Category: Bookworm History

The Curious Case of Diedrich Knickerbocker

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In late 1809 a mystery enraptured New York.  A curious old man disappeared from his hotel room, where he had been staying for over a year.  His disappearance was covered in the newspapers, with updates coming by letters from several individuals who claimed to have known or seen the elderly gentleman.  It was revealed that, in his stead, the old man had left behind a most wonderful history manuscript.  The book, published by the innkeeper to recoup his losses, would not only elevate the literary career of a young writer but also help to give a growing New York City an identity it embraces to this day.

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The Science of Georges Seurat’s “Circus Sideshow”

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Greetings, folks! Today we’re diving back into the art world with a brand new video discussing the history and science behind Neo-Impressionist pioneer George Seurat’s most mysterious work (and one of my favorite paintings) “Parade de Cirque”, or “Circus Sideshow”.

Making this video was a huge eye-opening, learning experience for me, as I’d never really paid much attention to the Impressionists before this, preferring to stay firmly in my comfort zone of American landscape and Dutch Golden Age. What are some of your favorite Impressionist works? Leave them in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe and follow to stay up to date on all things Bookworm History!

Interested in Art History! We’ve got a playlist for that!

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Finding Berlin in Binghamton: Weems, Link, and the Celestial Navigation Trainer

On By Bookworm HistoryIn BH Blog, Bookworm History5 Comments

The year was 1939 and storm clouds were brewing over Europe.  With Germany becoming increasingly aggressive, Great Britain knew she would soon need a steady supply of pilots, navigators, and bombers – three crew types that required considerable time and money to train.  This need would bring together two of the greatest aeronautical minds of the time and would spur the creation of the most advanced flight training device ever built.

Edwin A. Link & Capt. P.V.H Weems C.N.T - Link1990R7.3984.tif - Edwin A. Link Jr. Collection - Binghamton University Libraries' Special Collections
Edwin A. Link and Captain P.V.H. Weems demonstrating the Celestial Navigation Trainer. Edwin A. Link Jr. Collection – Binghamton University Libraries’ Special Collections and University Archives – Binghamton University

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The Story of Grand Central’s OTHER Ceiling Mural

On By Bookworm HistoryIn BH Blog, Bookworm History2 Comments

While most people are familiar with the massive celestial mural in Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal (I’ve done two separate articles about it myself), most don’t realize the storied railroad hub is home to another vaulted work of art.  Located in the Graybar Passage, between Grand Central Market and the Graybar building, 20 feet above commuters’ heads is an oft-overlooked painting devoted to Jazz Age industry and innovation.

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The Diary of George Templeton Strong

On By Bookworm HistoryIn Bookworm History, Youtube episodes2 Comments

On this new episode of “Bookworm History”, we’re discussing the man and the history behind the Diary of George Templeton Strong.  Today, his diary is one of the most valuable primary sources for historians studying the American Civil War.  Strong’s writings weren’t just limited to that conflict though.  He wrote almost daily for 40 years, providing historians with a wealth of information about New York City in the nineteenth century!  But who was the man behind the diary?

What Did Shakespeare Really Look Like?

On By Bookworm HistoryIn Bookworm History, Youtube episodes13 Comments

Greetings, folks!  Just finished up a new Bookworm History episode over on the YouTube channel!  This one’s all about the various portraits and pictures thought to depict the Bard of Stratford-on-Avon, William Shakespeare and whether any of them accurately illustrate what he looked like.  Check it out!

Do you think any of these images actually depict Shakespeare?  Leave your thoughts in the comments!