Walt Whitman’s war
Source: Harvard Gazette
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.
Historic Figures
Book Nook: The Wright Brothers, by David McCullough
Source: WYSO
Historian and best-selling author David McCullough discusses his new book, The Wright Brothers, with Book Nook podcast host Vick Mickunas.
Phillis Wheatley
Source: Academy of American Poets
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
Source: PBS/NOVA
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”
Source: PBS
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?
Source: History
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
Source: Anne Frank House
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
Source: CNN
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.
Lincoln and Douglass Shared Uncommon Bond
Source: NPR
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.