Nik Gunn
@nikgunn.bsky.social
Pinned
Nik Gunn
@nikgunn.bsky.social
· Aug 12
Welcome to Set Yet Speaking (plus a translation of Beowulf lines 1687-98a)
Hello everyone. Welcome back to Set Yet Speaking. It’s been a while. The last time I properly updated this website, I was still lecturing. Things have changed a bit since then. I realised an …
nikolasgunn.wordpress.com
I'm relaunching my website, Set Yet Speaking, which will host my translations of medieval literature.
In this first post, I discuss why I'm giving this another go, why translation matters, and how a short extract from Beowulf inspired the name of the site.
nikolasgunn.wordpress.com/2025/08/12/w...
In this first post, I discuss why I'm giving this another go, why translation matters, and how a short extract from Beowulf inspired the name of the site.
nikolasgunn.wordpress.com/2025/08/12/w...
Reposted by Nik Gunn
'I crumbed together my research into North Sea fish species, North Atlantic trade, and late-medieval environmental crisis around the medieval North Sea basin with my embodied experience of walking in the fens south of Grimsby.'
Our latest MMM blog post by poet Becca Drake is out now! 👇
Our latest MMM blog post by poet Becca Drake is out now! 👇
Meet a Medievalist Maker: Becca Drake — The Guild of Medievalist Makers
“ Meet a Medievalist Maker ” is an ongoing series of blog posts introducing our members and the work they are doing. Each post is organized around our Four P’s: a project they are working on...
www.guildmedmak.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:32 PM
'I crumbed together my research into North Sea fish species, North Atlantic trade, and late-medieval environmental crisis around the medieval North Sea basin with my embodied experience of walking in the fens south of Grimsby.'
Our latest MMM blog post by poet Becca Drake is out now! 👇
Our latest MMM blog post by poet Becca Drake is out now! 👇
Reposted by Nik Gunn
Key points include:
High exit rates among carers and early to mid-career workers: Professionals aged 35 and under are significantly more likely to leave & Those with caregiving responsibilities - often women - face disproportionate challenges of low pay, out-of-hours work and limited flexibility.
High exit rates among carers and early to mid-career workers: Professionals aged 35 and under are significantly more likely to leave & Those with caregiving responsibilities - often women - face disproportionate challenges of low pay, out-of-hours work and limited flexibility.
New @creativepec.bsky.social report! “Who Stays and Who Leaves? Mapping Arts, Culture and Heritage Careers” pec.ac.uk/state_of_the...
Who Stays and Who Leaves? Mapping Arts, Culture and Heritage Careers - Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre
Read the latest State of the Nations research report from University of Sheffield on mapping arts, culture and heritage careers.
pec.ac.uk
November 19, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Key points include:
High exit rates among carers and early to mid-career workers: Professionals aged 35 and under are significantly more likely to leave & Those with caregiving responsibilities - often women - face disproportionate challenges of low pay, out-of-hours work and limited flexibility.
High exit rates among carers and early to mid-career workers: Professionals aged 35 and under are significantly more likely to leave & Those with caregiving responsibilities - often women - face disproportionate challenges of low pay, out-of-hours work and limited flexibility.
Reposted by Nik Gunn
I have been WAITING for a journalist to write this story.
I specialize in manuscripts produced in England between 1300 and 1500. If this had occurred in the midst of writing my dissertation or first book, it would have exploded my career.
I specialize in manuscripts produced in England between 1300 and 1500. If this had occurred in the midst of writing my dissertation or first book, it would have exploded my career.
I’ve written a piece on the curious lack of media and political interest in the issues faced by our national @britishlibrary.bsky.social. This is strange given we live in a world where ideas, knowledge and research are a long-term source of innovation and insight
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
The British library is in crisis: why does nobody care?
The widespread indifference to the British Library's crippling cyberattack demonstrates a perilous failure to value the knowledge infrastructure vital for national prosperity
www.cityam.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:48 PM
I have been WAITING for a journalist to write this story.
I specialize in manuscripts produced in England between 1300 and 1500. If this had occurred in the midst of writing my dissertation or first book, it would have exploded my career.
I specialize in manuscripts produced in England between 1300 and 1500. If this had occurred in the midst of writing my dissertation or first book, it would have exploded my career.
Reposted by Nik Gunn
Pope Leo absolutely cooking
November 16, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Pope Leo absolutely cooking
Reposted by Nik Gunn
"Given that the UK needs more graduates with languages qualifications, the task of universities is not to accelerate the decline of language learning but to find ways to bolster their student intakes."
The universities of Nottingham and Leicester are taking a swing at language departments. But those proposing closures have taken their eye off the ball, say four linguists
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/latest-threat-uk-modern-languages-yet-another-faux-pas
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/latest-threat-uk-modern-languages-yet-another-faux-pas
November 14, 2025 at 9:58 AM
"Given that the UK needs more graduates with languages qualifications, the task of universities is not to accelerate the decline of language learning but to find ways to bolster their student intakes."
Reposted by Nik Gunn
What, exactly, does this string of words mean? Why does everyone who stands to profit from selling "AI" love to repeat it? And what's the value of slogans that masquerade as history?
sonjadrimmer.com/blog-1/2025/...
sonjadrimmer.com/blog-1/2025/...
"The Printing Press Democratized Knowledge": When Slogans Masquerade as History — Sonja Drimmer
The phrase is said so frequently it seems, like the mechanism it celebrates, to mechanically replicate itself. It's become a favorite catchphrase among tech boosters of any sort (see my post on...
sonjadrimmer.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:51 PM
What, exactly, does this string of words mean? Why does everyone who stands to profit from selling "AI" love to repeat it? And what's the value of slogans that masquerade as history?
sonjadrimmer.com/blog-1/2025/...
sonjadrimmer.com/blog-1/2025/...
My partner's new glass range has just launched at London Glassblowing as part of their Christmas Collection. Love love love these pieces. Check them out!
londonglassblowing.co.uk/collections/...
londonglassblowing.co.uk/collections/...
Aurum Green Perfume Bottle
Aurum draws inspiration from the ancient practice of alchemy and the quest to create gold from base metals. In these works, metals such as iron, tin, and cobalt are combined with glass to produce vibr...
londonglassblowing.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 5:24 PM
My partner's new glass range has just launched at London Glassblowing as part of their Christmas Collection. Love love love these pieces. Check them out!
londonglassblowing.co.uk/collections/...
londonglassblowing.co.uk/collections/...
Reposted by Nik Gunn
This open letter to COP30 calling for the arts and humanities to be central to responses to the climate crisis chimes with the current research project of our Vice Chancellor’s Independent Research Fellow @hrmilligan.bsky.social
www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/op...
www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/op...
Open letter to COP30: Use storytelling to fight climate crisis - University of Birmingham
Actors, authors, and public figures have signed an open letter calling for the cultural sector to have a prominent role in the fight against the climate crisis.
www.birmingham.ac.uk
November 15, 2025 at 8:38 AM
This open letter to COP30 calling for the arts and humanities to be central to responses to the climate crisis chimes with the current research project of our Vice Chancellor’s Independent Research Fellow @hrmilligan.bsky.social
www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/op...
www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/op...
Reposted by Nik Gunn
In the same week, both the University of Nottingham and the University of Leicester announced closing their Modern Languages departments. Disastrous for the sector as a whole and for the ML landscape in the Midlands: c.org/4X7VMy9MPD
Sign the Petition
Save Modern Languages courses at the University of Leicester
c.org
November 13, 2025 at 9:42 AM
In the same week, both the University of Nottingham and the University of Leicester announced closing their Modern Languages departments. Disastrous for the sector as a whole and for the ML landscape in the Midlands: c.org/4X7VMy9MPD
Reposted by Nik Gunn
The British Academy invite applications for the Neil Ker Memorial Fund 2026. The scheme aims to promote the study of Western medieval manuscripts, particularly those of British interest: https://bit.ly/4hO0Oo1
November 12, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The British Academy invite applications for the Neil Ker Memorial Fund 2026. The scheme aims to promote the study of Western medieval manuscripts, particularly those of British interest: https://bit.ly/4hO0Oo1
Reposted by Nik Gunn
'people who are multilingual are half as likely to show signs of accelerated biological ageing than are those who speak just one language.'
Good thing that schools, universities and governments are so actively promoting modern languages then, isn't it? 1/2
Good thing that schools, universities and governments are so actively promoting modern languages then, isn't it? 1/2
Want a younger brain? Learn another language
A vast study suggests that being multilingual can slow down cognitive ageing.
www.nature.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:58 AM
'people who are multilingual are half as likely to show signs of accelerated biological ageing than are those who speak just one language.'
Good thing that schools, universities and governments are so actively promoting modern languages then, isn't it? 1/2
Good thing that schools, universities and governments are so actively promoting modern languages then, isn't it? 1/2
Reposted by Nik Gunn
You can read an excerpt from my recent PN Review essay about Lynette Roberts's medievalism, her encounter with the manuscript known as the Camaldolese Grail, and my own quest to follow in her footsteps, on the PN Review substack.
This week's Substack: an excerpt from Francesca Brooks' article 'A Quest for the Camaldolese Grail in the footsteps of Lynette Roberts', published in our recent PN Review 285, September - October 2025.
Read here:
open.substack.com/pub/pnreview...
Subscribe to PNR:
www.pnreview.co.uk/subscribe
Read here:
open.substack.com/pub/pnreview...
Subscribe to PNR:
www.pnreview.co.uk/subscribe
A Quest for the Camaldolese Grail in the footsteps of Lynette Roberts by Francesa Brooks
PN Review 285, September - October 2025
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:42 PM
You can read an excerpt from my recent PN Review essay about Lynette Roberts's medievalism, her encounter with the manuscript known as the Camaldolese Grail, and my own quest to follow in her footsteps, on the PN Review substack.
Reposted by Nik Gunn
My cozy fantasy novel inspired by my love (and fear…) of Scotland’s mountains, misadventures in academia, and time spent adventuring in Dungeons and Dragons, will be out next July!!
Del Rey has acquired The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance, an "uplifting and heart-warming" fantasy adventure by Scottish debut author and academic Chiara Bullen. The book will publish globally in July 2026 👇 #BookSky
Del Rey snaps up Chiara Bullen's 'uplifting and heart-warming' fantasy adventure
ebx.sh
November 8, 2025 at 6:07 PM
My cozy fantasy novel inspired by my love (and fear…) of Scotland’s mountains, misadventures in academia, and time spent adventuring in Dungeons and Dragons, will be out next July!!
Reposted by Nik Gunn
... and Leicester... Languages, History...
It's so easy to destroy, so hard to create. So much talent. So many lives.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It's so easy to destroy, so hard to create. So much talent. So many lives.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
University of Leicester to consult on redundancies
University bosses are also planning to stop a number of courses.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 10:17 PM
... and Leicester... Languages, History...
It's so easy to destroy, so hard to create. So much talent. So many lives.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It's so easy to destroy, so hard to create. So much talent. So many lives.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Nik Gunn
'Music and modern foreign languages degrees are among courses being suspended at the University of Nottingham, with the institution saying it “cannot rely on additional income” from the coming tuition fee rises.' 1/3
Nottingham suspends music, language and nursing courses
University says financial uncertainties continue as government’s proposed student levy will ‘wipe out any benefits’ from rising tuition fees
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
'Music and modern foreign languages degrees are among courses being suspended at the University of Nottingham, with the institution saying it “cannot rely on additional income” from the coming tuition fee rises.' 1/3
Reposted by Nik Gunn
A new interview blogpost from me! This time talking to @alexharvv.bsky.social about his book "Forgotten Vikings". We also touch on the importance of promoting academic history outside academia.
Forgotten Vikings: An Interview with Alex Harvey
This interview is part of an ongoing series in which I talk to fellow researchers about topics more or less related to the themes of this blog and my own research. If you’re a postgraduate, early career, or independent researcher with a recent publication to discuss and you’d like to feature here, please get in touch. Today I’m talking to Alex Harvey about his thorough but accessible study of the Viking Age, …
longhairedkingsblog.wordpress.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:31 AM
A new interview blogpost from me! This time talking to @alexharvv.bsky.social about his book "Forgotten Vikings". We also touch on the importance of promoting academic history outside academia.
Reposted by Nik Gunn
The paperback of Medieval Twitter has landed omfg
Not quite a stocking stuffer price, but much much more affordable than before, thankfully
www.arc-humanities.org/978180270265...
#MedievalSky 🗃️ @archumanities.bsky.social
Not quite a stocking stuffer price, but much much more affordable than before, thankfully
www.arc-humanities.org/978180270265...
#MedievalSky 🗃️ @archumanities.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 11:51 AM
The paperback of Medieval Twitter has landed omfg
Not quite a stocking stuffer price, but much much more affordable than before, thankfully
www.arc-humanities.org/978180270265...
#MedievalSky 🗃️ @archumanities.bsky.social
Not quite a stocking stuffer price, but much much more affordable than before, thankfully
www.arc-humanities.org/978180270265...
#MedievalSky 🗃️ @archumanities.bsky.social
Reposted by Nik Gunn
I haven't touched Old Norse materials in a while, but I *love* Hallfreðr saga.
New post up: a translation of Hallfreðr "troublesome poet" Óttarson's conversion verses.
If genuine, they provide an amazing insight into a Viking Age pagan grappling with a change in religion.
nikolasgunn.co.uk/2025/11/03/p...
If genuine, they provide an amazing insight into a Viking Age pagan grappling with a change in religion.
nikolasgunn.co.uk/2025/11/03/p...
November 4, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I haven't touched Old Norse materials in a while, but I *love* Hallfreðr saga.
Reposted by Nik Gunn
Attention @guildmedmak.bsky.social! Look forward to reading this, Nik!
New post up: a translation of Hallfreðr "troublesome poet" Óttarson's conversion verses.
If genuine, they provide an amazing insight into a Viking Age pagan grappling with a change in religion.
nikolasgunn.co.uk/2025/11/03/p...
If genuine, they provide an amazing insight into a Viking Age pagan grappling with a change in religion.
nikolasgunn.co.uk/2025/11/03/p...
November 4, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Attention @guildmedmak.bsky.social! Look forward to reading this, Nik!
New post up: a translation of Hallfreðr "troublesome poet" Óttarson's conversion verses.
If genuine, they provide an amazing insight into a Viking Age pagan grappling with a change in religion.
nikolasgunn.co.uk/2025/11/03/p...
If genuine, they provide an amazing insight into a Viking Age pagan grappling with a change in religion.
nikolasgunn.co.uk/2025/11/03/p...
November 3, 2025 at 6:26 PM
New post up: a translation of Hallfreðr "troublesome poet" Óttarson's conversion verses.
If genuine, they provide an amazing insight into a Viking Age pagan grappling with a change in religion.
nikolasgunn.co.uk/2025/11/03/p...
If genuine, they provide an amazing insight into a Viking Age pagan grappling with a change in religion.
nikolasgunn.co.uk/2025/11/03/p...
Reposted by Nik Gunn
A Thomas Hardy poem for Halloween
October 31, 2025 at 4:47 PM
A Thomas Hardy poem for Halloween
Reposted by Nik Gunn
so the news is that i have done the unthinkable and... started a podcast.
"American Medieval" - because if we've never been fully modern, maybe it's because we've always been a little bit medieval.
the trailer has now dropped! please have a listen -->
patreon.com/americanmedieval
"American Medieval" - because if we've never been fully modern, maybe it's because we've always been a little bit medieval.
the trailer has now dropped! please have a listen -->
patreon.com/americanmedieval
October 30, 2025 at 7:39 PM
so the news is that i have done the unthinkable and... started a podcast.
"American Medieval" - because if we've never been fully modern, maybe it's because we've always been a little bit medieval.
the trailer has now dropped! please have a listen -->
patreon.com/americanmedieval
"American Medieval" - because if we've never been fully modern, maybe it's because we've always been a little bit medieval.
the trailer has now dropped! please have a listen -->
patreon.com/americanmedieval
