Empress Zhu wrote, “Once I lived in heaven above, in pearl palaces and jade towers; now I live among grass and brambles, my blue robes soaked in tears. I hate the drift of snow.”
‘Once I lived in heaven above, now I live among grass and brambles’
How I wrote and published my book while working full-time
I have posted this evening on my podcast and on Youtube a special episode. Here I talk openly for the first time about how I wrote my book, From the Burning Archive, which you can buy at the Amazon affiliate link or other online book retailers.
My new beginning as an independent author
This week was the beginning of the next stage in my new life, la vita nuova as an independent author. After a ritual week on the liminal beauty of the Bay of Lorne in South-Eastern Australia, I transformed from a government official, wounded and now retired, to become an independent author.
For the Horde? Russian History and the Mongol Empire
My latest podcast takes a look at the influence of the Mongol Empire on Russian history, and indeed on world history.
Podcast 75 & 76 – Ivan the Terrible – Parts One and Two
In this 8th podcast episode in the 'Black Legend of Russian History' the myths about Ivan the Terrible are outlined, and then the stranger stories of his life are told.
Podcast 74. Russia’s First Civil War – the Time of Troubles and Two Murder Mysteries
In the early 1600s Russia suffered a traumatic civil war, political instability and social chaos - the Time of Troubles. Find out more on my latest podcast.
Two new podcasts on the uses of history in government and decision-making
Episode 63 The Lessons of History - The Burning Archive podcast explores how the past is not dead, the past is not even past. But if that is so, what are the uses and lessons of history? How can history be used for guidance in our lives, and to advise governments on the big decisions that shape... Continue Reading →
Two new podcasts on America and Australian Foreign Policy
I have released two new podcasts on the crises in America and the challenges of a multipolar world for Australia.
The making of my podcast marathon on Civilizations
I have just released episode 55 of the Burning Archive podcast. This episode is about the concept of civilization, in both the legendary game Civ I-VI and in the traditions of history-writing. Civilization, the game, is soon to be released in its 7th edition. In this episode of The Burning Archive I respond to a... Continue Reading →
The Making of My Podcast on the History of the Mafia
Does the history of the mafia have more to do with Italian Risorgimento politics, prisons and the disruptions of the nineteenth century than medieval brotherhoods?
The Making of my podcast on the Medici
Today I have recorded, edited and released the latest episode of The Burning Archive podcast - The Medici in Games and in History
How Lenin on the Train began a 100 Years War
Catherine Merridale, Lenin on the Train (2016), which I finished reading last night, is a very fine book. It is a gem, and perhaps ought to be recommended as among the very best introductions to the history of the Russian Revolution.
The Burning Archive 