Laszlo Solymar Books

It is a “what if’ historical play. It considers what might have happened if Britain and France had reacted to Hitler’s rearming of the Rhineland in 1936 with military power rather than ineffectual protests. Would this have prevented the Second World War? The play also shows the power of the media in guiding public opinion and raises some more general questions like: Preventative wars – do they ever achieve anything? Can democracies ever win against fanatics? How far should a democratic government go in accommodating dictators? The scenario painted within the play is plausible. The views and acts of the various characters are in line with what they could have been expected to say and do at the time, and what we now know from various historical sources, e.g. Lansbury’ statement about disarmament, Lloyd George’s account of his meeting with Hitler, the French Prime Minister’s speech on the day the Germans moved into the Rhineland and reminiscences from Churchill’s war memoirs including his visit to Germany in 1932.

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the narrative explores the incident of a Korean passenger plane shot down by Soviet fighters on September 1, 1983. It delves into the official Soviet statements released shortly after the event, highlighting the conflicting accounts and the eventual acknowledgment of responsibility. The story raises questions about the political maneuvers and discussions that occurred behind the scenes, offering a critical examination of truth and propaganda during a tense historical moment.

Focusing on the historical context of political violence, this analysis explores the assassination of prominent figures across various cultures and eras. It establishes specific criteria for defining these events: the victim is a public figure, the act is premeditated and stealthy, there exists a clear motive, and the assassin's sole intent is to kill the targeted individual. The book delves into the complexities and motivations behind these significant acts, offering insight into their impact on society and history.

Through the satirical lens of a Hungarian refugee in the 1960s, the book offers a unique exploration of history, critiquing major ideologies such as socialism, capitalism, and communism. It presents concise yet impactful judgments on significant themes like war, peace, and the quest for power. The narrative emphasizes how power dynamics influence individuals and societies, revealing the common thread of ambition that connects various historical contexts. This irreverent treatment invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human behavior throughout history.

Focusing on the lives of Anaxagoras, Archimedes, and Hypatia, this collection of plays spans a millennium of ancient history, highlighting the golden age of Athens to 5th century Alexandria. These prominent figures, renowned for their contributions to science, mathematics, and philosophy, challenge the dominant beliefs of their eras, showcasing the tension between innovative thought and societal norms. Their stories reflect the struggles and triumphs of intellectual pursuit in a time of great change.

Getting the Message is a unique and engaging exploration of the fascinating history of communications, starting with ancient civilisations, the Greeks and Romans, then leading through the development of the electric telegraph, and up to the present day with email and smartphones.