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?
Category: Youtube episodes
Vermeer, Dürer, and the Inserted Self-Portrait
If you were a painter in the 17th century, what would have been the best way to ensure your face is remembered? If you’re Vermeer, Rembrandt, or Dürer (especially Dürer!), you paint yourself into every work someone asks you do!
Vermeer and Allegory Through the Ages
What is the easiest way to tie together a 3rd century BC Greek historian, a 16th century Italian iconographer, a 17th century Dutch revolt, a 19th century Austrian count, and a 20th century German dictator?
How about a painting by one of the greatest artists of all time?
What Did Shakespeare Really Look Like?
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!
The History of “Kubla Khan” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Greetings, folks! Just finished a new Bookworm History episode over on the YouTube channel all about the stories behind “Kubla Khan” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Check it out, let me know what you think in the comments, and, as always, enjoy the rest of your day!
The History of “The Nuremberg Chronicle”
Combining Biblical tales, military history, myths, and Greco-Roman classics with over 1,800 gorgeous woodcut illustrations “The Nuremberg Chronicle” is one of the most captivating books ever printed (and one of the lesser known!) Check it out and, as always, enjoy the rest of your day!
“Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came”
“There they stood, ranged along the hill-sides, met
To view the last of me, a living frame
For one more picture! in a sheet of flame
I saw them and I knew them all. And yet
Dauntless the slug-horn to my lips I set,
And blew ‘Childe Roland to the Dark Tower came.'”
Stephen King took Childe Roland from Robert Browning who got it from Shakespeare. So where the heck did Shakespeare get it from? In this episode of “Bookworm History” we’ll delve into the stories behind the tale of “Childe Roland” and examine the changes it went through on its way to King’s “The Dark Tower” epic! Click on the title card below to check it out!
The History of “The Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux
Greetings, fellow bookworms! I hope you’ve all recovered from whatever New Year’s festivities struck your fancy. I just put the finishing touches on a brand new episode of Bookworm History over on the Youtube channel. In this episode I explore some of the fictions and some of the facts that inspired French author Gaston Leroux to pen his most famous novel “The Phantom of the Opera”!
Click the title card to check it out and, as always, thanks for stopping by!
Gustave Doré: His Life and Works
Greetings, folks! We’ve got a new Bookworm History episode up over on the YouTube channel. This one is all about the life and prolific career of 19th Century artist Gustave Doré! Click on the title card below to watch, and don’t forget to subscribe!
And, as always, thanks for stopping by!
New episode! Dover Plains Stone Church!
Greetings, folks! Just posted a new episode up on the Youtube channel. This one’s all about the history and scenery of the Dover Plains Stone Church, a fantastic little spot in eastern Duchess County, NY. Check it out by clicking the title card below!
And, as always, thanks for stopping by!
Bookworm History 