Guy Fassler
@guyfassler.bsky.social
PhD in Medieval History | Interested in urban history of Italian communes | Writer and co-editor at scilicet.org.uk
Reposted by Guy Fassler
To conclude our autumn series, @nataliesmith.bsky.social takes us through early modern descriptions of the Swedish landscape.
This article tells us what descriptions say about their authors, about empire, and so called 'objective' perspectives.
#Skystorians #Sweden
scilicet.org.uk/swedish-land...
This article tells us what descriptions say about their authors, about empire, and so called 'objective' perspectives.
#Skystorians #Sweden
scilicet.org.uk/swedish-land...
November 26, 2025 at 2:37 PM
To conclude our autumn series, @nataliesmith.bsky.social takes us through early modern descriptions of the Swedish landscape.
This article tells us what descriptions say about their authors, about empire, and so called 'objective' perspectives.
#Skystorians #Sweden
scilicet.org.uk/swedish-land...
This article tells us what descriptions say about their authors, about empire, and so called 'objective' perspectives.
#Skystorians #Sweden
scilicet.org.uk/swedish-land...
Reposted by Guy Fassler
Where would we be without Google? Before the age of the internet lots of questions went unanswered.
In this week's article @jamesafox.bsky.social takes us through a curious list of questions compiled by Leonard Wheatcroft, a 17th c. man from Derbyshire.
#Skystorians
scilicet.org.uk/where-would-...
In this week's article @jamesafox.bsky.social takes us through a curious list of questions compiled by Leonard Wheatcroft, a 17th c. man from Derbyshire.
#Skystorians
scilicet.org.uk/where-would-...
November 19, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Where would we be without Google? Before the age of the internet lots of questions went unanswered.
In this week's article @jamesafox.bsky.social takes us through a curious list of questions compiled by Leonard Wheatcroft, a 17th c. man from Derbyshire.
#Skystorians
scilicet.org.uk/where-would-...
In this week's article @jamesafox.bsky.social takes us through a curious list of questions compiled by Leonard Wheatcroft, a 17th c. man from Derbyshire.
#Skystorians
scilicet.org.uk/where-would-...
Reposted by Guy Fassler
Making a medieval manuscript was an artful process that required many types of specialised knowledge.
Our latest article by @guyfassler.bsky.social is a catalogue of everything you need to know about making medieval books that would last a millennium.
scilicet.org.uk/everything-y... #skystorians
Our latest article by @guyfassler.bsky.social is a catalogue of everything you need to know about making medieval books that would last a millennium.
scilicet.org.uk/everything-y... #skystorians
November 12, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Making a medieval manuscript was an artful process that required many types of specialised knowledge.
Our latest article by @guyfassler.bsky.social is a catalogue of everything you need to know about making medieval books that would last a millennium.
scilicet.org.uk/everything-y... #skystorians
Our latest article by @guyfassler.bsky.social is a catalogue of everything you need to know about making medieval books that would last a millennium.
scilicet.org.uk/everything-y... #skystorians
Reposted by Guy Fassler
🎆Happy #GuyFawkesDay!
Before and after the 1605 gunpowder plot, fireworks were an important part of celebrations. But what were they made of?
In our latest article, @jamesafox.bsky.social explores the fascinating book that taught the art of making fire
scilicet.org.uk/before-and-a... #Skystorians
Before and after the 1605 gunpowder plot, fireworks were an important part of celebrations. But what were they made of?
In our latest article, @jamesafox.bsky.social explores the fascinating book that taught the art of making fire
scilicet.org.uk/before-and-a... #Skystorians
November 5, 2025 at 4:33 PM
🎆Happy #GuyFawkesDay!
Before and after the 1605 gunpowder plot, fireworks were an important part of celebrations. But what were they made of?
In our latest article, @jamesafox.bsky.social explores the fascinating book that taught the art of making fire
scilicet.org.uk/before-and-a... #Skystorians
Before and after the 1605 gunpowder plot, fireworks were an important part of celebrations. But what were they made of?
In our latest article, @jamesafox.bsky.social explores the fascinating book that taught the art of making fire
scilicet.org.uk/before-and-a... #Skystorians
This post by @nataliesmith.bsky.social was particularly interesting to read!
What does a Prince need to know?
In our latest article, @nataliesmith.bsky.social analyses Frederick the Great's fiery rebuttal to Machiavelli's "the Prince", and examines what it can tell us about #EarlyModern ideas of morality, war and governance:
scilicet.org.uk/is-ruling-th... #Skystorians
In our latest article, @nataliesmith.bsky.social analyses Frederick the Great's fiery rebuttal to Machiavelli's "the Prince", and examines what it can tell us about #EarlyModern ideas of morality, war and governance:
scilicet.org.uk/is-ruling-th... #Skystorians
October 29, 2025 at 12:48 PM
This post by @nataliesmith.bsky.social was particularly interesting to read!
Reposted by Guy Fassler
Navigating flu season is bad enough, but what are you meant to do when the Black Death strikes in your city? 💀In our latest article, @guyfassler.bsky.social looks at some lessons learned from #medieval Pistoia: scilicet.org.uk/the-black-de...
#Skystorians #historyofknowledge #MedievalHistory
#Skystorians #historyofknowledge #MedievalHistory
October 22, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Navigating flu season is bad enough, but what are you meant to do when the Black Death strikes in your city? 💀In our latest article, @guyfassler.bsky.social looks at some lessons learned from #medieval Pistoia: scilicet.org.uk/the-black-de...
#Skystorians #historyofknowledge #MedievalHistory
#Skystorians #historyofknowledge #MedievalHistory
Reposted by Guy Fassler
This week we have a special article in which we share our thoughts about the History of Knowledge and what it means to us.
It was great fun to write and we hope you will find it thought provoking!
#skystorians #historyofknowledge
scilicet.org.uk/what-is-the-...
It was great fun to write and we hope you will find it thought provoking!
#skystorians #historyofknowledge
scilicet.org.uk/what-is-the-...
What is the history of knowledge? | Scilicet
Scilicet is a blog dedicated to the history of knowledge. In the broadest terms, we’re interested in what people in the past knew, what it meant to know things, and what we as historians can learn abo...
scilicet.org.uk
October 15, 2025 at 1:43 PM
This week we have a special article in which we share our thoughts about the History of Knowledge and what it means to us.
It was great fun to write and we hope you will find it thought provoking!
#skystorians #historyofknowledge
scilicet.org.uk/what-is-the-...
It was great fun to write and we hope you will find it thought provoking!
#skystorians #historyofknowledge
scilicet.org.uk/what-is-the-...
Reposted by Guy Fassler
In our latest article, @jamesafox.bsky.social charts the meteoric rise and eventual decline of #18thcentury mathematician 🧮 Thomas Simpson.
👉 Read more here: scilicet.org.uk/becoming-a-m...
#history #mathematics #skystorians
👉 Read more here: scilicet.org.uk/becoming-a-m...
#history #mathematics #skystorians
October 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
In our latest article, @jamesafox.bsky.social charts the meteoric rise and eventual decline of #18thcentury mathematician 🧮 Thomas Simpson.
👉 Read more here: scilicet.org.uk/becoming-a-m...
#history #mathematics #skystorians
👉 Read more here: scilicet.org.uk/becoming-a-m...
#history #mathematics #skystorians
Reposted by Guy Fassler
🤔 Is it better to learn from the wisdom of the ancients or from your experience gained over time?
📚 In our latest blog post, @guyfassler.bsky.social explores a 15th-century Tuscan dialogue debating that very question...
scilicet.org.uk/whats-the-po...
#bookhistory #medieval #knowledge
📚 In our latest blog post, @guyfassler.bsky.social explores a 15th-century Tuscan dialogue debating that very question...
scilicet.org.uk/whats-the-po...
#bookhistory #medieval #knowledge
October 1, 2025 at 3:11 PM
🤔 Is it better to learn from the wisdom of the ancients or from your experience gained over time?
📚 In our latest blog post, @guyfassler.bsky.social explores a 15th-century Tuscan dialogue debating that very question...
scilicet.org.uk/whats-the-po...
#bookhistory #medieval #knowledge
📚 In our latest blog post, @guyfassler.bsky.social explores a 15th-century Tuscan dialogue debating that very question...
scilicet.org.uk/whats-the-po...
#bookhistory #medieval #knowledge
Reposted by Guy Fassler
🐝 Beekeeping was a staple of early modern how-to books. A new blog post by @jamesafox.bsky.social explores the changing tone of English apicultural books...
#beekeeping #bookhistory
#beekeeping #bookhistory
What do beekeeping books tell us about changes in early modern science and society? @jamesafox.bsky.social has some suggestions, especially in relation to #17thCentury England scilicet.org.uk/the-hive-tur...
#Skystorians #EarlyModern #Bees #AnimalHistory
#Skystorians #EarlyModern #Bees #AnimalHistory
September 24, 2025 at 3:20 PM
🐝 Beekeeping was a staple of early modern how-to books. A new blog post by @jamesafox.bsky.social explores the changing tone of English apicultural books...
#beekeeping #bookhistory
#beekeeping #bookhistory
Reposted by Guy Fassler
What do beekeeping books tell us about changes in early modern science and society? @jamesafox.bsky.social has some suggestions, especially in relation to #17thCentury England scilicet.org.uk/the-hive-tur...
#Skystorians #EarlyModern #Bees #AnimalHistory
#Skystorians #EarlyModern #Bees #AnimalHistory
September 24, 2025 at 12:35 PM
What do beekeeping books tell us about changes in early modern science and society? @jamesafox.bsky.social has some suggestions, especially in relation to #17thCentury England scilicet.org.uk/the-hive-tur...
#Skystorians #EarlyModern #Bees #AnimalHistory
#Skystorians #EarlyModern #Bees #AnimalHistory
Very excited about our new series starting tomorrow!
We're back from our summer break, and are ready for a new season ☀️ Keep an eye on this page tomorrow, there's something buzzing...
September 23, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Very excited about our new series starting tomorrow!
Reposted by Guy Fassler
Everyone likes a good villain. One who is just waiting for a biopic about him is Gautier de Brienne (duke of Athens) who briefly became the autocratic ruler of Florence. If you want to learn more about him, give this post a read or explore others in our back catalogue!
#Skystorians #Florence
#Skystorians #Florence
Medieval Elections I: The Duke of Athens goes to parliament | Scilicet
In celebration of the UK 2024 general election, we delve into some intriguing and intricate elections from medieval Italy. This first one comes from 14th C. Florence and involves the mysterious Duke o...
scilicet.org.uk
August 20, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Everyone likes a good villain. One who is just waiting for a biopic about him is Gautier de Brienne (duke of Athens) who briefly became the autocratic ruler of Florence. If you want to learn more about him, give this post a read or explore others in our back catalogue!
#Skystorians #Florence
#Skystorians #Florence
Reposted by Guy Fassler
Before becoming the king of Sweden, young Gustav Adolf showed remarkable aptitude for drawing. His doodles of horses and military scenes give a fascinating insight into the childhood of a future king. Read our post here, and why not explore our back catalogue!
#Skystorians #Sweden #AnimalHistory
#Skystorians #Sweden #AnimalHistory
Royal Doodles: Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden’s childhood drawings of horses | Scilicet
A curious set of drawings by the future king of Sweden, 10 year old Gustav IV Adolf, shed some light on a royal childhood.
scilicet.org.uk
August 13, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Before becoming the king of Sweden, young Gustav Adolf showed remarkable aptitude for drawing. His doodles of horses and military scenes give a fascinating insight into the childhood of a future king. Read our post here, and why not explore our back catalogue!
#Skystorians #Sweden #AnimalHistory
#Skystorians #Sweden #AnimalHistory
Reposted by Guy Fassler
#bookhistory people get your proposals in 📖
🚨Call for Papers: The 18th St Andrews/USTC Book History Conference on 'Print and Education' will take place 18–20 June 2026.
👉 Further details here: www.ustc.ac.uk/conference
📅 Application deadline: 12 December 2025
📖 We look forward to receiving your proposals!
#CfP #bookhistory #skystorians
👉 Further details here: www.ustc.ac.uk/conference
📅 Application deadline: 12 December 2025
📖 We look forward to receiving your proposals!
#CfP #bookhistory #skystorians
July 1, 2025 at 12:27 PM
#bookhistory people get your proposals in 📖
Last week we had a post about bees on @scilicetblog.bsky.social, but there's lots more #AnimalHistory to be found there! From Swedish royal monkeys to Italian dogs in churches, and from Medieval lions to 18th Century birds... Check it out!
scilicet.org.uk/animals
scilicet.org.uk/animals
Animals | Scilicet
scilicet.org.uk
June 18, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Last week we had a post about bees on @scilicetblog.bsky.social, but there's lots more #AnimalHistory to be found there! From Swedish royal monkeys to Italian dogs in churches, and from Medieval lions to 18th Century birds... Check it out!
scilicet.org.uk/animals
scilicet.org.uk/animals
My latest post for Scilicet on why bees were considered the perfect society in the #AberdeenBestiary.
Fantastic bees and where to find them 🐝 What can a #medieval book of strange animals teach us about kingship and ideal society? @guyfassler.bsky.social explains how the Aberdeen Bestiary can answer these questions in our latest post: scilicet.org.uk/fantastic-be... #Skystorians #MedievalHistory
June 10, 2025 at 8:07 AM
My latest post for Scilicet on why bees were considered the perfect society in the #AberdeenBestiary.
Reposted by Guy Fassler
After Sweden’s empire crumbled, Swedes looked to the Vikings for a new sense of identity. But why Vikings, and how did this reshape how they saw their own landscape? @nataliesmith.bsky.social explores in our latest post: scilicet.org.uk/rediscoverin... #Skystorians #Vikings"
Rediscovering the Vikings | Scilicet
After the collapse of the Swedish empire, Swedes found themselves turning to their ancient forebearers the Vikings for help. But how did it come about and how did it shape their understanding of the S...
scilicet.org.uk
June 3, 2025 at 4:15 AM
After Sweden’s empire crumbled, Swedes looked to the Vikings for a new sense of identity. But why Vikings, and how did this reshape how they saw their own landscape? @nataliesmith.bsky.social explores in our latest post: scilicet.org.uk/rediscoverin... #Skystorians #Vikings"
Reposted by Guy Fassler
Hungry for more historical recipes? 🌿 @guyfassler.bsky.social has found multiple Salsa Verde recipes spanning multiple centuries, offering a delicious insight into how tastes have changed over time. Why not give one a try? scilicet.org.uk/salsa-verde-... #Skystorians #History #SalsaVerde
May 26, 2025 at 5:45 AM
Hungry for more historical recipes? 🌿 @guyfassler.bsky.social has found multiple Salsa Verde recipes spanning multiple centuries, offering a delicious insight into how tastes have changed over time. Why not give one a try? scilicet.org.uk/salsa-verde-... #Skystorians #History #SalsaVerde
Reposted by Guy Fassler
We all need to eat, but the way we cook and share food says a lot about class, culture and identity. In our latest post, @guyfassler.bsky.social, @jamesafox.bsky.social and @nataliesmith.bsky.social dig in to some historical recipes from across Europe 🍽️
scilicet.org.uk/food-for-tho... #Skystorians
scilicet.org.uk/food-for-tho... #Skystorians
Food for thought: Recipe books through history | Scilicet
We all need to eat, but the way we do says much about our place in society. Looking at a range of recipe books through history shows this has long been the case.
scilicet.org.uk
May 19, 2025 at 5:53 AM
We all need to eat, but the way we cook and share food says a lot about class, culture and identity. In our latest post, @guyfassler.bsky.social, @jamesafox.bsky.social and @nataliesmith.bsky.social dig in to some historical recipes from across Europe 🍽️
scilicet.org.uk/food-for-tho... #Skystorians
scilicet.org.uk/food-for-tho... #Skystorians
Reposted by Guy Fassler
As the next papal #conclave approaches, @guyfassler.bsky.social explores its dramatic and mysterious origins. How exactly did a deadlocked election and locked-in cardinals lead Gregory X to reform the process forever? ⛪ 🔐
scilicet.org.uk/with-a-key-t... #Vatican #skystorians #publichistory
scilicet.org.uk/with-a-key-t... #Vatican #skystorians #publichistory
With a key: The extraordinary beginnings of the conclave | Scilicet
The election of a Catholic pope is steeped in mystery, history, and political intrigue. But what are the origins of the conclave – the locked-room tradition that has was used in pontifical elections s...
scilicet.org.uk
May 2, 2025 at 10:42 AM
As the next papal #conclave approaches, @guyfassler.bsky.social explores its dramatic and mysterious origins. How exactly did a deadlocked election and locked-in cardinals lead Gregory X to reform the process forever? ⛪ 🔐
scilicet.org.uk/with-a-key-t... #Vatican #skystorians #publichistory
scilicet.org.uk/with-a-key-t... #Vatican #skystorians #publichistory
Reposted by Guy Fassler
A court case from 14th C. Bologna raises interesting questions about truths and gossip in the medieval courtroom ⚖️ How could the concept of hearsay be weaponised by accusers and defendants? @guyfassler.bsky.social tells us more #Skystorians #MedievalSky #Italy
scilicet.org.uk/truths-and-a...
scilicet.org.uk/truths-and-a...
Truths and alternative truths: Hearsay and gossip in the medieval court | Scilicet
A court case from fourteenth-century Bologna raises interesting questions about truths and gossip in the medieval courtroom, and how the concept of hearsay could be weaponised by accusers and defendan...
scilicet.org.uk
December 5, 2024 at 7:49 AM
A court case from 14th C. Bologna raises interesting questions about truths and gossip in the medieval courtroom ⚖️ How could the concept of hearsay be weaponised by accusers and defendants? @guyfassler.bsky.social tells us more #Skystorians #MedievalSky #Italy
scilicet.org.uk/truths-and-a...
scilicet.org.uk/truths-and-a...
Reposted by Guy Fassler
It's wolves hunting season in Pistoia's countryside! 🐺 In this archival post, @guyfassler.bsky.social tells us about a 1346 law from the commune of Pistoia, which has more to say about the topic... #SkyStorians #MedievalHistory #Italy #AnimalHistory scilicet.org.uk/on-wolf-catc...
On Wolf Catchers: an excerpt from the urban statutes of Pistoia | Scilicet
It's wolves hunting season in Pistoia's countryside, and a 1346 law from the commune of Pistoia has more to say.
scilicet.org.uk
November 28, 2024 at 5:27 PM
It's wolves hunting season in Pistoia's countryside! 🐺 In this archival post, @guyfassler.bsky.social tells us about a 1346 law from the commune of Pistoia, which has more to say about the topic... #SkyStorians #MedievalHistory #Italy #AnimalHistory scilicet.org.uk/on-wolf-catc...
Reposted by Guy Fassler
New post 📜@nataliesmith.bsky.social introduces her podcast episode on a 1780 essay describing Roma people in the Swedish empire. This essay shows how people in Sweden were constructing an identity that excluded Roma and Sami people #SwHist #GRT #18thC #Sweden #empire scilicet.org.uk/attitudes-to...
Attitudes towards minorities in eighteenth-century Sweden | Scilicet
A curious entry to an 18th century essay competition held by The Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities tells us some interesting things about the place of Roma people and other min...
scilicet.org.uk
November 27, 2024 at 8:05 AM
Reposted by Guy Fassler
Is it sometimes best not to know? In this next visit of our archive, @guyfassler.bsky.social walks us through ignorance on the streets of medieval Bologna #MedievalHistory #Bologna #ItalianHistory #LegalHistory scilicet.org.uk/is-it-someti...
Is it sometimes best not to know? Ignorance on the streets of medieval Bologna | Scilicet
Knowledge is great, but for some people of fourteenth-century Bologna the best option was to say 'dunno' to the authorities.
scilicet.org.uk
November 22, 2024 at 2:21 PM
Is it sometimes best not to know? In this next visit of our archive, @guyfassler.bsky.social walks us through ignorance on the streets of medieval Bologna #MedievalHistory #Bologna #ItalianHistory #LegalHistory scilicet.org.uk/is-it-someti...