You are currently viewing About This Site

About This Site

A few words about what I do and why I do it. For more, see About Dianne L. Durante.

History

As an independent scholar, writer, and lecturer, I love to go from nitty-gritty historical details to the big picture. Beginning in August 2024, I’m publishing Timeline 1700-1900 on Substack. Details here, sample here. The first volume in the series, Timeline 1700-1799, is available as of September 2025. As of September 2025 I’m beginning the 19th century on Substack, which will be available in print in summer 2026. In 2027, I’ll issue a new edition of Timeline 1900-2021, originally published in 2022.

Also in the history realm: I’ve published five books on Alexander Hamilton that rely heavily on primary sources, and a book on Central Park in the 19th century, Central Park: The Early Years.

Art history

As an art historian, I constantly seek out art that’s inspiring, thought-provoking, skillfully executed, and/or beautiful so I can share it with others who need and enjoy such art, but who don’t have time to search for it themselves. I pride myself on speaking jargon-free language.

From early 2017 to June 30, 2024, I issued four art-related recommendations every week. For samples, see the Favorite Recommendations & Photos tag. Starry Solitudes and Sunny Sundays are compilations of hundreds of recommendations sent out in the weekly emails.

DianneDuranteWriter

On my website, I’ve made forays into food, politics, publishing, cryptocurrencies, and much more. For a list of my publications (including the recent works pictured at the head of this post), see the Books and Essays page and my Amazon page. All my books are available via Ingram as well as Amazon.

Follow me on Substack for my latest publications.