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Seb Falk
@sebfalk.com
11K followers 600 following 560 posts
Historian of science ||
Admissions Tutor at Girton College, University of Cambridge ||
Singer, sailor, runner, father ||
"Always generous" – The New Yorker
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Seb Falk @sebfalk.com · Nov 19
Since "La Luz de la Edad Media" came out in September, there are now 8 editions of #TheLightAges!

I'm fascinated by each publisher's different approach to design – but thrilled by the results in every case. Feel free to judge this book by its covers!
8 copies of The Light Ages in different languages: Dutch, English (UK), Italian, Russian, Spanish, Japanese, English (USA), Portuguese
sebfalk.com
Anyone in London looking for a fun half-term activity, check this out, featuring the brilliant @gregjenner.bsky.social off You're Dead To Me 🤩

www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/tot...
Totally Chaotic History: Roman Britain Gets Rowdy | Southbank Centre
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Reposted by Seb Falk
hagenilda.bsky.social
I wrote a piece for the CDBU blog with some low or no cost things our employers could do right now if they care about precarious staff as much as they say they do.
February 7, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Reposted by Seb Falk
alisonfisk.bsky.social
A little bear figurine carved out of amber some 6,000 years ago 🐻❤️

A hole runs through the bear’s torso suggesting it was threaded on a cord, perhaps worn or carried as a protective charm.

Found in a peat bog near Słupsk, Poland, in 1887.

📷 National Museum in Szczecin

#FindsFriday
#Archaeology
Photo by G. Solecki/A. Piętak of a small figurine of a bear carved out of amber between 9600 and 4100 BC. The amber is a deep translucent orange. The display lighting makes it glow in places. The bear's head is carved to show ears, mouth, nostrils and eyes. A hole runs through the bear’s torso, suggesting it was threaded onto a cord. Dimensions: Length 10.2 cm, Height 4.2 It was discovered in Słupsk during peat mining in 1887. According to the museum catalogue ‘’Shortly after its discovery, the figure underwent conservation work to restore its original appearance as it was covered with a layer of dull patina from the exposure to the minerals contained in the peat. Already at that time, at the end of the 19th century, it was assumed the restoration had gone too far. The figure was stripped entirely of patina, the anatomical features of the animal were emphasised, the eyes and nostrils were sharply drawn, and the amber was carefully polished”. In 2013, a competition was organised by the Education Department of the National Museum in Szczecin, for children to choose a name for the bear. The winning name was ‘Słupcio’,
February 6, 2026 at 8:04 AM
sebfalk.com
Stumbled across this article from 2008. How times have changed – not just the policies but also the tenor of political discourse 😔

www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Headline: " This article is more than 17 years old Plans for 20 new university towns This article is more than 17 years old Campuses are to be set up over the next six years at a cost of £150m, with many located in areas suffering high levels of unemployment"
February 4, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Reposted by Seb Falk
dbellingradt.bsky.social
And here is the paper astrolabe that is included into the binding of the so-called "Heidelberger Schicksalsbuch". This paper instrument left the highlighted lasting impression on the nearby blank pages. #bookhistory #histsci

2/2
The paper astrolabe in the binding. Source: https://digi.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/diglit/cpg832/0560/image
February 2, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Reposted by Seb Falk
zehnroot.com
Remembering Dr. Gladys West (1930-2026), the mathematician whose complex algorithms modeling Earth's shape and satellite data became the foundation for GPS. A true "hidden figure" whose brilliance transformed how billions navigate the world.

#GladysWest #GPS #WomenInSTEM #HiddenFigures #STEM #Tech
January 27, 2026 at 4:12 AM
Reposted by Seb Falk
gunnstreetgrrl.bsky.social
A little stop motion video I made of an almanac in the University of Rochester collection to try and give viewers an idea of how it functions 😊

(Video of RCL cod. a.1, a late 14th century folding almanac from England, likely Oxford)
January 27, 2026 at 6:04 PM
sebfalk.com
An actual answer to something I've wondered for years!

(Though if that's the case, why are they so polite with the "May We Suggest" 🤔)
jowiph.bsky.social Jon Phillips @jowiph.bsky.social · 16d
Technically speaking, putting in on a placard means that obeying it is a requirement of Federal Aviation Regulations. In practice, it may not mean much, but in theory it does make compliance mandatory and failure to do so subject to penalty
January 25, 2026 at 9:47 PM
sebfalk.com
Why is this a thing on planes (and only on planes)? Does anyone care if they find the basin slightly wet or soapy?
Sign: "As a Courtesy to the Next Passenger May We Suggest that You Use Your Towel to Wipe Off Water Basin. Thank You!"
January 25, 2026 at 8:28 PM
sebfalk.com
Having flown on Ryanair just yesterday, I agree with every word of this from @mrkocnnll.bsky.social in the Irish Times
Print article in the newspaper: "Only Elon Musk can bring me to Ryanair's defence"
January 24, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Reposted by Seb Falk
karlgalle.bsky.social
Obviously a *lot* going on right now, but for anyone seeking offline distraction, a 🧵 wrapup of my 2025 reading highlights, starting with wondrous & thoughtful general nonfiction by @geohumanist.bsky.social on our relations to ancient trees & @naomiaklein.bsky.social on boundaries of online madness:
Holding my copy of Jared Farmer's "Elderflora: A Modern History of Ancient Trees"; https://bookshop.org/p/books/elderflora-a-modern-history-of-ancient-trees-jared-farmer/9b2220608ce89328 Cover of Naomi Klein's "Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World"; https://bookshop.org/p/books/doppelganger-a-trip-into-the-mirror-world-naomi-klein/acc3a7231f775f18
January 12, 2026 at 6:44 PM
sebfalk.com
If you need a timeline cleanse: here's a highlight of a lovely selection of avian visitors to our wintry garden today.

Like me, this beautiful goldfinch loves teasels!
Collage of four photos of a goldfinch perched on various teasels and just taking off
January 10, 2026 at 10:08 PM
sebfalk.com
Last call for anyone looking for the dream 3-year early-career college research fellowship!

Closes 9am GMT Monday
sebfalk.com Seb Falk @sebfalk.com · Jan 5
JOB ALERT!

3-year postdoc at @girtoncollege.bsky.social - research anything you like in History, Archaeology or Anthropology in a wonderful, welcoming scholarly community.

PLEASE SHARE! Closes 12 January

www.girton.cam.ac.uk/job-vacancie...
Here's what it looked like on my return to work this morning - beautiful red brick gabled building of Girton's Hall, with a dusting of snow on the grass in front.
January 10, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Reposted by Seb Falk
brodiewaddell.bsky.social
Birkbeck is hiring a Lecturer in Medieval Studies (c.1300-1500), full-time and open-ended.

They will be formally based in English but expected to be able to contribute about 0.5FTE to History, including teaching and supervision.

Closing date Feb 23rd: cis7.bbk.ac.uk/vacancy/lect...
Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a Lecturer in Medieval Studies to join our dynamic team within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Autumn 2026. As Lecturer in Medieval Studies you will contribute to the teaching of Medieval English literature and Medieval history across the Faculty, within our School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication, and School of Historical Studies - this includes our BA English and BA History programmes, as well as postgraduate taught programmes in the two subject areas. This post is offered on a permanent contract at Birkbeck, full time 35 hours per week, with a salary of £44,247 rising to £60,858 per year. Teaching hours will vary from 6pm - 9pm, Monday to Friday. To be successful, you will bring research expertise in the literature, history and culture of the Late Medieval period (c.1300-1500), and demonstrate a capacity to contribute to interdisciplinary research and teaching, participate actively in curriculum development, supervise doctoral students, and help shape the intellectual life of our vibrant academic community. We would also welcome applicants who would be able to contribute to collaborative teaching programmes or research in the Faculty, in areas such as identity, race/ethnicity, or gender - experience of collaboration with cultural institutions, whether through research or teaching, is also welcome. Core responsibilities will initially include programme/module administration, teaching, supervision, assessment, student support and pastoral care. You will also be equipped to supervise doctoral students. With a PhD in any area of Medieval Studies, you will contribute the Faculty’s and Schools’ research impact and culture, and to the intellectual and cultural life of the institution and the various communities and partners with whom we work and serve.
January 8, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Reposted by Seb Falk
carinr.bsky.social
Paleography peeps: I'm collecting examples of premodern descriptive or evaluative (sc. judgy) language about script. E.g. Boniface requesting a book "claris et absolutis litteris scripti" because he can't read "minutas litteras ac connexas" anymore. #medievalsky 🧵
January 7, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Reposted by Seb Falk
gregjenner.bsky.social
People of the UK! 🇬🇧 There’s still time to vote for an inspiring history teacher — the entry criteria is on the HRP website. I’m proud to be on the judging panel and look forward to celebrating great history teachers www.hrp.org.uk/schools/insp...
Inspiring History Teaching Awards
Created by Historic Royal Palaces, these awards celebrate teachers who make history exciting, inclusive and meaningful. We want to recognise the impact that great teachers can make by bringing the pas...
www.hrp.org.uk
January 7, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Reposted by Seb Falk
samuelmoore.org
Apply to be the 2026-7 Munby Fellow in bibliography and history of the book @theul.bsky.social

www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPZ688/m...
Munby Fellowship in Bibliography 2026 - 2027 at University of Cambridge
Searching for an academic job? Explore this Munby Fellowship in Bibliography 2026 - 2027 opening on jobs.ac.uk! Click to view more details and browse other academic jobs.
www.jobs.ac.uk
January 5, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Reposted by Seb Falk
ogkittylyst.bsky.social
I did my undergrad at Girton. It's a truly special place, and this could be a fantastic opportunity for the right person.
sebfalk.com Seb Falk @sebfalk.com · Jan 5
JOB ALERT!

3-year postdoc at @girtoncollege.bsky.social - research anything you like in History, Archaeology or Anthropology in a wonderful, welcoming scholarly community.

PLEASE SHARE! Closes 12 January

www.girton.cam.ac.uk/job-vacancie...
Here's what it looked like on my return to work this morning - beautiful red brick gabled building of Girton's Hall, with a dusting of snow on the grass in front.
January 5, 2026 at 11:40 AM
sebfalk.com
JOB ALERT!

3-year postdoc at @girtoncollege.bsky.social - research anything you like in History, Archaeology or Anthropology in a wonderful, welcoming scholarly community.

PLEASE SHARE! Closes 12 January

www.girton.cam.ac.uk/job-vacancie...
Here's what it looked like on my return to work this morning - beautiful red brick gabled building of Girton's Hall, with a dusting of snow on the grass in front.
January 5, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Reposted by Seb Falk
devinfitz.bsky.social
I have a basic pattern I stick to: Routledge Colloquial (until about ch 8), LingQ for as many mini stories (very good for high input audio and getting vocab), and pimsleur. Usually I do that for a month or two before having a conversation. I tend to prefer to have most grammar done before tutors.
January 4, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Reposted by Seb Falk
sarahjlonsdale.bsky.social
Last year, I found an old love letter between the yellowing pages of a second hand book, and asked Bluesky whether you had found similar. I was inundated with responses (see 🧵 below)! My essay has just been published in @slightlyfoxed.bsky.social ! Thank you so much everyone who replied and helped
Book with newspaper cutting with the headline 'The World's Worst Novelist ' contributed by @georgybradders.bsky.social Front cover of Slightly Foxed winter 2025 depicting a fox running through a snowy wood Contents page of Slightly Foxed magazine featuring 'The Secret Life of Second-hand Books' by Sarah Lonsdale Four leaf clovers found in a second hand book by @tjalamont.bsky.social
November 19, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Reposted by Seb Falk
tomslists.bsky.social
And using ephemera as bookmarks makes second-hand books even more interesting – there is a lovely essay about this by Sarah Lonsdale in the latest Slightly Foxed magazine

bsky.app/profile/sara...
January 4, 2026 at 8:17 AM
sebfalk.com
Two fun museum finds in Colchester today:

1. Clock owned by William Gilbert (of De Magnete (1600) fame)
2. Pub sign from the old At the Sign of the Whalebone Inn on East Hill
January 3, 2026 at 10:31 PM
sebfalk.com
Lovely crisp morning for a run through the Essex countryside. Stopped at this stunning medieval church. Is this graffiti by the door something apotropaic?
www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/our-ch...
Church in the morning sunlight Symbols scratched into door jamb
January 3, 2026 at 12:28 PM
sebfalk.com
Old train tickets, tickets from old museum visits, cut up bits of Chocolate Orange box...
natalan.bsky.social Natalie Alana Ashton @natalan.bsky.social · Jan 2
what does everyone use for bookmarks now that train tickets are mostly digital?
January 2, 2026 at 9:23 PM