The Sharpened Quill
Source: The New Yorker
An outcast among the other Founding Fathers, Thomas Paine lived a fascinating life and sought to reach a wide audience through his writing.
Historic Figures
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.
Genghis Khan
Source: HISTORY
The Mongol ruler Genghis Khan, who lived during the time of Macbeth, could have taught Shakespeare’s Scot a few things about ruthlessness. Get the full picture of one of the most powerful men in history.
Stanley Meets Livingstone
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Nineteenth-century Scottish missionary and abolitionist David Livingstone gained fame by trekking across Africa and becoming the first European to see many of its sights. When he went missing, the intrepid Henry Morton Stanley was sent to find him.
Harriet Tubman Wins Unofficial Vote to Be on $20 Bill
Source: NBC News
With more than 33 percent of ballots cast in an online poll, Harriet Tubman emerged as the face that people want to see on a new $20 bill.
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.
Mystery of Anne Frank’s informer revealed by Dutch author
Source: Irish Times
A newly published book adds another suspect to the list of people who might have betrayed the Frank family.