Category Archives: History

Poe Comes Home

Posted on October 4, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Tomorrow afternoon, a new bronze statue “Poe Returns To Boston” will be unveiled at Edgar Allan Poe Square, close to the Boston Commons and the iconic author’s birthplace. Almost 165 years to the day after his death at age 40, … Continue reading →

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America’s Favorite Family

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

You’ve loved the Simpsons for years, but how well do you really know America’s favorite family ? Now their creator Matt Groening’s new book The Simpson Family (Abrams) reveals a quarter of a century of Simpson facts in a fun … Continue reading →

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Can You Trust Talking Statues

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Talking Statues is a new project from the non-profit group Sing London, which aims to lift public spirits by giving famous statues a voice. For the next year, thirty-five prominent bronze or stone statues in London and Manchester will be … Continue reading →

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Some Tourist Advice Is Timeless

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

H/t to the Public Domain Review for this marvelous 19th century book of advice for visitors to London. Sadly, The London Guide to Stranger’s Safeguard against the Cheats, Swindlers and Pickpockets (1819) still offers some sage counsel for travelers today. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, History, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Moving Pictures

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

As a collector and seller of antiquarian books, late at night I sometimes get the feeling that the illustrations are stirring. Now I have proof. The Smithsonian Libraries blog is teeming with gifs based on illustrations based on historical books and publications. … Continue reading →

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The Definitive Guide to Banned Books

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Brian D. Butler
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Art Everywhere (almost)

Posted on August 9, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Inspired by the UK Art Everywhere project, the Outdoor Advertising Association of America launched Art Everywhere US this week in Times Square NYC. The program will be placing posters and billboards of fifty eight curated paintings at sites throughout the … Continue reading →

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Amsterdam Alternatives

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

This guest post is from Rotterdam resident and blogger Michael Afanasyev. You can follow Michael at his own blog Small European Country Amsterdam alternatives Every major tourist destination has the “big ones”, the things everybody wants to see – like … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Europe, History, Museums, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Maybe I’m A Mazed

Posted on July 13, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

In a city packed with attention grabbing tourist attractions, monuments and museums, Washington D.C.’s National Building Museum is often overlooked by visitors. But this summer there’s a new incentive to check out this marvelous museum. Referencing classic European hedge mazes, … Continue reading →

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Then & Now

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

We’ve all seen lots of websites featuring “then & now” photo mashups—I’ve even posted a  few here on TBTP. Now a handy app called Timera 2 allows users to create their own composite photographs right on their smartphones. The secret … Continue reading →

Posted in apps, History, Photography, Tech, Theater | Tagged , | 1 Comment