I've recently started reading through the archives on the blog. His writing style took me a little getting used to (he's oddly fond of italics), but I think it'

I've recently started reading through the archives on the blog. His writing style took me a little getting used to (he's oddly fond of italics), but I think it's really an attempt at transcribing what might otherwise be a lecture into text, and once you get used to it, it's fine. But the actual writing is amazing, and he's written on an oddly large number of topics that I find fascinating. I also appreciate how he's careful to give citations to source materials, and how he tries to mention, when relevant, that there's a controversy or dispute over some idea, or that the historical record simply doesn't let us know some detail. I especially liked: This Isn't Sparta: https://acoup.blog/2019/08/16/collections-this-isnt-sparta-part-i-spartan-school/ https://acoup.blog/2019/08/16/collections-this-isnt-sparta-p... The Fremen Mirage: https://acoup.blog/2020/01/17/collections-the-fremen-mirage-part-i-war-at-the-dawn-of-civilization/ https://acoup.blog/2020/01/17/collections-the-fremen-mirage-... Practical Polytheism: https://acoup.blog/2019/10/25/collections-practical-polytheism-part-i-knowledge/ https://acoup.blog/2019/10/25/collections-practical-polythei... Why Don't We Use Chemical Weapons Anymore: https://acoup.blog/2020/03/20/collections-why-dont-we-use-chemical-weapons-anymore/ https://acoup.blog/2020/03/20/collections-why-dont-we-use-ch... Order In Armor: https://acoup.blog/2019/05/03/collections-armor-in-order-part-i/ https://acoup.blog/2019/05/03/collections-armor-in-order-par... and https://acoup.blog/2019/05/03/collections-armor-in-order-part-ii/ https://acoup.blog/2019/05/03/collections-armor-in-order-par... I could go on. The series on Sparta was especially interesting, because I actually thought I knew a little bit about Sparta, but as it turns out, I really, really did not. Learning new things feels good, but unlearning mistaken beliefs is amazing. :) If the above links don't seem interesting, try poking around the blog. He's written some fascinating analysis of Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, spaceship design, bow range, and more.