

Lucas Reilly
Joined: Nov 21, 2012
Lucas proudly worked on mental_floss magazine for four years, where he served as a senior editor. For two years, he worked as a longform feature writer for the web. He's embedded with professional eclipse chasers in Nebraska, interviewed feudal lords in Britain, hunted for buried treasure in Virginia, and once profiled a man who had tried to turn into a goat. Chances are, you can find him at the library.


The Phony Disease That Helped Researchers Identify Bach’s (Purported) Body

How the World’s Only Feudal Lord Outclassed the Nazis to Save Her People

You Probably Have a Favorite Burner—and You’re Probably Using It Wrong
George Pollard Jr., Unlucky Captain of the Ship That Inspired ‘Moby-Dick’
When Captain George Pollard Jr.’s ship was rammed by a whale, he had no idea it would help make literary history.
The Politician Who Sued God
In the world of politics, nobody is safe from a well-executed smear campaign.
12 Historical Speeches Nobody Ever Heard
For every speech, there are a bunch of versions that ended up on the writers' room floor. Here are 12 speeches that were written but, for a variety of reasons, never delivered.
Why the Letters Q, W, and X Were Once Illegal in Türkiye
Sometimes the letter of the law has tough things to say about, well, letters.
The 1925 Cave Rescue That Captivated the Nation
On January 30, 1925, Kentucky cave explorer Floyd Collins went underground—and didn’t come out. The epic effort to rescue him gripped national headlines and transformed into a battle between heroism and folly, selflessness and selfishness, life and death.
The Bizarre Story of Britain’s Last Great Auk
Was the animal a bird, or a witch?
What Is Wassailing, Anyway?
Here‘s everything you need to know about this beloved Christmas tradition, from how it evolved to a fun guide for doing it yourself.
Why Do Ghosts Say “Boo”?
If linguistics is any indicator, it would appear that everybody in the spirit realm speaks Scots English.
Assault, Robbery, and Murder: The Dark History of “Bedsheet Ghosts”
Pretending to be a ghost was a popular pastime in 19th century England. But in London's neighborhood of Hammersmith, it could also get you killed.
Dwight Eisenhower Wrote a Letter Accepting Blame for D-Day's Failure, Just in Case
D-Day occurred on June 6, 1944, and kicked off the Battle of Normandy. Though it was a success, General Eisenhower was preparing for the worst.
14 Surprising Facts About William Shakespeare
Despite his many contributions to English literature, surprisingly little is known about William Shakespeare's life. Here’s what we do know about the celebrated actor, poet, and playwright.
An (Almost) Comprehensive History of Rat Kings
Myth, hoax, or Mother Nature's freak accident? Here's the story of nearly every rat king ever discovered.