See the real world more clearly
I write, talk and teach about how to see our changing world more clearly with history.
And then to write in a way that touches people’s souls and persuades their wisest minds.
Welcome to the Burning Archive
Here you can learn about me Jeff Rich, writer, historian and ex-government official.
You can learn about my twin loves – history and writing.
And you can learn how you can read my writing, listen to my talks, watch my videos and learn from my online courses.
See the world more clearly with me.
My writing
On my substack, Burning Archive, I write twice a week on how the big events of today’s multipolar world relate to the big issues of world history. Join for free at jeffrich.substack.com, and receive bonus content by becoming a supporter.
I have also published three books, and more are on the way!
My talks, videos & podcasts
On my YouTube channel and podcast I talk about world history, and introduce you to some of the best historians, ideas, books, films, classic texts, and practical tips so you can learn more about the real, diverse history of the multipolar world. Whether you follow geopolitics, plan to travel to historic places, or just love to learn at whatever age, you will love the Burning Archive channel
My online courses
You can explore world history with me in my courses at courses.jeffrichwriter.com. Become a World History Explorer, and understand the big ideas of history – civilizations, climate change, empires, war and peace, and the West vs the Rest – by reading one quality world history book at a time.
Or try my writing courses.
Join my free weekly newsletter
At my Burning Archive substack I write a weekly essay on world history and its echoes in the world today. It is delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning an is packed with more insight than the weekend papers. Paid subscribers receive bonus content every Wednesday.
You can join right here https://jeffrich.substack.com
Let’s work together one on one
You can book a call with me through this Z-Cal link or email me at courses@jeffrichwriter.com.
Here are three great ways we could work together 1:1
Let’s talk 1:1
I offer coaching, skills training and advice across my broad areas of expertise. I can mentor writers in governmen
Why not book a discovery call on ZCal and let’s explore how I can help you.
Be my guest
I have interviewed some great guests on my shows over the years. Leading historians. Experts in defence, China and economics.
Contact me and let us share another great conversation with the world.
Invite me to talk
I have delivered many public talks, and appeared on The Duran (the world’s No. 1 Geopolitics channel that has hosted John Mearsheimer, Jeffrey Sachs, Jacques Baud and many more).
Let’s talk about appearing on your show or talking with your group.
Looking for help with writing?
That is a craft and a profession that I can help you with.
I have written professionally, privately and publicly for my whole adult life.
Now I offer both courses and 1:1 support to individuals to help you master your writing challenges.
My writing courses
My first writing course is Government Writer Masterclass, based on a program I delivered in the Victorian Government in 2022.
I will be developing other courses for writers in day jobs through 2024.
Sign up at courses.jeffrichrichwriter.com to get the latest news.
1:1 writing support
I can also coach you with your individual writing challenge.
Book a free discovery call via ZCal.
I am also offering individual mentoring through my online school. Email me at courses@jeffrichwriter.com if you would like tailored coaching for your writing challenge.
About me
- Author. I have written essays, fiction, history, poetry and more government reports than I care to remember
- Historian. I have a PhD in history, taught at Australian National University, and have studied history my whole life.
- Ex-Government official. I worked for 33 years as public servant, in fields as diverse as education, health, alcohol and drugs, IVF and technology policy
- This combination of experiences can help you see the real world more clearly with some quality history.
My outlook in quotes
The past is not dead. The past is not even past.
William Faulkner.
“The angel would like to stay, awaken the dead, and make whole what has been smashed. But a storm is blowing in from Paradise… This storm is what we call progress.”.
Walter Benjamin.
Success
My writing has been published in Australia’s leading online public policy journal, Pearls and Irritations. My most recent piece is “The West has lost the will to peace.”
Guests on my shows include renowned historians, Felipe Fernández-Armesto and Marie Favereau.
I have appeared on the Hrvoje Moric show and The Duran (see video above).
Buy my books
You can buy my books at Amazon and other online retailers.
Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Bureaucrat: Writing on Governing (2023)
From the Burning Archive: Essays and Fragments 2015-2021 (2022)
Gathering Flowers of the Mind: Collected Poems, 1996-2020. (2021)
Get In Touch
You can contact me about courses at courses@jeffrichwriter.com.
Be sure to join my Substack, and join the community to discuss quality world history.
Subscribe to my channel
Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, The Burning Archive. And leave me a comment – I reply to them all.
Explore my backlist of videos including my Review of the Ridley Scott’s film, Napoleon, my guide to the 5 best history books to understand geopolitics, and my series on Russian History backwards from Gorbachev to Kievan Rus.