Dame Nellie Melba, famous in operatic and cooking circles
On this day in 1901 Dame Nellie Melba revealed the secret of her famous toast. The toast had been invented along with the dessert Peach... Read More
Billy Collins, America’s favourite poet
On this day in 1941 American Poet Laureate Billy Collins was born. Called ‘America’s favourite poet’ he has several best-selling volumes to his name. His... Read More
Johann Sebastian Bach, father of harmony
On this day in 1685 the German composer Johann Sebastian Bach was born. One of music’s all-time greats, Bach grew up in a musical household... Read More
Henrik Ibsen, playwright of realism
On this day in 1828 Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen was born. Ibsen did not really achieve recognition until the play Peer Gynt appeared, by which... Read More
Sir Arthur C Clarke thinks ahead of his time
On this day in 2008 British science fiction writer Sir Arthur C. Clarke died aged 90. A prolific writer, he is most famous for the... Read More
Jacques de Molay’s dying curse
On this day in 1314 the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Jacques de Molay, was burnt to death at the stake, in Paris. The... Read More
Marcus Aurelius meditates
On this day in AD 180 the Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius died aged 58. He is chiefly remembered today for his philosophical writings... Read More