Who Hated Jane Austen So Much?
Was it Rudyard Kipling? Or Mark Twain? Which popular author hated Jane Austen so much? Jane Austen’s 200th deathday is July 18th, and The New York Times is celebrating with a Jane Austen quiz. …..
Biographies
James A. Logan: Pilot, War Hero and Somerville Worthy
Just in time for the Fourth of July, let us salute pilot and patriot James A. Logan of Somerville, Massachusetts. Winner of the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross …..
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Japanese influences and education
Guest post by Kevin Nute, University of Oregon To mark Frank Lloyd Wright’s 150th birthday on June 8, many will pay tribute to the architect’s unique gifts and contributions to …..
Roger Moore: The Last Gentleman Hero
A remembrance of the career of Roger Moore.
Born 100 Years Ago: JFK, Ella and So Many More
What a year for being born was 1917! Actor Dean Martin, Secretary of State Cyrus Vance and jazz star Thelonius Monk all hit their 100th birthdays this year… and they can’t even crack the top …..
Emmanuel Macron Biography: New!
Our new biography of French politician Emmanuel Macron is now live. He and Marine Le Pen face each other in a runoff on May 7; the winner will replace Francois …..
Princess Charlotte Photos, Old and New
A new photo of two-year-old Princess Charlotte has just been released by Kensington Palace, official home to her parents Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge. The caption on the …..
Ella Fitzgerald’s flirtation with reefer songs
It’s Ella Fitzgerald’s 100th birthday this week. Just as Fitzgerald’s career was taking off, jazz was under attack for its purported connection to drug culture. If she wanted to become a mainstream superstar, she needed to make a choice.
Queen Elizabeth II Hits 65 Years and 75 Days in Office
Queen Elizabeth II turns 91 today, April 21st. That means she’s been ruling the United Kingdom for 65 years and 75 days. With many more days to come, it seems, …..
Chuck Berry and Johnnie Johnson: Who Really Wrote ‘Roll Over Beethoven’?
By Tim McFarlin, Elon University In the days following Chuck Berry’s death, commentators have trampled over each other in a race to honor him as the “Father of Rock and Roll,” …..