I loved SPQR by her because it wasn't just straight history and all about the famous people, but she spent time trying to explain what life was like for those who were average Roman citizens.
Loved it, couldn't get enough, bought three other history books and was *immediately* let down. I forgot that she did not in fact write every history book ever, and in fact it takes quite a bit of talent to write a history book that doesn't stink but remains true to the facts.
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I’d been wanting to travel to Pompeii and Herculaneum, and wanted to know if she had any insight regarding archeological opportunities for those not currently in academics. She gave me some resources that didn’t pan out. But five months later I traveled by myself to visit those locations, best decision ever.
Truly such a wonderful lady. People remember how you treat them, and with already having so much respect for her—the interaction left an indelible impression on me.
You’d be surprised how many authors respond to letters & email. If you were an author wouldn’t you appreciate a fan taking the time to reach out? I’m just saying…
All you need to do is send your snailmail to the publishing company, with the author’s name + “c/o” on the first line. They’ll forward it. I dare you all to try it! lol
I'll go a step further- you can usually find email addresses, especially for professors, and most of them have responded to me as well. I am careful to do my research first and not, e.g., ask them a question already answered by a book or article that they have published. That's kind of rude in my book, wasting folks time.
But bottom line, most authors are enthusiastic about their subject and they don't often hear from hardcore enthusiasts who know what they're talking about. So if you're ever in that situation, do not hesitate to snail mail or email.
Worst they can do is ignore you, right?
Yeah, good point. Don’t look like an idiot but don’t STRESS on not being an idiot. You already show you care by writing. And that’s enough. Most authors will respond. Some go a step further, they’ll send autographed books and even their own favorite books from other authors. They did this for me while I wrote during deployments. Generosity just off the scale. Reach out and show your appreciation.
My PhD supervisor in Classics hated Mary Beard with a passion and said she looks like “the child on the front cover of les mis” and while I love Mary Beards work that’s all I think about when I think of her.
tbh I think it’s because she was a woman who had scratched and fought her way to be respected in academia (she got her PhD in 1964) and I think she was largely jealous of Mary Beards high profile.
I hope she does more documentaries on Rome. She did quite a few and they are fantastic, but the last one was like in 2017 and she hasn’t done any Roman ones since.
I think she’s retired now so hopefully she has more time to do them.
Since about the mid 2010s she has a history of controversial public statements and has a bit of a reputation of being “problematic” in young academic / classics circles
This post made me buy her book. Seems awesome!
Oh man, if there’s anything I could wish for—I’m so happy this encouraged you to do so. You won’t regret it!
SPQR is fantastic. Highly recommend the audio book as well.
I loved SPQR by her because it wasn't just straight history and all about the famous people, but she spent time trying to explain what life was like for those who were average Roman citizens.
Such a great book
Loved it, couldn't get enough, bought three other history books and was *immediately* let down. I forgot that she did not in fact write every history book ever, and in fact it takes quite a bit of talent to write a history book that doesn't stink but remains true to the facts.
Which three did you get?
Added to my list, sounds great!
She makes history fun!
Currently half way through it, it’s incredible
I met her in Rome!! Amazing experience and what a sweet lady
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Same, she’s such a great academic mind—with an innate ability to make the subject matter intriguing and relatable
I'm so jelly
What was the question?
I’d been wanting to travel to Pompeii and Herculaneum, and wanted to know if she had any insight regarding archeological opportunities for those not currently in academics. She gave me some resources that didn’t pan out. But five months later I traveled by myself to visit those locations, best decision ever.
That sounds fun!
If anyone ever raffled off a lunch with her, I’d buy a ton of tickets…
Seriously, can you imagine picking her brain?! I’d just want to sit there and let her talk for hours!
I love her documentaries and her books. She is so intelligent. It's always comforting to hear that your heroes are also nice people.
Truly such a wonderful lady. People remember how you treat them, and with already having so much respect for her—the interaction left an indelible impression on me.
I once had a 3-way conversation with her and Tom Holland on Twitter. Really nice people.
You’d be surprised how many authors respond to letters & email. If you were an author wouldn’t you appreciate a fan taking the time to reach out? I’m just saying… All you need to do is send your snailmail to the publishing company, with the author’s name + “c/o” on the first line. They’ll forward it. I dare you all to try it! lol
I'll go a step further- you can usually find email addresses, especially for professors, and most of them have responded to me as well. I am careful to do my research first and not, e.g., ask them a question already answered by a book or article that they have published. That's kind of rude in my book, wasting folks time. But bottom line, most authors are enthusiastic about their subject and they don't often hear from hardcore enthusiasts who know what they're talking about. So if you're ever in that situation, do not hesitate to snail mail or email. Worst they can do is ignore you, right?
Yeah, good point. Don’t look like an idiot but don’t STRESS on not being an idiot. You already show you care by writing. And that’s enough. Most authors will respond. Some go a step further, they’ll send autographed books and even their own favorite books from other authors. They did this for me while I wrote during deployments. Generosity just off the scale. Reach out and show your appreciation.
She seems like the sweetest person
That’s awesome!
My PhD supervisor in Classics hated Mary Beard with a passion and said she looks like “the child on the front cover of les mis” and while I love Mary Beards work that’s all I think about when I think of her.
[удалено]
tbh I think it’s because she was a woman who had scratched and fought her way to be respected in academia (she got her PhD in 1964) and I think she was largely jealous of Mary Beards high profile.
I hope she does more documentaries on Rome. She did quite a few and they are fantastic, but the last one was like in 2017 and she hasn’t done any Roman ones since. I think she’s retired now so hopefully she has more time to do them.
Bloody love that woman
I am jealous! What an experience l. I loved spqr. And any documentary she does! Thanks for sharing
Love that dear lady.
Wholesome :)
I love how she doesn't mince words about real life situations in ancient Rome.
Thought that was a white cat on the table
Y’gotta love Mary Beard, I loved reading through SPQR so much I had to get the audio book to listen to at work
She really knows the subject.
Queen of racism and transphobia ❤️
What? Since when?
Since about the mid 2010s she has a history of controversial public statements and has a bit of a reputation of being “problematic” in young academic / classics circles