The Librarian's Almanac is a daily podcast curated by a professional librarian that looks back into that day's history for literature, letters, and journalism to help us better understand the past in a new way.
Need to take a hiatus from our daily cadence for the rest of 2020
On this day in 1924 the author, Truman Capote, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. Listen to the newspaper article that sent him on the path to introduce the nonfiction novel with In Cold Blood. Today is September 30, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1916, American oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller becomes the world's first billionaire. Over the years, the attitudes of Americans and billionaires has evolved and become complex. For journalists like Tom Scocca, the existence of billionaires are not complex. It is wrong. Learn more today straight from his writing. Today is September 29, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1891, the author, Herman Melville, passed away in New York City in the United States. Hear the musical language Melville employs in his novel, Moby-Dick, to emphasize the madness of Captain Ahab. Today is September 28, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1905, Albert Einstein's paper "Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon Its Energy Content?” is published, introducing the equation E=mc² and the Special theory of relativity. Learn about Einstein's life, giving context to his work, from the words of Carlo Rovelli in Seven Brief Lessons on Physics: http://www.cpt.univ-mrs.fr/~rovelli/#books Today is September 27, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1181, Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order in the Catholic Church, was born in Assisi, in what is now Italy. Listen to the Prayer of St. Francis, which he never actually wrote! Today is September 26, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1897, American author, William Faulkner, was born in New Albany, Mississippi, in the United States. Learn about the world Faulkner wrote in and how the affected works like his novel, Sound and Fury. Today is September 25, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1896, F. Scott Fitzgerald, was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in the United States. Listen to the opening paragraphs of his famous novel, The Great Gatsby, and our first introduction to Gatsby. Today is September 24, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 480 BC, Euripides was born in Salamis, Greece. Listen to the monologues of one of his gifts to western theater, Medea, criticizing the social status of women in Ancient Greece. Today is September 23, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1862, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th American President, issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Listen to the entire document, which began the legal status change of enslaved African Americans to be free. Today is September 22, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1947, Stephen King is born in Maine. Listen to his rules for writers from his memoir and writing guide. Wannabe novelists, these rules are for you Today is September 21, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 2017, Hurricane Maria makes landfall in Puerto Rico. Listen to an excerpt from the first-hand account of Chef Jose Andres when he flew down to Puerto Rico to help. Today is September 20, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in the Jewish calendar in 2020 is Rosh Hashanah. It acts as the first of the Jewish High Holy Days specified in the book of Leviticus that occurs in the early autumn of the Northern Hemisphere. Listen to an essay by Devin Murphy as he recalled one the most important Rosh Hashanah celebrations in his life. Today is September 19, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1846, Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning exchange their last letters to each other before they move to Italy. Listen to the words of one of those letters from Elizabeth, giving a glimpse into the passion and love she had which would fuel her famous Sonnets from the Portuguese. Today is September 18, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1849, the American abolitionist, Harriet Tubman, escapes from slavery. Listen to the American poet, Eloise Greenfield, capture Tubman's enduring legend starting on that day. Today is September 17, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1925, B.B. King, American blues artist, was born in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Listen to the pain-filled lyrics of one of his songs, “Why I Sing the Blues”. Today is September 16, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1890, Agatha Christie was born in Torquay in the United Kingdom. Listen to the settling being placed for one of her beloved novels, Murder on the Nile. Today is September 15, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1985 "The Golden Girls", starring Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty, debuts on NBC. Listen to one of many classic monologues from Betty White's character, Rose, as she recalls living in St. Olaf, Minnesota. Today is September 14, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1916, Roald Dahl is born in Llandaff, Cardiff in Wales. Listen to an excerpt from his famous work, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Today is September 13, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 2012, excavators announced they likely found the remains of King Richard III of England under a carpark (parking lot for my fellow non-Bostonian Americans) in Leicester. Listen to the poem that was read at his funeral by the poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, when he was finally re-buried. Today is September 12, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 2001, four coordinated terrorist attacks were carried out by al-Qaeda against the United States, killing 2,996 people and injuring over 6,000 others. The collective events of the day become known globally as 9-11. Listen to transcripts and first-hand accounts of the last words we have from those who died that day Today is September 11, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1993 "The X-Files", created by Chris Carter and starring Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, debuts on Fox. Listen to an excerpt from the episode, which set the stage for Duchovny's character's motive throughout the series. Today is September 10, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1828, Leo Tolstoy is born at Yasnaya Polyana, his family's estate in Russia. Listen to the opening of his famous book, War and Peace, and begin understanding the world Tolstoy tried to create. Today is September 9, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1966, Star Trek premieres with its first-aired episode, "The Man Trap". Listen to an excerpt of the episode and learn about part of the show's approach to serious moral topics. Today is September 8 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1986, Desmond Tutu becomes the first black man to lead the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town, South Africa. Listen to part of his book, An African Prayer Book, and get a glimpse into Tutu as a religious leader. Today is September 7, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1628 Puritans with the Massachusetts Bay Colony land at Salem. Learn about the theological beliefs that encouraged them on through John Wintrop's sermon, “A Model of Christian Charity” Today is September 6, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1921, a Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle party in San Francisco ends with the death of the young actress Virginia Rappe. Learn about the scandal details and how it affected (and didn't affect) Arbuckle's career. Today is September 5, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1981 Beyoncé Knowles Carter was born in Houston, Texas. Learn about her attraction to feminism philosophy and its influence on her work in the 2010s. Today is September 4, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1838, the famed abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, escaped from slavery. Listen to his first-hand account about his experience being a slave and realizing the design of his oppression. Today is September 3, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1973, J. R. R. Tolkien died in Bournemouth in the United Kingdom. He is best remembered as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Listen to Song of Beren and Lúthien by J. R. R. Tolkien, inspired by his love for his wife. Today is September 2, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1945, the Japanese formally surrendered to the United States aboard USS Missouri. This officially marks the end of World War II. Shortly before this defeat General Tadamichi Kuribayashi wrote three death poems to the Japanese imperial headquarters. Learn about the Japanese tradition of death poems and their purpose in east Asian literature tradition. Today is September 1, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, died in a car crash in Paris. Listen to the reimagined lyrics for “Candle in the Wind,” which her friend, Elton John, arranged for her funeral. Today is August 31, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1800, rebel leader, Gabriel Prosser, is forced to postpone a planned slave rebellion in Richmond, Virginia, because of rain. Listen to the newspaper article from when he was pardoned centuries later in 2007. Today is August 30, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 2005, Hurricane Katrina makes its second landfall over southeast Louisiana and Mississippi. Listen to “Requiem” by Yusef Komunyakaa, written in memory to the destruction and effects of the storm on the deep South. Today is August 29, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1955, a young teen named Emmett Till is brutally murdered by a mob of white supremacists in Mississippi. Listen to selected sonnets by Marilyn Nelson reflecting on the cruelty and grief pulsing out of Emmett's memory to this day. Today is August 28, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1883, west of Java in Indonesia, the volcano, Krakatoa, violently erupts. Listen to a first-hand account of the immense destruction from a ship's journal, which was just off the coast of the volcano. Today is August 27, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1920, the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution took effect. It gives women the right to vote. Listen to the other making power that is given work. Listen about a woman talking her own power in the poem, “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou. Today is August 26, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1916, the National Park Service is created in the United States. Listen to a poem commissioned for the National Park Service Centennial by the Academy of American Poets. It is called “And the Old Man Speaks of Paradise: a Ghazal” By Wang Ping Today is August 25, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1977, American author, John Green, is born in Indianapolis, Indiana in the United States. Listen to an excerpt from his first published book, Looking for Alaska, which helped change the world of Young Adult publishing. Today is August 24, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1305, William Wallace is executed for high treason at Smithfield, London. His execution is credited with spurring Scotland's subsequent uprising against England lead by Robert the Bruce. Learn about Robert's famous speech at the Battle of Bannockburn years later and the song Robert Burns wrote based on it. Today is August 23, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 2004, two paintings by Edvard Munch, versions of The Scream and Madonna, were stolen at gunpoint from a museum in Oslo, Norway. Learn about the economics of art theft from Robert Wittman, the founder of the FBI's art crime team. Today is August 22, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1938, Kenny Rogers was born in Houston, Texas. Listen to what made his career a success and the lyrics of one of his best known recordings, The Gambler. Today is August 21, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1920, The National Football League is first organized in Canton, Ohio, under the name the American Professional Football Conference. Learn about the impact of American football on American culture from Nixon to Kapernick. Today is August 20, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1612, the "Samlesbury witches", three women from the Lancashire village of Samlesbury, England, are put on trial. It becomes one of the most famous witch trials in British history. Eighty years later in 1692 five people, one woman and four men, including a clergyman, were executed after being convicted of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials. Learn about how the 1600s were plagued with abuses such as these and step into the eyes of the persecuted women in the form of a poem about one of them, Halfhanged Mary. Today is August 19, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1587, Virginia Dare, the first English child born in a New World English colony, is born on Roanoke Island in what would become North Carolina. Learn about the Roanoke Colony's disappearance from the journals of Virigina's grandfather, John White. Today is August 18, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1945, George Orwell first published his novella Animal Farm. Learn about how Orwell used Animal farm to criticize Joseph Stalin and his cult of personality in Russia. Today is August 17, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1977, Elvis Presley died in Memphis, TN at his Graceland estate. Listen to the lyrics of a song he recorded during one of the saddest moments of his life, "Always on My Mind". Today is August 16, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1912, Julia Child was born in Pasadena, California. Learn about her early days in France and how that directly impacted her approach writing Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Today is August 15, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1947, American romance writer, Danielle Steel was born in New York City. Listen to how consistency and ritual have helped make it possible for her to keep up her reputation for constantly publishing. Today is August 14, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1946, the science fiction writer H.G. Wells, passed away. Learn where his work tied into some of the political events of his time, including World War II. Today is August 13, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
On this day in 1963, Anthony L. Ray (Sir Mix-a-Lot) was born in Auburn, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. Learn about the reverberations of his iconic work, “Baby Got Back”, and what it meant personally to him verses White America. Today is August 12, 2020. This is the Librarian's Almanac. Feel free to check out more from the Librarian's Almanac on their website: http://www.librariansalmanac.com/ I'd also love to hear from you directly. Feel free to send me an email at librarians.almanac@gmail.com
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