Dan Jones made me interested in British History when previous to that all I studied was the history of Ireland. I have become a Plantagenet junkie. I have a wee Plantagenet library (about 60-70 books) that I’ve built in about 3 years. Last year I read over 30 books on the Plantagenets. He’s my go to British historian.
I came all the way over from orlando fl to attend the Gloucester history festival so I could see several of my heroes at once. Dan was the big one, unfortunately I had to book my ticket and hotel be before I knew the exact date so I ended up missing him. Fortunately he was at the British library the day before we left. Believe it or not I reached out to him directly in his DM's told him my story and he got my husband and I on vip passes to come to his talk. so I trekked back across England and we met him after and I got several books signed, when he gave me a big hug I knew he was the real deal. It was amazing!!
Hey Amy! This was my "inaugural read" of your content--top drawer piece of work right here! An excellent overview of Jones's work (I think that his NOT having a PhD is an asset, not a liability--the cognoscenti look down from their ethereal thrones at popular authors like Dan Jones out of envy: envy first at his writing ability. Academic historians (and academics in general)--the new ones in particular--are barely decipherable to a human being with a functioning cerebral cortex. They write terribly written books (or, as they like to call them, "monographs"), which will sit on university library bookshelves (unread) until the end of time, or, alternatively, journal articles in publications dedicated to their oh-so-trendy "niche" area of study, which no one in their right mind gives a damn about--the infamous "publish or perish" standard which fuels the modern academy. Their envy also comes from the fact that because Jones is a gifted writer, and writes about things people are interested in reading about (and isn't an insufferably boring, stuffed-shirt tightass like most academics), his books sell, and sell VERY well around the world--which means he IS a rock star (as you correctly point out), and they can't come near him.
"Powers and Thrones" was an awesome book! Right now, I'm about halfway through his biography of Henry V--he exemplifies the way history is supposed to be written, and if the academy embraced teaching history, and writing about it the way Jones does, we'd all be better off I think. I wasn't aware he had a Substack going, so I'll be sure to check it out! But again, an excellent evaluation, and I'm glad to be on board with your page!
Oh so love this and thank you! Yes I jumped on board his substack and in fact was inspired to start mine bc of him. Yes the academics; I do think they are secretly envious, I mean do they only write these journals for themselves? To be honest I think Dan, if anything, brings MORE business their way by attracting every day readers and gateways them into the "hard stuff" that they write!
Thank you! I'm a brand new writer and figured the best way to start is to write about what I love ! Dan Jones should be way more famous! The whole Tudor - verse of content creators is absolutely fabulous. The historians and authors are so accessible and lovely
https://youtu.be/IjUCCL2f8yc?si=EXTrBhjfgJMqkGgQ I made a video that covers some of the same things but sometimes it's better to see it- plus it's my first attempt at becoming a YouTuber and I spent 2 years making those 3 videos
Oh I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Yes I think he's really starting to gain recognition in the main steam community. He recently had a few billboards up in London. I'm so happy for him. He's the real deal
I'm too, have only written officially on here but yes I love any kind of history but my main thing lately is trying to get Henry vii some hard won respect and recognition. He gets over looked because he's right between 2 very exciting and controversial Kings
Dan Jones made me interested in British History when previous to that all I studied was the history of Ireland. I have become a Plantagenet junkie. I have a wee Plantagenet library (about 60-70 books) that I’ve built in about 3 years. Last year I read over 30 books on the Plantagenets. He’s my go to British historian.
That's not small at all! I would spend every waking minute reading Plantagenet books if I could!
Could not agree more! Love being part of his tribe! Good luck to you!!
I share these sentiments!!!
You have excellent taste! ;-)
Hey I just checked you out! Welcome! Excited to see what you write
It is life changing to find Dan Jones and have history change your life .
I agree he certainly changed mine! It was a dream come true to meet him in person in September and have him sign my book
Where did you see him ?
I have spent soooo many late nights researching for Fun!
I came all the way over from orlando fl to attend the Gloucester history festival so I could see several of my heroes at once. Dan was the big one, unfortunately I had to book my ticket and hotel be before I knew the exact date so I ended up missing him. Fortunately he was at the British library the day before we left. Believe it or not I reached out to him directly in his DM's told him my story and he got my husband and I on vip passes to come to his talk. so I trekked back across England and we met him after and I got several books signed, when he gave me a big hug I knew he was the real deal. It was amazing!!
What a wonderful story , it’s addicting isn’t it ?
I’m from Florida too . Tampa
I know that feeling ! Plan another trip back 🇬🇧
God, aging males can look odd. Seems to be a thing in the US lately
Hey Amy! This was my "inaugural read" of your content--top drawer piece of work right here! An excellent overview of Jones's work (I think that his NOT having a PhD is an asset, not a liability--the cognoscenti look down from their ethereal thrones at popular authors like Dan Jones out of envy: envy first at his writing ability. Academic historians (and academics in general)--the new ones in particular--are barely decipherable to a human being with a functioning cerebral cortex. They write terribly written books (or, as they like to call them, "monographs"), which will sit on university library bookshelves (unread) until the end of time, or, alternatively, journal articles in publications dedicated to their oh-so-trendy "niche" area of study, which no one in their right mind gives a damn about--the infamous "publish or perish" standard which fuels the modern academy. Their envy also comes from the fact that because Jones is a gifted writer, and writes about things people are interested in reading about (and isn't an insufferably boring, stuffed-shirt tightass like most academics), his books sell, and sell VERY well around the world--which means he IS a rock star (as you correctly point out), and they can't come near him.
"Powers and Thrones" was an awesome book! Right now, I'm about halfway through his biography of Henry V--he exemplifies the way history is supposed to be written, and if the academy embraced teaching history, and writing about it the way Jones does, we'd all be better off I think. I wasn't aware he had a Substack going, so I'll be sure to check it out! But again, an excellent evaluation, and I'm glad to be on board with your page!
Oh so love this and thank you! Yes I jumped on board his substack and in fact was inspired to start mine bc of him. Yes the academics; I do think they are secretly envious, I mean do they only write these journals for themselves? To be honest I think Dan, if anything, brings MORE business their way by attracting every day readers and gateways them into the "hard stuff" that they write!
Thanks for this… a great read and my first within these Substack walls of specifically historical authors ✍🏼
Thank you! I'm a brand new writer and figured the best way to start is to write about what I love ! Dan Jones should be way more famous! The whole Tudor - verse of content creators is absolutely fabulous. The historians and authors are so accessible and lovely
Sounds like perfection
https://youtu.be/IjUCCL2f8yc?si=EXTrBhjfgJMqkGgQ I made a video that covers some of the same things but sometimes it's better to see it- plus it's my first attempt at becoming a YouTuber and I spent 2 years making those 3 videos
Oh I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Yes I think he's really starting to gain recognition in the main steam community. He recently had a few billboards up in London. I'm so happy for him. He's the real deal
I'm too, have only written officially on here but yes I love any kind of history but my main thing lately is trying to get Henry vii some hard won respect and recognition. He gets over looked because he's right between 2 very exciting and controversial Kings