
“Welcome! I’m Mark Wollacott, an author, teacher, and podcaster exploring philosophy, history, and stories that inspire. Discover my books, podcasts, and insights below.”

Mark is the author of 7 books including 5 novels, a short story collection, and a haiku collection

Tales of the Runari is Mark’s podcast which explores philosophy, history, and interesting stories.
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Who invented capitalism?
Adam Smith is erroneously associated with the invention of Capitalism. As is the corpulent theorist, Karl Marx. However, neither of them invented the term nor popularized it. That being said, Marx is the originator of the idea of capitalism. This article will look at...

How were orcs made in Lord of the Rings?
My childhood was filled with fantastical tales. I did not grow up on J.R.R. Tolkien’s work because by the 1980s, most of the shelves were filled with the derivatives and the knock offs. I grew up on Dragonlance and Raymond E. Feist. Yet, the primary races - the elves...

How many Black Riders are there?
While arachnophobes might not agree, the Black Riders are one of the scariest things in The Lord of the Rings; particularly as they track Frodo and the Ring through the shire. There are some questions about the Black Riders, otherwise known as the Nazgûl or...