Category Archives: History

American Writers Museum Opens

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

On May 16th, the long-awaited American Writers Museum will open in the heart of Chicago’s tourist district. Located at 108 North Michigan Avenue, not far from the world famous Art Institute and Millennium Park, the museum features multimedia installations, permanent … Continue reading →

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Celebrate May Day

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Brian D. Butler
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Welcome to Whitman

Posted on April 30, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

It seems appropriate to wrap-up National Poetry Month this year with a nod to the beloved 19th century poet Walt Whitman. Welcome to Whitman, Alabama is a brilliant documentary that uses the poetry of Walt Whitman to explore life in the … Continue reading →

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Not A Readymade, But Dada Enough For Me

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

New York City-based artist Benjamin Nordsmark’s piece titled ‘NYC Urinal’ is a timely homage to Marcel Duchamp on the centennial of his groundbreaking work ‘fountain’. Although the witty piece isn’t a Dada-esque Readymade, it certainly celebrates the sprit of the movement.

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That Old Book Smell

Posted on April 16, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

As a life-long book collector and a long-time bookseller, I have always loved that special woody, floral, dusky aroma that only emanates from books with age. But what precisely is “that old book smell”? The journal Heritage Science has published an … Continue reading →

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Is Terry Gilliam the Father of the Gif ?

Posted on April 15, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

h/t to Adam Koszary and the Bodleian Libraries.

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Do Not Obey In Advance

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

It may be just a marketing ploy by Penguin Random House, but the publisher has printed the text of Timothy Synders’ chilling book On Tyranny onto a series of large posters and put them up  in east London. The powerful posters, which … Continue reading →

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Thinking of Saint Petersburg

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Since yesterday’s terrorist bombing,  I have been thinking about Saint Petersburg and all of the amazing people that I met there on my visit six months ago. With the heightened tensions between the United States and Russia, I had anticipated … Continue reading →

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Revolutionary Philadelphia

Posted on April 2, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Set to open on April 19, 2017, the new Museum of the American Revolution promises to be a welcome addition to Philadelphia’s collection of exceptional museums and historical attraction. Covering 118,000 square feet, the museum will offer an impressive collection … Continue reading →

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Sgt. Pepper Turns Fifty

Posted on March 25, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

On June 1, 1967, the Beatles released Sgt.Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to worldwide acclaim. To mark the anniversary, the city of Liverpool has commissioned leading international artists to create thirteen events influenced by each track on the seminal album. Between May … Continue reading →

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