Simon Hall
@simonhallwriter.bsky.social
Historian and writer. Author of the forthcoming Three Revolutions: Russia, China, Cuba and the Epic Journeys That Changed The World. Previous books include 1956: The World in Revolt and Ten Days in Harlem: Fidel Castro and the Making of the 1960s.
Pinned
My new book, out in July with the fabulous @faberbooks.bsky.social, is now available for pre-order! And, in this case, please do judge a book by its cover! linktr.ee/threerevolut...
Reposted by Simon Hall
Let's take a ride... My next book is coming out with @faberbooks.bsky.social. Tales of the Suburbs: LGBTQ+ Lives Behind Net Curtains will be published March 12 2026. Preorder links in profile, and lots more on the book and the remarkable stories people told me to come over the next few months...
October 28, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Let's take a ride... My next book is coming out with @faberbooks.bsky.social. Tales of the Suburbs: LGBTQ+ Lives Behind Net Curtains will be published March 12 2026. Preorder links in profile, and lots more on the book and the remarkable stories people told me to come over the next few months...
Reposted by Simon Hall
Solidarity in Indiana.
October 19, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Solidarity in Indiana.
Reposted by Simon Hall
I reviewed the riveting Three Revolutions by @simonhallwriter.bsky.social in the latest issue of the TLS - and took the opportunity to talk about my favourite historical film Reds.
www.the-tls.com/history/twen...
www.the-tls.com/history/twen...
Fellow travellers
Warren Beatty’s film Reds (1981), a biopic about the muckraking American journalist John Reed, did something revolutionary. In a daring narrative experiment for a Hollywood romance, snippets from oral...
www.the-tls.com
October 1, 2025 at 12:04 PM
I reviewed the riveting Three Revolutions by @simonhallwriter.bsky.social in the latest issue of the TLS - and took the opportunity to talk about my favourite historical film Reds.
www.the-tls.com/history/twen...
www.the-tls.com/history/twen...
It is US publication day for Three Revolutions! You can find out more by listening to the @theresthistory.bsky.social bonus episode (if you're not already, sign up for membership) www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-revo...
Three Revolutions: Russia, China, Cuba and the Epic Journeys that Changed the World|Hardcover
The gripping, untold story of how six epic journeys launched the three communist revolutions that changed world history forever.From the streets of Petrograd during the heady autumn of 1917, to Mao...
www.barnesandnoble.com
September 23, 2025 at 11:53 AM
It is US publication day for Three Revolutions! You can find out more by listening to the @theresthistory.bsky.social bonus episode (if you're not already, sign up for membership) www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-revo...
Nice to see this positive review of Three Revolutions - available in all good bookshops! www.culturefusionhub.com/c/details/41...
Home
www.culturefusionhub.com
September 15, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Nice to see this positive review of Three Revolutions - available in all good bookshops! www.culturefusionhub.com/c/details/41...
I’m appearing at Ilkley Lit Fest this October! You can book your tickets online now at ilkleylitfest.org.uk or by calling 01943 816714 @ilkleylitfest.bsky.social
Ilkley Literature Festival
Home page -
ilkleylitfest.org.uk
September 12, 2025 at 9:23 AM
I’m appearing at Ilkley Lit Fest this October! You can book your tickets online now at ilkleylitfest.org.uk or by calling 01943 816714 @ilkleylitfest.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Hall
Some incredibly good news:
One year ago this week, The Onion returned to print.
In that one year, we’ve grown to the 13th largest print newspaper in the United States, just ahead of the Boston Globe, and growing fast.
In short, it’s working.
So… thank you. Thank you for helping save this thing.
One year ago this week, The Onion returned to print.
In that one year, we’ve grown to the 13th largest print newspaper in the United States, just ahead of the Boston Globe, and growing fast.
In short, it’s working.
So… thank you. Thank you for helping save this thing.
Exclusive | The Onion Brought Back Its Print Edition. The Gamble Is Paying Off.
Publications turn to the old-style products to appeal to nostalgic readers and stand out in a crowded digital-media landscape.
www.wsj.com
August 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Some incredibly good news:
One year ago this week, The Onion returned to print.
In that one year, we’ve grown to the 13th largest print newspaper in the United States, just ahead of the Boston Globe, and growing fast.
In short, it’s working.
So… thank you. Thank you for helping save this thing.
One year ago this week, The Onion returned to print.
In that one year, we’ve grown to the 13th largest print newspaper in the United States, just ahead of the Boston Globe, and growing fast.
In short, it’s working.
So… thank you. Thank you for helping save this thing.
Reposted by Simon Hall
NEWS: New York, Brasilia, Manchester?
We're delighted to announce that the Renold Building at the former University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) has just been designated at Grade II, 20 years after C20's first listing application.
➡️ c20society.org.uk/news/manches...
We're delighted to announce that the Renold Building at the former University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) has just been designated at Grade II, 20 years after C20's first listing application.
➡️ c20society.org.uk/news/manches...
August 5, 2025 at 2:28 PM
NEWS: New York, Brasilia, Manchester?
We're delighted to announce that the Renold Building at the former University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) has just been designated at Grade II, 20 years after C20's first listing application.
➡️ c20society.org.uk/news/manches...
We're delighted to announce that the Renold Building at the former University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) has just been designated at Grade II, 20 years after C20's first listing application.
➡️ c20society.org.uk/news/manches...
Reposted by Simon Hall
When I pointed out King’s will lose 90% of its AHRC student-led places under the new scheme, I got piled on by the AHRC Chair claiming I was wrong and scaremongering.
It wasn’t quite 90%.
This year King’s students got 27 AHRC student-led scholarships.
Next year they’re giving us 3.
So 89% then.
It wasn’t quite 90%.
This year King’s students got 27 AHRC student-led scholarships.
Next year they’re giving us 3.
So 89% then.
'The number of student-initiated PhD scholarships funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is set to fall by 60 per cent when new doctoral training arrangements come into effect next year, new figures show.' 1/3
‘Student-led’ AHRC PhD places ‘to fall by at least 60 per cent’
Internal modelling released under Freedom of Information enquiry reveals extent of PhD scholarship cuts, with academics fearing impact could be greater still
www.timeshighereducation.com
July 21, 2025 at 6:24 AM
When I pointed out King’s will lose 90% of its AHRC student-led places under the new scheme, I got piled on by the AHRC Chair claiming I was wrong and scaremongering.
It wasn’t quite 90%.
This year King’s students got 27 AHRC student-led scholarships.
Next year they’re giving us 3.
So 89% then.
It wasn’t quite 90%.
This year King’s students got 27 AHRC student-led scholarships.
Next year they’re giving us 3.
So 89% then.
Reposted by Simon Hall
Scientists have released the closest images ever taken near the sun, captured by NASA’s Parker Solar Probe flying 3.8 million miles above the solar surface.
See more images of solar eruptions on the sun: wapo.st/3Irm3P3
See more images of solar eruptions on the sun: wapo.st/3Irm3P3
July 15, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Scientists have released the closest images ever taken near the sun, captured by NASA’s Parker Solar Probe flying 3.8 million miles above the solar surface.
See more images of solar eruptions on the sun: wapo.st/3Irm3P3
See more images of solar eruptions on the sun: wapo.st/3Irm3P3
Obviously, you should first read Three Revolutions, but then follow up with some great books on the revolutionary history of the 20th century!
'These social and political upheavals, in turn, have inspired some terrific writing by protagonists, eyewitnesses, journalists and historians.'
Find @simonhallwriter.bsky.social's Twentieth-Century Revolutions reading list here:
faber.co.uk/journal/simon-hall-twentieth-century-revolutions/
Find @simonhallwriter.bsky.social's Twentieth-Century Revolutions reading list here:
faber.co.uk/journal/simon-hall-twentieth-century-revolutions/
Simon Hall: Twentieth-Century Revolutions
The history of the twentieth century was marked decisively by revolutions. These social and political upheavals, in turn, have inspired some terrific writing by protagonists, eyewitnesses,…
www.faber.co.uk
July 16, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Obviously, you should first read Three Revolutions, but then follow up with some great books on the revolutionary history of the 20th century!
Reposted by Simon Hall
'These social and political upheavals, in turn, have inspired some terrific writing by protagonists, eyewitnesses, journalists and historians.'
Find @simonhallwriter.bsky.social's Twentieth-Century Revolutions reading list here:
faber.co.uk/journal/simon-hall-twentieth-century-revolutions/
Find @simonhallwriter.bsky.social's Twentieth-Century Revolutions reading list here:
faber.co.uk/journal/simon-hall-twentieth-century-revolutions/
Simon Hall: Twentieth-Century Revolutions
The history of the twentieth century was marked decisively by revolutions. These social and political upheavals, in turn, have inspired some terrific writing by protagonists, eyewitnesses,…
www.faber.co.uk
July 16, 2025 at 7:01 AM
'These social and political upheavals, in turn, have inspired some terrific writing by protagonists, eyewitnesses, journalists and historians.'
Find @simonhallwriter.bsky.social's Twentieth-Century Revolutions reading list here:
faber.co.uk/journal/simon-hall-twentieth-century-revolutions/
Find @simonhallwriter.bsky.social's Twentieth-Century Revolutions reading list here:
faber.co.uk/journal/simon-hall-twentieth-century-revolutions/
Reposted by Simon Hall
He's back!...and on Giles Brown's Let's Talk from 10.00CET - Nick Dawson on 'Face to Face: Finding Justice for My Murdered Twin Brother' and @simonhallwriter.bsky.social with 'Three Revolutions: Russia, China, Cuba and the Epic Journeys that Changed the World'
July 7, 2025 at 7:50 AM
He's back!...and on Giles Brown's Let's Talk from 10.00CET - Nick Dawson on 'Face to Face: Finding Justice for My Murdered Twin Brother' and @simonhallwriter.bsky.social with 'Three Revolutions: Russia, China, Cuba and the Epic Journeys that Changed the World'
Happy publication day! Out now with @faberbooks.bsky.social
July 3, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Happy publication day! Out now with @faberbooks.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Hall
To celebrate the publication of his new book It Used to Be Witches: Under the Spell of Queer Cinema, Ryan Gilbey discusses some of his favourite queer films over on the Faber Journal 🎬
www.faber.co.uk/journal/cult...
www.faber.co.uk/journal/cult...
June 11, 2025 at 10:02 AM
To celebrate the publication of his new book It Used to Be Witches: Under the Spell of Queer Cinema, Ryan Gilbey discusses some of his favourite queer films over on the Faber Journal 🎬
www.faber.co.uk/journal/cult...
www.faber.co.uk/journal/cult...
Reposted by Simon Hall
🎨 Paul Gauguin was born on this day in 1848 🎨
Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gauguin by Sue Prideaux is out in paperback now.
faber.co.uk/journal/paul-gauguin-books-a-reading-list-from-sue-prideaux/
Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gauguin by Sue Prideaux is out in paperback now.
faber.co.uk/journal/paul-gauguin-books-a-reading-list-from-sue-prideaux/
June 7, 2025 at 7:30 AM
🎨 Paul Gauguin was born on this day in 1848 🎨
Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gauguin by Sue Prideaux is out in paperback now.
faber.co.uk/journal/paul-gauguin-books-a-reading-list-from-sue-prideaux/
Wild Thing: A Life of Paul Gauguin by Sue Prideaux is out in paperback now.
faber.co.uk/journal/paul-gauguin-books-a-reading-list-from-sue-prideaux/
Reposted by Simon Hall
We are looking to recruit a Publicity Executive to plan and implement publicity campaigns and events for commercial non-fiction, fiction and crime titles on the adult list. Could it be you? Apply now.
www.faber.co.uk/careers/publ...
www.faber.co.uk/careers/publ...
June 5, 2025 at 6:01 PM
We are looking to recruit a Publicity Executive to plan and implement publicity campaigns and events for commercial non-fiction, fiction and crime titles on the adult list. Could it be you? Apply now.
www.faber.co.uk/careers/publ...
www.faber.co.uk/careers/publ...
Reposted by Simon Hall
In the UK, the devaluing of universities can be seen in systematic state underfunding and "hostility to the immigration that sustains these institutions. The University of Manchester’s turnover exceeds British Steel’s, but which enterprise gets more help from the government?"
on.ft.com/4k8UR5c
on.ft.com/4k8UR5c
The case for universities
Institutions everywhere are in crisis, but they will survive
on.ft.com
May 8, 2025 at 11:10 AM
In the UK, the devaluing of universities can be seen in systematic state underfunding and "hostility to the immigration that sustains these institutions. The University of Manchester’s turnover exceeds British Steel’s, but which enterprise gets more help from the government?"
on.ft.com/4k8UR5c
on.ft.com/4k8UR5c
Reposted by Simon Hall
NEWS: We're very pleased to announce that the modernist Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue (1966-67), a dedicated Holocaust Memorial believed to be Internationally unique, has been saved from demolition with a Grade II listing designation.
➡️ c20society.org.uk/news/listing...
➡️ c20society.org.uk/news/listing...
April 23, 2025 at 9:48 AM
NEWS: We're very pleased to announce that the modernist Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue (1966-67), a dedicated Holocaust Memorial believed to be Internationally unique, has been saved from demolition with a Grade II listing designation.
➡️ c20society.org.uk/news/listing...
➡️ c20society.org.uk/news/listing...
Reposted by Simon Hall
April 22, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Reposted by Simon Hall
Just finished reading galley proofs. What an amazing book!
My new book, out in July with the fabulous @faberbooks.bsky.social, is now available for pre-order! And, in this case, please do judge a book by its cover! linktr.ee/threerevolut...
March 7, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Just finished reading galley proofs. What an amazing book!
Reposted by Simon Hall
We would like to draw your attention to a book review on "An Army Afire: How the US Army Confronted Its Racial Crisis in the #Vietnam Era" by Beth Bailey, reviewed by @simonhallwriter.bsky.social in the Journal of American History.
Read: doi.org/10.1093/jahist/jaae247
#globalsixties
Read: doi.org/10.1093/jahist/jaae247
#globalsixties
March 13, 2025 at 12:39 PM
We would like to draw your attention to a book review on "An Army Afire: How the US Army Confronted Its Racial Crisis in the #Vietnam Era" by Beth Bailey, reviewed by @simonhallwriter.bsky.social in the Journal of American History.
Read: doi.org/10.1093/jahist/jaae247
#globalsixties
Read: doi.org/10.1093/jahist/jaae247
#globalsixties
Reposted by Simon Hall
When I worked in UK academia I recall hearing of a Japanese man who was baffled at how Britain had decided to run its universities like firms. “Why? Your universities are excellent and your firms are terrible.”
To repeat: "A country so stupid it actively trashes one of things it's good at and famous for."
Today's university slashing and burning is Edinburgh, where about 10% of the budget will be cut. There'll be another case every single day until UK govts actually do something. A country so stupid it actively trashes one of things it's good at and famous for.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
February 25, 2025 at 10:24 PM
When I worked in UK academia I recall hearing of a Japanese man who was baffled at how Britain had decided to run its universities like firms. “Why? Your universities are excellent and your firms are terrible.”