History
Cutlery didn’t appear overnight. It slowly evolved from tools of survival into symbols of civilization. Knives came first, followed by spoons, and finally forks—after centuries of suspicion and religious disapproval. Find out what happened to the unfortunate forks below.
Culture & Society
Coming out in a room full of people could have been dangerous in the 1980s. Read on to see just how risky it would have been for Will to come out publicly.
History
Much of Márquez’s life was shaped by repression and political violence, beginning in his university years. How did this later influence him and his work? Read on to find out.
History
Maxim Gorky, born Aleksey Maksimovich Peshkov in Nizhny Novgorod on March 28, 1868, emerged as one of Russia’s most influential literary voices. Raised in an impoverished artisan family, Gorky’s life was defined by hardship and political exile. Read more!
Literature
Many readers miss the central message of the novel—whether deliberately or unconsciously, we can only speculate. Regardless, the fact remains that some people approach literary works uncritically and shallow. So, what can we learn from Frankenstein’s Monster?
History
The example of the Stilyagi subculture proved that persistence in one’s beliefs can bring about change. Western fashion and music served as tools for expressing collective dissatisfaction, emotions, thoughts, and ideas in a country that forbade individualism and free thinking. Read more!
Literature
When we think of Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol, we immediately picture grumpy Scrooge, the Christmas spirits, and the magic of the holiday season. Read more!
History
When we think of the Paleolithic, what usually comes to mind? Primitive people with limited speech and prominent jaws, or perhaps animated films such as Gogs, The Flintstones, or Ice Age? Read to find out more!