For over half a century, photographer Ron Galella got up close – often far too personal – with some of the world’s biggest celebrities. His unrelenting style and invasive camera lens helped to shape the modern idea of celebrity, capturing unguarded moments on the streets and in the nightclubs of New York and Los Angeles. Whether invited or not, Galella's snapshots became iconic, yet his methods made him one of the most controversial figures in photography. From being punched

Dirk Bogarde, whose real name was Derek Jules Gaspard Ulric Niven van den Bogaerde, was serving as a captain in the British Army at the time of Bergen-Belsen’s liberation. While his primary duties were not directly related to the camp’s liberation, Bogarde arrived at Bergen-Belsen shortly after its discovery. His experience there left an indelible mark on his psyche, and he would later describe the horrors he witnessed in rare and carefully chosen words. Though Bogarde was no

Julie d’Aubigny known as La Maupin fought duels loved women and became one of France’s greatest opera stars all while ignoring nearly every rule of her time

The duel between the Duke of Wellington and the Earl of Winchilsea stands out in British history as a notable example of how personal honour and political disputes were sometimes settled in the early 19th century. This duel, which took place on March 21, 1829, encapsulates the intense political and religious divisions of the time. Background: The Duke of Wellington Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, is one of Britain's most famous military figures, known for his decisi

Explore the heart-wrenching stories of Victorian Christmas In Prison - 1872. Discover the individuals and their crimes during this chilly holiday season.

Around 1900, photographer Horace Warner documented the children of London's Spitalfields slums. A third didn't survive. This is the story of those who did, and the man who made sure they weren't forgotten.

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s turn as “Joliet” Jake and Elwood Blues always walked a cheerful line between comedy and genuine musical devotion. Their origins were suitably odd. Back in 1976 on Saturday Night Live, the pair appeared in full bee costumes to perform Slim Harpo’s “I’m a King Bee,” a sketch that hinted at something more than just a throwaway gag. Aykroyd already nursed a deep, almost encyclopaedic love for blues and R&B, the sort of passion that inevitably spill

The Cato Street Conspiracy of 1820 is a remarkable yet often overlooked event in British history. This audacious plot to assassinate the entire British Cabinet and overthrow the government offers a fascinating glimpse into the political turbulence of the early 19th century. The early 19th century was a period of significant social and economic upheaval in Britain. The end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 brought about a severe economic depression. Soldiers returning from the wa

This is a timely insight from a 1959 interview with the philosopher Bertrand Russell about what he would say to a distant future generation of humans: “I should like to say two things, one intellectual and one moral. The intellectual thing I should want to say is this: When you are studying any matter, or considering any philosophy, ask yourself only what are the facts and what is the truth that the facts bear out. Never let yourself be diverted either by what you wish to bel

In 1964 the Beatles refused to play the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville unless the audience was desegregated. The venue backed down, making the concert the first integrated event in the stadium. It became one of the band’s quiet but most meaningful stands against injustice.

"You can't hold a man down without staying down with him." — Booker T. Washington In 1999, ABC aired a documentary featuring a collection of recordings from the 1930s and 1940s by John Henry Faulk. These recordings captured the stories of former slaves, which had been stored and neglected in the Library of Congress since 1941. John Henry Faulk: "I remember sitting out on a wagon tongue with this old black man - completely illiterate - down here near Navasota a

In 1986, Metallica released Master of Puppets — the thrash metal masterpiece that changed music forever. From “Battery” to “Orion,” from Cliff Burton’s brilliance to tragedy on tour, here’s the full story.

“Such a fine, sunny day, and I have to go,” 21-year-old Sophie Scholl lamented, before she was guillotined by the Nazis. “But what does my death matter, if through us thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?” Scholl was a member of the White Rose, a small, anonymous group of mostly university students who hoped that by distributing leaflets and graffitiing public spaces, they could awaken complacent German intellectuals. Seven months earlier in June of 1942,

Frank Hurley’s legacy as a pioneering photographer and adventurer is filled with tales of extreme environments, survival, and an enduring passion for capturing the world’s most remote landscapes. Born James Francis Hurley in October 1885 in Glebe, Sydney, Australia, Hurley’s journey from a rebellious teenager to a legendary photographer is remarkable. His father, Edward, was a Lancashire-born typesetter and trade unionist, while his mother, Margaret, came from a family of vin

Shackleton set out to cross Antarctica. Instead Endurance was crushed, the men spent months drifting on ice, then reached Elephant Island. Six sailed the tiny James Caird to South Georgia and every man survived. A calm, human survival story like no other.

It's been well documented that AC/DC are the greatest band in the history of the galaxy, I've seen them a fair few times live and I can attest to their god-like status. (I even named my firstborn son after their lead guitarist) This is Bon's story though, the hell-raising singer that was with the band until his tragic death in 1980. Ronald Belford “Bon” Scott was born on July 9, 1946, in Forfar, Scotland , and grew up in the nearby town of Kirriemuir. His parents, Charles B

@burpzine is an Instagram series created by pastry chef Erik Vernieuwe in his spare time. Prepare to feast your eyes on a delightful spectacle: a series featuring sausages adorned in the likeness of celebrities, iconic artworks, and beloved cartoon characters. Indulge yourself below!

Everyone knows DHL , a lot of us will have used them from time to time. The business was set up in 1969 by three guys called Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn and now has upwards of 380,000 employees and turned the three owners into extremely wealthy men. Today we're not looking at the D or the L in DHL but we're taking a look at the H, Larry Hillblom. Born in Kingsburg, California in 1943, Hillblom pursued a career in law in San Francisco. However, he soon discer

On a summer day in 1924, a crowd gathered for what, at first glance, seemed like an ordinary mass baptism. Parents stood proudly with their children, ready to take part in the kind of ceremony that often marked a milestone in religious communities. But this was no regular Sunday service. As the families approached the clergyman, a group of 50 men in white robes stepped forward, their faces obscured by hoods, leaving no question about who they were or what this event truly rep

In the history of American photography, the name Karl Moon stands out for his captivating portrayal of Native American life. Born in 1879, Moon embarked on a journey that would immortalize the cultures, traditions, and faces of indigenous peoples across the American West. His work not only captured moments in time but also served as a bridge between worlds, bringing the rich tapestry of Native American life to a wider audience. Raised in Wilmington, Ohio, Carl (originally Kar

Newgate Prison was once London’s most feared place, home to daring escapes, grim legends and the terrifying Black Dog said to haunt cannibalistic inmates. Its stones may be gone but its stories remain unforgettable.

In the 19th century, certain books were bound in a specific type of leather made from human skin, obtained from individuals who did not consent to it. This practice, known as Anthropodermic bibliopegy, was prevalent between the 16th and 19th centuries. Doctors primarily bound these books, sourcing the skin from deceased patients or criminals who had been executed. Through advancements in technology, we have identified 18 books bound with human skin, although it is believed th

At around 8pm on March 20, 1974, Princess Anne and her husband of four months were being driven back to Buckingham Palace after a charity film screening. Anne's lady-in-waiting rode with them in the back of a maroon Rolls-Royce, while Inspector James Beaton of Scotland Yard's royal protection branch sat up front as their only bodyguard. Along The Mall, a white Ford Escort suddenly cut in front of them, forcing their chauffeur to stop about 200 yards from the palace gates. A b