Literature
How to Properly Celebrate a Hobbit Birthday
Today is J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday, and in his honor here's how to throw the best Hobbit Birthday ever
January 03, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
The Tolkien Nerd’s Guide to The Hobbit
Peter Jackson’s blockbuster movie draws upon stories behind stories behind stories, just as J.R.R. Tolkien’s original works did
January 03, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Bringing Extinct Birds Back to Life, One Cartoon at a Time
In his new book, Extinct Boids, artist Ralph Steadman introduces readers to a flock of birds that no longer live in the wild
January 02, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Take a Tour of Victor Hugo's Paris
As a film version of his Les Miserables hits theaters, consider traveling in the French writer’s footsteps
December 24, 2012 |
By Nina Fedrizzi
The History of Mapmaking, Jared Diamond’s Latest and More Recent Books Reviewed
Also on the docket, travelling by fire and understanding the concept of “antifragility”
December 2012 |
By Chloe Schama
Last Minute Food-Themed Gift Ideas
There's still time to pick up these magazines, books, kitchen gadgets and food stuffs for your Christmas shopping needs
December 18, 2012 |
By Jesse Rhodes
Is This Hans Christian Andersen’s First Fairy Tale?
A historian in Denmark may have discovered Hans Christian Anderson's first fairy tale ever
December 17, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Flower Power, Redefined
In a new book, Andrew Zuckerman embraces minimalism, capturing 150 colorful blooms on white backdrops
December 12, 2012 |
By Ryan Reed
Holiday Gift Guide: Ideas for the Design Enthusiasts in Your Life
In preparation for the holiday season, a selection of gift ideas related to some of our favorite Design Decoded posts
December 06, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Nine Gift Ideas For the Science-Loving Art Enthusiast on Your List
Be it a book, movie, calendar or game, these picks are perfect for the hardest-to-shop-for people on your list
December 05, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Oldest Book Printed on American Soil To Go Up for Sale
A 372-year old book of psalms is set to go up for auction
December 05, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Have GPS Devices Taken the Fun out of Navigation?
With the rise of the digital age, the fascinating skills of map reading and celestial navigation are becoming lost arts
December 03, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Why Oliver Sacks is One of the Great Modern Adventurers
The neurologist’s latest investigations of the mind explore the mystery of hallucinations – including his own
December 2012 |
By Ron Rosenbaum
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Dinosaurian Oddities
A new book argues that dinosaur reconstructions, which stretch skin over bone, are bound to be inaccurate and imagines what the creatures may have looked with more fat, feathers and accessory adornments
November 30, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
The Insane Amount of Biodiversity in One Cubic Foot
David Liittschwager travels to the world's richest ecosystems, photographing all the critters that pass through his "biocube" in 24 hours
November 30, 2012 |
By Jeff Greenwald
1 Million Dollars Worth of Rare Dictionaries About to Go on Sale
On December 4, a collection of rare old dictionaries will go on auction at Bonhams in New York City
November 30, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
In Denmark, Cinderella Wore Galoshes
Cinderella isn't a Disney story, and earlier versions are, well, different
November 29, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
The Meals That Starving Travelers Dream Of
Daydreaming of food is a tradition as old as the saga of man versus wild. What would you wish to eat if you were starving in a tent or a dinghy at sea?
November 28, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
The Science of Cooking a Turkey, and Other Thanksgiving Dishes
In a new book, the editors of Cook's Illustrated share some secrets to preparing the perfect holiday feast
November 20, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Geronimo’s Appeal to Theodore Roosevelt
Held captive far longer than his surrender agreement called for, the Apache warrior made his case directly to the president
November 09, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
