Mental Floss

BOOKS

Find out more about Virginia Woolf’s best books, quotes, and the fascinating life she led.

Ellen Gutoskey
Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Evelyn Waugh was one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century, and his works are beloved by both literary critics and readers. But most people don’t know much Evelyn Waugh, the man. Here's what you need to know.

Sarah Philip
American ornithologist James Bond, circa 1974.

On January 4, 1900, a child was born in Philadelphia. His name was Bond. James Bond. He would grow up to become an ornithologist, and lived a fairly quiet, normal life—until someone borrowed his name.

Matt Soniak


Explore the life and legacy of writer Mark Twain, one of America's most-often quoted (and misquoted) authors.

Ellen Gutoskey


Kyle MacLachlan stars in David Lynch's Dune (1984).

After several different filmmakers tried (and failed) to adapt Frank Herbert's 'Dune' for the big screen, the movie finally arrived via David Lynch, a then up-and-coming filmmaker who’d never been tested on a film of that size and scope.

Matthew Jackson












Ewan McGregor stars in Doctor Sleep (2019).

Director Mike Flanagan revisits the Overlook Hotel, site of Stephen King's 1977 novel and Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film, in 'Doctor Sleep.'

Jake Rossen






Lyceum Theatre, London, 1897, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

For one of literature’s most enduring works, Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' didn’t receive much of a turnout when it was first adapted for the stage: A total of two people showed up.

Kirstin Fawcett