Monday, August 24, 2015

Sci-fi writer’s double life

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The American science fiction writer, Alice B. Sheldon, aka James Tiptree, Jr., was born a century ago today. She is revered among sci-fi fan...
Sunday, August 23, 2015

Happy Birthday Roy

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Roy Strong, 80 today, was once such a precocious and brilliant arts administrator that he was appointed the youngest ever director of, first...
Wednesday, August 12, 2015

The Hookers of Kew

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Sir William Jackson Hooker, one of the most important British botanists of the 19th century, died 150 years ago today. The anniversary is be...
Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Along the Rocky river

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Today marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Edward John Eyre, a rather extraordinary character who travelled to Australia when still a...
Saturday, August 1, 2015

The slurs of vessel owners

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‘The trial comes on this week. I am to defend the mate; and that I can do with a clear conscience, for I believe him innocent even of an unj...
Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Dodgson in wonderland

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‘Went to Macmillan’s and wrote in 20 or more copies of Alice  to go as presents to various friends.’ This is Charles Dodgson, otherwise know...
Sunday, July 5, 2015

Her genius triumphed

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‘She looked ill, and I thought her articulation indistinct, and her voice drawling and funereal during the first act; but as she advanced in...
Wednesday, July 1, 2015

The witty, dapper Mr. Hay

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John Milton Hay, one of the US’s less well-remembered political heroes, died 110 years ago today. As Secretary of State under President McKi...