Chris Kempshall
@ChrisKempshall
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President @FWWSoc . Public Historian and Author of work on #FWW allied relations, historical games studies, & #StarWars . He/him
Joined September 2013
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Pinned Tweet
I’m not sure the phrase ‘I’ve waited my whole life for this’ adequately describes today. It is overwhelming and wonderful and weird. But there are some important things I want everyone to think about and understand regarding the production of a book like this.
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People: ‘Historians in the future will judge this harshly’
Historians: ‘We already have thoughts.’
People: ‘I wonder how the history books will explain this?’
Historians: ‘Well actually-‘
People: ‘We’ll have to wait and see...’
Historians: ‘Oh for the love of God.’
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This might actually be my favourite shot in the whole saga. Vader stood there like a black hole just sucking in all the light.
Also the line: 'The Force is with you young Skywalker. But you are not a Jedi yet' is a big favourite of mine.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back - shot 1418
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I can imagine, and understand, that these strike dates will be greeted with a fair amount of shock, surprise, and concern from students and their parents. £9k a year on university fees is a lot. So I want to explain just how much these institutions value students. 1/
BREAKING: NOTICE SERVED ON UNIVERSITY EMPLOYERS
18 days of strike action in February and March
1 Feb
9, 10 Feb
14, 15, 16 Feb
21, 22, 23 Feb
27, 28 Feb. 1, 2 March
16, 17 March
20, 21, 22 March
RT if you back our members
UCU and PROUD
#ucuRISING
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‘History tells us that, given enough time, all empires will fall. But if we do not also come to understand how and why they rise, we will remain trapped in this cycle forever.’
'Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire' releases July 2024
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So, I've noticed that there definitely seems to be an excited audience for 'The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire'. Well, as you've all been so good, maybe you can have a little sample chapter as a treat.
Who wants to hear about The Clone Wars...?
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‘That’s the second time in about 48 hours someone has just gotten tired of talking to me and died…’
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Well it’s not the paperback version with the amazing front cover but I guess this means that ‘The History and Politics of Star Wars: Death Stars and Democracy’ is a real thing!
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This is an astonishing quote from
#Andor
. Would easily have made it into ‘The History and Politics of Star Wars’ but it could also be applied to various real world examples. It’s incredible.
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The best part of 20 years ago a little kitten called Roxy came to live with me and my family. She used to sit on my desk and ‘help’ me with my undergraduate work when I lived at home. Today she went to the vets for the last time. She was wonderful and I loved her a lot.
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We don't want to strike. Universities can end this. But it's important to be honest. Staff are the only ones who give a damn about students. We are the ones who answer the emails, provide the advice, do the work. And all of us are exhausted.
#UCURising
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So I did a thing.
Lots of people don't realise how difficult it is to work in higher education
UCU member Chris explains what it's really like👇
Watch, RT, back our members
#ucuRISING
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Some shiny new book images for 'The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire' from the Amazon page, anyone?
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I'm on the official
@StarWars
account!
Unlimited power!
See the cover and get the first details on DK Publishing's upcoming book, Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire.
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@AITA_reddit
'I am not letting her invite individual people and single anyone out ... except that kid Tyler.'
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If you are a student (or parent of a student) you will almost certainly be taught at some point by a someone on a temporary or hourly contract. The institution won't tell you this of course. And they'll disguise their temporary staff among the permanent lecturers to hide it 2/
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If you're wondering how tired I am at this stage of term; I couldn't remember the word for 'footnotes' earlier and called them 'page socks' instead.
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Today is the 6th anniversary of my
#PhD
viva. I note it in some way every year. This year is a little different. Over recent months I've been facing up to the fact that I may not be able to stay in academia for the 7th anniversary. This is a thread on why.
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So I'm spectacularly not a fan of this decision. I also think it's part of a wider issue which definitely exists in the fanbase regarding how 'success' is measured and also the idea you can have 'less of x & more y' without realising the problem with that...
EXCLUSIVE: The story of ‘The Acolyte’ will not continue, with Lucasfilm opting not to proceed with a second season of the ‘Star Wars’ offshoot starring Amandla Stenberg, sources tell Deadline
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With the release of '
#StarWars
: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire' with
@dkbooks
/
@dkpublishing
, now only a few weeks away, I'm delighted to reveal the book's contents pages.
There's still time to preorder:
1) UK:
2) US:
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They think you are deserving of nothing more than free labour. Your essays are £2. Your emails are irrelevant. They rely on staff to work above their minimal pay out of a mix of duty and embarrassment. Because if they didn't your degrees would collapse. 10/
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The final page of the original armistice document complete with signatures. The pen strokes that brought the
#FWW
to an end on the Western Front almost 100 years ago.
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If you email one of these staff members, which will 100% happen, that person probably isn't paid to reply to that email as they are often only paid for time within the classroom. So your university doesn't think replying to emails is worth paying for. Staff reply for free 4/
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The Battle of Verdun began 105 years ago. The longest-running battle of the
#FWW
, it had a profound impact on both the French army & psyche. It’s one of the most fascinating battlefields to visit and the Doaumont Ossuary remains one of the saddest places I’ve ever been.
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So if the staff member doing that work takes more than about 5-10 minutes to read it, consider the arguments, mark it, and write useful feedback - they are doing it for below minimum wage. They are now effectively working for free. 7/
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This in-universe history book provides deep new examinations, investigations, and analysis of the Galactic Empire. I cannot think of a better historian to take this on than Beaumont Kin. He has a lot that he wants everyone to know. It will not all be easy reading.
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If you go and speak with them in an office hour, maybe to get advice or feedback on assignments. That hour is often unpaid. Universities don't think speaking with students is worth paying for. Staff do it for free. 5/
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You will likely work for hours on an assignment and submit something you are proud of and want to be properly read and assessed. Depending on the word length, the university values that essay at about £2. That's how much reading and marking it is worth to them. 6/
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With multiple conferences on the horizon it's important for
#twitterstorians
to be able to recognise the various figures they're likely to meet.
1) An academic after their paper has been praised.
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If you go to a lecture or a seminar and are ready to participate, often the staff member delivering it will have been barely paid to prepare it. Universities will pay around an extra hour to do prep work including all of the readings. That staff member prepared it for free. 8/
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‘British, French, and American Relations on the Western Front, 1914-1918’, my book on relations between allied
#FWW
soldiers has now been published by
@PalgraveHistory
. To win a free copy simply like and RT this tweet by 12pm BST Fri 13th July.
#FWWEntente
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So… I’m taking this as a sign that the sample chapter landed with you all then…?
So, I've noticed that there definitely seems to be an excited audience for 'The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire'. Well, as you've all been so good, maybe you can have a little sample chapter as a treat.
Who wants to hear about The Clone Wars...?
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Important ways of commemorating Christopher Plummer...
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Took a little trip to
@dkbooks
earlier and I can confirm that ‘The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire’ is real. And it looks amazing. And then I had to give it back.
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So this side thread is for us
#twitterstorians
. I can't go into details about what this book contains but I don't think it's a big thing to say it's probably the most important pieve of public history I'll ever write. There's stuff in here that will help us I think. Trust me.
‘History tells us that, given enough time, all empires will fall. But if we do not also come to understand how and why they rise, we will remain trapped in this cycle forever.’
'Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire' releases July 2024
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Universities are awash with these temporary contracts. These are the staff who deliver huge swathes of teaching to you if your a student (or do your child if your a parent). They are the embodiment of *exactly* what the institution thinks of you. 9/
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'When you measure include the measurer'. MC Hammer making the most succinct argument for understanding the role of the researcher in the creation of their research.
You bore us. If science is a “commitment to truth” shall we site all the historical non-truths perpetuated by scientists ? Of course not. It’s not science vs Philosophy ... It’s Science + Philosophy. Elevate your Thinking and Consciousness. When you measure include the measurer.
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My
#StarWars
& history book is here in paperback! I’m going to give out some free copies. There are various ways to win:
1) Like & RT/QT this tweet by 5pm BST 13th Aug
2) Attend my online launch in the below tweet!
It also has 20% off on the
@RoutledgeHist
site (link in bio)!
On 13th Aug I'm having an online launch for my
@RoutledgeHist
book 'The History and Politics of Star Wars' kindly organised by
@s_langsdale
&
@RealizeResist
! You can register on the link below to hear me talk about
#StarWars
& real world history!
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After really enjoying the latest episode of The Acolyte, watching the hatred stirred up against
@WookOfficial
has been dispiriting and disgusting. If you’re following me and are fine with it then please unfollow and fuck off.
#WeStandWithWookieepedia
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My background is in History, so I'll now begin explaining exactly what it means for you (or your family member) to be taught by someone on a zero hours or similar contract. This is why strike action should matter to you. 3/
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So I’m only 8 pages into this and am already about 5 times smarter than I was before I started it. Good lord this is some excellent writing and history.
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My
@PalgraveHistory
book on
#FWW
allied relations: ‘British, French, and American Relations on the Western Front, 1914-1918’ is now available in paperback! To celebrate I'm going to give away 2 copies. Like & RT this to enter and I'll make the draw after 5pm on Monday 7th Sept!
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Three years ago I submitted the manuscript for what would become ‘The History and Politics of Star Wars’. Quite a lot has happened since then…
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Historiography and precedent are important when planning out your work. Without ‘The Baver Precedent’ there is no rise and fall…
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Anyone trotting out the line that 'it was a poor decision to walk home at 9pm' or something similar regarding Sarah Everard: just fucking fuck off. What do you want women to do? Teleport? Not leave buildings after sunset? Wear urban camoflage?
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During the
#FWW
in 1917 & 1918 American & French soldiers held joint parties to celebrate
#IndependenceDay
.
British soldiers stood on the sidelines and watched with a ‘You guys are dicks’ attitude.
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I’m really pleased that she’s been able to enjoy the enthusiasm and love of the fan base amongst what can only have been a tidal wave of awful and dispiriting internet stuff.
The Acolyte star Amandla Stenberg comments on the cancelation of the show
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They would have to invent a new unit of measurement to describe how quickly I would leave a staff meeting hosted by James Corden.
James Corden (yes, the actor and talk show host) hosted an internal town hall at Activision Blizzard, where CEO Bobby Kotick promised an AI-powered 'new dimension of emotional connection'.
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It is probably one of the greatest honours of my academic life to have been elected as the new President of
@FWWsoc
. Following in the footsteps of
@pierrepurseigle
,
@JennyMacleod
, &
@thehistorygirl1
who have all done such wonderful things for the Society is humbling.
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'
#StarWars
: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire' is now officially published in the US!
You've been incredibly patiently for this & I hope you all really enjoy the book!
Here's a link with ordering options:
And a quoted tweet on what comes next:
So I'm aware that some people in Germany have already received their copies and that Amazon UK is shipping copies to people right now. So some of you will be reading it before the UK release on the 4th. I'm so excited for you all to dig into it, but I have some extra thoughts...
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Though presumably he’ll have billed it as a 20 minute paper for a panel with two other people.
Meet the professor who's gunning for an official Guinness World Record, for longest history lesson. He wants to lecture for 30 hours:
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So are all of you US folks ready for release day tomorrow?
It's arrived! '
#StarWars
: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire' is out today in the UK!
I can't wait for you all to read it and hopefully enjoy it!
You can still order copies:
See the below quoted tweet for some extra info about what happens next!
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@AITA_online
If he’s already packed his bags there’s very little reason to let him come back.
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Rae Sloane (offscreen): *slaps knees* ‘Well we should probably head off…’
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So I can finally say: along with the amazing
@amy_geek
,
@ColeHorton
, &
@jasoncfry
I helped write an official
#StarWars
military history book! It's maybe the most incredible and wonderful thing I've ever had the joy of doing. Here's the link:
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*And* the Humanities have always had excellent statistics in regards to employability in a huge sweeping range of industries. The idea that STEM or Business Studies automatically leads to employment is not, and never has been, true.
History degrees are superbly transferable - you learn how to write, how to argue, how to critique, how to reframe, how to read, how to be empathetic to other perspectives, and how to understand why the world is as it is. It is not a “fluffy” subject
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Because the book has my name on the front cover. But that doesn’t really explain quite how this came into being. If it was just me then this would still be an idea inside of a geeky historian’s head.
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So it seems there are around 300 of you out there who have bought 'The History and Politics of Star Wars'. In academic book terms that's a lot. Apparently it's put the paperback into the top 10 of
@RoutledgeHist
book sales for the last 3 years. So thank you all so much.
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Because I can say ‘I think an in-universe history book would be great’ and you all might (hopefully) agree. But; would it? How would it even look? How would it work? What if it’s done badly? Is this book actually going to help Star Wars?
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Pulling down a statue is not an act which 'destroys history' but rather a historical act in itself, playing out in realtime. Statues also do not provide education by osmosis simply through their existence. They are the act of honouring those who perhaps should not be.
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@ucu
You've begged your staff to maintain solidarity. You've revelled in the strength my friends & colleagues have shown on picket lines in the snow and rain. You've seen how bad UUK have handled this whole thing and this is what you got? You should be ashamed.
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So I've no real understanding as to the inner workings of Wookieepedia (and have literally no interest in digging deeper into that aspect to find out) but I like Jordan a lot and have always considered him to be a good representative of the fandom and of the Wook in particular.
I was not going to make a statement, but for my own mental health, I need to say this. Please read this thread fully before commenting or sharing. I’ll start by saying I did not step down from Wookieepedia by choice. I stepped down because I felt I had no other choice.
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When people hear you're a historian they think it's all sexy archives and exciting library trips, but very few people ever realise how deeply, deeply annoying virtually everything is.
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It's what they would've wanted.
Giant poppy to be projected onto cooling tower at Drax power station in North Yorkshire to mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day:
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'The History and Politics of Star Wars: Death Stars & Democracy' will soon go to print for its release on 11th Aug and I am very excited!
So to counter recent 'don't make
#StarWars
political' cries, here are quotes from Lucas & others on that very topic
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It's arrived! '
#StarWars
: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire' is out today in the UK!
I can't wait for you all to read it and hopefully enjoy it!
You can still order copies:
See the below quoted tweet for some extra info about what happens next!
So I'm aware that some people in Germany have already received their copies and that Amazon UK is shipping copies to people right now. So some of you will be reading it before the UK release on the 4th. I'm so excited for you all to dig into it, but I have some extra thoughts...
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And the route to answering those questions is lined with a lot of other people, none of whom have their name on the front cover. First among them is my editor David Fentiman who *got it*. He understood what I had in mind and how I thought this would work. Without that; no book.
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Long live the Empire?
A month today 'Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire' will be released in the US and be out in the world.
Anyone getting excited yet? If so, preorder links are in here:
1) UK:
2) US:
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That moment when a friend (
@JLDraycott
) lets you know that ‘
#StarWars
: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire’ is currently the number 1 bestseller at
@ForbiddenPlanet
in London. Which is just… unreal.
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Can't help but feel it's a little bad taste for Amazon to commercialise
#PrimeDay
. Optimus didn't die on the cross for this. Not for this.
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None of these look like badly constructed starfighters made up of parts from different TIE fighter variants or old Rebel Alliance stock…
First poster for ‘UGLIES.’
Releasing on Netflix on September 13.
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So in incredibly pleasing news, from September I will be joining the exciting
#FWW
Ephemera & Writing project fun by
@ein_haus
&
@teachlearnwar
with
@UofEHumanities
/
@HumsPenryn
! It's such a fascinating project and both Ann-Marie & Catriona are huge heroes, so this will be ace!
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So buy and read the book and hopefully enjoy it. But also remember that just because my name is on it does not make me a singular genius striving alone. Without everyone else this book never exists. And I am profoundly grateful to them all.
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When you finished going through the page proofs for ‘The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire’ this evening…
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@redditships
At this point, based on the evidence presented, I'd like to contest the notion that he's self-aware...
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I continue to think that becoming a historian in a country that has built its entire culture around an event that it obsesses about but doesn't remotely understand was a terrible error.
[wearily fetches megaphone] THE HOME WIFI CAPABILITIES WERE FAIRLY FUCKING BASIC DURING THE NON-CONTAGIOUS BLITZ
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If I should die, think only this of me:
That there’s some corner of a dog’s butt cheek
That is for ever England.
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Alternatively, and hear me out, I’ll stay at home all day and we’ll never speak of these things again.
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As outlined on this work will 'explore the dark times from stories across mediums, including movies, games, series, books, and comics, with chapters covering every aspect of the Emperor’s regime'. We've a lot to show you.
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Also when I've seen threads like this from others you often get a lot of replies along the lines of; 'stick at it' & 'it'll be totally worth it'. I appreciate those supportive sentiments but they do cause problems. I'm not sure that framing it as an endurance test is healthy 4/
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@mikechenwriter
Yes absolutely! And that fight was the perfect indication of just how *boring* he finds all of these things without a challenge.
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So, with my manuscript submission getting closer, I can probably share this now. Hopefully publishing this year with
@PalgraveHistory
; my book on relations between British, French, & American soldiers in the
#FWW
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I say this every year, but on the 1st July I spend a fair amount of time thinking about the Newfoundland regiment who went over the top at the Somme & effectively ceased to exist 15 minutes later. Hard to imagine many 'states' with such a small population giving more to the
#FWW
.
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I'm fine. Shut up.
5/5 Stars. I absolutely love this book and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical version of it!
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Just in from a long day of fun in London and this was waiting for me… Honestly I don’t even know what to say. Thank you to
@dkbooks
,
@amy_geek
,
@jasoncfry
, &
@ColeHorton
for letting me fulfil all my geekiest dreams.
#StarWars
Battles that Changed the Galaxy is so beautiful.
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Similarly Brett Rector at Lucasfilm and everyone in Story Group (who I won’t tag here as god knows their notifications don’t need that) could easily have balked at the idea and how much information it required. But they didn’t. And their names aren’t on the book either.
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Denying that the Nazis killed the people that they killed is Holocaust denial by its very definition. The fact that transphobia ends up coming back to this same line of argument over and over again should be a sign that people can recognise.
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I either spoke directly (or had previously spoken) to
@KristinBaver
@amyrichau
@amy_geek
@Clayton_Sandell
@ghostfinder
@jasoncfry
&
@ColeHorton
and all of them helped me stay the course and they did it just out of kindness. What an incredible thing to do for someone.
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I hope you all realise how close we’re getting to a last 4 of this
#WorldCup2018
built entirely around the Entente Cordiale in the last year of the
#FWW
centenary.
#EntenteWorldCup
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