Emile Zola would say “J’Accuse” today
On this day in 1840 the French author Emile Zola was born. He was a prolific writer of novels, the best known being Therese Raquin... Read More
Vincent Van Gogh painted what he felt
On this day in 1853 the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh was born. A recent biography suggested that his death at the age of 37... Read More
Victor Hugo gets an Avenue
On this day in 1802 the French novelist Victor Marie Hugo was born. His father was an officer in the French army. These were interesting... Read More
St Valentine’s day has a long history
On this day the feast of St. Valentine is held. In early tradition, Valentine’s Day was the date that birds began to choose their mates,... Read More
Theophile Gautier discovers hashish
On this day in 1846 the French journalist and poet Theophile Gautier wrote an account of his experiences at Club des Hashischins (Club of the... Read More
Francois Villon, bad boy French poet, banished for murder
On this day in 1463 the French poet Francois Villon was banished from Paris. He was born in 1431, the year that Joan of Arc... Read More
Claude Debussy writes ‘la mer’ – at Eastbourne
On this day in 1894 Claude Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune was first performed in Paris. Based on French poet Stéphane Mallarmé’s beautiful poem,... Read More