The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Why These Christmas Songs Could Only Be Written in America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3348 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Many famous Christmas songs, like 'Let It Snow!' and 'The Christmas Song', are not about religious themes but focus on winter, romance, and festive activities.
  2. These beloved songs were often written by Jewish Americans, blending their cultural influences into the music that celebrates Christmas in America.
  3. Even if someone doesn't celebrate Christmas, the music can still be enjoyed as a part of the holiday spirit and tradition.

Jerusalem in Paint

Cosmographia • 1118 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. The post is about 'Jerusalem in Paint' and is a special guest edition by George Bothamley.
  2. George Bothamley writes about history's greatest artists and their masterpieces in his Art Every Day substack.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers, and there is a link to subscribe for more content from George Bothamley.

Artist's Collections

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 2279 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Artists collect a variety of items and use them as inspiration for their art.
  2. The history of collecting dates back to ancient civilizations and evolved into private collections displayed in Cabinets of Curiosity.
  3. Personal collections often hold sentimental value and can reflect the values and aspirations of the collector.

The 50 Lost Waterways of Southwark

Londonist: Time Machine • 399 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Coloring historic maps can provide interesting insights into the past, revealing hidden details such as lost waterways.
  2. Peeling off the rivers and streams from an old map and pasting them onto a modern map can show the significant presence of water bodies in an area.
  3. Exploring old maps and overlaying them onto current maps can unveil historical features like rivers that have been lost over time.
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Things Worth Remembering: ‘Endurance Comes Only from Enduring’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1270 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Czesław Miłosz was a famous Polish poet who moved to California, finding both beauty and alienation in his new home. His letters show how he felt amazed and conflicted about the landscape and culture around him.
  2. He lived in California longer than he did anywhere else, making it a special and significant place in his life. It became a refuge for him after experiencing two world wars and the Holocaust.
  3. Miłosz was recognized for his bravery during the Holocaust, as he helped save Jewish lives. This history deeply influenced his poetry and life as a whole.

NEW TV SHOW!!!

History, etc • 1434 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. A new documentary about the Battle of Shrewsbury is available to watch now.
  2. Hosted by Dan Jones and Professor Michael Livingston, the documentary is on History Hit streaming platform.
  3. Viewers can sign up and get the first 14 days free to access this and other historical shows.

Friday Thread: What Were Your Parents Right About?

Culture Study • 1102 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Parents often have valuable insights that can shape our lives positively. Reflecting on these can strengthen our understanding of them.
  2. Acknowledging when parents are wrong can help improve relationships. It opens the door for honest conversations and growth.
  3. Exploring both the right and wrong things our parents did allows us to learn and grow from our experiences.

The Curious Alleys Of Borough High Street

Londonist: Time Machine • 1078 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏝 Travel History
  1. The post delves into the historic alleys off Borough High Street in London, revealing centuries of intriguing history.
  2. The author explores the unexpected discoveries made while investigating these alleys, such as Canterbury pilgrims and vanished coaching inns.
  3. Readers can access the full post and archives with a 7-day free trial to Londonist: Time Machine.

Aenean Age or American Eschaton?

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3031 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature History
  1. Struggles can lead to new beginnings. Just like in ancient stories, facing hard times can give way to rebirth and new civilizations.
  2. Accepting failure without trying isn't the best choice. It's better to strive for a better future, even if it seems tough.
  3. Innovation can help us overcome challenges. Finding new ways, like using different materials, could lead to building a stronger society.

⬜ The importance of curation

One Thing • 1186 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Curation has a long history dating back to ancient Rome, starting as a way to manage aspects of city life and evolving into a responsibility of caretaking, on both a spiritual and physical level.
  2. The concept of curation has shifted over time, from being associated with museum stewards to being seen as a glamorous act online, where individuals are faced with curating their digital presence to navigate vast content.
  3. There's a call for more support for curation, emphasizing the importance of sustaining those who find and organize valuable content, moving beyond just paying creators for their work.

2025 Recap

Novum Newsletter • 154 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
📚 Literature History
  1. 2025 was clarifying but difficult and saw less output. The plan for 2026 is to write a lot more and make changes to enable that.
  2. The newsletter grew to over 3,200 subscribers, and long-form essays about cultural and media anxieties attracted notable attention.
  3. Planned work for 2026 includes publishing magazine essays, starting a nonfiction novel based on a real-life story, and launching a curated archival blog, with paid subscriptions invited to help support these projects.

How to Steal From Homer

Classical Wisdom • 1198 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Plagiarism has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome.
  2. Plagiarism was taken seriously in ancient times, with accusations of stealing literary works.
  3. The concept of duplicative language being considered plagiarism was debated, with some arguing that great artists could get a free pass.

Northern Courage

Becoming Noble • 2132 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Northern Courage is the concept of unyielding will and courage in the face of certain defeat, drawn from Norse mythology and Tolkien's works.
  2. Spengler's pessimistic view of history as a series of declines and falls contrasts with Tolkien's belief in a 'long defeat' with glimpses of final victory.
  3. Tolkien completes the virtue of Northern Courage with the idea of 'estel', a hopeful trust that stems from a deeper, transcendent belief, offering a path to heroic sacrifice without despair.

Links for December

By Reason Alone • 114 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture History
  1. AI is a major focus, covering its history, the recent scaling era, and interpretability research like toy models of superposition, alongside practical debates about preserving old model weights and deployment economics.
  2. There is a strong emphasis on Irish culture, history, and civic work, from essays on Protestant magic to infrastructure reform and active local reading and maths initiatives.
  3. The post is a wide-ranging media roundup with clear recommendations across books, films, music, and podcasts, highlighting specific discoveries and thoughtful reactions to each.

Here's to you, "Mrs. Robinson"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 399 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The song 'Mrs. Robinson' from the movie 'The Graduate' became a cultural icon and reflected the generational divide of the 1960s. It showed the struggles of young people against their parents' expectations.
  2. Both the film and the soundtrack were huge successes, winning numerous awards and ranking high on various lists, highlighting the powerful impact of music in cinema.
  3. Paul Simon's creative process led to the song's development during filming, showcasing how spontaneous ideas can turn into timeless classics that resonate with many people.

Greece is Lindy

The Greek Analyst • 299 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Greece has a rich history of contributing ideas that have stood the test of time, known as Lindy creations.
  2. Some of the well-known Lindy contributions of Greece include democracy, philosophy, modern medicine, and global sports competitions.
  3. Apart from the obvious inventions, Greece also has softer Lindy elements like Filoxenia, social eating, and celebrating name days that have had a significant impact on Greek culture.

Addendum: The Most Banned Book

Anarchonomicon • 1218 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🚌 Education History
  1. Finding banned works online may be easier than expected, even controversial ones.
  2. The memoirs of Augusto Pinochet are extremely difficult to find, despite the numerous works written about him.
  3. Pinochet's own memoirs are virtually non-existent in libraries, showing efforts to hide his perspective.

Petula Clark - The other British invasion

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🎶 Music History
  1. Petula Clark had a huge impact in the 1960s music scene with several hit songs, showcasing her talent and staying power even at age 91.
  2. She collaborated with songwriter Tony Hatch to create many popular songs and was a top-charting artist, rivaling even The Beatles.
  3. Petula also had a successful career in film and television, gaining recognition for her acting and her efforts to promote inclusivity in entertainment.

"Oliver Heaviside. An Appreciation : The Personal Equation : The Work of a Genius Elucidated"

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🔬 Science History
  1. Oliver Heaviside was a genius who contributed greatly to electrical science but was often misunderstood and neglected during his life. His work wasn't acknowledged until long after he had passed away.
  2. Heaviside developed important theories on cable signaling and electromagnetic waves, introducing many key terms that are still used today. His insights helped improve how signals could be transmitted over long distances, which was crucial for communication.
  3. Despite his brilliance, Heaviside lived a reclusive life and struggled financially. He preferred to work alone and only began to receive recognition later in life, which made him a complex figure in the world of science.

Links For February 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 7433 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🔬 Science History
  1. Blind mathematicians often work in geometry and topology, suggesting unique perceptions.
  2. The Basilica of the Holy House in Italy intriguingly ties angelic folklore with historical architecture.
  3. Starting a journey from Seattle and heading east ends in Russia, the first country reached while traversing the Atlantic Ocean.

Evolution and Our Obsession with True Crime

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2004 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. True crime has been a longstanding part of human culture, dating back centuries.
  2. Our obsession with true crime may stem from our evolutionary history and the way our minds are wired for survival.
  3. Engaging with true crime stories allows us to simulate dangerous situations and hone our ability to detect and avoid threats.

Reading, Writing, and Racism: The Three R’s of Philly Public Schools

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1270 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🚌 Education History
  1. Philadelphia's public schools have a history curriculum that encourages students to think critically about oppression. This may simplify complex historical events into a clear 'oppressed versus oppressor' narrative.
  2. One part of the curriculum asks students to consider what it takes to overthrow oppression, but it doesn't explore all the details from the historical period it covers.
  3. Teachers have some freedom to choose whether or not to follow this curriculum, but the existence of such a framework raises concerns about how history is being taught in schools.

🏫⤴ Why every student should study the history of progress

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🚌 Education History
  1. Students should learn about the history of progress to understand the inventions that shaped our world. This knowledge helps them see how innovation impacts daily life.
  2. A new class on the history of progress would include important inventions, like the spinning jenny and the internet. Learning this history can help students make sense of modern challenges.
  3. Understanding technology isn't just about gadgets; it's about knowing how society works. This knowledge helps people appreciate advances that improve our lives, like medicine and sanitation.

Greenland

Nemets • 194 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics History
  1. Greenland's human history has been shaped by repeated migrations and climate change, with different Arctic peoples arriving, adapting, and sometimes disappearing as the environment warmed and cooled.
  2. Danish rule and 20th-century modernization brought infrastructure, trade, and political reforms but also introduced disease, forced sterilization programs, and lasting health and demographic problems for Greenlanders.
  3. Greenland's strategic location and rich natural resources have attracted major-power interest, creating a push-pull between foreign partners (notably the US and China) and dependence on Danish subsidies that fuels debate over independence.

Post to the Host

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 1179 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Fans share personal stories and experiences with Garrison Keillor, showing deep appreciation and connection with his work.
  2. Garrison Keillor responds to fan messages and comments with wit, humor, and humility, engaging with his audience in a friendly manner.
  3. Audience members express excitement, plans, and hopes for attending Garrison Keillor's upcoming shows, showcasing their anticipation and admiration.

“To the Finland Station”

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 2627 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. The post suggests that Trump represents a shift away from global neoliberalism, which dominated since the 1980s. It argues that this new ideology is still taking shape and its full impact won't be clear for years.
  2. Neoliberalism is criticized for creating wealth inequality and pretending to support equality while actually benefiting a ruling class. It is seen as a false promise that is now coming to an end.
  3. The new political landscape might resemble 'global Caesarism,' which may keep lower classes content with limited political participation while benefiting elites. This approach is different from traditional political parties and appears to offer fresh cynicism.

Turing's Yearning, Part 1

Technohumanism • 99 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🕹 Technology History
  1. Alan Turing's foundational paper on artificial intelligence is often overlooked in favor of its famous concepts like the Turing Test. It's filled with strange ideas and a deep human yearning for understanding machines.
  2. The idea behind the Turing Test, where a computer tricks someone into thinking it's human, raises questions about what intelligence really is. Is being able to imitate intelligence the same as actually being intelligent?
  3. Turing's paper includes surprising claims and combines brilliant insights with odd assertions. It reflects his complicated thoughts on machines and intelligence, showing a deeper human story that resonates today.

Cheap Motels and Potholes

imetatronink • 1847 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Historic ancient structures were built with precision on a firm foundation.
  2. American buildings since World War Two do not exhibit high standards of workmanship.
  3. American structures built post-1945 will likely deteriorate quickly compared to ancient buildings.

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream: The 30 Year Late Review

The Bottom Feeder • 775 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The game 'I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream' has a unique story and strange gameplay, but can be frustrating to play because of its arbitrary rules and bugs.
  2. Harlan Ellison, the writer behind the game, had strong views on video games, which made some hesitant to try his game out for fear of it not being good.
  3. Even with its flaws, the game is worth experiencing for its ambitious ideas and interesting content. Using a walkthrough can help when you get stuck.

The coolest medieval woman you've never heard of

weird medieval guys • 1926 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Christine de Pizan was one of Europe's first professional female writers and a French nationalist.
  2. Her most famous work, _The Book of the City of Ladies_, is considered one of the earliest feminist writings.
  3. _The Book of the City of Ladies_ critiques misogyny, redefines female characters from history, and calls for gender equality.

What Is Evil? (A Philosophical Perspective)

Ethics Under Construction • 41 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy History
  1. Evil is a willful, unjustified attack that destroys another person’s freedom and rejects reason; it’s more than mere wrongdoing.
  2. Evil differs from ordinary immorality or illegality because it repudiates the moral contract. An evildoer can be treated as unfit for society and legally incapacitated.
  3. Philosophy and clear, objective standards help us detect and define evil. This lets societies respond through law and reason instead of emotional or arbitrary punishment.

Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center

Culture Study • 7245 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Friendship used to be considered a vital part of life through history, becoming sidelined as marriage took priority in emotional connections.
  2. Modern ideals often emphasize a spouse also being a 'best friend', impacting how friendships are valued and maintained.
  3. Cultural norms and societal structures make it challenging to prioritize and nurture friendships over traditional family setups, but it's about understanding the possibilities and taking steps towards meaningful platonic connections.

Trump's civil war

Thinking about... • 1136 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Trump is trying to change the military's role from protecting the country to controlling the people. He wants soldiers to act against American citizens instead of defending democracy.
  2. His speeches suggest that the past military victories are being used to justify future actions that aren't legal. Trump is encouraging soldiers to follow him personally rather than the Constitution.
  3. By calling migration an 'invasion', Trump is mixing ideas of war and policy, aiming to create an enemy within the country. This could lead to dangerous situations where soldiers might harm their fellow citizens.

The Pot of Gold at America’s Western Edge

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2309 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. California is seen as a shining example of America’s optimism and adventurous spirit. Its landscapes are diverse and beautiful, capturing the hearts of many.
  2. The state represents a journey of hope and discovery for pioneers, marked by the promise of wealth and a better life. Many believe the history of California reflects the core values of the entire nation.
  3. From its rich agricultural roots to modern technological advances, California's success story symbolizes the potential for achievement and progress that inspires people everywhere.