The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Vote for the August 2025 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 512 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🕹 Technology History
  1. It's time to vote on the topic for the next post. Everyone gets a say in what content should be covered.
  2. There are various historical computer ads up for discussion. These ads show how technology has changed over time.
  3. Free subscribers can try out the service for a week. This gives them a chance to see more content and consider a paid subscription.

Shakespeare's experiments in King John

The Common Reader • 850 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
📚 Literature History
  1. _King John_ is seen as an experimental play by Shakespeare, showing his creative evolution through different storytelling techniques. It explores how he provides variety in his work by reinventing characters and themes.
  2. The play acts as a bridge between two groups of historical plays, focusing more on individual political moments than on a connected historical narrative. This change reflects a shift in how Shakespeare viewed politics and storytelling.
  3. Unlike previous plays that were straightforward and moralistic, _King John_ uses complex characters and relationships to convey deeper political questions, showcasing Shakespeare's growth as a playwright.

A reduction in complexity is a reduction in humanity

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 279 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Reducing complexity in data visualization can lead to oversimplifying important human stories. It's essential to remember that simplification can erase important details that affect people's lives.
  2. The history of data visualization is linked to darker aspects of society, like slavery and eugenics. Recognizing this helps us understand the impact of our tools and the stories we choose to tell.
  3. Visualization can be a powerful tool to reveal new insights when used correctly. By learning from the past, we can aim to avoid repeating mistakes and address inequalities.

The Speech Joe Biden Is Likely to be Remembered For.

Breaking the News • 1731 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Joe Biden's farewell speech took an unexpected turn, shifting from a typical review of his presidency to a serious warning about the growing concentration of power in America.
  2. He described a dangerous 'oligarchy' emerging from extreme wealth and power that threatens democracy and people's rights.
  3. Biden drew parallels between his concerns and Eisenhower's warnings about the military-industrial complex, emphasizing issues like misinformation and the decline of the free press.

Mixing Colors 101

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 1336 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. The color wheel is the foundation of color mixing, composed of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
  2. Understanding the history of color theory helps to appreciate the significance of the color wheel.
  3. Primary colors (red, yellow, blue), secondary colors (orange, violet, green), and complementary colors play key roles in color mixing and relationships.
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The Idea of a Revolution

kamilkazani • 1336 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The word 'revolution' has evolved in meaning over time from circular to linear change in politics.
  2. Originally, a revolution referred to a return to the original state of affairs with changes in personnel.
  3. The French Revolution played a significant role in changing the meaning of the word 'revolution' to signify permanent and irreversible change.

Then and Now: Stop Motion

Animation Obsessive • 2152 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Stop motion animation has been around for over a hundred years. It involves taking photos of objects in small movements to create the illusion of motion.
  2. The '50s and '60s were a golden age for stop motion, and we're seeing another rise in popularity in the 2010s and 2020s.
  3. People appreciate the handcrafted look of stop motion compared to digital animation. It has unique qualities like texture and imperfections that make it special.

The Private Train Car Edition

Why is this interesting? • 2352 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Private rail cars are a luxurious way to travel that depend on public train systems like Amtrak. Owners can hitch their private cars onto regular train services for their trips.
  2. These rail cars were a big deal in the early 20th century, designed with amazing features like observation decks and sleeping quarters. Many were made by the famous Pullman company, known for its luxury craftsmanship.
  3. Even wealthy travelers in the past had to rely on public infrastructure, showing a unique blend of private luxury and public services. This coexistence is still important today as societies think about wealth and accessibility.

World roundup: January 17 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 746 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics History
  1. A new study reveals that Greenland has lost more ice than previously thought, making the remaining ice sheet more vulnerable to melting.
  2. The Jordanian government accuses the Israeli military of damaging field hospitals in Gaza, prompting concerns about ongoing attacks on medical facilities.
  3. Historical events from January 17 include the decisive Russian victory at the Battle of Sarikamish, the execution of Patrice Lumumba in 1961, and the start of Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Things Worth Remembering: The Freedom to Be Different

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Being different is an important part of identity, especially for Jewish people who often face challenges for their uniqueness. Simple acts of difference, like cultural practices, shape lives significantly.
  2. Simon Rawidowicz emphasized the importance of 'the freedom to be different' as crucial for preserving other freedoms. He believed that being able to be oneself is necessary for all other rights.
  3. He felt that Franklin D. Roosevelt's list of freedoms was missing this Fifth Freedom, which is vital to ensure that people can live authentically and with dignity.

The 20th Century Is the Only Century

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 570 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The 20th century feels like the only real century for many people because of the cultural moments and media it produced. It was a time when creativity thrived and set the stage for everything that followed.
  2. Artists like Sammy Davis Jr. and Little Richard showed the power of identity and performance in music. They navigated their careers through cultural shifts, either evolving or holding on to their roots.
  3. Michael Jackson represents a blend of past influences and new forms of expression. His legacy is complex, revealing how artists can be both celebrated and misunderstood in their lifetimes.

“To embrace the whole sky with the mind”

Seven Senses • 559 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The weather has a deep connection to our lives. It affects our moods, conversations, and even economies.
  2. Humans have long tried to predict and control the weather, but it remains unpredictable and sometimes chaotic.
  3. Despite its unpredictability, the weather can inspire creativity and beauty, leading to unique expressions in art and daily life.

No Kings

Thinking about... • 754 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. We want freedom from kings and powerful leaders because they often put their needs above ours. Freedom means a government that truly works for the people.
  2. History shows that the fight for freedom is a long journey, filled with struggles against oppression. It teaches us that we need allies and to listen to each other.
  3. Protests are just the start of the work for freedom. They remind us that we can stand up and take action together for change.

Remembering the Dead White Founders

donaldjeffries • 1297 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Independence Day should invoke patriotism and remembrance of the sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers.
  2. There is a lack of historical programming in mainstream media that accurately portrays the Founding Fathers and the American Revolution.
  3. The principles and values of the Founding Fathers, such as freedom of speech and consent of the governed, are being disregarded in modern America.

Links For July 2023

Astral Codex Ten • 7846 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Towns named Santa Claus exist as tourist attractions.
  2. A Twitter account highlights silly names from Census records.
  3. A Belgian man supported genocide in Rwanda and served prison time.

A great Florentine-Renaissance alternate history, two Prince-inspired masterpiece albums, and a strange and spooky Terence Stamp phantasmagoria

Read Max • 474 implied HN points • 25 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. There's a cool mystery-thriller set in a different version of Renaissance Florence, which blends art and intrigue.
  2. A short horror film featuring Terence Stamp and a beautiful Ferrari offers a spooky experience worth checking out.
  3. Two new albums inspired by Prince showcase his lasting influence and are a must-listen for fans of his music.

The Beginning of Infinity

CB • 1278 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
📚 Literature History
  1. Science advances through conjecture and criticism, with good explanations being hard to vary while accounting for what they explain.
  2. The philosophy of technology embraces problems as solvable and progress as both possible and desirable.
  3. Knowledge can be defined by its ability to transform the physical world, prompting better theories and further development.

5 Quick Things #299 🏛

The Commonplace • 1277 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The Roman Empire has a lasting impact on modern Western civilization and there are parallels to our current situation.
  2. Always be learning from history, science, or philosophy with the resources available today.
  3. Focus on true self-care, genuine work, and the importance of education for personal growth.

The Lennon Sisters

Disaffected Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎶 Music History
  1. The Lennon Sisters are known for their beautiful harmonies and musical talent.
  2. Their music often carries positive messages and a sense of peace.
  3. Supporting the creators behind this music can help keep the artistry alive.

A Brief Genetic History of Europe

Holodoxa • 239 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🔬 Science History
  1. Modern Europeans have a complex genetic history with contributions from different ancient populations like hunter-gatherers and Neolithic farmers.
  2. Advancements in genomics have drastically reduced the cost of sequencing genomes, leading to significant progress in understanding human genetic history.
  3. Migration has been a significant factor in shaping the genetic and cultural landscape of Europe over thousands of years, and it continues to play a crucial role in our future.

Poor Lazarus and the Mark Death Made

Five’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. American folk music explores deep feelings of homesickness and the desire to wander. These emotions are the driving themes in many famous songs.
  2. Gillian Welch's work reflects on the contradictions in life and music, connecting the past with present experiences without offering easy answers.
  3. Welch's song 'I Dream a Highway' captures a feeling of endless searching and longing. It questions what it means to be truly home and how we cope with our losses.

Into the Sewers: Exploring London's Historic Bowels

Londonist: Time Machine • 339 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🏝 Travel History
  1. The post explores London's historic sewers, an underground network rarely seen by the public, despite its importance in daily life and discussions about wastewater issues.
  2. The author shares personal experiences and history about their trips into the London sewers, providing a unique perspective on a usually overlooked topic.
  3. Readers can access more of the author's content and explore the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine.

From YAHOO to Google to AI

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🕹 Technology History
  1. The way we find information has changed a lot. First, we had Yahoo, which organized the web like a library but was slow and limited.
  2. Then came Google, allowing us to search for anything quickly but still required us to look closely at each source for accuracy.
  3. Now with AI, we can just ask questions and get direct answers, making the search for knowledge faster and easier. In the future, it might even anticipate our needs without us asking.

How Steely Dan's "Second Arrangement" was erased

Expanding Dan • 1257 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎶 Music History
  1. The erasure of Steely Dan's "Second Arrangement" was a significant technical blunder in rock music history.
  2. Despite being considered a lost classic, various versions of the song have circulated online for over a decade.
  3. After years of speculation, the engineer who erased the song, known as M., finally speaks out about the incident.

Medieval Muslims loved their cats so much

weird medieval guys • 1257 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Medieval Muslims had a deep love for cats, treating them with kindness and care.
  2. Prophet Muhammad and his companions showed great affection towards cats, condemning any harm towards them.
  3. In the medieval Islamic world, cats were beloved pets across all levels of society, receiving special treatment and care.

New Year, New News

Wordloaf • 746 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink History
  1. Amy Halloran is taking over the Wordloaf newsletter for a few months while the original author works on a book
  2. Amy is knowledgeable about bread, baking, and grain, making her a great fit for the newsletter
  3. Regular features like the Monday Mix and Friday Bread Basket will be on hiatus during this period

Play is the only way (paradise theory)

Secretum Secretorum • 555 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Life is filled with problems and solutions, and we can't reach a perfect paradise. Instead of longing for a utopia, we should focus on gradual progress and the joy of play.
  2. Engaging in arts, games, and community projects can inspire people and unite them for a common purpose. It's about creating shared experiences that are meaningful and uplifting.
  3. True paradise isn't just an escape from work but involves embracing play and creativity. To achieve a deeper, fulfilling life, we must be willing to risk and sacrifice for our dreams and values.

Books of the Year - 2025

Comment is Freed • 123 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
📚 Literature History
  1. Modern political radicalism and conspiracism grew out of older currents — 1990s populist campaigns, libertarian ideas and new online subcultures helped create the terrain for Trumpism and the alt‑right.
  2. Deep historical accounts of postwar Europe, the collapse of communism, and the 2008 financial crash show how major economic and political shocks reshape institutions and help explain today’s global tensions.
  3. Cultural forces matter: Japan’s pop exports and global fandoms transformed world culture and online spaces in ways that sometimes fed radicalisation, while science fiction shapes how technologists imagine and justify powerful projects.

The Rise of Western Individualism

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4431 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Western individualism stems from historical factors like the power of the Western Church and its unique taboos on family structures.
  2. WEIRD societies have distinct characteristics: hyper-individualism, focus on intentions, patience for delayed gratification, and a willingness to adhere to rules even without enforcement.
  3. The rise of Western individualism influenced laws, innovation, and economic prosperity, with key factors like belief in moralizing gods, influence of formal institutions, and the impact of impersonal markets.

Reading List for Chapter 3

Fields & Energy • 199 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🔬 Science History
  1. To understand electricity and magnetism, start with accessible introductory books. These give a good overview but aren't deeply technical.
  2. For more in-depth study, look into undergraduate textbooks. They cover more complex topics and are aimed at those ready to dig deeper into the science.
  3. Supplementary texts and guides can be very useful. They often explain difficult concepts clearly and may include helpful resources like online solutions and podcasts.

The Persistence Of A 14th-C. UX

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. A 14th-century book called a girdle book was designed to be carried and read easily, even though it was heavy and unusual for its time. This shows how humans have always needed practical ways to enjoy reading.
  2. The book was made for spiritual reading, likely by a monk, showing how closely books were tied to religious practices back then. Even without fancy pictures, it was meant for deep study.
  3. Despite its age, this old book’s design is still effective and user-friendly today. It illustrates how good ideas in design can last for centuries.

Greece in the eyes of the xenos

The Greek Analyst • 239 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Greece is a popular destination for foreigners, attracting expats, retirees, digital nomads, and more, who share their experiences in the country
  2. Major areas of interest for foreigners in Greece include Athens, Greek islands, and villages, each offering unique experiences
  3. Foreigners in Greece appreciate the sunny weather, outdoor activities, friendliness of locals, and delicious food, but also highlight issues like language barrier, bureaucracy, and pollution

The Only Cure For Internet Poisoning

Reactionary Feminist • 26 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Relying on AI and constant internet access risks a "Great Forgetting" by outsourcing memory and the mental habits needed to think deeply, letting key cognitive faculties wither.
  2. Medieval mnemonic practices and the idea of a tactile, inner "wax tablet" show that deliberate, embodied memorization shapes how we form and hold ideas.
  3. The antidote to internet poisoning is intentional cultivation of non-digital memory—through memorization, meditation, prayer, and other ars memoriae techniques—to rebuild inner resources and preserve cultural thought.

Is the Savoy *Really* the Only Place you Must Drive on the Right?

Londonist: Time Machine • 199 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Savoy Court in London is not the only place where you must drive on the right; there are other examples like bus stations, car parks, and public roads with reversed layouts.
  2. The Savoy Court's unique right-hand drive rule was established in 1902, but similar scenarios can be found elsewhere, challenging its exclusivity.
  3. Examples exist of public roads with unconventional driving directions, such as the Tottenham Hale gyratory system and minor roads like the one in Twickenham.

Candlemas(s), the hard way, and common crime

The Pillar • 628 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality History
  1. The Presentation of the Lord is a beautiful feast with the image of Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the Temple.
  2. Bishop Raimo Goyarrola in Finland faces unique challenges in leading a diverse Catholic community.
  3. Catholic schools are facing financial and demographic challenges, but remain important for fostering vocations.

The Voynich Manuscript: A Translation

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 483 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
📚 Literature History
  1. The Voynich Manuscript is a mysterious historic text from the early 1400s that contains drawings and writings in an unknown language. No one has been able to figure out what it says or even identify the plants drawn in it.
  2. A group called The Hinternet is working on translating this manuscript, sharing their progress with the public. Their recent translation includes five new pages that have never been properly understood before.
  3. The translation process is incredibly difficult, and it has taken years to get even a few pages done. The dedication required to work on this manuscript is intense, and those who help are very passionate about their research.