Dr Ailsa Boyd
@ailsaboyd.bsky.social
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Victorian art history, design, literature, house history, Scottish heritage
#retrofirst
The Edith Wharton Summit at
The Mount
, USA I presented at the Edith Wharton Summit in the US on Wharton, Walter and Matilda Gay, on paintings of empty rooms, and imagined interiors. My last visit to Whartonâs house was 26 years ago.
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The Edith Wharton Summit at The Mount, USA
I presented at the Edith Wharton Summit in the US on Wharton, Walter and Matilda Gay, on paintings of empty rooms, and imagined interiors. My last visit to Whartonâs house was 26 years ago.
https://ailsaboyd.wordpress.com/2026/06/18/the-edith-wharton-summit-at-the-mount-usa/
4 days ago
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This year I am joining WESTFEST to talk about âThe Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones: Islamic Architecture and Design in the 19th Centuryâ on 16th June @ 7pm FREE
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WESTFEST: âThe Arlington Bathsâ Heritage Talk
This year I am joining WESTFEST to talk about âThe Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones: Islamic Architecture and Design in the 19th Centuryâ on 16th June @ 7pm FREE
https://ailsaboyd.wordpress.com/2026/06/05/westfest-the-arlington-baths-heritage-talk/
18 days ago
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This year I am joining
@westfest.bsky.social
to talk about âThe Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones: Islamic Architecture and Design in the 19th Centuryâ on 16th June @ 7pm FREE Full details here:
tinyurl.com/45929yuw
25 days ago
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Free Talk! WESTFEST 16th June @ 7:00 pm
westfest.uk/event/herita...
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HERITAGE TALKS: THE ARLINGTON BATHS, THE ALHAMBRA AND OWEN JONES: ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN IN THE 19TH CENTURY *NEW* - WestFest
What inspired the architecture of the Arlington? Dr AILSA BOYD will examine an extraordinary book on the Alhambra published by designer Owen Jones and discuss how it inspired the Victorian [âŚ]
https://westfest.uk/event/heritage-talks-the-arlington-baths-the-alhambra-and-owen-jones-islamic-architecture-and-design-in-the-19th-century-new/
about 1 month ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Quiet Majority
2 months ago
Meet James Bembridge, the Reform candidate for Westminster in next monthâs local elections. As well as this tweet, Temu Lex Luthor here, has also been quoted as saying "Most NHS nurses look like they're eating food banks out of business." Donât let him get his deposit back.
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Great idea! Link to petition in post below
add a skeleton here at some point
3 months ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Past Glasgow
3 months ago
Going by the snow that's currently pelting down outside my window, we have entered "third winter".
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Very sad to see this part of the former Western Infirmary being held up by shipping containers. Is this an emergency fix? The road was closed on Monday due to a dangerous building. 62 Church Street, Glasgow, Western Infirmary Outpatients, Dispensary and Chapel, built c1913 by Sir John James Burnet.
3 months ago
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#savetrongate103
Protest ongoing at GCCâs City Property at the hike in rents and forced signing of contracts for all the vital arts organisations. Why does Glasgow City Council not care about the arts which make this city great??
#protest
#glasgowarts
#artistsmakeglasgow
#artmakeslife
3 months ago
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Sheila Liming
3 months ago
âIn societies where freedom is under threat, an informed citizen is countercultural and deep reading is an act of resistance. Just as protest and vigilance are essential, so is the ability to read and think.â
newrepublic.com/article/2076...
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Nonfiction Publishing, Under Threat, Is More Important Than Ever
Cuts in publishing and book reviewing imperil the future of narrative nonfiction, and our understanding of the world around us.
https://newrepublic.com/article/207659/non-fiction-publishing-threat-important-ever
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Arlington Baths Club
4 months ago
Book now for 'The Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones: Islamic architecture and design in the 19th centuryâ with Dr Ailsa Boyd
@ailsaboyd.bsky.social
. Fri 13 Mar, 7pm, free!
@glasgowheritage.bsky.social
@glasgowschoolofart.bsky.social
@victurk.bsky.social
@thevicsoc.bsky.social
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The Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones
An illustrated talk on how Islamic architecture and design inspired the 19th century architecture of the Arlington Baths Club.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-arlington-baths-the-alhambra-and-owen-jones-tickets-1983715643891
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The Turkish sauna in the Arlington Baths Club, Glasgow is 150 years old, and I'm giving a lecture on the history and context of the baths on 13 March 2026 at 7pm.
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Lecture at Arlington Baths Club, 13 March 2026
The Turkish sauna in the Arlington Baths Club is 150 years old, and I'm giving a lecture on the history and context of the baths on 13 March 2026 at 7pm.
https://ailsaboyd.wordpress.com/2026/03/02/lecture-at-arlington-baths-club-13-march-2026/
4 months ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Arlington Baths Club
4 months ago
Our beautiful Turkish bath is 150 years old! In this illustrated talk, art historian Dr Ailsa Boyd
@ailsaboyd.bsky.social
will discuss 'The Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones: Islamic architecture and design in the 19th centuryâ. Fri 13 Mar, 7pm, free!
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The Arlington Baths, The Alhambra and Owen Jones
An illustrated talk on how Islamic architecture and design inspired the 19th century architecture of the Arlington Baths Club.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-arlington-baths-the-alhambra-and-owen-jones-tickets-1983715643891
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Charles West
4 months ago
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
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Sunshine âď¸ means that I can look up âŹď¸ I have never noticed this pillar detail on what remains of Ashton Road in the West End of Glasgow. It sticks out at the gable end where the rest of the road was demolished for the Boyd Orr building of 1972.
5 months ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Save Victoria Tower Gardens
5 months ago
Below, an update on our campaign. The Holocaust Memorial Bill has now received Royal Assent. Once the diggers move in there will be no going back, so we will now be campaigning for a fresh planning inquiry.
www.crowdjustice.com/case/stop-go...
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Stop Government abusing planning rules to build on iconic public park
London Gardens Trust is a small charity with a big mission to champion Londonâs historic parks, gardens, squares and green spaces for the benefit of everyone. Case advisor: Richard Buxton Solicitors
https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/stop-govt-landgrab-and-planning-rules-abuse/
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An essay I wrote in 2005 about Millais's landscape painting and working with contemporary artists.
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Millais and The Sound of Many Waters
An essay I wrote in 2005 about Millais's landscape painting and working with contemporary artists.
https://ailsaboyd.wordpress.com/2026/01/09/millais-and-the-sound-of-many-waters/
5 months ago
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I am involved in this hearing about the redevelopment around the Glasgow School of Art. With no progress on the GSA rebuilding, it makes it all the harder to decide on the fate of the rest of the site.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
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School of Art concerns over O2 ABC redevelopment plans
Developers are hoping to replace the Glasgow music venue with a public food hall and student flats.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2k4k1n71k7o
6 months ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Wikimedia Foundation
6 months ago
Wikipedia was once an impossible dream. Today, it is 25 years of humanity at its best. Join us in celebrating what has become the backbone of knowledge on the internet. Donate now âĄď¸
donate.wikimedia.org
#Wikipedia25
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
7 months ago
In Hookland, many a folkloric tale starts not with âA long time agoâ or âFar, far awayâ, but with the line: âOut across the dark moor where strange songs are still heard âŚâ For folklore tells strongly of place and our relationships to it. â Dr. M. Benn
#Folklore
#FolkloreThursday
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Glasgow Coat of Arms
7 months ago
A wee wander round the Green today + spotted this banner someone has put at the front of the People's Palace - Elseth King RIP đŚđłđđ
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
7 months ago
When you feel depleted of enchantment, walk the wood. It is where magic lives loudly. â
#EmilyCBanting
, 1982
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My latest blog is some original research into art deco architect Gerald de Courcy Fraser (1873 â 1952) who was the company architect for Lewisâs department stores.
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The department store architect: Gerald de Courcy Fraser
Gerald de Courcy Fraser (1873 â 1952) was an architect who worked mostly in Liverpool and Birmingham and was the company architect for Lewisâs department stores.
https://ailsaboyd.wordpress.com/2025/11/14/the-department-store-architect-gerald-de-courcy-fraser/
7 months ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Internet Archive
8 months ago
It's official! đď¸ đ The SF Board of Supervisors has unanimously declared October 22, 2025 as Internet Archive Day â celebrating our 1ď¸âŁ trillion webpages preserved & our mission to provide universal access to all knowledge. Learn more & celebrate with us tonight! âĄď¸
blog.archive.org/2025/10/22/h...
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
KOJAMFđ¤đ¤đ¤
9 months ago
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
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Thereâs a new piece on my website about my recent trip to the South West to a church designed by
#OwenJonesArchitect
in 1847, St Bartholomew, Sutton Waldron. I was asked to speak at the celebration of the completion of major restorations to the church wall decorations by Owen Jones.
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Owen Jones at St Bartholomew, Sutton Waldron
Last weekend I was invited to speak at the celebration of the completion of major restorations to the painted decorations of St Bartholomew, completed by Owen Jones in 1847.
https://ailsaboyd.wordpress.com/2025/10/05/owen-jones-at-st-bartholomew-sutton-waldron/
9 months ago
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Owen Jones in Dorset I am delighted to be speaking on Owen Jones in Sutton Waldron, Dorset, on Sat 26th September, to celebrate the completion of the restoration of St Bartholomewâs Church. St Bartholomew's, Sutton Waldron (c) Dominick Swift Jones decorated the interior of this 1847 Gothic churchâŚ
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Owen Jones in Dorset
I am delighted to be speaking on Owen Jones in Sutton Waldron, Dorset, on Sat 26th September, to celebrate the completion of the restoration of St Bartholomewâs Church. St Bartholomew's, Sutton Waldron (c) Dominick Swift Jones decorated the interior of this 1847 Gothic church in his characteristic colourful style. There is a whole weekend of events planned, from a concert, exhibition, activities, thanksgiving service and talks by myself, Philip Emery and Caroline Dakers.
https://ailsaboyd.wordpress.com/2025/09/08/owen-jones-in-dorset/
10 months ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Sheila Liming
11 months ago
Checking off lots of items on Arendtâs list today
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
derek guy
12 months ago
Any time I talk about a wealthy person's outfit, someone in the comments is quick to reply: "They're rich, you think they care?" No one has to care about my opinions or clothes, regardless of net worth. But let's talk about the connection between wealth and aesthetics đ§ľ
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Please sign this petition about the removal of librarians from Glasgow schools.
chng.it/R9SFDdNZnY
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Sign the Petition
Save our School Librarians! Reverse proposed cuts to Glasgow schools
https://chng.it/R9SFDdNZnY
12 months ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
James McEnaney
12 months ago
Every single high school in Glasgow will lose its librarian under the current plans. It is happening after SNP and Green councillors voted for major education cuts in the Glasgow City Council budget.
add a skeleton here at some point
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
about 1 year ago
Goodnight from Tony Smollet, slipping Mother Kempâs malakins into the timber while volunteering to help build the St. Johnâs Eve bonefire. Goodnight from the Merry Maidens parade band, enjoying one last practice before summoning the Bone Horse tomorrow. Goodnight from Hookland.
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Transatlantic Literary Women Symposium 4-5 July, University of Derby/online. A fabulous group of speakers, from Wharton to the Harlem Renaissance with keynote from Dr Katharine Cox - Register here!
tiny.cc/43mn001
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TLW Symposium 2025: Programme & Tickets
The Transatlantic Literary Women Symposium is happening at the University of Derby on the 4th-5th July 2025. Itâs also a completely hybrid event, so youâre also able to tune in and partâŚ
http://tiny.cc/43mn001
about 1 year ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Lorraine
about 1 year ago
A few of my talks were postponed earlier this year for the
#Glasgow
850 anniversary series, hosted by the Thomson Society. I was asked to share the new dates, so here you go! Tickets not released yet, but book via
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-alexan...
#savethedate
#history
#earlymodern
#skystorians
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Ruth Husko
about 1 year ago
Mortifying experience at Pulp last night but taking comfort that Iâm not the worst person Jarvis Cocker has ever impersonated
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North Laurieston Masterplan Consultation 24 June âŹď¸
www.urbanrealm.com/news/11507/N...
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North Laurieston positioned as an extension of Glasgow city centre : June 2025 : News : Architecture in profile the building environment in Scotland - Urban Realm
North Laurieston positioned as an extension of Glasgow city centre, June 2025, News, Architecture and the built environment is an integral part of our society and we hope to provide a useful platform ...
https://www.urbanrealm.com/news/11507/North_Laurieston_positioned_as_an_extension_of_Glasgow_city_centre.html
about 1 year ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
The Victorian Society
about 1 year ago
ALL ABOARD! đ đŁSAVE LIVERPOOL STREET STATION! The planning application for partial demolition of the listed station in the City of London to build a tower over it is now LIVE!! Here's our guide to writing your objection by 4th July:
bit.ly/3ZQRkk8
#heritage
#cityoflondon
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Arlington Baths Club
about 1 year ago
Do you fancy a free guided tour of Europe's oldest members owned and run swimming club? Founded in 1870 and Grade A listed. Book your here on the @WestFestGlasgow tours:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/westfest-2...
#glasgow
#swimming
#heritage
#sport
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Arlington Baths Club
about 1 year ago
The Club is taking part again in @WestFestGlasgow this June! Join us for tours, talks, water polo, poolside classics and a spectacular street gala! more info:
arlingtonbaths.co.uk/home
#glasgow
#events
#funday
#talks
#tours
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This year I have been invited to deliver the following public talks, mostly as part of Glasgow 850 - see details on my latest blog.
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Glasgow 850 Lectures in 2025 â so far
This year I have been invited to deliver the following public talks, mostly as part of Glasgow 850
https://ailsaboyd.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/glasgow-850-lectures-in-2025-so-far/
about 1 year ago
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A whiz through Glasgow's history by
@murphyniallgla.bsky.social
for
#Glasgow850
which also describes some of the reasons for the depressing state of our built heritage.
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2520557...
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Glasgowâs âblight and derelictionâ makes it âBritainâs Detroitâ â Niall Murphy
Nobody knows Glasgow better than architect Niall Murphy. To mark its 850th anniversary, he tells our Writer at Large about Glasgowâs journey fromâŚ
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25205576.what-nazis-warsaw-story-glasgows-tragic-rise-fall/?ref=li
about 1 year ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Susie Dent
about 1 year ago
Word of the day is âforswunkâ (13th century): exhausted from too much work. I like to think that âforeswunkâ is to be exhausted before you even begin.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Internet Archive
about 1 year ago
đ˘ The Internet Archive needs your help. At a time when information is being rewritten or erased online, a $700 million lawsuit from major record labels threatens to destroy the Wayback Machine. Tell the labels to drop the 78s lawsuit. đ Sign our open letter:
www.change.org/p/defend-the...
đ§ľâŹď¸
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
christhebarker
about 1 year ago
I mean this is such an open goal it must have been intentional?
#tronarse
#tronares
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A great turnout and enthusiastic audience yesterday for my lecture on âAncient Inspiration for Modern Living: Alexander Thomson and Owen Jonesâ for The Alexander Thomson Society @ Mitchell Library. Thank you everyone for coming and asking great questions!
#Glasgow850
about 1 year ago
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#academia
Academic writers - work stolen!
add a skeleton here at some point
about 1 year ago
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On Saturday I am giving a public lecture at The Mitchell Library, Glasgow for The Alexander Thomson Society - do come and hear me talk about two amazing Victorians!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ancient-in...
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Ancient Inspiration for Modern Living: Alexander Thomson and Owen Jones
As almost direct contemporaries, both architects adapted ancient and Classical source material into dramatic buildings for the Victorian era
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ancient-inspiration-for-modern-living-alexander-thomson-and-owen-jones-tickets-1265385133999?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios
about 1 year ago
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Greg Jenner (Historian)
about 1 year ago
Today UK authors are protesting against Meta for stealing our work to train their AI model. Authors earn an average of ÂŁ7000 per year, we are not rich, and yet a trillion dollar company decided it didnât want to license our work fairly as it was âtoo expensiveâ Theft is not a valid alternative.
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
The Society of Authors
about 1 year ago
Thank you to everyone who has signed our petition, 6,000+! Authors deserve to have a livelihood and compensation from their work, if you haven't signed do so now đ
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Sign the Petition
Protect authorsâ livelihoods from the unlicensed use of their work in AI training
https://www.change.org/p/protect-authors-livelihoods-from-the-unlicensed-use-of-their-work-in-ai-training
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Dr Ailsa Boyd
Harry Wallop
about 1 year ago
I am one of the authors whom Meta stole (sorry, âscrapedâ) from, by using their books to train Libgen. So Iâm biased. But this from
@mscaitlinmoran.bsky.social
isđ
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