Rob Dale
@robdale.bsky.social
Historian of Russia and the Soviet Union. Cyclist, marathon runner, train traveller. Based in Newcastle and York.
I am learning so much from this book. It is even helping me understand some of the current economic debates in the UK a fraction more clearly.
November 13, 2025 at 9:15 PM
I am learning so much from this book. It is even helping me understand some of the current economic debates in the UK a fraction more clearly.
Treated myself to Michael David-Fox's Crucibles of Power: Smolensk under Stalinist and Nazi Rule.
November 12, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Treated myself to Michael David-Fox's Crucibles of Power: Smolensk under Stalinist and Nazi Rule.
Couldn't agree more. Nothing beats a sharp pencil on a printed copy for editing (at least for me). Some decent paper and a pencil or pen for working through ideas, even better.
My views on laptops have got me into trouble in the past. So, caveat that the computer may have advantages for some.
My views on laptops have got me into trouble in the past. So, caveat that the computer may have advantages for some.
November 12, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Couldn't agree more. Nothing beats a sharp pencil on a printed copy for editing (at least for me). Some decent paper and a pencil or pen for working through ideas, even better.
My views on laptops have got me into trouble in the past. So, caveat that the computer may have advantages for some.
My views on laptops have got me into trouble in the past. So, caveat that the computer may have advantages for some.
The perfect photo to challenge narratives of progress.
November 7, 2025 at 8:08 AM
The perfect photo to challenge narratives of progress.
Atmospheric moon photo.
November 5, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Atmospheric moon photo.
My wife has signed us up to an experiment where we have a geothermal "node" in the garden. I'm intrigued by how it works. My children are now calling me a "geothermal nerd".
November 1, 2025 at 1:13 PM
My wife has signed us up to an experiment where we have a geothermal "node" in the garden. I'm intrigued by how it works. My children are now calling me a "geothermal nerd".
Started reading this from my pile of unread big books I am very interested in.
October 26, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Started reading this from my pile of unread big books I am very interested in.
Ok it isn't a Pulitzer or the Wolfson prize, but it is a trophy!
October 24, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Ok it isn't a Pulitzer or the Wolfson prize, but it is a trophy!
Lecture theatres I have known...
October 24, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Lecture theatres I have known...
I have a social occasion this evening! ECB Yorkshire Premier League North trophy presentation evening. I'm the joint winner of the Sunday Vale League fielding trophy! 🏆 (Might pretend it is a literary awards night in my head!)
October 24, 2025 at 7:47 AM
I have a social occasion this evening! ECB Yorkshire Premier League North trophy presentation evening. I'm the joint winner of the Sunday Vale League fielding trophy! 🏆 (Might pretend it is a literary awards night in my head!)
As I tell my students always have a book with you. You never know when you will get stranded. The pint is an optional extra.
October 22, 2025 at 7:35 PM
As I tell my students always have a book with you. You never know when you will get stranded. The pint is an optional extra.
Got a bit lost in reading fiction, so I'm back to history. So starting on Mark Edele's Russia's War Against Ukraine: The Whole Story (2023)
October 21, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Got a bit lost in reading fiction, so I'm back to history. So starting on Mark Edele's Russia's War Against Ukraine: The Whole Story (2023)
Back in one of my happy places today. The Brotherton in Leeds. SCONUL is a wonderful thing!
October 10, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Back in one of my happy places today. The Brotherton in Leeds. SCONUL is a wonderful thing!
I was doing well today until the cat commandeered my desk. She keeps pushing my keyboard off the desk. Totally ignoring the mouse.
October 6, 2025 at 1:52 PM
I was doing well today until the cat commandeered my desk. She keeps pushing my keyboard off the desk. Totally ignoring the mouse.
Currently reading Sergei Lebedev, The Lady of the Mine,which is an intriguing novel, but disturbing too. Remarkable writing. For Newcastle friends the book is available via the University's Libby account as an e-book.
October 4, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Currently reading Sergei Lebedev, The Lady of the Mine,which is an intriguing novel, but disturbing too. Remarkable writing. For Newcastle friends the book is available via the University's Libby account as an e-book.
Ben Creed's Man of Bones has also been long listed for the Historical Writers' Association 2025 Golden Crown. I gave the authors some historical advice on post war Leningrad.
September 18, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Ben Creed's Man of Bones has also been long listed for the Historical Writers' Association 2025 Golden Crown. I gave the authors some historical advice on post war Leningrad.
I see that Ben Creed's Man of Bones, a book I gave one of the authors some historical advice on, is long listed for the 2025 Crime Writers Association Golden Dagger awards!
September 18, 2025 at 4:37 PM
I see that Ben Creed's Man of Bones, a book I gave one of the authors some historical advice on, is long listed for the 2025 Crime Writers Association Golden Dagger awards!
Shouldn't it be "who travels with whom?"? Sounds off to my ear.
September 17, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Shouldn't it be "who travels with whom?"? Sounds off to my ear.
I've had a lovely day out in the open air. So time for a pot of tea, and to start reading this.
September 7, 2025 at 4:04 PM
I've had a lovely day out in the open air. So time for a pot of tea, and to start reading this.
I don't normally finish top at anything, but especially in sport. Leading fielder in my division at the end of the season. Does this count as a REFable output?
August 31, 2025 at 8:49 PM
I don't normally finish top at anything, but especially in sport. Leading fielder in my division at the end of the season. Does this count as a REFable output?
Crumbs. The chap organising the installation of flags around suburban York seems to be over on the other place, advocating for establishing druzhina-type community volunteer squads. Part of me wants to try and write something for the local press about the problems here.
August 28, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Crumbs. The chap organising the installation of flags around suburban York seems to be over on the other place, advocating for establishing druzhina-type community volunteer squads. Part of me wants to try and write something for the local press about the problems here.
Trying to recharge the batteries today, whilst following the news.
August 18, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Trying to recharge the batteries today, whilst following the news.
Three guesses where I am today. Insanely proud of my new creations. #LEGOHouse
August 18, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Three guesses where I am today. Insanely proud of my new creations. #LEGOHouse
Three guesses where I am today!
August 16, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Three guesses where I am today!
My PhD supervisor, and friend, Catherine Merridale has a novel coming out on 14 August called Moscow Underground. It is a thriller set in Moscow in 1934. I've ordered a copy, and you can too from Harper Collins: harpercollins.co.uk/products/mos... Hoping my copy comes before I go on my holidays.
August 6, 2025 at 3:36 PM
My PhD supervisor, and friend, Catherine Merridale has a novel coming out on 14 August called Moscow Underground. It is a thriller set in Moscow in 1934. I've ordered a copy, and you can too from Harper Collins: harpercollins.co.uk/products/mos... Hoping my copy comes before I go on my holidays.