Now that the blog is back for another year (my mind still works on the academic year), I realised that now would be a good time to re-introduce myself. I have many new readers and followers who might not know that much about me. Today’s post is going to be a re-introduction to me and my history portfolio- the areas I study, what I’m interested in, what history you will find on the blog. I am always finding new tangents and interests, but overall, this is the key to my own approach to history and interests!
My Own Introduction to History
Like many people my age, my introduction to history came from the movie, Anastasia. Yes, the animated musical about a potential surviving Romanov grand duchess with a demon Rasputin, that movie. After seeing it, I was fascinated by the Romanovs, and immediately set out to read all that I could. It was excellent timing, as the Royal Diaries series had just launched, and I started with the Anastasia diary, and read my way through the series. I then quickly moved onto any royal biography I could get my hands on. At the age of 10-12, I probably shouldn’t have read some of the biographies I did, but I like to think it just prepared me. Somewhat embarrassingly, I would keep notebooks full of facts from each biography I read. (The Catherine the Great pages were extensive.) And thus my love of history never died!
Academic Background
I have a BA (Hons) in History and a BA in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, where I focused on nineteenth century Irish history, and then shifted to medieval Irish history. I have an MA in Early Irish History from University College Dublin, where I studied early Christian Ireland. Hopefully I will be starting a PhD in history in 2022 (or 2023, with the whole pandemic…), focusing on ballet history.
Academic Areas of Study
I have done a complete 180 in my area of study. I have a lot of experience working in Irish and British history- the large majority of university-level history courses I’ve taken fall into either of those broad topics. Both my undergraduate and graduate research papers were on Irish history. However,with time away from the academy and allowing my other interests to flourish, I now focus most of my research energy on the history of ballet. It is quite a specific area and not much has been done in it. That makes it a challenge, but also means that it is wide open for more work!
Blog Areas of Study
On the blog, you will consistently see a few areas of history pop up. That doesn’t mean that I never deviate or branch out from these, but they recur frequently here on An Historian About Town. You don’t need to know anything about the topics to read and enjoy these posts, but there is still a lot of content for the experienced historian, as well. Every Monday is a full history post, every second Wednesday is a short history post, and the majority of Style File Friday posts are history posts.
1) Royal History
As per my introduction to history, I’ve been fascinated by royal history from the age of 8, and I’m now in my 30s. I mostly focus on British royal history, but occasionally branch out. It could be visiting a royal history site, book recommendations, a biography, or anything else related.
2) History of Ballet
Every 4-6 weeks, you can expect to see a post on the history of ballet. It might be a part of my “history of ballet” series or a spotlight on a particular show or figure. If I share a review of a production I’ve seen, I like to include the history of it as well.
3) Fashion History
Fashion history is another interest that has cropped up in the last 3-4 years for me, and I’ve been absorbing as much as I can. I have a monthly “Style History” series where I put the spotlight on a designer, I also share highlights of different fashion history exhibitions that I have visited, and book recommendations. (You will often find posts on fashion history intersecting with the history of ballet and royal history…)
4) Christmas History/Holiday History
I have always loved the holiday season for as long as I could remember, and when I took a History of Christmas course in my undergrad, this was cemented. I look at the history of different traditions, recipes, films, music- really anything that comes up with the holidays. And I promise, you will only see this for 5-6 weeks from mid-November to the end of December.
History Books I Read
As you can probably guess, I read a LOT of history books. At any given moment, I’ve usually got 3-5 books on the go. While I’m usually willing to read books in most areas of history, there are a few that I keep returning to again and again.
1) Mary, Queen of Scots
Some people love Queen Victoria, others Queen Elizabeth I and Anne Boleyn. Me? I love Mary Stuart. I can’t say I would have made the same choices that she did, but I find her fascinating no matter what!
2) Romanovs
After my introduction, I think this needs no explanation.
3) Stuarts and Georgians
The Stuarts tend to universally be ignored for their earlier Tudor brethren, and the Georgians seem to be tossed over for the later-to-come Victorians. Both of these houses are just as interesting, if not more so. (There is a real dearth in history books about the Stuarts, at least those available in North America….)
4) Fashion History
I am currently focusing on designer biographies (and autobiographies), but really anything about fashion history. I’m quite far behind on my fashion history knowledge, and I am attempting to build up my mental library.
5) Ballet History
I am making my way through various company histories when I can. I’m doing more primary research at the moment though, so I’m not reading many currently.
6) Historical Fiction
I’m a massive fan of historical fiction. I know that many historians aren’t because of inaccuracies and liberties, but I like it as an escape! It’s a nice way for me to “be in” the past without feeling like I’m working. (If you don’t expect your historical fiction to be accurate, it’s entirely more enjoyable.)
Bonus: The Regency
I do love my Austen, and you will periodically see the Regency period pop up on the blog, as well.
A big welcome to any new readers, and a thank you to my more experienced readers who have stayed with me for all of these years!
Cheers,
The Historian
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Nice to “re-meet” you! Look forward to more wonderful content.
Aww thank you- for your thoughtful words and for stopping by!