The Projector

Amusements & Useful Devices from K. A. Wisniewski

General Casimir Pulaski: A Polish Hero of the American Revolution

Every year, the United States recognizes General Casimir Pulaski—Polish-born hero of the American Revolution—on October 11, commemorating his death from wounds received at the Siege of Savannah in 1779. Known … Continue reading

October 10, 2025 · Leave a comment

Is Google Making Us Shallow? Reflections on Nicholas Carr and the Value of Deep Reading

This past week in class, I revisited Nicholas Carr’s now-famous 2008 essay, Is Google Making Us Stupid?, alongside portions of his follow-up book The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing … Continue reading

September 29, 2025 · Leave a comment

Redesigning the Essay in an A.I. World

Last week, I considered the future of the university lecture in an A.I. world. This week, I continue those sets of questions to focus on the essay. The essay has … Continue reading

May 22, 2025 · Leave a comment

Can A.I. Create Art? Our Struggle With the Machine in the Studio

This past semester in my “Digital Textuality” course, I posed a deceptively simple question: Can A.I. be an artist? Several students, working independently, centered their final projects on that very … Continue reading

May 13, 2025 · Leave a comment

Our Human Future in an A.I. World

Every generation lives through its own version of the future. Ours, unmistakably, is the age of artificial intelligence. Already, A.I. is changing how we work, teach, learn, and govern. It’s … Continue reading

April 28, 2025 · Leave a comment

Celebrating Władysław Reymont’s The Peasants and Its Cinematic Adaptation: Join the Conversation

Baltimore film enthusiasts and literature lovers alike are invited to an engaging and thought-provoking event celebrating Władysław Reymont‘’s Nobel Prize-winning novel The Peasants and its stunning modern adaptation. This Saturday, … Continue reading

March 19, 2025 · Leave a comment

The American Civil War and December: How Literature Captured the War’s End and Christmas

The American Civil War (1861–1865) was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, a conflict that altered the nation’s landscape, both geographically and socially. The war left deep scars on the … Continue reading

December 22, 2024 · Leave a comment

The Legacy of Charles Dickens: How His Stories Inspired American Holiday Traditions

Charles Dickens, one of the most beloved and influential authors of the 19th century, has left an indelible mark on Christmas celebrations, particularly in the United States. While Dickens’ stories … Continue reading

December 19, 2024 · Leave a comment

An Introduction to Polish Poetry

Polish poetry holds a unique and powerful place in the global literary canon. Rooted in a history marked by upheaval, resilience, and an enduring search for identity, Polish poets have … Continue reading

December 15, 2024 · Leave a comment

An Introduction to Polish Novels: A Literary Journey

Recommending books is one of the most joyful yet challenging parts of being a professor, publisher, or avid reader. Whenever someone asks, “What should I read next?” my mind floods … Continue reading

December 3, 2024 · Leave a comment

Gratitude, Resilience, and the Strength of Community in The Peasant Trilogy

As we gather this Thanksgiving weekend to reflect on gratitude, resilience, and the bonds that sustain us, it’s a meaningful time to explore literature that celebrates these themes. In the … Continue reading

November 27, 2024 · Leave a comment

Celebrating the Anniversary of When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne

On this day, we celebrate the anniversary of When We Were Very Young, the charming collection of poetry for children by A.A. Milne, first published in 1924. Though primarily remembered … Continue reading

November 6, 2024 · Leave a comment

James Howell’s Familiar Letters: A New Video in Book by Book

Here’s the latest addition to my ongoing series Book by Book! In Series Two, we dive into my teaching collection—a curated glimpse into my personal library of historical treasures. Discover … Continue reading

September 29, 2024 · Leave a comment

Just My Type: A Look at a 19th-century Specimens Book

Here’s the latest addition to my ongoing series Book by Book! In Series Two, we dive into my teaching collection—a curated glimpse into my personal library of historical treasures. Discover … Continue reading

September 17, 2024 · Leave a comment

Celebrating 235 Years of James Fenimore Cooper: The Father of American Romanticism

Today marks the 235th anniversary of the birth of James Fenimore Cooper, one of the earliest and most influential voices in American literature. Born on September 15, 1824, Cooper is … Continue reading

September 15, 2024 · Leave a comment

Dodge’s Literary Museum

Welcome back to Book by Book! In Series Two, we dive into my teaching collection—a curated glimpse into my personal library of historical treasures. Discover rare books, vintage newspapers, and … Continue reading

August 27, 2024 · Leave a comment

“Little Pieces for Little Speakers”: A Schoolbook for Recitation

Here is the next installment in my Book by Book: The Teaching Collection Series. This week’s installment looks at Little Pieces for Little Speakers: A Collection of Poetry Designed to … Continue reading

August 21, 2024 · Leave a comment

“This is the Sort of Book We Like”: An AI Reading

As I have already begun to publish videos from Series Two of the Book by Book project, it is time to close Series One. In all, there are eight videos … Continue reading

August 11, 2024 · Leave a comment

Out of Sorts: A Look at a 19th-century Printing Office

“Out of Sorts” is but one of the many expressions and idioms that can be traced back to the printing world. A sort is another name for a single piece … Continue reading

August 4, 2024 · Leave a comment