How were movies advertised before the internet existed? This article looks at the important role that movie posters played in spreading the word about the latest, scariest horror movie.
M. C. Escher was a Dutch graphic artist specializing in woodcuts, mezzotints, and lithographs inspired by mathematical principles. “Waterfall” is a lithograph first printed in October 1961 creating an optical illusion which Escher was famous for. Select the link in the article to see the original lithograph and more of Escher’s amazing work.
Stephen Lucas, a professor of humanities, analyzes the language of the Declaration of Independence.
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.
Franz Kafka’s novella “The Metamorphosis” baffled readers when it first appeared in print a century ago. A new radio series explores its continuing influence.
Julian Beever and other 3D sidewalk artists use perspective to their advantage to help them fool the eyes of viewers. Learn about the techniques that create such convincing illusions.
Film producer Peter Katz experiments with the use of brain scans to find out just how scary his movies are. Do you think that using medical science in this way interferes with the art of making horror movies?
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.
The story of Cinderella has been told for centuries. James Deutsch, a professor of folklore, explains why Americans are particularly drawn to the tale.
