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
Jack Kerouac, writer on a roll
On this day in 1951 American author Jack Kerouac was preparing to write his defining novel On the Road. The manuscript was to be typed... Read More
Julius Caesar’s day of reckoning
On this day in 32 BC Julius Caesar, Roman general and politician, was assassinated. Famously told by soothsayers to ‘Beware the Ides of March’, Caesar... Read More