Unseen Histories
@unseenhistories.com
The Past, Fully Present. Find out about the very best new history books, read author interviews and long-form pieces by the world’s leading historians.
https://www.unseenhistories.com/
https://www.unseenhistories.com/
Pinned
Unseen Histories
@unseenhistories.com
· Nov 13
Unseen Histories
The past, fully present.
www.unseenhistories.com
Hello Bluesky!
Unseen Histories is a place where you can find out about the very best new history books, read author interviews and long-form pieces by the world’s leading historians. We aim to present history in an original, provoking and beautiful way.
Find us online at www.unseenhistories.com
Unseen Histories is a place where you can find out about the very best new history books, read author interviews and long-form pieces by the world’s leading historians. We aim to present history in an original, provoking and beautiful way.
Find us online at www.unseenhistories.com
As the Napoleonic Wars drew to a close there were food riots. Opposition, meanwhile, was growing against the introduction of industrial technologies. It is in this world of extremes that Katherine Quarmby has set her novel. The Low Road is a captivating tale that is inspired by real history 👇
The Low Road - Unseen Histories
Katharine Quarmby, the author of The Low Road, casts an eye over Georgian England.
www.unseenhistories.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:18 AM
As the Napoleonic Wars drew to a close there were food riots. Opposition, meanwhile, was growing against the introduction of industrial technologies. It is in this world of extremes that Katherine Quarmby has set her novel. The Low Road is a captivating tale that is inspired by real history 👇
From the North Sea to Mexico, fossil hunting to the Soviet Union, Louis D. Hall casts his eyes over a selection of history books that will be released over the month ahead.
With new books from @historylauren.bsky.social,
@zygaro.bsky.social and many more👇
With new books from @historylauren.bsky.social,
@zygaro.bsky.social and many more👇
New History Books for November 2025 - Unseen Histories
Our picks of a range of vibrant new history books that will be released over the month ahead.
www.unseenhistories.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:39 PM
From the North Sea to Mexico, fossil hunting to the Soviet Union, Louis D. Hall casts his eyes over a selection of history books that will be released over the month ahead.
With new books from @historylauren.bsky.social,
@zygaro.bsky.social and many more👇
With new books from @historylauren.bsky.social,
@zygaro.bsky.social and many more👇
Jane Austen's novels tell stories about people getting married. There are good matches and bad matches and, for young ladies aged between 16 and 27, much depends on making the right choices.
Emma Campbell Webster, tells us more about what it was like to be a young lady in Austen's time👇
Emma Campbell Webster, tells us more about what it was like to be a young lady in Austen's time👇
You Are Elizabeth Bennet - Unseen Histories
We speak to the author of You Are Elizabeth Bennet, Emma Campbell Webster, about being a young lady in the late Georgian Age..
www.unseenhistories.com
October 23, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Jane Austen's novels tell stories about people getting married. There are good matches and bad matches and, for young ladies aged between 16 and 27, much depends on making the right choices.
Emma Campbell Webster, tells us more about what it was like to be a young lady in Austen's time👇
Emma Campbell Webster, tells us more about what it was like to be a young lady in Austen's time👇
In the 1890s an Irish writer called Bram Stoker sat in the London Library researching an idea he had for a chilling Gothic novel.
The most vivid stimulus for Stoker's Count Dracula was seemingly a terrifying figure from the fifteenth-century.
Elizabeth Drayson tells us about Vlad 'the Impaler'👇
The most vivid stimulus for Stoker's Count Dracula was seemingly a terrifying figure from the fifteenth-century.
Elizabeth Drayson tells us about Vlad 'the Impaler'👇
Shining a light on Dracula - Unseen Histories
Elizabeth Drayson, author of Crucible of Light, tells us all Vlad the Impaler - a real life Dracula.
www.unseenhistories.com
October 17, 2025 at 12:58 PM
In the 1890s an Irish writer called Bram Stoker sat in the London Library researching an idea he had for a chilling Gothic novel.
The most vivid stimulus for Stoker's Count Dracula was seemingly a terrifying figure from the fifteenth-century.
Elizabeth Drayson tells us about Vlad 'the Impaler'👇
The most vivid stimulus for Stoker's Count Dracula was seemingly a terrifying figure from the fifteenth-century.
Elizabeth Drayson tells us about Vlad 'the Impaler'👇
The US military disrupts drug trafficking networks with operations at sea. In the early 1970s, however, criminals exploited a legal loophole to import marijuana from offshore boats. This, explains David Tuch, lay behind the founding moment in America's war on drugs: Operation Stopgap👇
Operation Stopgap: The First Shot in America’s War on Drugs - Unseen Histories
David Tuch, author of the book The Wireless Operator, tells us about Operation Stopgap.
www.unseenhistories.com
October 10, 2025 at 12:07 PM
The US military disrupts drug trafficking networks with operations at sea. In the early 1970s, however, criminals exploited a legal loophole to import marijuana from offshore boats. This, explains David Tuch, lay behind the founding moment in America's war on drugs: Operation Stopgap👇
From the Caspian Sea to Burma, the Regency to U Boats; our history book picks for the month ahead. With new books from
@theprofrog.bsky.social
@lmbd1418.bsky.social
@highamnews.bsky.social
@andrewrsorkin.bsky.social
@fourredshoes.bsky.social
@edmond-smith.bsky.social
@rory-stewart.bsky.social👇
@theprofrog.bsky.social
@lmbd1418.bsky.social
@highamnews.bsky.social
@andrewrsorkin.bsky.social
@fourredshoes.bsky.social
@edmond-smith.bsky.social
@rory-stewart.bsky.social👇
New History Books for October 2025 - Unseen Histories
Our picks of a range of vibrant new history books that will be released over the month ahead.
www.unseenhistories.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:33 AM
From the Caspian Sea to Burma, the Regency to U Boats; our history book picks for the month ahead. With new books from
@theprofrog.bsky.social
@lmbd1418.bsky.social
@highamnews.bsky.social
@andrewrsorkin.bsky.social
@fourredshoes.bsky.social
@edmond-smith.bsky.social
@rory-stewart.bsky.social👇
@theprofrog.bsky.social
@lmbd1418.bsky.social
@highamnews.bsky.social
@andrewrsorkin.bsky.social
@fourredshoes.bsky.social
@edmond-smith.bsky.social
@rory-stewart.bsky.social👇
On October 1st, 2021, the first iteration of the Unseen Histories website launched to little fanfare. Exactly four years later on our 200th post, we've build a small audience and a solid foundation for the next 4 years beginning with a complete site upgrade and migration to @ghost.org – more soon!
October 1, 2025 at 3:01 PM
On October 1st, 2021, the first iteration of the Unseen Histories website launched to little fanfare. Exactly four years later on our 200th post, we've build a small audience and a solid foundation for the next 4 years beginning with a complete site upgrade and migration to @ghost.org – more soon!
@simonelliott20.bsky.social has spent the last years reconstructing the life of the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus.
Here he makes the case for him as an astonishing and consequential figure in ancient history and, perhaps, 'the most powerful person ever born in Africa'.👇
Here he makes the case for him as an astonishing and consequential figure in ancient history and, perhaps, 'the most powerful person ever born in Africa'.👇
The African Emperor - Unseen Histories
Simon Elliott, the author of The African Emperor, tells us all about Septimus Severus.
www.unseenhistories.com
September 26, 2025 at 1:42 PM
@simonelliott20.bsky.social has spent the last years reconstructing the life of the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus.
Here he makes the case for him as an astonishing and consequential figure in ancient history and, perhaps, 'the most powerful person ever born in Africa'.👇
Here he makes the case for him as an astonishing and consequential figure in ancient history and, perhaps, 'the most powerful person ever born in Africa'.👇
When the first railways were introduced in the early 19th century they were regarded as objects of wonder, but the 1940s western Europe's developed rail network played a significant role in the Holocaust.
@monisharajesh.bsky.social recounts the story of one young boy who survived this persecution👇
@monisharajesh.bsky.social recounts the story of one young boy who survived this persecution👇
Escaping Auschwitz - Unseen Histories
From 'Untold Railway Stories', comes the story of a boy's escape from Auschwitz.
www.unseenhistories.com
September 23, 2025 at 7:43 AM
When the first railways were introduced in the early 19th century they were regarded as objects of wonder, but the 1940s western Europe's developed rail network played a significant role in the Holocaust.
@monisharajesh.bsky.social recounts the story of one young boy who survived this persecution👇
@monisharajesh.bsky.social recounts the story of one young boy who survived this persecution👇
The Maginot Line is remembered as an expensive failure.
Built in the 1930s to safeguard France from German expansion, it was rendered useless in just a few weeks as Hitler's forces blitzed their way to the north of it.
@passmorek.bsky.social explores the invasion of the Maginot line in May 1940👇
Built in the 1930s to safeguard France from German expansion, it was rendered useless in just a few weeks as Hitler's forces blitzed their way to the north of it.
@passmorek.bsky.social explores the invasion of the Maginot line in May 1940👇
The Maginot Line - Unseen Histories
Author of The Maginot Line, Kevin Passmore, on its singular history.
www.unseenhistories.com
September 11, 2025 at 7:33 AM
The Maginot Line is remembered as an expensive failure.
Built in the 1930s to safeguard France from German expansion, it was rendered useless in just a few weeks as Hitler's forces blitzed their way to the north of it.
@passmorek.bsky.social explores the invasion of the Maginot line in May 1940👇
Built in the 1930s to safeguard France from German expansion, it was rendered useless in just a few weeks as Hitler's forces blitzed their way to the north of it.
@passmorek.bsky.social explores the invasion of the Maginot line in May 1940👇
From herrings to Queen Elizabeth II, the Caribbean to Christopher Marlowe, here are a selection of history books that will be released over the month ahead.
Featuring new books from
@tracyborman.bsky.social
@drmirandakaufmann.bsky.social
@cathamclarke.bsky.social
And many more 👇
Featuring new books from
@tracyborman.bsky.social
@drmirandakaufmann.bsky.social
@cathamclarke.bsky.social
And many more 👇
New History Books for September 2025 - Unseen Histories
Our picks of a range of vibrant new history books that will be released over the month ahead.
www.unseenhistories.com
September 10, 2025 at 6:41 AM
From herrings to Queen Elizabeth II, the Caribbean to Christopher Marlowe, here are a selection of history books that will be released over the month ahead.
Featuring new books from
@tracyborman.bsky.social
@drmirandakaufmann.bsky.social
@cathamclarke.bsky.social
And many more 👇
Featuring new books from
@tracyborman.bsky.social
@drmirandakaufmann.bsky.social
@cathamclarke.bsky.social
And many more 👇
There are between one and two billion cars on the world's roads today; central to the control of all of them is the steering wheel. But as @timqueeney.bsky.social explains, the steering wheel evolved well away from any highway. It first appeared in the Enlightenment as a way to steer vessels at sea👇
The Symbol of the Open Road Was Born at Sea - Unseen Histories
Tim Queeney, author of the book Rope, explains the history behind the steering wheel.
www.unseenhistories.com
September 8, 2025 at 8:03 AM
There are between one and two billion cars on the world's roads today; central to the control of all of them is the steering wheel. But as @timqueeney.bsky.social explains, the steering wheel evolved well away from any highway. It first appeared in the Enlightenment as a way to steer vessels at sea👇
In the desperate days of the Second World War, Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle emerged as sources of strength and hope to their respective people. But they were very different personalities.
Now, Richard Vinen has written a joint biography of the two men he calls, 'the last titans'👇
Now, Richard Vinen has written a joint biography of the two men he calls, 'the last titans'👇
Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle - Unseen Histories
We speak to the author of The Last Titans, about a two of the twentieth-century's leading political figures.
www.unseenhistories.com
September 5, 2025 at 10:44 AM
In the desperate days of the Second World War, Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle emerged as sources of strength and hope to their respective people. But they were very different personalities.
Now, Richard Vinen has written a joint biography of the two men he calls, 'the last titans'👇
Now, Richard Vinen has written a joint biography of the two men he calls, 'the last titans'👇
As the 19th century opened, Britain faced an existential crisis. Just a short distance away Napoleon's army gathered on the Channel coast. The terror of that historical moment was very real – Andrew Lambert investigates how British politicians spent the next century ensuring it was never felt again👇
How Britain Managed Europe from Waterloo to World War One - Unseen Histories
We speak to Andrew Lambert, the author of No More Napoleons, about the British foreign policy between Waterloo and World War One..
www.unseenhistories.com
September 2, 2025 at 10:48 AM
As the 19th century opened, Britain faced an existential crisis. Just a short distance away Napoleon's army gathered on the Channel coast. The terror of that historical moment was very real – Andrew Lambert investigates how British politicians spent the next century ensuring it was never felt again👇
This summer, author Louis D. Hall set out to explore the history of his homeland of Fife, north of Edinburgh; an enchanting place of hills, estuaries and coasts. Setting out on foot he discovered stories of adventurers and witches, saints and scholars👇
The Kingdom of Fife - Unseen Histories
Louis D. Hall, the author of In Green, explores the history of the Kingdom of Fife.
www.unseenhistories.com
September 1, 2025 at 3:12 PM
This summer, author Louis D. Hall set out to explore the history of his homeland of Fife, north of Edinburgh; an enchanting place of hills, estuaries and coasts. Setting out on foot he discovered stories of adventurers and witches, saints and scholars👇
It is 80 years since the fighting stopped in August 1945 and WW2 reached its dramatic conclusion. While one era of history ended, another conflict had begun. As Churchill memorably put it, 'An iron curtain has descended across the continent.'
Barrett Tillman analyses the events of that month.👇
Barrett Tillman analyses the events of that month.👇
August 1945 - Unseen Histories
FBarrett Tillman, author of When the Shooting Stopped, revisits the events of August 1945.
www.unseenhistories.com
August 19, 2025 at 6:22 AM
It is 80 years since the fighting stopped in August 1945 and WW2 reached its dramatic conclusion. While one era of history ended, another conflict had begun. As Churchill memorably put it, 'An iron curtain has descended across the continent.'
Barrett Tillman analyses the events of that month.👇
Barrett Tillman analyses the events of that month.👇
As the summer wanes, in the countryside the fields grow busy. Directly ahead lies the harvest, an event that has always been of critical importance to human societies. Daniel Stables, author of the book Fiesta, looks back at some of the vivid traditions that have long animated this time of the year👇
John Barleycorn Must Die - Unseen Histories
Daniel Stables evaluates the festivals that are celebrated around the world at harvest time.
www.unseenhistories.com
August 14, 2025 at 3:01 PM
As the summer wanes, in the countryside the fields grow busy. Directly ahead lies the harvest, an event that has always been of critical importance to human societies. Daniel Stables, author of the book Fiesta, looks back at some of the vivid traditions that have long animated this time of the year👇
Long before Nelson Mandela began his 27 years of imprisonment on Robben Island off Cape Town, it held many other people captive. From 1845 onwards, in particular, leprosy patients were taken to the island.
In this excerpt from his book, Outcast, @olibasciano.bsky.social evaluates this history.👇
In this excerpt from his book, Outcast, @olibasciano.bsky.social evaluates this history.👇
The Leprosarium at Robben Island
Oliver Basciano recounts a lesser known part of Robben Island's complex history
unseenhistories.substack.com
August 4, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Long before Nelson Mandela began his 27 years of imprisonment on Robben Island off Cape Town, it held many other people captive. From 1845 onwards, in particular, leprosy patients were taken to the island.
In this excerpt from his book, Outcast, @olibasciano.bsky.social evaluates this history.👇
In this excerpt from his book, Outcast, @olibasciano.bsky.social evaluates this history.👇
Over the past few years scholars have uncovered stirring new evidence about the existence of fierce warrior women who lived in Scythia bearing a resemblance to Penthesilea, the Amazonian queen in Greek mythology.
It might be there’s a link, and the myth may well be grounded in factural accounts👇
It might be there’s a link, and the myth may well be grounded in factural accounts👇
Penthesilea the Amazonian Queen - Unseen Histories
Everyone remembers Helen of Troy, but no one has heard of Penthesilea. Christine Lehnen asks why.
www.unseenhistories.com
July 17, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Over the past few years scholars have uncovered stirring new evidence about the existence of fierce warrior women who lived in Scythia bearing a resemblance to Penthesilea, the Amazonian queen in Greek mythology.
It might be there’s a link, and the myth may well be grounded in factural accounts👇
It might be there’s a link, and the myth may well be grounded in factural accounts👇
Reposted by Unseen Histories
‘A thrilling, illuminating perspective on a continent that is closer than we think.’
Chuffed to see #SmallEarthquakes included in the @unseenhistories.com summer books preview alongside some fascinating looking titles.
@hurstpublishers.bsky.social
www.unseenhistories.com/history-book...
Chuffed to see #SmallEarthquakes included in the @unseenhistories.com summer books preview alongside some fascinating looking titles.
@hurstpublishers.bsky.social
www.unseenhistories.com/history-book...
New History Books for Summer 2025 - Unseen Histories
Our picks of a range of vibrant new history books that will be released over the months ahead.
www.unseenhistories.com
July 14, 2025 at 4:46 PM
‘A thrilling, illuminating perspective on a continent that is closer than we think.’
Chuffed to see #SmallEarthquakes included in the @unseenhistories.com summer books preview alongside some fascinating looking titles.
@hurstpublishers.bsky.social
www.unseenhistories.com/history-book...
Chuffed to see #SmallEarthquakes included in the @unseenhistories.com summer books preview alongside some fascinating looking titles.
@hurstpublishers.bsky.social
www.unseenhistories.com/history-book...
Reposted by Unseen Histories
“Rope” makes this excellent list of history books being published in August! @iconbooks.bsky.social
📚 From Mary Queen of Scots to Fidel Castro, the Monsoon to earthquakes, here’s our selection of anticipated new history books that will be released over this summer. With new books by @marinawarner.bsky.social, @shafikmeghji.bsky.social,
@timqueeney.bsky.social and many more👇
@timqueeney.bsky.social and many more👇
New History Books for Summer 2025 - Unseen Histories
Our picks of a range of vibrant new history books that will be released over the months ahead.
www.unseenhistories.com
July 10, 2025 at 11:48 AM
“Rope” makes this excellent list of history books being published in August! @iconbooks.bsky.social
📚 From Mary Queen of Scots to Fidel Castro, the Monsoon to earthquakes, here’s our selection of anticipated new history books that will be released over this summer. With new books by @marinawarner.bsky.social, @shafikmeghji.bsky.social,
@timqueeney.bsky.social and many more👇
@timqueeney.bsky.social and many more👇
New History Books for Summer 2025 - Unseen Histories
Our picks of a range of vibrant new history books that will be released over the months ahead.
www.unseenhistories.com
July 10, 2025 at 7:00 AM
📚 From Mary Queen of Scots to Fidel Castro, the Monsoon to earthquakes, here’s our selection of anticipated new history books that will be released over this summer. With new books by @marinawarner.bsky.social, @shafikmeghji.bsky.social,
@timqueeney.bsky.social and many more👇
@timqueeney.bsky.social and many more👇
Gertrude Stein was a writer, art collector, avant-gardist and a free-thinker. Her significance as a twentieth-century cultural figure is acknowledged by all, but there remains something mercurial about her. In her new book, Francesca Wade reflects on her creative output and considers her intensions👇
In Search of Gertrude Stein
Francesca Wade tells us all about her new book, Gertrude Stein: An Afterlife
open.substack.com
June 30, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Gertrude Stein was a writer, art collector, avant-gardist and a free-thinker. Her significance as a twentieth-century cultural figure is acknowledged by all, but there remains something mercurial about her. In her new book, Francesca Wade reflects on her creative output and considers her intensions👇
In her new book, author @lallymacbeth.bsky.social examines the role folk culture has played in our history.
In this excerpt from The Lost Folk, she recounts the stories of Barbara Jones and Florence White, gifted collectors who found deep meaning in everyday English food👇
In this excerpt from The Lost Folk, she recounts the stories of Barbara Jones and Florence White, gifted collectors who found deep meaning in everyday English food👇
Folk Cookery from the English Countryside - Unseen Histories
Author of The Lost Folk, Lally Macbeth, on the significance of English food.
www.unseenhistories.com
June 20, 2025 at 12:50 PM
In her new book, author @lallymacbeth.bsky.social examines the role folk culture has played in our history.
In this excerpt from The Lost Folk, she recounts the stories of Barbara Jones and Florence White, gifted collectors who found deep meaning in everyday English food👇
In this excerpt from The Lost Folk, she recounts the stories of Barbara Jones and Florence White, gifted collectors who found deep meaning in everyday English food👇
The launch of Operation Barbarossa on this day in June 1941 was one of the critical moments of the Second World War. Having conquered in the north, south and west, Hitler's Nazi forces turned towards the east.
Richard Hargreaves examines the opening of Barbarossa in great and illuminating detail 👇
Richard Hargreaves examines the opening of Barbarossa in great and illuminating detail 👇
Opening the Gates of Hell: Operation Barbarossa with Richard Hargreaves
Richard Hargreaves examines two of the most bloody and significant weeks in all military history
unseenhistories.substack.com
June 20, 2025 at 7:30 AM
The launch of Operation Barbarossa on this day in June 1941 was one of the critical moments of the Second World War. Having conquered in the north, south and west, Hitler's Nazi forces turned towards the east.
Richard Hargreaves examines the opening of Barbarossa in great and illuminating detail 👇
Richard Hargreaves examines the opening of Barbarossa in great and illuminating detail 👇