History

November 30, 2018

These Four Manuscripts Contain Almost All Surviving Old English Poetry

These days, the words “Old English” most likely conjures up images of a font used to evoke a historical feel. However, the Old English language itself—though quite different—is actually the foundation of modern English. Interestingly, for such an important language, written materials are scarce. Only four original literary manuscripts written entirely in Old English have survived, each giving us a small glimpse into a culture that has long since disappeared.

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November 8, 2018

16th-Century Calligraphy Manual Available for Free Download

Calligraphers today have multiple tools at their disposal, including digital means to preserve their beautiful work. Hundreds of years ago, they weren't as fortunate. Technology wasn't at enough of an advanced level until about 1440, when the invention of moveable type on the printing press forever changed the way that texts were published. Increasingly, instead of labor intensive hand lettering, texts were printed for widespread consumption.

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October 8, 2018

Take a Virtual Tour of Every Inch of the New York Public Library’s Incredible Interior

If you love the New York Public Library as much as we do, you'll enjoy this detailed tour of the building by Architectural Digest. Created in collaboration with the Bryant Park Corporation, the video is a nearly 30-minute view into every nook and cranny of the beloved building. Leading experts take us from the iconic exterior and its famed lion statues through the halls and rooms that house the incredible library collection.

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August 22, 2018

Man Discovers 100-Year-Old Negatives, Uses Photoshop to “Develop” Them

Using a combination of old-fashioned know-how and technology, a man from the UK was able to bring 100-year-old negatives to life. Greg Pack of Essex, England was rummaging through items at a car boot sale, looking for old clocks, when he came upon a wood box. The 70-year-old man is a retired graphic artist who used to work in print and quickly spotted some items in the box that caught his eye.

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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.