Category Archives: History

Science Fiction Day

Posted on January 2, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Even if you are one of those readers who claim that they don’t like science fiction, it’s more than likely that there are some works in the genre that you have appreciated and enjoyed. When it comes to science fiction … Continue reading →

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Happy Public Domain Day

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

On January 1, 2020, works from 1924 will enter the US public domain, where they will be free for all to use and build upon, without permission or fee. These works include George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, silent films by … Continue reading →

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je me souviens

Posted on December 21, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Decolonizing the Metropolitan

Posted on December 20, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is one of my favorite go to places in the city. In fact, I’ve been visiting the Met since before I could walk. The museum’s grand entrance hall never fails to awe. … Continue reading →

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The 17th Century Kindle

Posted on December 16, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

In 1617. William Hakewill commissioned a traveling library to give as a gift to a friend. The Jacobean miniature mobile library consisted of fifty gold-tooled vellum-bound miniature books contained in a wooden case that resembled a large folio. Inside there were … Continue reading →

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Mark Twain Travel Writer

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

When we think about the great 19th century American writer Mark Twain, his lauded Mississippi River novels usually come to mind. However, it was the 1869 travel book The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrim’s Progress  which first brought him prominence. … Continue reading →

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When Great Trees Fall

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Maya Angelou wrote the poem “When Great Trees Fall” when James Baldwin died in December of 1987, and read the poem at his funeral… “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder, … Continue reading →

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The Myth of Thanksgiving

Posted on November 28, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The Myth of the First Thanksgiving On Thanksgiving this year as we celebrate  with family and friends, it is also essential that we honestly acknowledge that the event this day is based on is a myth, and that the United … Continue reading →

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The Lost Art of Paste Up

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

This month the London Review of Books celebrates its 40th anniversary. Over the years, the publication has been a cultural touchstone for literary thought and criticism. To recognize the milestone, the LRB released this wonderful video which demonstrates how the whole thing … Continue reading →

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Go Indie

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Brian D. Butler
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