When Valerie Solanas entered Andy Warhol's sixth-floor office at 33 Union Square West on June 3, 1968, armed with two guns and consumed by a massive, paranoid grudge, things went south as quickly as you'd expect. Solana had gone to Warhol's office because she firmly believed he intended to steal her manuscript, he had ignored her calls so she went for a 'face to face'.

Once a prominent figure but now largely overlooked, Johan de Witt held a pivotal role in Dutch politics. Elevated to the position of councillor pensionary in 1653, akin to a contemporary Prime Minister, he led the Dutch government until shortly before his passing in 1672. Born into a prosperous merchant family in Dordrecht on September 24, 1625, Johan de Witt received his education at Leiden University. There, he showcased exceptional aptitude in mathematics and demonstrated

On the 5th of June, 1833, in a London drawing room filled with society figures, mathematicians and curious onlookers, a seventeen year old girl stood before a gleaming mechanical contraption of brass wheels and interlocking gears. The machine clattered into motion, turning with measured precision. It was called the Difference Engine. Most in the room saw an impressive curiosity. She saw something far larger. The girl was Ada Lovelace. The inventor demonstrating the machine wa

In the evening of July 27, 1890, Vincent van Gogh returned to his small room at the Auberge Ravoux in Auvers-sur-Oise, located north of Paris. Upon hearing his distressing groans, the innkeeper discovered van Gogh in agony, doubled over due to a gunshot wound in his chest. The innkeeper, Ravoux, promptly called for the village doctor, and van Gogh asked for his own physician, Paul-Ferdinand Gachet, to be summoned as well. Following a thorough examination of the patient, the d

High in the rugged folds of the Peruvian Andes lies one of the world’s most recognisable archaeological sites: Machu Picchu. Often draped...

When Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate in March 1917, it marked not only the end of the Romanov dynasty but the close of centuries of autocratic rule in Russia. The Romanovs had ruled since 1613, maintaining control over a vast and diverse empire through an often harsh and centralised authority. Yet by the dawn of the 20th century, the contradictions at the heart of their rule were becoming unsustainable. Industrialisation had brought a new working class, while peasants

When north Wales exploded into open revolt against an exploitative English elite. Countless towns were laid waste, their populations massacred. Henry IV’s retaliatory expedition was humiliated and sent packing back to England. Conwy Castle — that glittering jewel of royal might — was captured. And a new Prince of Wales was declared: Owain Glyndefrdwy, or Owain Glyndwr for short. Now in 1401, Glyndwr moved on. Huge numbers flocked to his banner raised in the mountains

Once upon a time, there was a lady named Catherine II, who ruled over Russia with sass and scandal for a whopping three decades. Originally known as Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst, she underwent a magical transformation into Catherine back in 1745 when she decided to join the cool kids' club, also known as the Russian Orthodox Church. Catherine got hitched to Grand Duke Peter, who was basically Russian royalty on steroids, being the grandchild of the legendary Pe

The wonderful people over at Pop Sonnets have spent so much time putting a old spin on modern songs. They're absolutely wonderful.

When Feliks Scazighino was just six years old, the world as he knew it collapsed. Along with millions of other Polish civilians in 1940,...

Edward Hopper's masterpiece, "Nighthawks" (1942), transcends mere representation to encapsulate a profound sense of mid-century urban isolation and ennui. Evoking the ambiance of after-hours solitude in a bustling American metropolis, the painting has become synonymous with a particular brand of existential loneliness. However, amidst its status as an icon of modern art, it's imperative to recognise that "Nighthawks" went through many stages of development. Robin Cembalest at

François-Marie Arouet, celebrated under his nom de plume Voltaire, stands as a preeminent figure of the Age of Enlightenment, an era characterised by intellectual and philosophical advancements. He ardently opposed doctrinaire thinking in all its forms, championing the cause of free expression despite enduring censorship, incarceration, and exile on multiple occasions. Even in the 18th century, Voltaire's wit remains remarkably relevant. His work, particularly exemplified in

Steve Vistaunet’s Pinterest is a treasure-trove of photos of exuberant cassette spine designs from the gilded age of the mix-tape, ranging from the hand-drawn to early desktop publishing experiments.

Death is a natural conclusion to all life, yet when it claims our beloved entertainment icons, disbelief often follows. From John Lennon to Jim Morrison and Elvis Presley, their passing leaves an indelible mark, reminding us of their lasting impact Artists Jean-Marie Delbes and Hatim El Hihi have recreated a number of well known album covers with deceased band members removed. (Some will need to be updated, sadly)

One of the key and most chilling moments in the film Jaws comes when Shaw's character Quint delivers a harrowing four-minute monologue...

If I was ever confronted with my likeness in a museum I would freak.

Born in 1821, Sir Richard Francis Burton was a renowned British explorer, writer, orientalist scholar, and soldier. He gained fame for his extensive travels and explorations across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, showcasing an exceptional command of languages and deep understanding of diverse cultures. It is said that Burton was proficient in 29 languages. Among Burton's most notable accomplishments are his documented pilgrimage to Mecca in disguise, a daring feat during a ti

In 1996, a stirring incident unfolded as a black teenager bravely shielded a white man from an enraged mob, mistaken in their belief that he supported the racist Ku Klux Klan. This act of remarkable courage and empathy continues to inspire people today. Keshia Thomas, then 18 years old, found herself in her hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan, during a Ku Klux Klan rally. Ann Arbor, renowned for its liberal ideals, progressive values, and diverse community, was an unlikely choice

Discover the wild life of the “Dancing Marquess” of Anglesey, who burned through £110,000 a year (£13million in 2024) on costumes, theatrics, and indulgence in Victorian Britain and ended up with debts amounting to £550,000 (£60 miliion in 2024)

A bit more than a 10 year challenge, these images are strangely intriguing. I've no idea why though. The brilliance of images showcasing famous musicians photoshopped alongside their younger selves lies in their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection, capturing the essence of an artist's journey through time. These juxtapositions offer a visually striking glimpse into the evolution of iconic figures, highlighting the passage of years and the transformation of th

447 years ago, in an event that seems less like real history and more like a Monty Python sketch, a small band of men actually stole the...

Before European contact reshaped the continent and its many cultures, Native American societies offered a markedly different view of...

Renowned fashion mogul Ralph Lauren proudly possesses one of Britain's most distinguished automotive treasures – the 1938 Bugatti 57SC Atlantic Coupe, a masterpiece crafted by the visionary Jean Bugatti, scion of the renowned automaker Ettore. This exquisite vehicle stands as a testament to unparalleled beauty and engineering brilliance, commanding a staggering £30 million valuation. But what makes this automotive marvel so coveted? Beyond its sheer aesthetic allure, having g