Arthur Miller Biography
Source: 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.
Arts & Entertainment
Nellie Bly: Google Doodle’s 1st original song (Karen O) salutes an American original
Source: The Washington Post
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.
Romeo and Juliet: The Sources of the Plot
Source: TheatreHistory.com
Shakespeare’s astonishing output of plays didn’t spring from thin air; he drew from a wide array of sources for his plots and characters, including those of the star-crossed Romeo and Juliet.
Circus ‘Families’ Bonded by Daring and Danger
Source: NBC News
Part of the thrill of watching a circus performance is the inherent danger—what if that trapeze artist or tightrope walker falls? Read about the precautions circus performers take to ensure their safety, and what happens when things go wrong.
Horror Movies: Why People Love Them
Source: LiveScience
Why do we enjoy horror? Read about the various theories put forward for the popularity of horror movies.
The Psychology of a Horror Movie Fan
Source: Pacific Standard
Discover the reasons why people say they love horror movies, while others hate them.
Who Was Edmund Pettus?
Source: Smithsonian
Just who was Edmund Pettus, and why was the famous bridge in Selma named for him? Find out here.
The Don’s Don: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Beowulf translation finally arrives.
Source: Slate
Katy Waldman, a correspondant for Slate, reviews J.R.R. Tolkien’s translation of Beowulf, published in 2014.
Edith Wharton Reveals the ‘Deeper Processes’ Behind Her Art
Source: The Atlantic
In 1933, author Edith Wharton revealed her writing process in an article published in The Atlantic.
Thoreau’s Walden, Present at the Creation
Source: NPR
Listen to the radio piece to learn what inspired Thoreau to live at Walden Pond and what he experienced while he was there.