Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
@drsurekhadavies.bsky.social
Historian of science, art, ideas.🗃
Words: Smithsonian, LA Times, TLS, Aeon, Nature, Science, Reactor.
Buy HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY now: https://www.surekhadavies.org/humans-a-monstrous-history
Newsletter: https://buttondown.com/surekhadavies?tag=bluesky
Words: Smithsonian, LA Times, TLS, Aeon, Nature, Science, Reactor.
Buy HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY now: https://www.surekhadavies.org/humans-a-monstrous-history
Newsletter: https://buttondown.com/surekhadavies?tag=bluesky
Pinned
Humans: A Monstrous History is a year old today! Here’s a 🧵 of some spinoff writings and interviews.
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🧪💙📚 🗃 #ancient #medieval #earlymodern #histsci #histmed #18thCentury #politics #HAMH
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🧪💙📚 🗃 #ancient #medieval #earlymodern #histsci #histmed #18thCentury #politics #HAMH
Another gold-level thread of Bluesky humour. Hell may or may not be empty, but the funniest people are here!
look at my country man, we’re getting out-No Kings’d by the fuckin’ british
King Charles has issued a statement following his brother Andrew’s arrest
February 19, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Another gold-level thread of Bluesky humour. Hell may or may not be empty, but the funniest people are here!
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
I am NOT judging or shaming long time activists with Substacks, the same way I'm not judging actual progressive groups on Twitter and Instagram. Organizing against the horrors in 2025 takes precedent over everything.
But if you're starting from scratch, there are alternatives.
But if you're starting from scratch, there are alternatives.
July 29, 2025 at 3:30 PM
I am NOT judging or shaming long time activists with Substacks, the same way I'm not judging actual progressive groups on Twitter and Instagram. Organizing against the horrors in 2025 takes precedent over everything.
But if you're starting from scratch, there are alternatives.
But if you're starting from scratch, there are alternatives.
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Also too: if you have a NON-SUBSTACK newsletter (that's also not bigoted or MAGA or whatever), please feel free to post about it here and I will try to share! #NonSubstackNewsletterpalooza
July 29, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Also too: if you have a NON-SUBSTACK newsletter (that's also not bigoted or MAGA or whatever), please feel free to post about it here and I will try to share! #NonSubstackNewsletterpalooza
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
So I get it for folks in that donut hole of more-subscribers-than-i-can-afford-on-a-non-substack-service-if-i-keep-this-newsletter-free. It's a problem and I don't have good answers.
But if you're under 5000 subs or if you're GIANT and make lots of money?
You should switch. 🤷
But if you're under 5000 subs or if you're GIANT and make lots of money?
You should switch. 🤷
July 29, 2025 at 2:54 PM
So I get it for folks in that donut hole of more-subscribers-than-i-can-afford-on-a-non-substack-service-if-i-keep-this-newsletter-free. It's a problem and I don't have good answers.
But if you're under 5000 subs or if you're GIANT and make lots of money?
You should switch. 🤷
But if you're under 5000 subs or if you're GIANT and make lots of money?
You should switch. 🤷
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
February 19, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
It is notable that Andrew has been arrested for "misconduct in public office", which is precisely what the US Supreme Court decided no American president can ever be charged with.
So SCOTUS, with its fabricated-out-of-thin-air immunity doctrine, has actually made American presidents less accountable than LITERAL royalty.
Breaking News: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested in Britain on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, the BBC said.
February 19, 2026 at 12:22 PM
It is notable that Andrew has been arrested for "misconduct in public office", which is precisely what the US Supreme Court decided no American president can ever be charged with.
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Getting shown up in the arena of elite impunity by *the British monarchy* is an incredible “America at 250!” achievement
February 19, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Getting shown up in the arena of elite impunity by *the British monarchy* is an incredible “America at 250!” achievement
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
I‘ve read a draft and this book deserves all the praise that’s already rolling in and the accolades to follow when it’s released. @thrasherxy.bsky.social wrote a brilliant and brutal account of complicity with white supremacy.
Publishers Weekly gives a ⭐STARRED REVIEW⭐ to The Overseer Class: a "blistering follow-up to The Viral Underclass...By turns maddening and inspiring, this shines a harsh light on a political dead end in order to illuminate real possibilities for change." (I am now 4/4 for ⭐stars from the trades)
February 19, 2026 at 12:36 PM
I‘ve read a draft and this book deserves all the praise that’s already rolling in and the accolades to follow when it’s released. @thrasherxy.bsky.social wrote a brilliant and brutal account of complicity with white supremacy.
Sidebar to the OTHER big legal news today:
The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
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The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
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The Seoul Guardians (2026) ⭐ 7.8 | Documentary
1h 10m
m.imdb.com
February 19, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Sidebar to the OTHER big legal news today:
The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
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The Seoul Guardians is an extraordinary documentary about the South Korean martial law crisis. Watch it to learn how ordinary people and their *elected representatives* put their bodies on their line to protect democratic institutions and processes.
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History is never boring. Sort of related: Malmsey Madeira is delicious.
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
What Led to George, Duke of Clarence’s Execution by Wine?
In 1478 George, 1st Duke of Clarence and brother to the King of England, was executed at the Tower of London. He was rumoured to have been drowned in...
www.historyhit.com
February 19, 2026 at 12:19 PM
History is never boring. Sort of related: Malmsey Madeira is delicious.
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
www.historyhit.com/what-led-to-...
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Somewhere, somehow, at a right-wing tabloid, the most deranged Meghan story of all time is being birthed
February 19, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Somewhere, somehow, at a right-wing tabloid, the most deranged Meghan story of all time is being birthed
Have been commenting "Alt-text, please" when big accounts post images without alt-text. No one has eaten me alive - yet.
In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
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In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
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Alt Text Guidelines
press.princeton.edu
February 19, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Have been commenting "Alt-text, please" when big accounts post images without alt-text. No one has eaten me alive - yet.
In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
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In Bluesky settings (gear icon, bottom left), click Accessibility, check the "require alt-text before posting" button and it will remind you to add it if you forget.
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Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
How were humans classified, and why does this still shape our world? Join us on 19 March for the launch of Homo Sapiens | Classifying the Human Animal. Exploring Linnaeus’ Systema naturae and enduring legacies, there'll be a panel discussion, drinks reception and exhibition viewing: buff.ly/apWNsKp
February 19, 2026 at 11:58 AM
How were humans classified, and why does this still shape our world? Join us on 19 March for the launch of Homo Sapiens | Classifying the Human Animal. Exploring Linnaeus’ Systema naturae and enduring legacies, there'll be a panel discussion, drinks reception and exhibition viewing: buff.ly/apWNsKp
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
I'd prefer it not have taken decades but personally I like blows being struck against elite impunity and would like that for us in the US very much
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of the UK’s King Charles, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. It comes after further details of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein emerged, the BBC said.
Get the latest: bloom.bg/4rqF1ah
Get the latest: bloom.bg/4rqF1ah
February 19, 2026 at 10:47 AM
I'd prefer it not have taken decades but personally I like blows being struck against elite impunity and would like that for us in the US very much
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
wonder how many schools will happily reinstate their DEI initiatives.
February 19, 2026 at 11:45 AM
wonder how many schools will happily reinstate their DEI initiatives.
"There are no monsters, but all of them are real."
Monsters were foundational for biology and the origins of the modern world.
Thurs 5th March, 6-8pm, @linneansociety.bsky.social, London: a lecture on HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY (from @ucpress.bsky.social) + reception, book sales & signing.
🗃
Monsters were foundational for biology and the origins of the modern world.
Thurs 5th March, 6-8pm, @linneansociety.bsky.social, London: a lecture on HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY (from @ucpress.bsky.social) + reception, book sales & signing.
🗃
HUMANS | A Monstrous History
Monsters aren’t fantasy. They built our ideas of race, gender, nations, and ‘normal. This is history through monsters.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 19, 2026 at 11:37 AM
"There are no monsters, but all of them are real."
Monsters were foundational for biology and the origins of the modern world.
Thurs 5th March, 6-8pm, @linneansociety.bsky.social, London: a lecture on HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY (from @ucpress.bsky.social) + reception, book sales & signing.
🗃
Monsters were foundational for biology and the origins of the modern world.
Thurs 5th March, 6-8pm, @linneansociety.bsky.social, London: a lecture on HUMANS: A MONSTROUS HISTORY (from @ucpress.bsky.social) + reception, book sales & signing.
🗃
"The Parliament drew a very precise line: if a feature sends your data to someone else’s server for AI processing, it gets turned off."
The EU Parliament Just Turned Off AI on Its Own Devices. Here’s Why That Should Get Your Attention. open.substack.com/pub/antoniov...
The EU Parliament Just Turned Off AI on Its Own Devices. Here’s Why That Should Get Your Attention.
The institution that wrote the world’s most ambitious AI law just decided it couldn’t trust AI on its own work devices.
open.substack.com
February 19, 2026 at 11:25 AM
"The Parliament drew a very precise line: if a feature sends your data to someone else’s server for AI processing, it gets turned off."
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
My dad taught on the vocational journalism course in Antwerp. The first thing he did was bring in philosophy and history. Because you can only have good journalism with some good perspective.
(needless to say, he didn't solve all problems) (equally needless to say: I take a bit after my dad...)
(needless to say, he didn't solve all problems) (equally needless to say: I take a bit after my dad...)
At QMUL on Monday, the wonderful Kate Adie was asked what she would like to have been taught in a journalism degree, had such things existed in her day.
She replied instantly: "History".
It was the best antidote to the assumption everything was new, unprecedented & of world-historical importance.
She replied instantly: "History".
It was the best antidote to the assumption everything was new, unprecedented & of world-historical importance.
February 19, 2026 at 11:22 AM
My dad taught on the vocational journalism course in Antwerp. The first thing he did was bring in philosophy and history. Because you can only have good journalism with some good perspective.
(needless to say, he didn't solve all problems) (equally needless to say: I take a bit after my dad...)
(needless to say, he didn't solve all problems) (equally needless to say: I take a bit after my dad...)
Great essay by @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social:
"Like other men with no connection to the real world most of us live in, accountability and exposure remain abstract notions; darkness becoming visible a distant and unlikely turn of events."
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"Like other men with no connection to the real world most of us live in, accountability and exposure remain abstract notions; darkness becoming visible a distant and unlikely turn of events."
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🔴 Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: How Power Protects Itself Through Contempt
"Andrew expected the public to swallow an alternative account, even if he didn't think we would believe it. It is how the powerful protect their impunity through contempt for those they exploit" @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social
"Andrew expected the public to swallow an alternative account, even if he didn't think we would believe it. It is how the powerful protect their impunity through contempt for those they exploit" @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: How Power Protects Itself Through Contempt
As the eighth in line of succession to the British throne is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Hardeep Matharu explores how elite impunity is built on creating a sense of powerless...
bylinetimes.com
February 19, 2026 at 11:12 AM
Great essay by @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social:
"Like other men with no connection to the real world most of us live in, accountability and exposure remain abstract notions; darkness becoming visible a distant and unlikely turn of events."
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"Like other men with no connection to the real world most of us live in, accountability and exposure remain abstract notions; darkness becoming visible a distant and unlikely turn of events."
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Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
every British historian rn frantically trying to find examples of British royals being arrested that don’t end with their execution
February 19, 2026 at 10:39 AM
every British historian rn frantically trying to find examples of British royals being arrested that don’t end with their execution
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
They saw France bust down the doors of X for being pedophiles and immediately started developing the national sex crime VPN.
Exclusive: The US State Department is developing an online portal to enable people in Europe and elsewhere to see content banned by their governments including alleged hate speech and terrorist propaganda, sources told Reuters reut.rs/4cySsA6
Exclusive: US plans online portal to bypass content bans in Europe and elsewhere
The U.S. State Department is developing an online portal that will enable people in Europe and elsewhere to see content banned by their governments including alleged hate speech and terrorist propagan...
reut.rs
February 19, 2026 at 1:49 AM
They saw France bust down the doors of X for being pedophiles and immediately started developing the national sex crime VPN.
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Old cold class-ridden Blighty doing rather better on elite impunity than the US these days www.bbc.com/news/live/c7...
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office - live updates
It comes after Thames Valley Police said they were assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by the former prince with Jeffrey Epstein.
www.bbc.com
February 19, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Old cold class-ridden Blighty doing rather better on elite impunity than the US these days www.bbc.com/news/live/c7...
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
It was the Fuck Around of Times, it was the Find Out of times
February 3, 2026 at 3:09 PM
It was the Fuck Around of Times, it was the Find Out of times
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
Vote for decency. Join the Greens.
🚀 Now we're really going!
🎉 We've hit 195,000+ members!
💚 And a week today - we can stop Reform and win another Green MP.
👉🏼 Join us: join.greenparty.org.uk
🎉 We've hit 195,000+ members!
💚 And a week today - we can stop Reform and win another Green MP.
👉🏼 Join us: join.greenparty.org.uk
February 19, 2026 at 10:38 AM
Vote for decency. Join the Greens.
Reposted by Dr Surekha Davies, Historical Monster Consultant (she/her)
I wrote an article on my website saying that hot dog eating is a surprisingly common pastime for tech journalists. I ranked myself number one, obviously
One day later, ChatGPT, Gemini and the AI Overviews in Google Search were telling the world about my talents But this isn’t just about hot dogs
One day later, ChatGPT, Gemini and the AI Overviews in Google Search were telling the world about my talents But this isn’t just about hot dogs
February 18, 2026 at 4:37 PM
I wrote an article on my website saying that hot dog eating is a surprisingly common pastime for tech journalists. I ranked myself number one, obviously
One day later, ChatGPT, Gemini and the AI Overviews in Google Search were telling the world about my talents But this isn’t just about hot dogs
One day later, ChatGPT, Gemini and the AI Overviews in Google Search were telling the world about my talents But this isn’t just about hot dogs