Vol.3 #25
NEW ARTICLE
Encounter at the crossroads of Europe – the fellowship of Zweig and Verhaeren
Stefan Zweig, whose works passed into the public domain this year in many countries around the world, was one of the most famous writers of the 1920s and 30s. Will Stone explores the importance of the Austrian's early friendship with the oft overlooked Belgian poet Emile Verhaeren.
Read More » CLASS OF 2014
Our pick of those entering the public domain in countries with a 'Life plus 70 years' copyright term
Our top pick of people whose works will, on 1st January 2014, be entering the public domain in those countries with a 'life plus 70 years' copyright term (e.g. most European Union members, Brazil, Israel, Nigeria, Russia, Turkey, etc.). As usual it's an eclectic bunch who have assembled for our graduation photo – including two very different geniuses of the piano, a French mystic, the creator of Peter Rabbit, one of the 20th century's most important inventors, a poet who penned the Olympic Hymn, and a man known as the "Black Leonardo" who pretty much single-handedly created the peanut industry.
Read More » CURATOR'S CHOICE #6
Music manuscripts from the 17th and 18th centuries in the British Library
Sandra Tuppen, curator of Music Manuscripts at the British Library, explores some highlights from their digitised collection of music manuscripts, including those penned by the hand of Haydn, Handel, Purcell, and a very messy Beethoven.
Read More » NEW COLLECTION ITEMS
Specimens of Chromatic Wood Type and Borders (1874)
Some select pages from the exquisite Specimens of Chromatic Wood Type, Borders, Etc. (1874), a specimen book produced by the William H. Page wood type company.
Read More » Account of a Very Remarkable Young Musician (1769)
While in London, an 8 year old Mozart proved a huge sensation. But with his child prodigy status came questions from a skeptical few. Was he really so young? Was he really that talented? One person eager to test the truth of these doubts was Daines Barrington, a lawyer, antiquary, naturalist and Friend of the Royal Society. This is his report.
Read More » The Chinese Fairy Book (1921)
A book compiling seventy-four traditional Chinese folk takes, making, as the translator notes, "probably the most comprehensive and varied collection of oriental fairy tales ever made available for American readers".
Read More » ...AND A FEW SPECIAL THINGS FOR CHRISTMAS
Diary Days from Christmas Past
With December 25th fast approaching we have put together a little collection of entries for Christmas Day from an eclectic mix of different diaries spanning five centuries, from 1599 to 1918. Amid famed diarists such as the wife-beating Samuel Pepys, the distinctly non-festive John Adams, and the rhapsodic Thoreau, there are a sprinkling of daily jottings from relative unknowns – many speaking apart from loved ones, at war, sea or in foreign climes.
Read More » A Pictorial History of Santa Claus
Contrary to what many believe, Santa Claus as we know him today – sleigh riding, gift-giving, rotund and white bearded with his distinctive red suit trimmed with white fur – was not the creation of the Coca Cola Company. We've put together a little pictorial guide showing his evolvement through the ages.
Read More » The Night Before Christmas (1905)
1905 version by the Edison studios of the poem first published anonymously in 1823 and generally attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, although the claim has also been made that it was written by Henry Livingston, Jr. Musical accompaniment added later, made up mostly of old cylinder recordings from the same studio and period.
Read More » Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (1897)
When Dr. Philip O'Hanlon was asked a question by his then eight-year-old daughter, Virginia, whether Santa Claus really existed, he suggested she write to The Sun newspaper. The response to Virginia's letter by one of the paper's editors, Francis Pharcellus Church, remains the most reprinted editorial ever to run in any newspaper in the English language.
Read More » AND LOST MORE YULETIDE TREATS HERE IN OUR SPECIAL "CHRISTMAS FESTIVE BONANZA DIGEST"
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