Illusions Not Included

History Lessons Over Coffee

The Usual New Beginning

Published: 1 November 2026

Author: Alex Buday
Writing language: English
Length: Estimated reading time: about 6 min
Series: Henry & Margaret: Morning Coffee Chronicles
Access: Subscription or one-time purchase · €1.99

Teaser

History has taught us a great many lessons. Fortunately, every generation remains determined to check them all again for itself. Over coffee, Henry considers Napoleon, the Titanic and the latest promise of a new beginning. Margaret is less convinced. Brutus, meanwhile, has identified a rather more urgent problem. Because some lessons repeat themselves. Breakfast should not.

Read an excerpt

Every new beginning arrives with reassuring confidence.

This time, we are told, things will be different. History has been studied, lessons have been learnt, and the iceberg has presumably been added to the presentation.

Over morning coffee, Henry remains cautiously optimistic. Margaret has several objections. Brutus, meanwhile, would prefer humanity to solve the breakfast problem first.

History Lessons Over Coffee — a Morning Coffee Chronicle about old mistakes, new promises, and our remarkable talent for believing that history applies mainly to other people.

End of public excerpt

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