours.
Hugh MacDonald-Buchanan Answers Our Historians Proust Questionnaire
What is your idea of perfect happiness on tour?
Being able not just to paint the history, but taking part in discussions with guests which invariably lead to me learning more – especially when guests bring their personal and family history with them. Standing on Omaha Beach below the American Cemetery with a guest whose grandfather won the Silver Star on this spot was a special moment. There were similar moments at Waterloo and on the Western Front. Conviviality, fun and the schedule working out helps.
What is your greatest fear on tour?
No bogies so far.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue of a historical figure?
All human beings are fallible individuals, and in different ways – some have no virtues at all, but not that they, nor their assessors, would recognize this.
What is the quality you most like in a historical figure?
Keeping a level head in trying circumstances.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse on tour?
“On balance.” “The context is.” “Extraordinary.” “Cutting a long story short.” “Whoops.”
When and where were you happiest when on tour?
This is still an on-going experience which started with my first presentation on the Battlefield of Waterloo in 1980 something.
Which talent of a historical figure would you most like to have?
Understanding the key point quickly.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would love to be able to operate tech without having to call my wife and children all the time.
What do you consider your greatest achievement on tour?
This is my hope rather than achievement: bringing to life the smaller stories the accumulation of which comprise the bigger picture. In military history, there may be a big plan, but it is individuals and small units that account for its success or failure.
If you were to die and come back as a historical figure, who would it be?
Mozart – but I could do without the plague.
In which period of history would you most like to live?
I am perfectly happy with my own so far.
What is your most treasured possession?
A leather-bound book that belonged to Elizabeth, the sister of Louis XV1, who (both of them) was executed during the French Revolution.
What is your most marked characteristic as an historian?
Context is everything.
What do you most value in your guests?
Joining in and having fun as well as discussing history – for me, that’s “bar history.”
Who are your favorite writers?
Some of them: William Makepeace Thackery (19th C satire), Evelyn Waugh (20st C satire), Byron (everything), Graham Greene (20th C satire), Sir John Fortescue (history of the British Army), Tolstoy (especially for long journeys), Rosemary Sutcliffe, Ronald Welch, C.S.Forester (historical fiction), too many history authors to specify, but starting with David Chandler and John Keegan and Lord Blake.
Who is your hero of historical fiction?
Hornblower!
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
None.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Andy Irvine – brilliant rugby full back, now retired, for Scotland and the British Lions. Also, 1st Duke of Wellington.
What is your motto?
Like Winston Churchill, “keep buggering on.” Or if that’s too difficult, “Dum Spiro Spero.”
