History

April 1, 2019

World’s Most Famous Medieval Illuminated Manuscript Now Viewable Online

In the world of Medieval illuminated manuscripts, there's one work that sits above the rest. The Book of Kells is not only the finest existing work of its kind, it's also an Irish national treasure. Believed to have been created around 800 CE, the work is on permanent display at Trinity College Library in Dublin. But now you can see it in close detail without ever setting foot on Irish soil (or even leaving home).

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March 14, 2019

This Rare Vintage Typewriter from the 1950s Lets You Type Sheet Music

While most composers like to handwrite their sheet music, over the years there have been all types of machines invented to help print music. Perhaps one of the coolest is the Keaton Music Typewriter. First patented in 1936, it definitely doesn't look like an ordinary typewriter. Robert H. Keaton from San Francisco, California created the machine, which has now become something of a rare collector's item.

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January 25, 2019

Colorful Chart Reveals Evolution of English Alphabet From Egyptian Hieroglyphics

Most of us use the letters of the alphabet everyday, but did you ever stop to wonder how their shapes came to be? The history of the alphabet is fascinating, and each of the 26 letters has its own unique story. Matt Baker (of UsefulCharts) has designed a handy poster that documents the evolution of our familiar alphabet from its ancient Egyptian Proto-Sinaitic roots (c. 1750 BCE) up to present day Latin script.

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December 25, 2018

Photo Exhibit Inspired by French Writer’s 1947 Journey Across America

A mid-twentieth century travelogue provides the inspiration for Sous Les Etoiles Gallery‘s newest photography exhibition. In 1947, French writer, intellectual, and feminist theorist Simone de Beauvoir landed at New York's Laguardia airport, ready for a four-month voyage across the country. Of course, she couldn't help but keep a diary of her experiences during her first time in the United States.

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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.