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The Strange History of the Worst Sentence in English Literature
"It was a dark and stormy night" has become so ingrained in our literary culture that we rarely give much thought to its origins.
BOOKS
7 “Deliciously Scary” Books, Recommended by Erik Larson
‘The Devil in the White City’ author Erik Larson loves to be spooked—here are some scary stories that do just that.
11 Things That Inspired Classic Horror Novels
From angry dogs to real claims of demonic possession, your favorite horror novel just might have a true story behind it.
Why Is Frankenstein’s Monster Green?
In the more than 200 years since Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein' helped shape the horror genre as we know it today, there have been dozens of interpretations of Frankenstein’s Monster. But when and why did he become green?
Antoni Porowski From Queer Eye Wants To Help You Cook the Perfect Dinner
In his new cookbook, Antoni Porowski from Netflix's hit show 'Queer Eye' offers recipes for simple, delicious dinner meals. Here's where to it now.
45 Fascinating Facts About James Bond
Six decades, 25 films, six actors, and billions of dollars in box office later, and we're still talking about James Bond, his literary legacy, and his big screen adventures.
Pooh Corner: The Famous Bridge Featured in Winnie the Pooh Is for Sale
Known as Poohsticks Bridge, the walkway was the site of both many Winnie the Pooh adventures as well as a place author A.A. Milne visited with his son, Christopher Robin.
7 Chilling Facts About Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood
Here's what you need to know about Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood,' one of the most influential true crime books ever written.
6 Atmospheric Horror Novels to Read, Recommended by Author Grady Hendrix
Author Grady Hendrix shared six of his favorite atmospheric horror novels that any fan of the genre should pick up this Halloween season.
11 Facts About Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire
Forty-five years after its publication, Anne Rice’s 1976 novel 'Interview With the Vampire' stands as one of the most influential bloodsucker tales ever published. Here's what you need to know.
7 Hilarious Footnotes From Mary Roach's New Book, Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law
There are few diversions more delightful than the footnotes in author Mary Roach’s books—and the footnotes in her latest, 'Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law,' are no exception.
Stanley Tucci's New Memoir Is a Foodie's Delight
Award-winning actor, producer, writer, and food fanatic Stanley Tucci takes you on a journey of his life through the food he loves.
Add This Winnie the Pooh-Themed Tree House to Your Travel Bucket List
A long-time Winnie the Pooh illustrator was asked to design and host this tree house Airbnb in Ashdown Forest—a.k.a. the inspiration for the One Hundred Acre Wood.
8 Books That Won the Newbery Medal
More than 100 books have won the Newbery Medal, the top award for distinguished works of children's literature.
12 Inspiring Quotes About Books and Reading
Profound quotes about books and reading from the likes of Toni Morrison, Jane Austen, George R.R. Martin, Salman Rushdie, and more of your favorite authors.
9 Books Hunter S. Thompson Never Published
Hunter S. Thompson's career is marked with plenty of hits—but it's the works that never saw the light of day that might be even more interesting.
11 Enlightening Facts About Bram Stoker
Today, Bram Stoker is best known as the author of 'Dracula.' But in life, he was better known as a theatrical manager.
5 Excellent Items on Daniel Radcliffe's Shelves
Which board game gets special placement on Daniel Radcliffe's shelves, and which pandemic hobby occupies a ton of space?
6 Genre-Defying Westerns to Read, Recommended by Author Anna North
Today’s best Western books don’t revolve around John Wayne wannabes and other Old West tropes. ‘Outlawed’ author Anna North recommends her favorites.
11 Illuminating Secrets of Paleographers
Paleographers know exactly why your dog might get weirdly excited if you whip out a medieval manuscript.
Make the Most of Your Reading Experience With The Curious Reader: A Journal for Book Lovers
The perfect place to keep track of all your favorite books and also your list of dream guests for a literary dinner party.
9 Facts About The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas’s 2017 debut novel, 'The Hate U Give,' has held its place in our hearts (and on the New York Times Bestseller List) for half a decade now. Here's what you need to know.
Introducing The Curious Viewer, the Mental Floss Binge-Watcher's Guide to the Greatest Shows of the Past 20 Years
In 'The Curious Viewer,' we take a deep dive into some of the best and most binge-worthy shows of the past 20 years. Who knows? You might discover your next time-sucking addiction here.
8 Cool Bookstores and Libraries You Can Spend the Night In
Paris’s Shakespeare and Company has hosted some 30,000 “Tumbleweeds” passing through town. Want to be the next one?