Category Archives: History

Spies of Warsaw

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

According to sources at BBC plans have been completed for production of Spies of Warsaw, a two part historical spy drama adapted by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais from Alan Furst’s acclaimed novel. David Tennant (Doctor Who) has been … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, Film, History | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Saving Pompeii

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The European Commission, along with the Italian government, has announced a four-year, € 105 milion plan to protect and improve the archeological site at Pompeii. Dubbed Grande Progetto Pompei, or the Great Pompeii Project, the plan is the result of … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Europe, History, Museums, Tourism | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Nearly Orwellian

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The Orwell Prize is Britain’s most prestigious award for writing. Each year a select committee awards the prize—actually four prizes—for work that aims to achieve George Orwell‘s goal “to make political writing into an art”. The long lists for the … Continue reading →

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Speaking of Pythons

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

A big tip of the hat to reader and contributor Evan Smythe for the link to this truly bizarre video from the former BBC television show Friday Night,Saturday Morning. Hosted by Tim Rice, the now famous lyricist, the episode was … Continue reading →

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Amsterdam This Summer ?

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Yesterday marked the opening of the new temporary exhibition in the Anne Frank House: “We too might move on”. The exhibition sheds light on the flight of the Frank family, the Van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer from Germany to … Continue reading →

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La Dolce Vita

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Following the devastation of World War I, and the loss of income from foreign tourism, the Italian government developed a promotional agency, ENIT, to encourage Italian tourism abroad. An integral component of the campaign was the use of fabulous advertising … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Europe, History, Tourism, Travel Writing | 3 Comments

Play Literary Geography

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Created in 1933 by cartographer Paul M. Paine, The Booklovers Map of America Showing Certain Landmarks of Literary Geography is a charming guide to many of our favorite literary places. Working during the 1920s and 1930s, Paine designed or co-designed  … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, History, Maps, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Amsterdam DNA

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The Amsterdam City Museum has partnered with PlusOne agency to develop a fascinating series of 3D videos for their department called Amsterdam DNA—a show that provides a journey through Amsterdam’s storied history. The short film below is the introduction to … Continue reading →

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In March, Read Books You’ve Always Meant To Read

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

In 1935, President Roosevelt initiated the Works Progress Administration to both create jobs and to encourage community spirit. The much respected New Deal agency recruited millions of Americans from all walks of life and launched thousands of valuable public service … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, History, Libraries, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Steam Returns to the Underground

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

I was dead chuffed to hear that on Saturday night Transport for London (TFL) carried out tests designed to demonstrate the feasibility of running a steam locomotive on the London Underground for its 150th anniversary next year. Locomotive Met no. … Continue reading →

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