John Valentine writes short blog-style essays on architecture and design, drawing on his travels and quoting from published sources. Recent issues cover the troubles of supertall skyscrapers, modern buildings in Austin, and biophilic design in Pacific Northwest corporate architecture.
Website: https://johnvalentine.substack.com
A history newsletter that investigates how Washington, DC's built environment, federal institutions and racial segregation developed, using current Trump administration actions on the National Mall and elsewhere as starting points. Each issue offers a researched, argument-driven essay on topics such as the National Park Service, Memorial Bridge and the 1893 World's Fair.
Long-form essays that read Italian buildings, monuments and gardens slowly, tracing how layers of history, restoration and invention shaped what visitors see today. Mixes archival detail, on-site observation and personal travel narrative, with practical visiting guidance.
Each issue pairs a historic postcard with a present-day recreation photo to explore a building, monument or artwork and the history behind it. It covers modernist architecture, public monuments and urban history with detailed context on architects, patrons and artists.
One short email a week with hand-picked newsletters from the index. Free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
