Samuel Pepys has a dream
On this day in 1633 the English diarist Samuel Pepys was born. Sometimes he comforted himself at night as when he dreamt, during the terrible... Read More
The New Yorker, the city’s classy magazine
On this day in 1925 the first issue of the New Yorker magazine appeared. All articles are to a very high standard and facts are... Read More
Dylan Thomas’s alcoholic marriage
On this day in 1950 the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas arrived in New York City for the start of his first poetry reading tour. There... Read More
Michelangelo Buonarroti didn’t like painting
On this day in 1564 Michelangelo Buonarroti died aged 88. He spent years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, in the Vatican. The project... Read More
Galileo Galilei causes consternation
On this day in 1564 the Italian astronomer and mathematician Galileo Galilei was born. Galileo has been called the Father of Modern Science although during... Read More
Abraham Lincoln’s oratory
On this day in 1809 the future US President Abraham Lincoln was born. From truly humble beginnings (born in a log cabin) Lincoln rose to... Read More
Sir John Suckling’s card scam
On this day in 1609 the Cavalier poet Sir John Suckling was born. A soldier as well as a poet, he is famous as the... Read More