Frank Cogliano
@frankcogliano
Professor of American History, University of Edinburgh. Author (with Peter S. Onuf) of Thomas Jefferson Survives: American Independence in His Time and Ours (Liveright, 2026).
Son called me from Scotland with a pizza-making emergency. All those years slinging dough have paid off. He still needs me.
Spent three and a half days with a group of amazing schoolteachers at @jmmontpelier.bsky.social discussing the origins and history of the US constitution. We hit all the hot topics: enslavement, Indigenous displacement, the meaning of liberty, God, guns, and more.
Had a civil, informed discussion with around 20 schoolteachers (from a variety of faith traditions) across the US about separation of church and state this afternoon. Inspiring.
Conference swag. Probably his least controversial position. @uvapress.bsky.social
A rare social media appearance (with her blessing) of my nonpareil editor, Nadine Zimmerli, and the book we did together for @uvapress.bsky.social (with 24 amazing colleagues). Taken at #SHEAR2026
Or, how about offering assistance to help your neighbor and work together to solve a common problem,like the Canadians and Mexicans did during the California fires last year?
View across the Potomac at 6:00 am. Spoiler: George Washington did not throw a silver dollar across the Potomac. It's a mile wide here.
Early Bastille Day dinner. One of the best things about research fellowships is the fellowship among the fellows!
#BellaDogliano is making a late night of it, out at the pub supporting Norway. She's engrossed in the match.
Peter Onuf and I had a great time in Dallas last week discussing our new book, Thomas Jefferson Survives, at four different events organized by Talmage Boston. You can hear a recording of one of our conversations with Talmage here: soundcloud.com/crossexamini...
Good morning, my little armored friend. Spotted on the banks of the Potomac.
The heat index says it feels like 106f/41c. Went to see the inimitable Doug Bradburn welcome 150 new citizens from 50 different countries. I'm a sucker for naturalization ceremonies. They get me every time. Welcome aboard, folks. You make us better.
Everything's bigger in Texas, including book events. We saw 1200 people across four events in 24 hours and signed and sold a lot of books. The folks from Interabangbooks did an amazing job selling our title, Thomas Jefferson Survives. The people we met were even warmer than the weather.
Peter Onuf & I just spent 90 minutes walking around Dallas in the hot sun looking for Mickey Mantle's grave. Reminded of the time we went searching in the rain in Edinburgh for Adam Smith's grave. Fitting since Smith is the Mantle of political economists.
Went to the US Consulate's 250th reception. No one mentioned the Declaration of Arbroath. Not even the First Minister. My work is done. (The Tartan Army was mentioned a million times.)
One of my favourite views in Edinburgh. It's usually rammed with tourists at this time of year but was surprising quiet at 9 pm tonight.
There's more than one Scotland team playing in a world cup at the moment. C'mon the Saltires!
#BellaDogliano: "Don't even think about trying to make me go out in the rain again!"
Big week coming up with events in Southampton, Lymington, Edinburgh, and Belfast before heading to the USA at the end of the month. Pete and I have some dates available in the summer and autumn in the US (and online). DM or email me.
Son's got his face paint, a new saltire, and a travel kilt (he doesn't want to endanger his good kilt) for his trip to the #WorldCup. I think his immigrant forebears packed a bit differently when they went to Boston in 1906.
Look at what I discovered in one of my books today! Scots are going to be paying a wee bit more than $25 to watch football in Foxborough in the next few weeks! I miss ticket stubs, e-tickets don't evoke the same memories (and you can't use them as bookmarks!).
Had a terrific time doing a keynote panel at the "America's 1776" conference at the @amphilsociety.bsky.social. Mary Sarah Bilder, Brendan McConville and Peter Onuf are A LOT of fun. Serious ideas discussed with good humor. What could be better? (Photo credit: AGR)
Hey @uvapress.bsky.social look what they're selling at the @amrevmuseum.bsky.social!
Peter Onuf and I had a lot of fun launching _Jefferson Survives_ last night at the @amrevmuseum.bsky.social. Scott Stephenson was a genial interlocutor. At the signing afterwards a guest said, "You guys are like an old married couple."