History Daily: Saturday Matinee – Across The Pond Episode Summary Release Date: February 8, 2025
Host/Authors: Laurie Feathers and Sam Jordison
Guest: Michael Hingston, Author of Try Not to Be Strange: The Curious History of the Kingdom of Redonda

Introduction to the Kingdom of Redonda

In this intriguing episode titled "Saturday Matinee: Across The Pond," hosts Laurie Feathers and Sam Jordison delve deep into the enigmatic history of the Kingdom of Redonda with author Michael Hingston. The Kingdom of Redonda, a tiny and largely uninhabitable Caribbean island, has been whimsically ruled by a succession of eccentric authors, artists, and academics since the late 19th century. Hingston's new book, Try Not to Be Strange, published by Canadian small press Biblioasis, explores this peculiar literary monarchy's origins, its key figures, and its enduring legacy.

Origins of the Kingdom

[03:55] Michael Hingston:
Hingston begins by recounting the island's uninhabitable nature, surrounded by sheer cliffs with minimal accessible land. Redonda, part of Antigua and Barbuda, was named by Christopher Columbus who sailed past but never landed, setting the stage for its mythical status.

[09:32] Michael Hingston:
The Kingdom of Redonda originated as a family joke in the 1860s. Matthew Scheele, a resident of nearby Montserrat, gifted his 15-year-old son, Philippe, the barren island as a birthday present. In a ceremonious yet whimsical act, Philippe was crowned King Philippe of Redonda, marking the beginning of a literary monarchy.

Matthew Scheele: The First King

[11:27] Michael Hingston:
Scheele, initially aspiring to be a doctor, became a prolific novelist, particularly in the science fiction genre. Despite his literary success, Scheele rarely mentioned his kingship, relegating it to a semi-embarrassing family anecdote. It wasn’t until 1929 that he publicly acknowledged his role as King Philippe, partly as a publicity stunt to promote his reissued works.

John Gosworth: The Second King and Literary Executor

[17:52] Michael Hingston:
Scheele had no formal succession plan beyond assigning John Gosworth, a young and combative poet, as his literary executor. This dual role required Gosworth to manage Scheele’s literary estate while also assuming the titular kingship. Gosworth expanded the kingdom’s mythos, turning it into a public spectacle through elaborate ceremonies and proclamations, thereby magnifying its cultural footprint.

[20:38] Michael Hingston:
Gosworth’s tenure saw the kingdom’s popularity surge, but his personal struggles with alcoholism led to his eventual decline. Posthumously, Gosworth's casual approach to succession—selling the kingdom multiple times—resulted in multiple claimants, fragmenting the monarchy into rival branches.

Javier Marías and the Contemporary Legacy

[27:22] Michael Hingston:
Author Javier Marías became intertwined with Redonda after being mentioned in his novel All Souls. Intrigued by the mention of Gosworth and the kingdom, Marías embarked on extensive research, eventually being named the next king. His involvement revitalized the kingdom, integrating it into modern literary circles and expanding its influence.

[33:44] Michael Hingston:
Marías utilized the kingdom to foster international cultural associations, founding a publishing company dedicated to Redondan writers and establishing literary prizes. His stewardship maintained the kingdom's playful and imaginative spirit while adapting it to contemporary literary landscapes.

Michael Hingston’s Journey and Research

[35:00] Michael Hingston:
Hingston’s fascination with Redonda began with reading All Souls by Marías. This initial curiosity evolved into a decade-long research project, culminating in his book Try Not to Be Strange. Hingston’s investigative journey included personal visits to Redonda, interactions with current claimants like King Michael the Grey, and explorations of the island’s complex succession history.

[42:26] Michael Hingston:
He recounts his adventurous trip to Redonda, hiring a boat and meeting local claimants who embody the kingdom's blend of reality and fantasy. These interactions highlight the enduring allure of Redonda as a literary and imaginative haven for its rulers.

The Dual Nature of Redonda: Map vs. Territory

[38:29] Michael Hingston:
Hingston introduces the concept of "map" versus "territory" claimants. "Map" claimants are those drawn to Redonda through its storied representation in literature and myth, while "territory" claimants are influenced by the island's physical presence and local narratives. This duality has led to a diverse and sometimes fragmented set of rulers, each interpreting the kingdom’s legacy uniquely.

Impact on Literary Culture

[45:10] Michael Hingston:
The Kingdom of Redonda has served as an intellectual sanctuary for its kings, allowing them to cultivate friendships and artistic collaborations within a fantastical framework. Hingston draws parallels between his research and the literary pursuits of Redondan rulers, emphasizing the kingdom’s role in fostering creative expression and maintaining a playful, rebellious spirit.

Future of the Kingdom of Redonda

[49:44] Michael Hingston:
With the recent passing of Javier Marías, the future of Redonda remains uncertain. Hingston expresses hope that the kingdom will continue under new stewardship, maintaining its rich tradition of literary whimsy and cultural influence. The absence of a clear successor may lead to further fragmentation, but the kingdom's enduring appeal suggests it will persist in some form.

Conclusion

In Try Not to Be Strange, Michael Hingston meticulously unravels the whimsical and storied history of the Kingdom of Redonda, blending fact and fiction to illuminate its unique place in literary culture. Through interviews and personal anecdotes, Hingston captures the essence of Redonda’s rulers—eccentric, passionate, and perpetually creative individuals who have kept the kingdom's spirit alive for over a century. This episode offers listeners a captivating exploration of how a small, uninhabitable island became a beacon for literary imagination and cultural camaraderie.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Jordison [07:17]: "Now I've read the book. That. That prologue's even better. It all makes so much extra sense. So where do we start with this?"

• Michael Hingston [11:27]: "Scheele, initially aspiring to be a doctor, became a prolific novelist... it was just on his mind."

• Michael Hingston [17:52]: "Gosworth was able to publish his own work under various guises... but he pairs the title with the job of literary executor."

• Michael Hingston [27:22]: "When Tyson agrees to do some events... he actually wrote a novel that's sort of a thinly veiled Redondan allegory."

• Michael Hingston [48:37]: "There's something really charming and interesting about it... it's maintained that spirit despite all 150 years of handoffs."

Recommendations:

Listeners intrigued by the whimsical history of Redonda and its impact on literary culture are encouraged to visit their local independent bookstore to pick up Michael Hingston’s Try Not to Be Strange: The Curious History of the Kingdom of Redonda, published by Biblioasis in Windsor, Canada. This rich exploration promises to deepen your appreciation for the unique intersection of history, literature, and imagination.