This site brings together the diverse aspects of my work.
You’ll find fun adult history that looks beyond the usual kings, battles, and dates to the strange ideas, accidents, people, and turning points that shaped civilization.
You’ll also find humorous travel writing rooted in history, because places become far more interesting once you know what happened there.
For younger readers, there are my middle-grade history books: fast-moving, funny journeys through the past, observed, helped, and occasionally hindered by Peaby, a small orange alien (and alter-ego) with strong opinions about humanity.
Across all of it, the aim is the same: to make history lively, accessible, surprising, and worth arguing about.
Have a look around. There are books, interviews, background stories, updates, illustrations, and assorted historical chaos.
I’m Scott Edwin Williams:
writer, teacher, traveller,and lifelong history nerd.
Aliens didn't build civilization. You humans did — and Peaby has the receipts!
He's a fuzzy orange alien who crash-landed 20,000 years ago and watched you do all of it. Follow the kids who actually lived through it — from the first cities to the Renaissance — while Peaby heckles from the margins.
Real Middle Grade history, with the dull parts removed.
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About the author...
Scott Edwin Williams
Scott Edwin Williams is an Australian writer, educator, and lifelong history nerd. He’s the author of Lightbulb Moments in Human History series, Unearthed: A History Nerd Abroad in Europe, and the middle-grade illustrated series Peaby’s Civilization, which includes We Invented Civilization?, We Rescued Civilization?, and We Renaissanced Civilization?.
He is now working on 'A Glitch in the Clockwork Universe,' a novel (his first) in the Peaby's Civilization series. He lives in Sydney with his partner Lisa and their Russian Blue cat, Maggie, and believes the best stories aren’t just found in books — they’re unearthed in the wild.
Join Scott for a happy hour chat with Eliza Knight while they discuss his book, Lightbulb Moments in Human History: From Peasants to Periwigs, a humorous and informative series exploring the big ideas that have shaped humanity.
Download and subscribe wherever you enjoy to your favorite podcasts!
Or click here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/214779/episodes/16136546
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Watch Scott having a ball chatting with the delightful Peg of the History Shelf
What People are saying:
"Here’s your chance to learn and enjoy Big History in a slightly 'deranged' romp."
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Australian science communicator, author, and populariser
“I loved it—I damn near booked a flight to Paris!”
Scott’s deep love of history—along with his humorous and playful vulnerability—delivers a totally compelling read. He takes the reader by the hand, rendering them his new best friend and trusted co-pilot.
DAWN BRODEY
History Channel and HILF podcast host
Scott Edwin Williams' Lightbulb Moments in Human History From Cave to Colosseum is an absorbing exploration of the most intriguing aspects of human development that will delight those readers who enjoy the popular history genre.
weneedtotalkaboutbooks.com
“If you want a book that will inspire you by learning about the lightbulb moments of history, I highly encourage you to check out Lightbulb Moments in Human History.”
Talk With History Podcast
Unlike other books that offer up humanity’s achievements in a top-ten fashion, Lightbulb Moments in Human History is written in a continual narrative from the witty and humorous perspective of its author.
As the title suggests, you can expect to discover some of the many milestones that define humankind, from the Neolithic Revolution of early agriculturists to the rise of the Roman Empire. You’ll also explore some of the concepts that shaped human lives, such as religion and misguided medicine.
In keeping with Scott Williams’ humour, which leans towards an adult audience in parts, throughout each chapter are amusing meme-style images to add further levity to the eccentricities of humankind.
Wit aside, this book is expertly written and packed with interesting information and educational insight into the past. Whether you’re a history buff or looking to expand your historical horizons, this book is a great read.
How It Works, October 2022
Random Twitter
Troll says:
Stephen Goldberg
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I loved this book. The writing is cute and funny. The book is lively and very well-paced, and once I started, I couldn’t put the book down. Every page held my attention. The cartoons are very funny as are their captions. As a history book, the subject matter was covered very well. As a fan of history, I found this book to be well worth reading. As a fan of humor, I found this book well worth reading.
"... quite brilliant in terms of the depth and fun analysis - this is NOT the history I learned at school - BUT I wish it had been."
Terry Melia
Author of Tales from the Greenhills
Greenhills Chats Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/GreenhillsChats
[Lightbulb Moments in Human History is a blessed relief – telling the history, but with a light touch and a comedic twist - for reading this is a genuine pleasure. Williams' prose is so smooth throughout, and his humorous anecdotes well chosen.
Anne Carlini - Exclusive Magazine
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