David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Burnham claims to be providing a more serious and thought- through prospectus for Britain, but believing Britain is the world's innovation nation; trusted world leader in AI; leading the next industrial revolution, is neither serious nor new. 062
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Rich account of the politics and history of British 'resilience' from Will Lloyd - very happy to be cited in it. @kingshistory.bsky.social @kingschostm.bsky.social giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...giftarticle.ft.comHow resilient is Britain?As climate and geopolitical risks cast doubt on the UK’s ability to cope in a crisis, leaders are turning from ‘just in time’ to ‘just in case’ as a governing philosophy 074
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Launching the Chinese edition of Rise and Fall of the British Nation in Beijing! @kingshistory.bsky.social 0102
Reposted by David EdgertonChris Grey @chrisgrey.bsky.social · 16/09/2026It would be quite 'something' if, after all the talk of leaving the EU to create CANZUK, there ends up being CANZEU without the UK 28422136
Reposted by David EdgertonTribune @tribunemagazine.bsky.social · 06/09/2026One of Britain's leading historians explains what we get wrong about the past and the present. From World War II to the New Left, nationalism to neoliberalism, empire to welfare, Thatcher to Corbyn, technology to class: prepare to test your assumptions.youtu.beThe Myths that Rule Britain with David EdgertonYouTube video by Tribune Magazine 074
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 01/09/2026Andy Burnham becomes yet another PM who calls for an 'innovation-led economy'. The delusions live on; the circuit breaker fails to work. 0112
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 30/08/2026This extraordinary essay by @anthonybarnett.bsky.social evokes an age of political cultural contestation thirty years dead yet finds signs of critical life in the debris, not least in the tellingly ignored genius of Steve McQueen's Blitz. A must-read. www.newstatesman.com/ideas/2026/0...newstatesman.comMoore of EnglandForty years after Henry Moore's death, what is left of the country that made, celebrated, and then forgot him? 140
Reposted by David EdgertonDavid Pretel @davidpretel.bsky.social · 26/08/2026📢 Conferencia del historiador David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social: “Into the Hidden Place”: Reflections on the history and historiography of production. 📆 2 de septiembre, Residencia de Estudiantes, Madrid (16:30h). 👉 ih.csic.es/es/event/key... 051
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 26/08/2026Very much looking forward to this! A preview of my new book. 053
Reposted by David EdgertonTom Kelsey @tomkelsey.bsky.social · 17/08/2026Does the Treasury deserve its reputation for holding back the British economy? My new article in The Political Quarterly uses the histories of Concorde and civil nuclear power to challenge common arguments about the Treasury, industrial strategy, and state capacity. 🧵 1138
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 05/08/2026Very much looking forward to attending and speaking at this workshop in Madrid! commoditiesofempire.org.uk/events/commoditiesofempire.org.ukEvents - Commodities of EmpireFor details of our past events, click here. Commodities of Empire Annual International Workshop 2-3 September 2026, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid Locating Knowledge: Science and Technology... 041
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 05/08/2026How did workers of the Swiss Post, Telegraph and Telephone Company understand the role of their labour? In his recently published article, @riccardoferrigato.bsky.social explores the case of telephone maintenance workers. Go read it in T&C ➡️ muse.jhu.edu/issue/57305 #histtech #histstm 142
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 28/07/2026I lived on this estate for a few months in 1977 while working for ICI and wrote about it in the book reviewed here: www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...lrb.co.ukSusan Pedersen · Worker, Hipster, Banker: Modern British CitiesDeindustrialisation was not a long, slow process but a very quick one, erasing whole occupations and transforming one... 093
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 22/07/2026Delighted that my Rise and Fall of the British Nation has been published in China (as Twilight of Empire)! www.163.com/dy/article/L...163.com“好望角”第32本!了解20世纪英国的必读之作!“好望角”第32本!了解20世纪英国的必读之作!,英国,美国,德国,世纪末,大英帝国 091
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 04/07/2026Reupping thoughts on Starmer’s Party and its failures to think about British defence policy. Will Burnham’s Party be any different ? www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comLabour claims to be defending Britain from new threats, but its warfare state is steeped in old thinking | David EdgertonFor every sensible proposal, there’s a failure to think through the UK’s place in the world – and a promised ‘defence dividend’ that won’t materialise, says academic and author David Edgerton 1114
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 04/07/2026Reupping this - Labour claims to be defending Britain from new threats, but its warfare state is steeped in old thinking | David Edgerton 000
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 02/07/2026A fascinating obituary of David Potter academic, inventor of the psion organiser, and engaged philanthropist by @anthonybarnett.bsky.social www.opendemocracy.net/obituary-dav...opendemocracy.netRemembering David Potter: Industrialist, physicist, philanthropistHow the Psion founder and tech titan combined scientific brilliance with fearless philanthropy to champion public good 053
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 30/06/2026Join us for a conversation about the historical background of the 2017 "Asilomar Conference on Beneficial AI". Dr David Cole explores the significance and legacy of the famed 1975 Asilomar conference on recombinant DNA and DNA cloning for contemporary efforts to shape the future of AI. #histstmeventbrite.co.ukAsilomar Revisited: Beneficial AI and the History of Scientific EthicsJoin us for a conversation with Dr David Cole about the legacy of Asilomar 1975 for contemporary efforts to shape the future of AI 144
Reposted by David EdgertonThe Syllabus @the-syllabus.bsky.social · 18/06/2026Framing AI as the next "Manhattan Project" functions more as PR than an analysis of technical change. As our podcast of the week argues, this rhetoric elides the issue of how material processes shape our lives. With @davidedgerton.bsky.social on @generativefutures.bsky.social buff.ly/fw1f8nk 043
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 10/06/2026Had a great conversation with Phil Bell on his podcast on how to think historically about AI and 'technology' more generally @kingschostm.bsky.social @kingshistory.bsky.social genfutures.substack.com/p/david-edge...genfutures.substack.comDavid Edgerton on Historical Analogies, Technology, and AIDo we need a material turn? 0155
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's College London, History Department @kingshistory.bsky.social · 08/06/2026A new article in the @newstatesman1913.bsky.social by our colleague @davidedgerton.bsky.social and Karel Williams today: 'The limits of Andy Burnham: Manchesterism is sounding a lot like Londonism' www.newstatesman.com/politics/lab...newstatesman.comThe limits of Andy BurnhamManchesterism is sounding a lot like Londonism 253
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 26/05/2026TOMORROW: a roundtable on public engagement, history, and the study of STM in history with @caitjan.bsky.social, @davidedgerton.bsky.social and @chrismanias.bsky.social 🗓️ 27 May, 15.00-16.30 📍 Strand Campus #histsci #histtech #histmed #hisstm @kingshistory.bsky.social 098
Reposted by David EdgertonThe Mill @manchestermill.bsky.social · 23/05/2026Stop looking for Burnhamism - in six years, I’ve never found. Watching the mayor up close in Manchester, I’ve seen his unusual gifts and glaring weaknesses. Would he make a good prime minister? Our weekend read - by @joshih.bsky.social manchestermill.co.uk/stop-looking...manchestermill.co.ukStop looking for Burnhamism - in six years, I’ve never found itWatching the mayor up close in Manchester, I’ve seen his unusual gifts and glaring weaknesses. Would he make a good prime minister? 612265
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 18/05/2026Next in our seminar, a roundtable on public engagement, history, and the study of STM in history with @caitjan.bsky.social @davidedgerton.bsky.social and @chrismanias.bsky.social. 🗓️ 27 May, 15.00-16.30 📍 Strand Campus #histsci #histtech #histmed #hisstm @kingshistory.bsky.social 052
Reposted by David EdgertonEwan Gibbs @ewangibbs.bsky.social · 17/05/2026A must read excoriating analysis of Starmer’s Labour Party by @davidedgerton.bsky.social. He underlines both the decisive rejection of Labour’s mission to represent the organised working class or to meaningfully reform the economy in a social democratic direction.newstatesman.comThe Labour Party is dead, and Starmer has killed itAny progressive new leader will face the task of reviving a corpse 3245
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 11/05/2026Next in our Seminar Series: Roundtable: Global History and the History of STM / Francisca Valenzuela, Jason Ng & David Brydan 🗓️ Thu 14 May, 15.00-16.30 📍Strand building, King's College London #histtech #histsci #histmed #histstm @kingshistory.bsky.social 142
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 14/04/2026Very happy to see my analysis of British defence policy from 1998 quoted here: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comThe Guardian view on defence spending: should the UK’s security rest with Donald Trump? | EditorialEditorial: A former Nato chief demands more cash while fixing Britain’s global role. Before billions are spent, ministers must define the purpose of its military 072
Reposted by David EdgertonPeter Mandler @petermandler.bsky.social · 10/04/2026Worse than limited opening hours, it's the withdrawal of 2/3 of the archive for curiosity-driven research that is the real scandal for what is supposed to be a public-service organization. 27641
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 18/03/2026📌 Coming up in our seminar series next week! Jieluan Huang, 'Medical Diasporas: Chinese Medicine in London and a Family Case Study' 🗓️ Wednesday 25 March 🕰️ 15.30-17.00 📍8th floor, Strand building www.kingschostm.com/seminar-series #histmed #histsci #histtech #histstm @kingshistory.bsky.social 212
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 27/02/2026This assumes, as does most commentary, that the Starmer Party leadership does roughly share the values of the Greens rather than Reform. Why assume this, and not the reverse? Why not take them at their word, even if it leads them to electoral oblivion? 293
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 26/02/2026Congratulations to @fayboundalberti.bsky.social for the publication of “The Face: A cultural history” today! You can now get it from your preferred bookshop in the UK! tinyurl.com/the-face-fba @kingshistory.bsky.social @kingsartshums.bsky.social @ctb-kcl.bsky.social #histmed #histtech #bodypenguin.co.ukThe FaceWhat’s in a face? The face is the only part of the body where all the senses come together and, over the course of human history, has come to represent who we are as individuals. We unlock our phones... 073
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's College London, History Department @kingshistory.bsky.social · 26/02/2026Published today! The new book by our colleague @fayboundalberti.bsky.social 'The Face: A cultural History' www.penguin.co.uk/books/459227...penguin.co.ukThe FaceWhat’s in a face? The face is the only part of the body where all the senses come together and, over the course of human history, has come to represent who we are as individuals. We unlock our phones... 021
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 25/02/2026Stewart Brand's How Buildings Learn was one of the inspirations for my Shock of the Old. His new book on Maintenance (prefigured in How Buildings Learn) tells some fascinating stories. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...theguardian.comTech legend Stewart Brand on Musk, Bezos and his extraordinary life: ‘We don’t need to passively accept our fate’He was at the heart of 1960s counterculture, then paved the way for the libertarian mindset of Silicon Valley. At 87, Brand is still keen to ensure the world is maintained properly – not just today, b... 0103
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 23/02/2026🔔 Coming up in our seminar: New Book Party! Smart: A history of intelligence by David Brydan (with comments by Professor @fayboundalberti.bsky.social and Professor Federico Turkheimer) 🗓️ Tues 3 March, 18.00-19.30 📍 8th floor, Strand building Register in Eventbrite ➡️ tinyurl.com/smart-brydantinyurl.comSmart: A History of IntelligenceVenue: 8th Floor Open Space, Strand Building, King's College London 032
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 20/02/2026💡 Call for applications to our Hans Rausing scholarship is open until 17 April. Contact a prospective supervisor before applying to one of @kingshistory.bsky.social programmes. 🛎️ First round of applications to the MAs closes 9 March! www.kingschostm.com/funding-oppo... #histsci #histtech #histstmkingschostm.comHans Rausing Scholarship 2026/2027 | KingsCHoSTMFunding Opportunities within King's CHoSTM 124
Reposted by David EdgertonMetode SSJ @metodessj.bsky.social · 17/02/2026📊Metode SSJ, Vol. 15 No. 8 (2025): «Science without a conscience. Technology at war’s service» «The British sciences and the Great War: Myths and histories» By @davidedgerton.bsky.social (@kingschostm.bsky.social) DOI: doi.org/10.7203/meto... 022
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 10/02/2026Late to this warm and engaging portrait of the remarkable Anthony Barnett, a great interpreter of our times. www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...newstatesman.comAnthony Barnett: “The Sixties were a catastrophic failure”The writer and campaigner on nationalism, the rise of the new right and how a fractured left can organise in response 061
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 09/02/2026[STUDY] Our Hans Rausing Scholarship fully funds Home and International students to study the history of science and technology at MA and PhD level. Contact a prospective supervisor ➡️ tinyurl.com/4ftpvrcj tinyurl.com/m4u52ech @kingshistory.bsky.social #histsci #histtech #histstmjobs.ac.ukHans Rausing Doctoral Scholarship: PhD in the History of Science and Technology (Home/EU/Overseas) at King's College LondonExplore a Hans Rausing Doctoral Scholarship: PhD in the History of Science and Technology (Home/EU/Overseas) on jobs.ac.uk. Discover more PhD opportunities and apply today! 188
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 08/02/2026Remarkable admission from Keir Starmer that he was not in charge of his party: 'It’s been an honour working with Morgan McSweeney for many years. He turned our party around ...' 041
Reposted by David EdgertonAndrew Seaton @andrewseaton.bsky.social · 05/02/2026CALL FOR PAPERS - Modern British History and the 'Environmental Turn'. A two-day workshop organised by @maxlong.bsky.social and myself at Lincoln College, Oxford, 16-17 September. Deadline for abstracts is 15 May. Details in poster below, please share. 15749
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 30/01/2026Congratulations to our PhD Francisca Valenzuela for passing her viva this Wednesday for her thesis "A comparative history of land telegraphy in nineteenth century South America." And many thanks to her examiners, Richard Noakes and Ana María Otero. 292
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 06/02/2026Congratulations to David Bryan in this exciting new book! 010
David Edgerton @davidedgerton.bsky.social · 30/01/2026A great event with revelatory papers on British anarchism and communism! @kingshistory.bsky.social 091
Reposted by David EdgertonThe Syllabus @the-syllabus.bsky.social · 29/01/2026Hope is not a policy, nor is “innovation” a magic trick. As our podcast of the week argues, the idea that climate salvation will come through breakthrough technologies is a myth that serves as an alibi for inaction. With @davidedgerton.bsky.social on @the-breakdown.bsky.social buff.ly/Z0I6utI 1279
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 27/01/2026Viswanathan Venkataraman looks at the evolution of water filtration methods, arguing that tech change requires to consider alternatives at a global scale. 20thC Madras shows that available knowledge, politics and economics mediated the adoption of specific methods over time. ➡️ tinyurl.com/2s395c59tinyurl.comThe globalisation of water filtration - Sabers en acció 131
Reposted by David EdgertonLivio Liechti @livliilvil.eurosky.social · 16/01/2026Loved listening to this episode. Includes some really poignant commentary on the “impoverished position” of projecting all our hopes onto AI as a viable future-making technology. 068
Reposted by David EdgertonKing's CHoSTM @kingschostm.bsky.social · 21/01/2026Applications are open until 17 April to our Hans Rausing Scholarship to enter an MA+PhD or PhD-only to study the history of science and/or technology from October 2026. Contact a prospective supervisor and find out more about the schemes here: tinyurl.com/mw84w7py 257
Reposted by David EdgertonJohn Merrick @johnmerrick.bsky.social · 19/01/2026ICYMI: here's my interview with David Edgerton, the historian of technology and of modern Britain, about the politics of technology and the climate crisis, the rise of China, AI, and much more open.spotify.com/episode/4tGI...open.spotify.comBeyond Techno-Optimism w/ David Edgerton 1165
Reposted by David EdgertonColm Murphy @colmpm.bsky.social · 19/01/2026I'm delighted that we can share the termcard of the IHR Britain at Home and Abroad since 1800 seminar. First up, @robertsaunders.bsky.social on 29 January to present on the history of UK democracy (specifically, the neglected Third Reform Act). Sign up in the link below! 166