I've been passionate about history from being very small. When I was 5 I used to tell people I wanted to be an archaeologist, but ended up as a professional historian because I don't like being knee-deep in mud. I tend to get deeply attached to historical characters in a way I don't with living people: I think, because I know how their stories end, and because people on paper are easier for me to get inside their heads with. As a schoolgirl and student, others thought it odd that my pin-ups ranged from mediæval princes to 19C consumptive artists and duelling poets.
I've been passionate about history from being very small. When I was 5 I used to tell people I wanted to be an archaeologist, but ended up as a professional historian because I don't like being knee-deep in mud. I tend to get deeply attached to historical characters in a way I don't with living people: I think, because I know how their stories end, and because people on paper are easier for me to get inside their heads with. As a schoolgirl and student, others thought it odd that my pin-ups ranged from mediæval princes to 19C consumptive artists and duelling poets.
