Category Archives: History

Frankenstein Deluxe

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

To commemorate the bicentennial of the publication of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein  this year, Les Éditions des Saints Pères in Paris has published a limited edition, deluxe facsimile of the original manuscript in the author’s own handwriting. “Frankenstein is a canon in the history of … Continue reading →

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Paper Matters

Posted on March 24, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Many years ago, I tried my hand at paper making. I think that I still have files of homemade paper stashed away somewhere. I wasn’t very good at papermaking, but I developed a real appreciation for the skill involved in … Continue reading →

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Why Museums Matter

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Anyone who has ever traveled with me can attest to my museum obsession. I have been accused of being incapable of passing any museum without popping in for a visit. Of course these types of consuming passions all have an origin or … Continue reading →

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It’s Presidents Day in ‘murica

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Brian D. Butler
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Great Man Theory

Posted on February 18, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Road Scholars

Posted on January 27, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Caught Mapping (see below) will likely only be of interest to cartography geeks and serious roadtrippers, but take a gander anyway.

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Happy 200th Anniversary Frankenstein

Posted on January 7, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

This week marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s classic science fiction novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. The teenage author created the iconic tale after the poet Byron challenged her to come up with an original … Continue reading →

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London to Cairo in 7 Days by Train

Posted on January 3, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Throughout the 20th century European railway companies often incorporated route maps on their advertising posters. Due to size and design limitations, the cartographers involved in the map production often created distorted and geographically confusing maps. Still, the posters were attractive … Continue reading →

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2017 In Retrospect

Posted on December 31, 2017 by Brian D. Butler
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Mapping the Past

Posted on December 27, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

In one of my frequent sojourns down the rabbit-hole of the internet, I stumbled on these wonderful 19th century railway maps. The map above was created by Joseph Beers in 1884 to depict the railroads of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His … Continue reading →

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