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Drafting the Past

Episode 62: Lyndal Roper Takes a Journey by Page and Pedal

Mar 26, 2025
Join historian Lyndal Roper, a Professor at the University of Oxford and expert on sixteenth-century German history, as she delves into the German Peasants' War. She shares her unique writing process, emphasizing the benefits of typing over handwriting, and how her cycling through historical landscapes fuels her creativity. Lyndal explores the often-overlooked voices of the peasants, reflecting on their experiences and ideals. Her insights into integrating physical activity with learning highlight innovative teaching methods. It's a fascinating journey through history and personal discovery!
58:13

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dr. Lyndal Roper's unconventional publishing journey began with a surprising request, demonstrating the power of perseverance despite initial self-doubt.
  • Her method of physically engaging with historical landscapes while cycling informs her understanding of past events, enhancing the narrative's depth and connection to lived experiences.

Deep dives

The Journey to Write and Publish

The guest shares her unconventional journey into the world of publishing, which began with an unexpected request from a historical journal for her article. Despite initial reluctance and feeling unqualified, she successfully submitted her work, which culminated in a junior research fellowship. This experience sparked a long battle with writer's block as she navigated her academic career while under pressure to produce. The importance of perseverance shines through as she eventually finished her article, providing a gateway to her subsequent achievements in the field.

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