TODAY: In 1850, Alfred Tennyson is named Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom after Samuel Rogers declined the offer, succeeding William Wordsworth.
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How do we know aliens do science?“Just because aliens arrive with snazzy blasters doesn’t mean they can explain how they work, or that they even care to know.” | Lit HubScience
“Pristine maps are unused maps and so, while they might be nicer to look at, they are sure to have had much less intriguing histories.” In praise of old maps.| Lit HubLibraries
Simon Winchester considersthe duality of wind: “Gales seem to be blowing where they ought not to, and are ceasing to blow where for centuries past they always have.” | Lit HubScience
“Obediently my mouth opened with eyes to a collection of hot colors. Out came something unpleasant to my tongue—it was hard, lined down and wouldn’t slide.” Read from Elaine Kraf’s novel,Find Him! | Lit HubFiction
“PROFOUNDLY MOVING.” –ANNE MICHAELS
In the spirit of Amor Towles and George Saunders, bestselling Norwegian author Frode Grytten takes readers on a quietly epic journey: ferry driver Nils Vik's last route along the fjord, on what he knows will be his last day alive.
“For me, Kafka is the paradigmatic example of a writer we read, even devour, and return to with joy, yet still hunger to see interpreted by others.”Jonathan Lethem on Kafka (and his dog). | The Nation
“These days I have no passport, no documents. And even if I manage to get one, I cannot return to Egypt.”Ahmed Naji on exile and reinvention. | The Dial
Celebrate Toni Morrison’s legacy this November with four stunning new repackages—Beloved, The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, and Sula—each featuring an illuminating new introduction by a celebrated contemporary writer.
