Perpetual Learning
Hello fellow history enthusiasts! Rowan here, back from another research trip that’s left me pondering the deep roots of economic systems. Today, I want to take you to 18th-century Russia, a time when the institution of serfdom wasn’t just a social structure, but a foundational element that profoundly influenced the nation’s economic trajectory. When we … Read more
It’s fascinating to consider how much travel has changed. My work often takes me to archives and historical sites, and a recent thought experiment about packing for an 18th-century journey got me thinking about the essentials. Specifically, what did people carry for their personal care and well-being? Imagine embarking on a journey across Europe in … Read more
As a historian specializing in the 18th century, I often find myself drawn to the everyday challenges people faced and the ingenious solutions they devised. While we might associate the Enlightenment with grand philosophical debates and scientific discoveries, it was also a period of significant, often unheralded, technological advancement in areas that directly impacted daily … Read more
Well, it’s July 25th, 2025, and I’ve managed to make my guest bedroom entirely uninhabitable. Don’t ask. Let’s just say a rather ambitious historical textile restoration project has taken over, complete with dye pots, looms, and what feels like a century’s worth of linen samples. My usual quiet sanctuary is now a vibrant, chaotic testament … Read more
When we think of spies, our minds often jump to thrilling chase scenes, gadgets, and double-crossing agents straight out of a Cold War novel. But the truth, as it often is with history, is far more fascinating and, in many ways, surprisingly modern. My travels through European archives often lead me down unexpected rabbit holes. … Read more
Hello fellow history enthusiasts! It’s Rowan here. You know, after spending years immersed in the archives, poring over dusty manuscripts from the 18th century, I’ve come to realize that history isn’t just found in grand pronouncements and battles. It’s also in the everyday, in the food people ate and the way they came together. Lately, … Read more