HISTORY

Phillis Wheatley was the American colonies’ first Black poet and second woman to publish a book of poems. Here are more facts about her.

The composer suffered from hearing loss and a number of mysterious ailments before his death at age 56. His hair is providing some answers.

History tells us that Napoleon’s most upsetting defeat came at Waterloo. But it may have actually occurred eight years earlier, after the French emperor was attacked by a relentless horde of rabbits.

From Austen to Dickens and beyond, famous authors have had no problem with using the word 'literally' in a figurative sense.

Crab rangoon isn't Chinese—and it may not contain real crab.

Cherry blossom season is a major tourist draw for any city that’s lucky enough to grow ornamental cherry trees.

Once a simple patent clerk, Albert Einstein changed the world with his theories of special and general relativity.

Unusual deaths aren’t just found on the page. A number of authors have themselves died in bizarre ways—and sometimes, they seem even stranger than fiction.

Think all there is to taxidermy is stuffing an animal? Think again. Since the days of William Hornaday and Carl Akeley, taxidermy has been a scientific art.

Gibson was the first Black athlete to win a Grand Slam tennis event—and she also played pro golf.

Corned beef and cabbage has beef, cabbage, and not a speck of corn. What gives?

The film adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's ‘Gone With the Wind’ movie has long been condemned for romanticizing slavery. Some screenwriters had tried to paint a more honest picture.