Born in Duluth, Minnesota on May 24, 1941, Bob Dylan‘s interest in music and performance began in his high school years and, after moving to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota in 1959, he emerged on the American folk music scene. He soon dropped out of college and moved to New YorkContinue reading “Spokesman of a Generation: The Influences and Legacy of Bob Dylan.”
Category Archives: Authors
Remembering Nella Larsen
Although she only published two novels throughout her lifetime, American novelist Nella Larsen earned wide recognition among her contemporaries as one of the important voices of the Harlem Renaissance, as well as an important figure in American modernism. Larsen died on this day, March 30th, in 1964 at the age of 72 and left behindContinue reading “Remembering Nella Larsen”
William Faulkner’s Works and Influence on Writers of Magical Realism
William Faulkner has become one of the most celebrated writers in American literature. Although he published his first book, Soldier’s Pay, in 1926 and his second book Mosquitoes in 1927, he was not largely known as a writer until over twenty years later. In 1927, Faulkner wrote his first novel to be set in hisContinue reading “William Faulkner’s Works and Influence on Writers of Magical Realism”
The 145th Anniversary of Churchill’s Birth.
This upcoming Saturday, November 30th marks the 145th anniversary of the birth of one of the most significant figures of the 20th century, Sir Winston S. Churchill. Born in Oxfordshire to a wealthy, aristocratic family, Churchill joined the British Army in 1895 at the age of twenty-one and saw action in British India, the Anglo–Sudan War, and the Second BoerContinue reading “The 145th Anniversary of Churchill’s Birth.”
Ludwig von Mises’ Human Action: A Treatise on Economics.
One of the most influential economic treatises of the twentieth century and Austrian-American economist Ludwig von Mises’ single most important work, Human Action: A Treatise on Economics, first appeared 70 years ago, in September of 1949. Human Action was first published by the Yale University Press in 1949 and later that same year in LondonContinue reading “Ludwig von Mises’ Human Action: A Treatise on Economics.”
The World and Art of Walt Disney.
American entrepreneur, animator, and film producer Walt Disney is arguably the most important figure in the history of animation. A national cultural icon, his innovative spirit and vision revolutionized the genre of animated cartoons, making them a major part of mainstream popular entertainment. Born in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood, Disney began his animation career in 1919Continue reading “The World and Art of Walt Disney.”
Remembering Toni Morrison.
Prolific American author Toni Morrison published 11 novels, 9 works of non-fiction, 5 children’s novels and received over 30 awards throughout the course of her career including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988, the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by Barack Obama, in 2012. Born on FebruaryContinue reading “Remembering Toni Morrison.”
Celebrating the Life and Work of James Baldwin.
American novelist and social activist James Baldwin was born today, August 2nd, in Harlem in 1924. The literary master’s deeply personal and provocative stories examined both the African American and homosexual experience when neither identity was accepted by American culture. His works would come to galvanize the nation and give a passionate voice toContinue reading “Celebrating the Life and Work of James Baldwin.”
The 50th Anniversary of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five.
March 2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of the publication of Vonnegut’s most powerful novel, Slaughterhouse-Five, or The Children’s Crusade, A Duty-Dance With Death. Published 50 years ago this month, on March 31st 1969, Vonnegut’s science fiction-infused anti-war novel Slaughterhouse-Five became his first bestseller and made the 47-year old writer a celebrity. The story centres onContinue reading “The 50th Anniversary of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five.”
Mario Puzo’s The Godfather.
Sunday, March 10th marks the 50th anniversary of Puzo’s definitive masterwork. A searing narrative of the Mafia underworld, Mario Puzo’s epic novel The Godfather made its debut on March 10th, 1969. Appearing at a time when America’s interest in organized crime was growing, the book was applauded for its authenticity and swiftly became publisher G.P.Continue reading “Mario Puzo’s The Godfather.”