Unevenly Combined Thoughts
Wilkommen! I am an undergraduate student at ANU studying economics and history. An aspiring economic historian, I write little essays about the books I read, more or less fortnightly. My interests are broad, and so you’ll find books covering pretty much all periods of history in topics ranging from the history of economic thought to historical political economy. That said, I tend towards fiscal and monetary history, with a twentieth century focus. Still, other topics (such as jazz) might also intrude upon occasion….
I decided to write this because I wanted to hold myself to account to thinking as rigorously as possible about what I read. To stop ideas going in one ear and out the other, because, as they say, writing is thinking. So I suppose what you see here may be called ‘reviews’; but really, they are more half-summary, half-review, all musings. You should think of the essays as more of a research diary than a series of cutting critiques or incisive essays. My initial rationale I wrote when I started is here:
I can’t promise anything brilliant — It’s not quite the Toozebook! — but I hope that you find it at least marginally interesting. If you do enjoy it, consider the paid subscription option. I would appreciate the patronage — these books are expensive for a student! If you choose to upgrade, you will receive in addition to the fortnightly reviews a ‘supplemental’, featuring my favourite charts and figures from every book. You can check out an example of this for free here:
So please, humour me and subscribe! I will only bother you every couple of weeks anyway…
P.S: I have to acknowledge my partner, Lexie, who reads, mocks, criticises, and improves almost everything I write. It would be worse without her.
AngusByl@outlook.com
@angusbylsma.bsky.social
@AngusBylsma
