Joanna Bourke
@joannabourke.bsky.social
Historian curious about violence, the emotions, and what it means to be human. Currently writing a book on Women and Wine! See joannabourke.com
Someone who follows me reminded me of a piece I wrote on Niki de Saint Phalle's disturbing 1973 film "Daddy": I have posted it. This is "Joanna-in-a-very-rare-psychoanalytic mood"!
www.joannabourke.com/blog @cultsochistory.bsky.social @crispp.bsky.social @bho.bsky.social @modernistudies.bsky.social
www.joannabourke.com/blog @cultsochistory.bsky.social @crispp.bsky.social @bho.bsky.social @modernistudies.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Someone who follows me reminded me of a piece I wrote on Niki de Saint Phalle's disturbing 1973 film "Daddy": I have posted it. This is "Joanna-in-a-very-rare-psychoanalytic mood"!
www.joannabourke.com/blog @cultsochistory.bsky.social @crispp.bsky.social @bho.bsky.social @modernistudies.bsky.social
www.joannabourke.com/blog @cultsochistory.bsky.social @crispp.bsky.social @bho.bsky.social @modernistudies.bsky.social
I'm breaking my silence with another cocktail blog as part of my 'Let's Lighten Up' series. It is for a spicy tsiporos (or grappa) cocktail. I enjoy it. Try it!
October 26, 2025 at 4:31 PM
I'm breaking my silence with another cocktail blog as part of my 'Let's Lighten Up' series. It is for a spicy tsiporos (or grappa) cocktail. I enjoy it. Try it!
Looking forward to speaking at the 20th anniversary of the Centre for the Social History of Health & Healthcare, University of Strathclyde, alongside the incredible Tracey Loughran. I speak about violent women and medical profession. Join us, 29th Oct: from 3.30pm: www.strath.ac.uk/humanities/d...
October 14, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Looking forward to speaking at the 20th anniversary of the Centre for the Social History of Health & Healthcare, University of Strathclyde, alongside the incredible Tracey Loughran. I speak about violent women and medical profession. Join us, 29th Oct: from 3.30pm: www.strath.ac.uk/humanities/d...
The Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia has produced a beautiful volume based on the exhibition 'Can We Stop Killing Each Other?' (showing until mid-2026). Recommend the exhibition and book: sainsburycentre.ac.uk/whats-on/can... @sainsburycentre.bsky.social @ueahistory.bsky.social
October 11, 2025 at 10:12 AM
The Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia has produced a beautiful volume based on the exhibition 'Can We Stop Killing Each Other?' (showing until mid-2026). Recommend the exhibition and book: sainsburycentre.ac.uk/whats-on/can... @sainsburycentre.bsky.social @ueahistory.bsky.social
I have been writing about Euripides’ The Bacchae for my new book on Wine & Women. It speaks to my lifelong curiosity about orgiastic violence, the gods, female resistance, & wine. I have seen other productions i.e. the Epidaurus Theatre, so can't wait to watch the new National Theatre production.
October 4, 2025 at 2:03 PM
I have been writing about Euripides’ The Bacchae for my new book on Wine & Women. It speaks to my lifelong curiosity about orgiastic violence, the gods, female resistance, & wine. I have seen other productions i.e. the Epidaurus Theatre, so can't wait to watch the new National Theatre production.
Some of you will know that I am writing a book on 'Wine and Women' (a celebration, not misery lit!). I just heard that the 'bar suffragette' Merle Thornton died, aged 93. I wish I had met her. See why: www.joannabourke.com/blog
September 29, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Some of you will know that I am writing a book on 'Wine and Women' (a celebration, not misery lit!). I just heard that the 'bar suffragette' Merle Thornton died, aged 93. I wish I had met her. See why: www.joannabourke.com/blog
Fabulous conference at CHAM Açores - Centro de Humanidades / Universidade dos Açores, on 'Fears, Beliefs, and Representations. Some enlightening papers in Portuguese and English. Thanks to the organisers.
September 26, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Fabulous conference at CHAM Açores - Centro de Humanidades / Universidade dos Açores, on 'Fears, Beliefs, and Representations. Some enlightening papers in Portuguese and English. Thanks to the organisers.
Outraged that UC Berkeley is pursuing allegations of antisemitism against Judith Butler & 160 others, initiated by the Republican administration. Butler has been open about their critique of the policies of the state of Israel but has always fought against racism & antisemitism. Shame on you.
September 13, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Outraged that UC Berkeley is pursuing allegations of antisemitism against Judith Butler & 160 others, initiated by the Republican administration. Butler has been open about their critique of the policies of the state of Israel but has always fought against racism & antisemitism. Shame on you.
Just returned from a tour of the wines of the Peloponnese region, Greece. My top recommendation is the Seméli estate. Their Thea Mantinia (100% Moschofilero) & Nemea Grande Reserve (100% Agiorgitiko) are incredible and complex. This estate is a 'must visit' for all lovers of wine and elegance.
August 27, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Just returned from a tour of the wines of the Peloponnese region, Greece. My top recommendation is the Seméli estate. Their Thea Mantinia (100% Moschofilero) & Nemea Grande Reserve (100% Agiorgitiko) are incredible and complex. This estate is a 'must visit' for all lovers of wine and elegance.
I have been reflecting on the university in crisis bec invited to talk at the the 109th Rectors’ Assembly of Greek Universities. My thoughts: www.joannabourke.com/post/defendi... @bbkhistorical.bsky.social @openlibhums.bsky.social @bisa-bkk.bsky.social @royalhistsoc.org @britishacademy.bsky.social
July 13, 2025 at 10:22 PM
I have been reflecting on the university in crisis bec invited to talk at the the 109th Rectors’ Assembly of Greek Universities. My thoughts: www.joannabourke.com/post/defendi... @bbkhistorical.bsky.social @openlibhums.bsky.social @bisa-bkk.bsky.social @royalhistsoc.org @britishacademy.bsky.social
Here it is! I enjoyed writing it; learnt a lot in the process, especially about primates and language, pain, 'carnivores, legal constructions of personhood, speciesism, and, of course, xenotransplantation! @bisa-bkk.bsky.social @animalhistories.bsky.social @historyworkshop.org.uk
June 21, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Here it is! I enjoyed writing it; learnt a lot in the process, especially about primates and language, pain, 'carnivores, legal constructions of personhood, speciesism, and, of course, xenotransplantation! @bisa-bkk.bsky.social @animalhistories.bsky.social @historyworkshop.org.uk
I have just seen the (proposed) cover for my new book on 'Evil Women': Myra Hindley, Rosemary West, Aileen Wuornos, Karla Homolka, & Karla Faye Tucker. Here it is: www.joannabourke.com/blog @reaktionbooks.bsky.social @bbkhistorical.bsky.social @birkbeckpsychology.bsky.social @bisa-bkk.bsky.social
June 15, 2025 at 11:40 AM
I have just seen the (proposed) cover for my new book on 'Evil Women': Myra Hindley, Rosemary West, Aileen Wuornos, Karla Homolka, & Karla Faye Tucker. Here it is: www.joannabourke.com/blog @reaktionbooks.bsky.social @bbkhistorical.bsky.social @birkbeckpsychology.bsky.social @bisa-bkk.bsky.social
Just returned from an immersive time in Japan: zen gardens, sculpture parks, onsens & shokudos. Mesmerised by photographer Ishiuchi. Here are my reflections on her 'hiroshima' art: www.joannabourke.com/blog @bbkhistorical.bsky.social @bisa-bkk.bsky.social @ihr.bsky.social @reaktionbooks.bsky.social
June 12, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Just returned from an immersive time in Japan: zen gardens, sculpture parks, onsens & shokudos. Mesmerised by photographer Ishiuchi. Here are my reflections on her 'hiroshima' art: www.joannabourke.com/blog @bbkhistorical.bsky.social @bisa-bkk.bsky.social @ihr.bsky.social @reaktionbooks.bsky.social
Breaking news! I have just received a (draft) cover of my new book on five 'evil' women: Myra Hindley, Aileen Wuornos, Rosemary West, Karla Homolka, and Karla Faye Tucker. It explores the meanings given to extreme cruelty from historical, legal, & feminist perspectives.
See www.joannabourke.com/blog
See www.joannabourke.com/blog
June 9, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Breaking news! I have just received a (draft) cover of my new book on five 'evil' women: Myra Hindley, Aileen Wuornos, Rosemary West, Karla Homolka, and Karla Faye Tucker. It explores the meanings given to extreme cruelty from historical, legal, & feminist perspectives.
See www.joannabourke.com/blog
See www.joannabourke.com/blog
A date for your diaries! 8 July, 18:30 — 20:30, 43 Gordon Sq, for the launch of Ruth Beecher’s book, Community Health Practitioners and Child Sexual Abuse in the Family, 1970s-2010s. Free, must register: www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event... @recovery-histories.bsky.social @birkbeckpsychology.bsky.social
May 17, 2025 at 11:35 AM
A date for your diaries! 8 July, 18:30 — 20:30, 43 Gordon Sq, for the launch of Ruth Beecher’s book, Community Health Practitioners and Child Sexual Abuse in the Family, 1970s-2010s. Free, must register: www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event... @recovery-histories.bsky.social @birkbeckpsychology.bsky.social
Anyone interested in making a feminist case for transwomen in sport, a 'must read' is Sheree Bekker & Stephen Mumford's 'Open Play. The Case for Feminist Sport'. Riveting from start to finish (& I have Never said that about a book on Sport!). @reaktionbooks.bsky.social @bbkhistorical.bsky.social
May 9, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Anyone interested in making a feminist case for transwomen in sport, a 'must read' is Sheree Bekker & Stephen Mumford's 'Open Play. The Case for Feminist Sport'. Riveting from start to finish (& I have Never said that about a book on Sport!). @reaktionbooks.bsky.social @bbkhistorical.bsky.social
Tomorrow is the big day for fans of Sameena Mulla's work: she is giving a talk at Birkbeck, Wed 30 April, 6pm on 'How Courts Theorise Black Families in the Prosecution of Sexual Assault.' Free but must book: www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event...
@bbkhistorical.bsky.social
@birkbeckpsychology.bsky.social
@bbkhistorical.bsky.social
@birkbeckpsychology.bsky.social
April 29, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Tomorrow is the big day for fans of Sameena Mulla's work: she is giving a talk at Birkbeck, Wed 30 April, 6pm on 'How Courts Theorise Black Families in the Prosecution of Sexual Assault.' Free but must book: www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event...
@bbkhistorical.bsky.social
@birkbeckpsychology.bsky.social
@bbkhistorical.bsky.social
@birkbeckpsychology.bsky.social
The conference of the Irish Association for American Studies at Trinity College Dublin just finished. Amazing papers. I have posted my talk, 'Wound Nationalism: "Culture Wars" and the Politics of "The People"' here: www.joannabourke.com/blog @bbkhistorical.bsky.social @ucdgender.bsky.social
April 26, 2025 at 12:43 PM
The conference of the Irish Association for American Studies at Trinity College Dublin just finished. Amazing papers. I have posted my talk, 'Wound Nationalism: "Culture Wars" and the Politics of "The People"' here: www.joannabourke.com/blog @bbkhistorical.bsky.social @ucdgender.bsky.social
To all fans of Sameena Mulla's work: she is giving a talk at Birkbeck, Wed 30 April, 6pm on 'How Courts Theorise Black Families in the Prosecution of Sexual Assault.' I am a fan; excited! Free but must book: www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event... @bbkhistorical.bsky.social @birkbeckpsychology.bsky.social
April 23, 2025 at 2:20 PM
To all fans of Sameena Mulla's work: she is giving a talk at Birkbeck, Wed 30 April, 6pm on 'How Courts Theorise Black Families in the Prosecution of Sexual Assault.' I am a fan; excited! Free but must book: www.bbk.ac.uk/events/event... @bbkhistorical.bsky.social @birkbeckpsychology.bsky.social
Since 20/1/25, I have been struggling to understand current US politics. I am sharing some thoughts at the Irish Association of American Studies. 25 April. Many incredible other speakers also presenting their work. I am excited to hear from them. Join us and share your views @tcddublin.bsky.social
April 20, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Since 20/1/25, I have been struggling to understand current US politics. I am sharing some thoughts at the Irish Association of American Studies. 25 April. Many incredible other speakers also presenting their work. I am excited to hear from them. Join us and share your views @tcddublin.bsky.social
The Men's Dress Reform Party (1930s, UK) was extraordinary: they sought to make men 'beautiful' & 'free'. Strongly eugenic & part of the New Health movement. Eccentrics? Early Men's Rights Movement? Certainly part of the colonialist project. See my blog here: www.joannabourke.com/blog.
April 20, 2025 at 4:33 PM
The Men's Dress Reform Party (1930s, UK) was extraordinary: they sought to make men 'beautiful' & 'free'. Strongly eugenic & part of the New Health movement. Eccentrics? Early Men's Rights Movement? Certainly part of the colonialist project. See my blog here: www.joannabourke.com/blog.
In 2023, I published the history of Birkbeck, formerly the London Mechanics' Institution, & my intellectual 'home' for 3 decades (gulp!). But Mechanics Institutes were all around the world. I wrote a short piece on the one in Lurgan. See the blog: www.joannabourke.com/blog. @lovinglurgan.bsky.social
April 12, 2025 at 4:52 PM
In 2023, I published the history of Birkbeck, formerly the London Mechanics' Institution, & my intellectual 'home' for 3 decades (gulp!). But Mechanics Institutes were all around the world. I wrote a short piece on the one in Lurgan. See the blog: www.joannabourke.com/blog. @lovinglurgan.bsky.social
I have been fascinated by Incels (mainly misogynist, young white men who are 'involuntary celibates') for decades, so decided to write a short post about them: www.joannabourke.com/blog
April 12, 2025 at 3:55 PM
I have been fascinated by Incels (mainly misogynist, young white men who are 'involuntary celibates') for decades, so decided to write a short post about them: www.joannabourke.com/blog
Since 20/1/25 I have been struggling to understand current US politics. Will be trying out some ideas at the Irish Association of American Studies, Trinity College Dublin, 25 April. Many amazing speakers also presenting their work. Join us, 24-26 @tcddublin.bsky.social @ucdgender.bsky.social
April 10, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Since 20/1/25 I have been struggling to understand current US politics. Will be trying out some ideas at the Irish Association of American Studies, Trinity College Dublin, 25 April. Many amazing speakers also presenting their work. Join us, 24-26 @tcddublin.bsky.social @ucdgender.bsky.social
Since 20/1/25 I have been struggling to understand current US politics. Will be trying out some ideas at the Irish Association of American Studies, Trinity College Dublin, 25 April. Many amazing speakers also presenting their work. Join us, 24-26 April! @tlrhub.bsky.social @historytcd.bsky.social
April 10, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Since 20/1/25 I have been struggling to understand current US politics. Will be trying out some ideas at the Irish Association of American Studies, Trinity College Dublin, 25 April. Many amazing speakers also presenting their work. Join us, 24-26 April! @tlrhub.bsky.social @historytcd.bsky.social