Category Archives: History

And I Love The Licorice Too

OK, I admit it, I shop at IKEA. In fact, half of my house is furnished by the Swedish furniture giant. My office is lined by the famous Billy bookcases, my file cabinets are all IKEA, even the desk that … Continue reading →

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Montreal in History

Here in the New World we tend to forget that we too have a history. Montreal, one of my all time favorite North American cities, was founded in 1642. In the run-up to next year’s 375th anniversary celebrations, Montreal tourism folks … Continue reading →

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Dear George Orwell

The British Library has just released over 300 literary treasures relating to 20th century writers available online for the first time. The amazing collection includes literary drafts, rare first editions, notebooks, letters, diaries, newspapers and photographs from James Joyce, Virginia … Continue reading →

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Geek Out Bibliophiles

This fascinating video from the Crandall Historical Printing Museum in Provo, Utah, demonstrates their rare functioning Gutenberg press.

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Shakespeare Lives

The British Council commissioned a series of films to celebrate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. Director David Wilson’s contribution reinterprets Act 1, Scene V of Macbeth. The two-minute film starts with actress Vicky McClure as Lady Macbeth in … Continue reading →

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It’s Museum Day

Tomorrow is actually museum day. In fact May 18th is the 39th International Museum Day. More than 30,000 institutions in 120 countries around the world will be waiving admission fees and welcoming all comers for special events, shows and exhibitions. … Continue reading →

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Night at the Museum

On Saturday May 21st, more than 3,000 museums will participate in the annual European Museum Night event. Every year since 2005, museums throughout Europe have opened their galleries from sunset until 1 AM for free visits and special activities.

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Game of Manuscripts

The medievalists at the J.Paul Getty Museum put together the video below to celebrate the new season of Game of Thrones. That’s some superfans.

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Would Harry Beck Approve ?

Literary map geeks rejoice—TfL has released a Shakespeare-themed Underground map just in time to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the bard’s passing tomorrow. The Tube lines have been cleverly renamed for Shakespearean characters, locations, plays, and themes. The map will … Continue reading →

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Useful & Beautiful

 

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