Matt Eaton
@matteatonmedia
Author and historian researching troop morale and entertainment, Military History PhD. See for newsletter and more. Forthcoming book, Madam V's War (
There's nothing like holding a physical book, especially when it's your first to be published. A privilege to be able to write about this great lady's wartime contribution with her godson, Adam Fairclough. Madam V: Virginia Vernon's War will be on sale from 13 August from all the usual places.
Bloody hell - double page centre spead in The Mirror today! An article about Virginia Vernon and my new book. www.waterstones.com/book/madam-v...
Very sad to hear of Ed Stourtons death this morning on BBC R4. As well as a great broadcaster, he wrote this little gem of a book. #histbookchat
Well, this is all rather pleasant. Bentley Priory Dowding System Day with excellent talks so far.
For a complete change of pace, I'm really enjoying the history of women and alcohol by Mallory O'Meara. Don't be misled by the cover and title. This author writes with wit and a piercing insight into gender politics through the ages. #histbookchat #photofriday
This weeks new addition and #histbookchat is the autobiography of Michael Howard. Looking forward to getting stuck into this one.
Doesn't seem to show any issues with the host over the past 24 hours. Maybe a Bluesky thing? #histscalemodels
Now this is a venue! Attended a friend's 50th last night in the middle of a field of wild flowers yesterday. Wonderful evening, although this tested even the Fexofenadine hay fever remedy!
Reading Atkinson's second volume of the War for America trilogy, The Fate of the Day. This one is on the electronic gizmo - annoying not to have it on my shelf but easier for reading on the move. #histbookchat #photofriday (nearly)
Presenting a keynote in London today on change with the CTO of the History Channel. Don't get distracted by the AI - it's all about the people: storytelling, changing mindsets, and setting expectations (the difficult stuff).
Presenting at the Military Welfare Network Conference this morning on civic engagement between ENSA and the British Army. There's a lot to say and only 20 minutes to say it in! Brevity is the soul of wit, etc!! Wish me luck. #skystorians
The London IC march from Golders Green to the IWM yesterday led by Al Murray. Raising a significant chunk of change for Finlays Trust. Fantastic day!
Still ploughing through the very entertaining Montys Autobiography, but grabbed an afternoon at the BL to read this History of the Naafi by Sue Lowe. Ok as a collection of stories but lacks citations. Surprised at how little has been written about the service for the services. #histbookchat
Just heard Sarah Wynn Williams's lawyer on R4 talking about Meta's legal challenge to stop promoting her book and her silent protest at the Hay Literary Festival. If you haven't read Careless People about her time working for Facebook, I strongly urge you to do so! #booksky
Reading Montys memoir with more than a pinch of salt. Fascinating reading about his time at St Paul's, his nickname 'Monkey', and after Sandhurst, his pecuniary focus on joining the Indian Army. #histbookchat #photofriday
Won't be long now! Index and final proofs done. #histbookchat #secondworldwar #milwelfhist
Finished Atkinson's first volume of his American Revolution Trilogy. I don't think I've read a more richly described historical account - you are submerged into the 18th century - beautifully written. I look forward to reading volume two! #histbookchat
Beautiful early morning walk with Mickey in the woods. Stay cool everyone!
Teatime - I made a classic Victoria Sandwich Cake inspired by @nigella.bsky.social's bank holiday posts. This will not last long!
For those on Facebook, I encourage you to follow Simon's HistoryBookChat page. But don't worry, I will, of course, continue Bluesky's own #histbookchat feed as FB is not everyone's cup of tea.
It's fair to say that my reading rate has slowed this past month. Partly because I'm in a writing phase, but mostly because I've been savouring @alanallport.bsky.social's astonishing Advance Brittania. Finished it today in the British Library and I think I now need a little lie down! #histbookchat
Reading Galloway for my IRL book club this month. His holy trinity of maleness to protect, provide, and procreate feels deeply problematic to me, especially in the context of long-term national identity. Not far in and will press on, but has anyone read it and happy to share their opinions? #booksky
At a trade show today as part of my day job and I've come to the conclusion that I can see more by sitting in one place and letting conversations come to me.