In the spotlight: acclaimed author Giles Milton

Every destination has its own stories, whether you’re sipping tea in a quiet corner of Iran or navigating the vibrant chaos of a Moroccan souk, local experiences are filled with rich, untold narratives. These stories are rooted in diverse cultures and shaped by the individuals who pass them on. In this Giles Milton interview, we explore how the acclaimed author brings these hidden histories to light. With nine books under his belt and countless hours spent poring over archives, Giles Milton uncovers the lives of little-known historical figures, from daring adventurers to forgotten voices of imperial courts. His storytelling breathes life into overlooked moments, making history vivid, personal, and truly global.

We sat down with Giles to hear about his latest book, the destinations that inspire his writing, and the memorable local experiences that have stayed with him.

Can you tell us a bit about your new book The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare?

Absolutely. The book tells the story of six eccentric, brilliant men handpicked by Winston Churchill to wage a secret, unconventional war behind Nazi lines. Each one was a bit of a maverick, and that’s exactly why they were chosen. They came up with creative, often unorthodox solutions to what seemed like an impossible challenge: how to dismantle Hitler’s seemingly invincible war machine.

They realized that Germany’s highly mechanized army was far more fragile than it appeared. The Wehrmacht relied heavily on infrastructure, fuel depots, bridges, railways. Take out an oil supply or a critical bridge, and you could grind the whole army to a halt. In today’s terms, they were true outside-the-box thinkers. These men, with their unique skills, went on to plan some of the most daring sabotage missions of World War II. Churchill dubbed them his “Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.” The name might sound cheeky, but their operations were deadly serious, assassinations, guerrilla tactics, and covert missions were all in a day’s work.

It feels like a real life Bond novel, have you ever had an approach from Hollywood?

There’s been a lot of interest over the years. White Gold, Nathaniel’s Nutmeg, Samurai William, and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare have all been optioned for film and television. The challenge has always been production cost. These are intimate, personal stories, but they unfold against sweeping backdrops of war, piracy, and empire, which doesn’t come cheap. That said, things are moving forward! The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is currently being developed into a major TV series. It finally looks like this one’s going to make it to the screen.

Looking back at your oeuvre you seem drawn to a particular kind of history. Where do you think that interest stems from?

I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of everyday people caught up in extraordinary events. One example is William Adams, a shipwrecked sailor who washed ashore in Japan in 1600 and eventually became a samurai. Those kinds of stories, unexpected, rich with cultural clash, really capture my imagination. I also love the research process. I can spend days sifting through archives, sometimes finding nothing. But then, just when I’m ready to give up, I uncover something remarkable. That’s what happened with Nathaniel’s Nutmeg.

You are also obviously drawn towards travel. What was it like researching in the various locations of your books?

For me, visiting the location is essential, even when writing history. I hadn’t expected just how much original material I’d uncover on those trips. In Japan, for example, I came across firsthand accounts from locals who encountered the very first European sailors. The Japanese were horrified, these English sea dogs were filthy, rude, and had no understanding of social customs. That cultural disconnect still exists today, which is why traveling with knowledgeable local guides is so important. In Morocco, my assumptions were completely overturned. I had always viewed Sultan Moulay Ismail as a ruthless tyrant who enslaved Europeans. But in Morocco, he’s a national hero, revered as a powerful ruler who stood up to Western powers. That contrast fascinated me.

Have you met people on your travels who have influenced you in a similar way?

Yes, one of the most moving experiences of my career was interviewing the last living survivors of the 1922 Smyrna catastrophe. This was once the most cosmopolitan city in the Middle East, with a Christian-majority population. When it was destroyed, half a million civilians were caught in a humanitarian disaster of epic scale.

Speaking with survivors who remembered the golden city of their youth, where people of many nationalities and faiths lived peacefully side by side, was incredibly powerful. Those interviews stay with me to this day.

You’ve written about the early colonial period extensively, as well as WWII in the Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. How do you choose the subjects of your books?

I look for deeply personal stories that offer a fresh perspective on a major historical event, especially stories that haven’t been told. That’s what led me to write White Gold, the harrowing story of an English boy sold into slavery in Morocco. Through his eyes, I could tell the larger story of the estimated one million Europeans who were enslaved in North Africa.

Nathaniel’s Nutmeg was an international bestseller in an era when history didn’t top the charts. Was that a surprise to you?

It really was. The book became a bestseller not just in the UK but around the world. The story is so strange and vivid that it’s hard to believe it’s true. The idea that the origins of New York can be traced back to a tiny, remote island on the other side of the world blew my mind. And once I learned that the East India Company had preserved nearly every letter and diary ever written by its employees, I knew I had access to a treasure trove.

It’s also a very violent tale indeed. As you researched, were you ever shocked by what you found?

Honestly, I’ve read so many brutal accounts over the years that I’m rarely shocked anymore. The early colonialists were often shockingly violent. What did surprise me, though, was the behavior of Jan Coen, the Dutch East India Company governor. He was even more cruel to captured English sailors than to the indigenous populations. That was unusual, normally, the Dutch and English cooperated when far from home. But Coen treated everyone with equal ruthlessness. He was nothing if not consistent.

Have you ever visited a country and thought ‘this is nothing like what I’d been told’?

Absolutely. Iran is a perfect example. I arrived expecting a cold reception, but the reality was the opposite. People were warm, curious, and eager to talk. There was no hostility at all. In fact, many were openly critical of their own government and wanted to learn about life in the West. Japan was different, too. I had a romanticized vision, temples, geishas, wild landscapes. What I found was a modern, buzzing country with a strong grip on its traditions. Seeing families picnic under cherry blossoms in Kyoto, reading poetry and drinking, was magical.

Our ethos is all about bringing travelers as close as possible to local expertise. Have you ever been saved by a bit of local advice?

Absolutely. While I can’t say I’ve ever been “saved” by local advice, it has profoundly shaped my travels. A great local guide can turn a decent trip into an unforgettable one. The best moments often happen when you’re invited into someone’s home. That’s when you stop being a tourist and become a guest. It’s the most authentic connection you can make, and one of the greatest privileges of travel.

And, we’ve got to ask, what would be your top three dream destinations and why?

Morocco is hands-down my favorite, I’ve been there eight or nine times. The people are wonderful, the food is incredible, and the architecture is breathtaking. I especially love the city of Fez. It’s home to some of the world’s most skilled artisans. Ethiopia is at the top of my wish list. I’ve always wanted to go, and I’m hopeful this year will be the year. I’d also mention Syria and Yemen. Both are now too dangerous to visit, but I’m so glad I went when I did. They remind me of my travel motto: Go while you can.

Make it happen

To dive deeper into the captivating worlds Giles Milton brings to life, visit his website. And if his stories have sparked your own wanderlust, whether it’s exploring the backstreets of Fez or retracing history in Japan, take a look at our destination pages or reach out to our expert local partners. Your next unforgettable journey might be just a click away.