Self-published in 1865 and then consolidated into other volumes of poetry, Walt Whitman’s Drum-Taps, a collection of 69 poems, is now seeing new life 150 years later.
Tag Archives: Historic Figures
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.
Phillis Wheatley
American Colonial poet Phillis Wheatley was brought from Africa to the United States as a child. Though a slave, she was taught to read and write and became a renowned poet for a time.
Secret of Photo 51
James Watson and Francis Crick were awarded the Nobel Prize for their discovery of the structure of DNA. One key to this discovery was a photograph taken using a revolutionary technique by the English scientist Rosalind Franklin. Explore this site to learn how Franklin made this stunning photograph and why she didn’t receive the credit she was due during her lifetime.
Eight female authors your class should know for the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s “Emma”
Like Mark Twain, Jane Austen wrote tales that made her one of the most popular writers in her day. Find out what other female authors became popular in their day and some little-known facts about each one.
What Does It Mean to Cross the Rubicon?
Whether or not to cross the Rubicon was a decision that Roman governor Julius Caesar had to make. Watch the video to find out why his decision was momentous.
Nelson Mandela on the Diary of Anne Frank
In this video footage broadcast in 1995, Nelson Mandela talks about how he identified with Anne Frank’s situation through reading her diary while imprisoned on Robben Island.
Gladwell on GPS: David Was No Underdog
In this video interview, author Malcolm Gladwell explains why he believes that in the Bible story of David and Goliath, David was not the underdog facing a fearful situation.
Modernism
Read about the history of modernism in literature.
Lincoln and Douglass Shared Uncommon Bond
In this interview, John Stauffer, author of the book Giants: The Parallel Lives of Frederick Douglass and Abraham LIncoln, discusses the two men’s friendship and their mutual respect for each other.
Why we quoth ‘The Raven’ evermore
Editor Ron Charles critiques a new book about Edgar Allan Poe and ponders over the writer’s popularity with audiences and his scorn from academics.
Jonathan Swift Biography
Jonathan Swift, the 18th-century Irish writer and satirist, worked in many professions and eventually became a man of some influence.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
Beginning with its first inductee, Thomas Edison, the National Inventors Hall of Fame has each year honored the hard work and ingenuity of often-unsung innovators. Explore the database to learn more about Elijah McCoy and his fellow inventors.
The Gunpowder Plot
In 1605, a group of Catholic conspirators frustrated by religious oppression plotted to assassinate King James in the hope of returning a Catholic leader to the throne. The plot was thwarted but is recalled annually on Guy Fawkes Day, an occasion for fireworks and bonfires in England.
Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery
The 1803 Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the young United States. It also opened a vast wilderness to American exploration, starting with the daring quest led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.
New Beginnings: Immigrant Women and the American Experience
Women immigrants have played a dynamic role in transforming America socially, politically, and economically.
Frederick Douglass’ Take on Independence Day
Listen to a discussion of Frederick Douglass’ famous speech which criticized the celebration of Independence Day celebrations in a time of slavery.
Meet the Incredible Woman Who Seeks to Be the First Female to Row from Japan to San Francisco
Learn about Sonya Baumstein’s proposed expedition to row 6,000 nautical miles alone from Choshi, Japan to San Francisco.
A Life Lived in a Rapidly Changing World: Samuel L. Clemens, 1835 – 1910
Author Samuel Clemens used the pen name Mark Twain. Find out about why and how his work shaped his literary life.
Arthur Miller Biography
Read about the life of Arthur Miller, who used his dealings with the House of Un-American Activities Committee as inspiration for The Crucible.