literature

Inside Jack London’s Story, From The Gold Rush To Literary Fame

From adventurer to author to activist, John Griffith London led a dramatic life in keeping with his celebrated novels like "White Fang" and "The Call of the Wild."

By Leah Silverman • Feb 1, 2022

Inside Jack London’s Story, From The Gold Rush To Literary Fame

From adventurer to author to activist, John Griffith London led a dramatic life in keeping with his celebrated novels like "White Fang" and "The Call of the Wild."

By Leah Silverman • February 1, 2022

55 History Books That Will Change Your Outlook On Life

Missed out on the classics or looking for something new? Check out some of the best history books of all time, from ancient marvels to Pulitzer Prize-winning nonfiction.

By Leah Silverman • Nov 8, 2021

55 History Books That Will Change Your Outlook On Life

Missed out on the classics or looking for something new? Check out some of the best history books of all time, from ancient marvels to Pulitzer Prize-winning nonfiction.

By Leah Silverman • November 8, 2021

21 Images Of Hunter S. Thompson, The Gonzo Writer Too Weird For This Planet

Booze, bullets, and Bill Murray: enjoy these engrossing photos of counterculture icon Hunter S. Thompson, the father of gonzo journalism.

By Alexander Baldwin • Oct 11, 2021

21 Images Of Hunter S. Thompson, The Gonzo Writer Too Weird For This Planet

Booze, bullets, and Bill Murray: enjoy these engrossing photos of counterculture icon Hunter S. Thompson, the father of gonzo journalism.

By Alexander Baldwin • October 11, 2021

This Week In History News, Sept. 5 – 11

Mysterious stone balls unearthed at Neolithic Scottish tomb, 800-year-old Merlin texts translated, Napoleon's hat containing traces of his DNA goes up for auction.

By All That's Interesting • Sep 10, 2021

News

This Week In History News, Sept. 5 – 11

Mysterious stone balls unearthed at Neolithic Scottish tomb, 800-year-old Merlin texts translated, Napoleon's hat containing traces of his DNA goes up for auction.

By All That's Interesting • September 10, 2021

What Happened When A White Man “Became” Black In Mid-20th Century America

In an attempt to understand a non-white life in America, John Griffin dyed his skin "black" and set off to the South. His experience, recounted in Black Like Me was, as you might expect, painful.

By John Kuroski • Aug 31, 2021

What Happened When A White Man “Became” Black In Mid-20th Century America

In an attempt to understand a non-white life in America, John Griffin dyed his skin "black" and set off to the South. His experience, recounted in Black Like Me was, as you might expect, painful.

By John Kuroski • August 31, 2021

The True Story Of Triboulet, The 16th-Century Court Jester Whose Wit Saved His Life

Though one of the most beloved court jesters to ever live, Triboulet once slapped the King of France on the rear and told jokes so scandalous that they put his life in danger.

By Marco Margaritoff • Jul 5, 2021

The True Story Of Triboulet, The 16th-Century Court Jester Whose Wit Saved His Life

Though one of the most beloved court jesters to ever live, Triboulet once slapped the King of France on the rear and told jokes so scandalous that they put his life in danger.

By Marco Margaritoff • July 5, 2021

Gloria Hemingway’s Tragic Life As The Transgender Child Of Ernest Hemingway

Throughout his adult life, Gregory Hemingway struggled with gender dysphoria and tried to live as a woman — which irreparably damaged his relationship with his father.

By Kaleena Fraga • Jun 7, 2021

Gloria Hemingway’s Tragic Life As The Transgender Child Of Ernest Hemingway

Throughout his adult life, Gregory Hemingway struggled with gender dysphoria and tried to live as a woman — which irreparably damaged his relationship with his father.

By Kaleena Fraga • June 7, 2021

Meet Josiah Henson, The Escaped Slave Whose Journey To Freedom Inspired ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’

After walking 600 miles to Canada in 1830, Josiah Henson returned to the United States to free over 100 more slaves.

By Genevieve Carlton • Feb 28, 2021

Meet Josiah Henson, The Escaped Slave Whose Journey To Freedom Inspired ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’

After walking 600 miles to Canada in 1830, Josiah Henson returned to the United States to free over 100 more slaves.

By Genevieve Carlton • February 28, 2021

Meet Joan Vollmer, The Beat Generation Muse Killed In A Drunken Party Trick Gone Wrong

Joan Vollmer opened her New York City home to the raucous Beats — and was ultimately shot in the head by one of the movement’s most influential writers, her common-law husband William S. Burroughs.

By Marco Margaritoff • Jan 21, 2021

Meet Joan Vollmer, The Beat Generation Muse Killed In A Drunken Party Trick Gone Wrong

Joan Vollmer opened her New York City home to the raucous Beats — and was ultimately shot in the head by one of the movement’s most influential writers, her common-law husband William S. Burroughs.

By Marco Margaritoff • January 21, 2021

How A Japanese Noblewoman Defied Convention To Write The World’s First Novel, ‘The Tale Of Genji’

In 11th-century Japan, Lady Murasaki Shikibu had a vision that inspired her to write a novel whose vivid scrolls survive to this day.

By Natasha Ishak • Jul 15, 2020

How A Japanese Noblewoman Defied Convention To Write The World’s First Novel, ‘The Tale Of Genji’

In 11th-century Japan, Lady Murasaki Shikibu had a vision that inspired her to write a novel whose vivid scrolls survive to this day.

By Natasha Ishak • July 15, 2020