History

March 16, 2025

Trendy, Pointy Shoes From the Middle Ages Confirm the Old Adage That Beauty—or at Least Fashion—Is Pain

In a world driven by efficiency and optimization, how often do we hear “fashion over function” nowadays, instead of the other way around? Such was the case in the Middle Ages, where trends dominated, especially amongst the nobility and the upper crust. An extremely long and pointy–not to mention uncomfortable–shoe called the poulaine falls into this category, showing us that the trend cycle is nothing new, if not less uncomfortable today.

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February 23, 2025

Discover How Japanese Swordsmiths Transform Sand Into Legendary Katanas

From ukiyo-e prints to origami, Japan boasts an astounding range of traditional artforms. One such artform is swordsmithing, a tedious process in which swords such as the legendary katana are made. What renders their construction so labor-intensive is that these swords are, perhaps counterintuitively, composed of sand. Alongside countries like New Zealand, Indonesia, and the United States, Japan is one of several regions in which iron sand can be found.

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December 22, 2024

Incredible Victorian Voice Recordings Allow Us to Step Into the Past

There’s something deeply satisfying about hearing a voice from decades and even centuries past. A new video by Kings and Things featuring authentic voice recordings from the Victorian era accomplishes just that, offering insight into how people from the 19th-century spoke and engaged with the world around them. The video opens with a speech by Colonel George Gouraud for dinner guests on October 5th, 1888, in London.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.