Sign in

Simon Hall

@simonhallwriter.bsky.social
322 followers 113 following 72 posts

Historian and writer. Author of Three Revolutions: Russia, China, Cuba and the Epic Journeys That Changed The World. Previous books include 1956: The World in Revolt and Ten Days in Harlem: Fidel Castro and the Making of the 1960s.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Simon Hall
Jo Wolff @jowolff.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The fallacy that University leaders pushing AI are falling into is thinking that the point of undergraduate research is to find things out. It isn't. What students find out is typically already generally known. The point of undergraduate research is to learn how to find things out.
351442412
Reposted by Simon Hall
Jo Wolff @jowolff.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
(Almost) every writer: If only I had some free time, I could really make some progress. Free time appears. No, not that sort of free time.
510610
Reposted by Simon Hall
Peter Whitewood @pwhitewood.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
A very good piece that gets to the heart of the challenge of AI in the humanities generativehistory.substack.com/p/no-more-mu...
1135
Reposted by Simon Hall
Tim Bale @timbale.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Agreed! Was never a huge fan - although www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QEk... is an earworm and no mistake - but lovely to see a performer so happy in retirement after a successful career.
youtube.com
Russ Abbot - Atmosphere (1984)
YouTube video by DiscoBar80
1211
Reposted by Simon Hall
Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org · 02/08/2026
In late 2023, the Society spent a day with Hertfordshire’s historians. We saw the quality, creativity and distinctiveness of teaching, research and engagement. We were told by a (now departed) senior manager that History was ‘a portfolio the university will guard very carefully’. bit.ly/4hLediN
518489
Reposted by Simon Hall
Tom Freeman @tomfreeman.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Love the way that ITV have hired a woman who knows exactly what she's talking about specifically for the purpose of being disregarded by two halfwit men
846180
Reposted by Simon Hall
John Oxley @joxley.jmoxley.co.uk · 06/07/2026
Want the long read on the Lib Dem organiser who ended up doing graphs for Fox Weather.
931843
Reposted by Simon Hall
General Boles @generalboles.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
"I know it's not the sort of thing you usually do Mr Havelange but speaking as a nuclear power we'd appreciate Gascoigne's yellow being overturned and the match result annulled"
9677204
Reposted by Simon Hall
David Ho @davidho.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Tens of thousands celebrated Budapest Pride, the first since Viktor Orbán’s ousting.
pbs.org
Tens of thousands march in the first Budapest Pride since Viktor Orbán was voted out
Saturday's Pride march came a little more than a year after Orbán's nationalist-populist government passed legislation and a constitutional amendment to outlaw the event, drawing criticism from human ...
34212864724
Reposted by Simon Hall
Patrick Andelic @pkandelic.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Andy Burnham arrives at Euston Station, May 2026:
Lenin arriving at Finland Station, waving his cap to cheering crowds, 1917.
061
Reposted by Simon Hall
Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
The end of Starmer: He's going to make it ugly iandunt.substack.com/p/the-end-of...
iandunt.substack.com
The end of Starmer: He's going to make it ugly
There's a chance for decorum and perhaps even a bit of dignity. It's fading fast.
2812638
Reposted by Simon Hall
Roxane Gay @roxanegay.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Just walked by a colleague's classroom after my class finished and he was talking about Elvis, getting blank stares and so he had to ask "Does anyone know who Elvis Presley is?" It's rough out here on these teaching streets.
2645126339
Reposted by Simon Hall
Thomas I-G @thomasig.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Reims approved 2005 - opened 2011 Lyon approved 1996 - opened 2001 Luxembourg approved 2014 - opened 2017 Aarhus approved 2012 - opened 2017 Leeds first approval 2001 (well the Supertram proposal, anyway) - new proposal opening *maybe* late 2030s
35734
Reposted by Simon Hall
John Grindrod @grindrod.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Let's take a ride... My next book is coming out with @faberbooks.bsky.social. Tales of the Suburbs: LGBTQ+ Lives Behind Net Curtains will be published March 12 2026. Preorder links in profile, and lots more on the book and the remarkable stories people told me to come over the next few months...
Cover of a book: Tales of the Suburbs: LGBTQ+ Lives Behind Net Curtains by John Grindrod
2431865
Reposted by Simon Hall
Christina Wolbrecht @cwolbrecht.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
Solidarity in Indiana.
1538
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
jacobin.com/2025/10/matt...
jacobin.com
Herbert Matthews Was a Role Model for Engaged Journalism
Herbert Matthews of the New York Times was one of the great reporters of his time. US conservatives still haven’t forgiven him for his 1957 interview with Fidel Castro and even blamed him for the succ...
010
Reposted by Simon Hall
Maurice J. Casey @mauricejcasey.com · 01/10/2025
I reviewed the riveting Three Revolutions by @simonhallwriter.bsky.social in the latest issue of the TLS - and took the opportunity to talk about my favourite historical film Reds. www.the-tls.com/history/twen...
the-tls.com
Fellow travellers
Warren Beatty’s film Reds (1981), a biopic about the muckraking American journalist John Reed, did something revolutionary. In a daring narrative experiment for a Hollywood romance, snippets from oral...
192
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
It is US publication day for Three Revolutions! You can find out more by listening to the @theresthistory.bsky.social bonus episode (if you're not already, sign up for membership) www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-revo...
barnesandnoble.com
Three Revolutions: Russia, China, Cuba and the Epic Journeys that Changed the World|Hardcover
The gripping, untold story of how six epic journeys launched the three communist revolutions that changed world history forever.From the streets of Petrograd during the heady autumn of 1917, to Mao&#8...
150
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Nice to see this positive review of Three Revolutions - available in all good bookshops! www.culturefusionhub.com/c/details/41...
culturefusionhub.com
Home
020
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
I’m appearing at Ilkley Lit Fest this October! You can book your tickets online now at ilkleylitfest.org.uk or by calling 01943 816714 @ilkleylitfest.bsky.social
ilkleylitfest.org.uk
Ilkley Literature Festival
Home page -
131
Reposted by Simon Hall
Ben Collins @bencollins.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Some incredibly good news: One year ago this week, The Onion returned to print. In that one year, we’ve grown to the 13th largest print newspaper in the United States, just ahead of the Boston Globe, and growing fast. In short, it’s working. So… thank you. Thank you for helping save this thing.
wsj.com
Exclusive | The Onion Brought Back Its Print Edition. The Gamble Is Paying Off.
Publications turn to the old-style products to appeal to nostalgic readers and stand out in a crowded digital-media landscape.
350235693657
Reposted by Simon Hall
C20 Society @c20society.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
NEWS: New York, Brasilia, Manchester? We're delighted to announce that the Renold Building at the former University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) has just been designated at Grade II, 20 years after C20's first listing application. ➡️ c20society.org.uk/news/manches...
Image © Mark WaughImage © Jon Sparks
1302
Reposted by Simon Hall
Prof Katherine Schofield 🇬🇧🇦🇺🇪🇺 @katherineschof8.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
When I pointed out King’s will lose 90% of its AHRC student-led places under the new scheme, I got piled on by the AHRC Chair claiming I was wrong and scaremongering. It wasn’t quite 90%. This year King’s students got 27 AHRC student-led scholarships. Next year they’re giving us 3. So 89% then.
4257101
Reposted by Simon Hall
The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 15/07/2025
Scientists have released the closest images ever taken near the sun, captured by NASA’s Parker Solar Probe flying 3.8 million miles above the solar surface. See more images of solar eruptions on the sun: wapo.st/3Irm3P3
303107701979
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Obviously, you should first read Three Revolutions, but then follow up with some great books on the revolutionary history of the 20th century!
020
Reposted by Simon Hall
Faber Books @faberbooks.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
'These social and political upheavals, in turn, have inspired some terrific writing by protagonists, eyewitnesses, journalists and historians.' Find @simonhallwriter.bsky.social's Twentieth-Century Revolutions reading list here: faber.co.uk/journal/simon-hall-twentieth-century-revolutions/
faber.co.uk
Simon Hall: Twentieth-Century Revolutions
The history of the twentieth century was marked decisively by revolutions. These social and political upheavals, in turn, have inspired some terrific writing by protagonists, eyewitnesses,…
0115
Reposted by Simon Hall
TRE - Talk Radio Europe @tre.radio · 07/07/2025
He's back!...and on Giles Brown's Let's Talk from 10.00CET - Nick Dawson on 'Face to Face: Finding Justice for My Murdered Twin Brother' and @simonhallwriter.bsky.social with 'Three Revolutions: Russia, China, Cuba and the Epic Journeys that Changed the World'
011
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Happy publication day! Out now with @faberbooks.bsky.social
7275
Reposted by Simon Hall
Faber Books @faberbooks.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
To celebrate the publication of his new book It Used to Be Witches: Under the Spell of Queer Cinema, Ryan Gilbey discusses some of his favourite queer films over on the Faber Journal 🎬 www.faber.co.uk/journal/cult...
081
Reposted by Simon Hall
Faber Books @faberbooks.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
🎨 Paul Gauguin was born on this day in 1848 🎨 Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gauguin by Sue Prideaux is out in paperback now. faber.co.uk/journal/paul-gauguin-books-a-reading-list-from-sue-prideaux/
082
Reposted by Simon Hall
Faber Books @faberbooks.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
We are looking to recruit a Publicity Executive to plan and implement publicity campaigns and events for commercial non-fiction, fiction and crime titles on the adult list. Could it be you? Apply now. www.faber.co.uk/careers/publ...
041
Reposted by Simon Hall
Alex Goodall @alexinternational.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
In the UK, the devaluing of universities can be seen in systematic state underfunding and "hostility to the immigration that sustains these institutions. The University of Manchester’s turnover exceeds British Steel’s, but which enterprise gets more help from the government?" on.ft.com/4k8UR5c
on.ft.com
The case for universities
Institutions everywhere are in crisis, but they will survive
001
Reposted by Simon Hall
C20 Society @c20society.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
NEWS: We're very pleased to announce that the modernist Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue (1966-67), a dedicated Holocaust Memorial believed to be Internationally unique, has been saved from demolition with a Grade II listing designation. ➡️ c20society.org.uk/news/listing...
Image credit: John EastImage credit: John East
26914
Reposted by Simon Hall
Maren 🌱💀 @vespervines.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Pull the blanket tight now 💤 #jayvik #arcane #art
7269291157
Reposted by Simon Hall
Andrew Hartman @andrewhartman.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Just finished reading galley proofs. What an amazing book!
051
Reposted by Simon Hall
Global Sixties Journal @globalsixties.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
We would like to draw your attention to a book review on "An Army Afire: How the US Army Confronted Its Racial Crisis in the #Vietnam Era" by Beth Bailey, reviewed by @simonhallwriter.bsky.social in the Journal of American History. Read: doi.org/10.1093/jahist/jaae247 #globalsixties
011
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
As the far right surges around the globe, what can a new TV series about Mussolini teach us? | Caroline Moorehead
Joe Wright’s new drama gives a theatrical take on the dictator’s flaws but there is so much more history viewers need to know, says historian Caroline Moorehead
010
Reposted by Simon Hall
Ross Carroll @rosscarroll.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
When I worked in UK academia I recall hearing of a Japanese man who was baffled at how Britain had decided to run its universities like firms. “Why? Your universities are excellent and your firms are terrible.”
2354221480
Reposted by Simon Hall
jen sometimes aph 🌻 @bunnibytz.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
this week's cover is on point ht: @jamiegangel.bsky.social
246214204775
Reposted by Simon Hall
John Gallagher @earlymodernjohn.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Really looking forward to interviewing the brilliant @nirarielli.bsky.social at tonight's launch event for The Dead Sea: A 10,000-Year History. 7pm at Leeds Waterstones, get a copy of the (beautiful) book with your ticket, you might get a glass of wine. The perfect pre-Valentine's treat?
waterstones.com
An Evening with Nir Arielli | Events at Waterstones Bookshops | Waterstones
Events at Waterstones get you closer to the books and authors you admire most. Find information and tickets about An Evening with Nir Arielli today.
283
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
theguardian.com
Civil rights and Cybertrucks: searching for the real Atlanta – in pictures
Atlanta was the birthplace of Martin Luther King, but is now falling victim to rapid gentrification. Photographer Joshua Dudley Greer went to look for its soul
000
Reposted by Simon Hall
Faber Books US @faberbooksus.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Introducing Faber US, an exciting new chapter for Faber's publishing.
Green text on light blue background: Meet Faber US; announcing Faber's new US division
193
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
thecritic.co.uk/dont-cancel-...
thecritic.co.uk
Don’t cancel Andrew Gywnne | Ben Sixsmith | The Critic Magazine
In his biography of Philip Larkin, Andrew Motion often has the air of a headmaster pulling an errant boy into his office for a talk. Motion tuts and grimaces, for example, over Larkin’s private…
110
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
thecritic.co.uk/freddies-fin...
thecritic.co.uk
Freddie’s finest over | Boris Starling | The Critic Magazine
This article is taken from the February 2025 issue of The Critic. To get the full magazine why not subscribe? Right now we’re offering five issues for just £10. Even in this brave new world of T20…
000
Reposted by Simon Hall
Faber Books @faberbooks.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
We are pleased to announce that Faber has acquired Three Revolutions: Russia, China, Cuba and the Epic Journeys That Changed the World by @simonhallwriter.bsky.social, to be published in July 2025. faber.co.uk/journal/faber-snaps-up-gripping-new-history-three-revolutions-from-simon-hall/
0193
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
My new book, out in July with the fabulous @faberbooks.bsky.social, is now available for pre-order! And, in this case, please do judge a book by its cover! linktr.ee/threerevolut...
1142
Simon Hall @simonhallwriter.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
www.faber.co.uk/journal/fabe...
faber.co.uk
Faber snaps up gripping new history Three Revolutions from Simon Hall | Faber
Faber has acquired Three Revolutions: Russia, China, Cuba and the Epic Journeys that Changed the World by Simon Hall. Associate Publisher Laura Hassan bought World English language rights from Sally H...
010
Reposted by Simon Hall
Renata Keller @renatakeller.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
I have a book cover!! So grateful to the brilliant cover art designers who reworked the original Kennedy briefing map for me. Coming October 2025! 🗃️
913718
Reposted by Simon Hall
Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Very sad to learn that Bill Leuchtenburg, a towering figure in American political history, passed away this morning at the age of 102.
2168270
Reposted by Simon Hall
Jo Wolff @jowolff.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
Musk should mind his own business and accept that British politics has got to be left to the control of Rupert Murdoch.
715224