Category Archives: History

Every Man Dies Alone

Posted on September 10, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Until ten years ago Hans Fallada was a forgotten German novelist who had a moderately successful career until the rise of the Nazis. When he died in a sanatorium in 1947, Fallada was struggling with a long term addiction to … Continue reading →

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September 1, 1939

Posted on September 1, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

September 1, 1939 W.H. Auden I sit in one of the dives On Fifty-second Street Uncertain and afraid As the clever hopes expire Of a low dishonest decade: Waves of anger and fear Circulate over the bright And darkened lands … Continue reading →

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The Shape of Our World

Posted on July 17, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The fascinating infographic below explores how the view of our planet has evolved over the last 1,800 years. When most of us picture a world map, we likely still envision some variation of the 16th century Mercator projection even though … Continue reading →

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The Original Swiss Trip

Posted on July 5, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Brooklyn-based comic artist Brian Blomerth has released his debut graphic novel titled Bicycle Day. The technicolor confection recounts the infamous day in April 1943 when Swiss chemist Albert Hoffmann dropped the first dose of LSD. After injesting 250 micrograms of lysergic acid … Continue reading →

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It’s A Big World After All

Posted on July 4, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

In 1587, Italian cartographer Urbano Monte created the largest known map of Earth. His map consists of 60 panels that were designed to be assembled into a single planisphere —a circular map that rotates about a central axis— measuring 10 … Continue reading →

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50 Years of Memories

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The NY Times has compiled a list of the best memoirs published since 1969. I’m not much of a memoir or autobiography reader, but there are a few compelling books on the list that I actually read. Generally, I only read … Continue reading →

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Fear and Loathing

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Most thoughtful folks here in North America are approaching the upcoming national election debacle with some degree of fear and loathing. So, it’s quite timely that the Speed Museum in Louisville, Kentucky is launching a special exhibition on their finest … Continue reading →

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Whence Italics

Posted on June 27, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

These two books were printed at the historic Aldine Press in Venice. Founded by Aldus Manutius in 1495, it was among the most prominent and successful printing houses of the time. These works date from the early 1500s and feature … Continue reading →

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Manifest Destiny Did Not Involve Sharing

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Charte von Nordamerica nach den neuesten Bestimmungen und Entdeckungen (1804) was published by Christian Gottlieb Reichard (1758-1837).And as the legend shows, the hand coloring denoted what countries had stake in the lands of North America…  

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Never Underestimate The Hanseatic League

Posted on June 14, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

This recently discovered map of London from 1572 was created by the engraver Frans Hogenburg. Commissioned by the free-wheeling capitalists of the Hanseatic League,it provides a fascinating aerial view of the rapidly growing capital city. It shows that there was … Continue reading →

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