William Burroughs invents cut-up poetry
On this day in 1914 the author William Burroughs was born. The son of wealthy parents, Burroughs was one of the group of enfants terribles... Read More
Dietrich Bonhoeffer stands up for his beliefs
On this day in 1906 the cleric, theologian and anti-Nazi pacifist Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born into a large and loving family in Germany. With the... Read More
Buddy Holly’s last flight
On this day in 1959 the American singer Buddy Holly was killed in a plane crash. It was the ‘day the music died’ for thousands... Read More
Theophile Gautier discovers hashish
On this day in 1846 the French journalist and poet Theophile Gautier wrote an account of his experiences at Club des Hashischins (Club of the... Read More
Langston Hughes champions racial equality
On this day in 1903 the American poet Langston Hughes was born. Hughes was of mixed race and was highly influential in the Harlem Renaissance.... Read More
Norman Mailer, author and impaler
On this day in 1923 the American author Norman Mailer was born. Mailer was one of a group of writers that included Hunter S. Thompson,... Read More
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has more than one theme
On this day in 1595 the first performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet took place. This tale of teenage love, violence and death is the... Read More