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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
“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
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
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