Rob’s History and Fiction Notes

I started this Substack page mostly to write about history. I have a PhD in history (University of Arkansas, 2015) and taught various history classes at the college level for about a decade.

But I’ll also write about my historical fiction books from time to time because that is a major interest for me as well.

The Philosophy of My Substack Writing

At present, I’m here trying to give readers a different look at American history. With the present attacks on history and diversity in public schools, it’s important to have voices speaking and writing about issues of diversity and inclusion in American history.

But my page is about more than just “famous firsts,” “cool pictures,” and one-paragraph bios of lesser-known or forgotten figures from history. You can find those things lots of places. What I can add is the details that really make the story—the historical context, analysis, and perspective that comes from a quarter century of reading and writing about history.

I also do my best to ask provocative questions. That doesn’t mean I’m trying to stir up controversy, necessarily, but that I’d like you to think and respond about important questions raised by history.

What Do I Get If I Subscribe?

At present I am writing new full-length posts about history once or twice a week. I’ll keep to at least that minimum schedule during the summer months. You’ll also see the notes I post with shorter content.

Will I Ever Offer Paid Subscriptions?

I’m undecided right now if I’ll ever do so. Even if I upgrade, I plan to keep most content, if not all, free to everyone. I don’t want to discriminate and deny people great history content for financial reasons.