Annabelle Quince, a broadcaster with a background in law, psychology, and history, draws parallels between American robber barons of the past and today’s political and business leaders.
Category Archives: An Age of Realism
Humans of New York and the Cavalier Consumption of Others
In this column, writer and critic Vinson Cunningham compares the work of Humans of New York photographer Brandon Stanton to earlier documentarians such as Jacob Riis.
The Women ‘Computers’ Who Revolutionized Astronomy
In the late 19th century, a group of women were instrumental to the success of the Harvard College Observatory and the discoveries made there.
The Curious, and Continuing, Appeal of Mark Twain in China
In most Chinese classrooms, students learned about Mark Twain, a famously American author. Twain’s satirical short story, “Running for Governor,” was used to reinforce anti-Western, anti-capitalist views. As you read this article, be sure to take a look at the short story referenced.
Louis Pasteur: The man who led the fight against germs
Follow this timeline to learn about Louis Pasteur, who developed the process of pasteurization and several early vaccines. His “germ theory” led other scientists to discoveries in sanitation and sterilization.
Edith Wharton: Why the Age of Innocence author is vanishing from New York City
Read this article to learn about what New York City streets looked like in the time of author Edith Wharton.
Inside McDonald’s Bold Decision to Go Cage Free
Read about the complexities the large fast-food chain and its suppliers face in switching from caged to cage-free chickens.
Driehaus exhibit flips through pages of satirical magazine Puck
A Chicago museum exhibits the lifestyle and political cartoons from Puck magazine, a source for satirical commentary during the Gilded Age.
Why Russians flock to Jack London’s California ranch 100 years after his death
Read why Russians connect with one of America’s most respected writer’s work.
Pioneering Social Reformer Jacob Riis Revealed “How The Other Half Lives” in America
Read how journalist Jacob Riis exposed the living conditions of lower-class people in New York City in the late 1800s. View the slide show to examine his photography.
Reform the Nation’s Food System
Celebrity chef Tom Colicchio argues for farming and food reform and outlines steps government officials can take to ensure food quality and healthiness.
Robber barons and silicon sultans
This article compares the entrepreneurs of Silicon Valley to the Robber Barons of the Gilded Age.
Baseball in America, Part II: Gilded Bats and Balls
In this article, sports writer Carl D. Carlucci analyzes how baseball reflected the wealth of a few and the poverty of many during the Gilded Age.
The Decades That Invented the Future, Part 1: 1900-1910
The turn of the century from the 1800s to the 1900s was a time of great innovation and growth. Read about some of the influential inventions of the twentieth century’s first decade.
Mark Twain’s Eternal Chatter
Author Ben Tarnoff analyzes the celebrity of Mark Twain and critiques the writer’s autobiography, which was published in several volumes starting in 2010.
Stephen Crane
This biography of author Stephen Crane includes an analysis of some of his work. Click the “Poems, Articles, & More” tab to read some of his poetry.
Book Nook: The Wright Brothers, by David McCullough
Historian and best-selling author David McCullough discusses his new book, The Wright Brothers, with Book Nook podcast host Vick Mickunas.
Does Fiction Have the Power to Sway Politics?
Two writers argue that works of fiction can trigger political change, sometimes directly, but more often, indirectly. Upton Sinclair, author of The Jungle, is one example.
Nellie Bly: Google Doodle’s 1st original song (Karen O) salutes an American original
In the late 1800s, investigative journalist Nellie Bly reported on issues that shed light on people who were disadvantaged and voiceless. Recently Google paid tribute to her by featuring an original song about her contributions as its daily Google Doodle.
Edith Wharton Reveals the ‘Deeper Processes’ Behind Her Art
In 1933, author Edith Wharton revealed her writing process in an article published in The Atlantic.