This is a short bibliography of books about the Vietnam War. Some of the entries cover the broad range of the war, from 1945 until 1975, while others are concerned with specific aspects of the strategic overview down to individual recollections of individual troops. | Read More →

The history of sofas is a history of gathering, of inviting people to sit together. It is also a history of design and beauty, function and form. This brief overview looks at the ways we make our shared spaces at home and in public beautiful, functional, and welcoming. | Read More →

The phrase “tropical island” is often regarded as synonymous with paradise. However, under the idyllic surface, many tropical islands bear the scars of historical trauma. To learn about the tragic histories of these islands is to understand them more deeply, as well as to appreciate their role in world events. This article profiles four islands that have been profoundly impacted by devastating historical events. The article will appeal to those with an interest in history, politics, travel, and other cultures. | Read More →

This is an article about the Italian heroine of the Resistance in The Second World War, Ada Gobetti. It describes her life and her diary of her thrilling time in the Resistance. Gobetti's story deserves to be widely known. | Read More →

There is no doubting Paris' status as one of the most culturally significant cities in the world. But just how did Paris become the city it is today? This short article provides an overview of the origins of the city from the first Parisii settlers, through to the Capetian rule of Hugh Capet. | Read More →

This article provides a short history of the ballpoint pen. Beginning with John Loud's patent in 1888, it focuses on Biro's patents in the 1930s and 1940s and continues with the variety of ballpoint manufacturers which proliferated in the 1950s. It concludes with a mention of today's ballpoints, whether mass-produced and disposable or high-end pens which will last a lifetime. | Read More →