history

Guest Post: Understanding The Essex Rebellion from the Letters of Robert Devereux

Today’s guest post is courtesy of author Tony Riches, whose books I can highly recommend as well-written, and more importantly well-researched, historical fiction.   Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, is one of the most intriguing men of the Elizabethan period. Tall and handsome, he soon becomes a ‘favourite’ at court, so close to the queen… Read more Guest Post: Understanding The Essex Rebellion from the Letters of Robert Devereux

Incorrect Information in the History Extra Article by Alison Weir

Alison Weir, who is a very famous popular historian, just had an article published in History Extra about Henry VIII’s reproductive problems. In it she wrote: “One theory is that Henry suffered from McLeod Syndrome [a neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in boys and men and affects movement in many parts of the body],… Read more Incorrect Information in the History Extra Article by Alison Weir

Ogmore Castle

One of the best things about being a history buff living in Wales is the abundance of awesome castles throughout the countryside. Not far from where I live is the picturesque ruins of Ogmore Castle (Castell Ogwr ), built by the Norman invaders circa 1100 and finally abandoned altogether sometime in the mid 19th century.… Read more Ogmore Castle

Review of The Devil’s Historians: How Modern Extremists Abuse the Medieval Past

I recently read The Devil’s Historians and I cannot praise this book highly enough. The only reason I give it two thumbs up is because I lack more thumbs. This book is a brilliant analysis of how people use history to craft extremist narratives, and it uses plain language,  rather than academic jargon, to explain… Read more Review of The Devil’s Historians: How Modern Extremists Abuse the Medieval Past

Science Finds Stupid, Selfish People Resist Wearing Face Masks

The science is in — it is hella important to wear a face mask over your mouth AND nose to curb the spread of coronavirus. The evidence was there all the way back in May. Taiwan has 24 million people but had only 6 deaths from coronavirus in part because the people started routinely wearing… Read more Science Finds Stupid, Selfish People Resist Wearing Face Masks

Biology is Not Gender

Gender is a culturally negotiated process. A child is born sexed (or more rarely, intersexed), but only acculturation can ascribe gender. The child learns to behave in the manner associated with his/her biological sex, either  masculine or feminine, in accordance with sociocultural praxis. Gender, like biological sex, has also historically been constructed by Western culture… Read more Biology is Not Gender