Leonardo’s fifteen masterpieces
On this day in 1519 the Italian artist and polymath Leonardo da Vinci died. His biographer, Giorgio Vasari said: “In the normal course of events... Read More
Joseph Heller couldn’t write another bestseller after Catch-22
On this day in 1923 American author Joseph Heller was born. Heller served in the US Air Force in the Second World War, an experience... Read More
Adolf Hitler’s last days
On this day in 1945 Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his Berlin bunker. His Götterdämmerung moment had been a while coming but had been foreseen... Read More
Edward Gibbon’s ‘Decline and Fall’ is relevant today
On this day in 1737 historian, Edward Gibbon was born. He is chiefly remembered for his amazing ‘History of the Decline and Fall of the... Read More
Walter de la Mare was a St Paul’s choirboy
On this day in 1873 English poet and writer Walter de la Mare was born. Jack (he did not like the name Walter) was the... Read More
Miguel de Cervantes was captured by pirates
On this day in 1616 Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes died aged 69. Cervantes had been a soldier and sailor in his youth and had... Read More
Albert Einstein wanted to die elegantly
On this day in 1955 Swiss physicist Albert Einstein died of an aneurism aged 76. He could have had surgery but refused, saying: “I want... Read More