Franz Gruber has a quiet night
On this day in 1818 Franz Gruber, a teacher and organist in Arnsdorf, Austria, composed the music of the Christmas carol Silent Night. In Britain,... Read More
Claude Debussy writes ‘la mer’ – at Eastbourne
On this day in 1894 Claude Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune was first performed in Paris. Based on French poet Stéphane Mallarmé’s beautiful poem,... Read More
Edwin Arlington Robinson undervalues his talent
On this day in 1869 the poet Edwin Arlington Robinson was born in Maine. Robinson published his first work while at Harvard where he seems... Read More
Thomas Bracken writes a Kiwi anthem
On this day on 1841 the New Zealand poet and writer Thomas Bracken was born. Bracken emigrated from Ireland aged 12 and did a number... Read More
King Richard’s chicken cost’s a king’s ransom
On this day in 1192 King Richard the Lionheart, on his way home from the Crusades, was captured and imprisoned by Duke Leopold of Austria... Read More
Emily Bronte brings passion to Yorkshire
On this day in 1848 Emily Brontë, author of Wuthering Heights, died at the tragically early age of 30. The most reclusive of the Brontë... Read More
John Greenleaf Whittier – Quaker poet
On this day in 1807 The American Quaker poet and anti-slavery campaigner John Greenleaf Whittier was born. His poetry was well received during his lifetime... Read More