Category Archives: History

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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All Roads Lead To Rome

Posted on November 9, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Paris Through History

Posted on November 4, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Ever since I visited the Roman ruins at Arenas de Lutece in Paris, I have been intrigued by the city’s early history. The wonderful video below offers a 3D animated tour of the city from 52 BCE until the late … Continue reading →

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