Topic: William Shakespeare

Chapter & Verse
The rifle: Its history and its place in the future

Historian Alexander Rose chronicles the history of a ubiquitous and deadly weapon.

The real Brothers Grimm were stranger than fiction

The Google homepage celebrates the 200th anniversary of the first edition of 'Grimm's Fairy Tales,' a collection of stories which transformed Western literature. Here's a quick look at the men who worked tirelessly for 50 years to assemble the tales.

8 gifts for your favorite literature lover

Are you searching for a gift for the bibliophile in your life? Check out these books.

The transforming power of divine Love

Chapter & Verse
World Book Night returns to the US

After reading celebration World Book Night debuted in America for the first time last year, it will be held again this April.

'Home Front Girl': 7 stories from a real WWII-era diary

Joan Wehlen Morrison's diary capturing life in Chicago before and during World War II offers insight into the era. Here are 7 of Morrison's stories from "Home Front Girl."

Chapter & Verse
Does the literary world need a women-only prize?

The Rosalind Prize for Fiction – named for Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' heroine – follows awards like Australia's women-only Stella Prize and the U.K.'s Orange Prize.

Opinion: It's almost Nov. 6. Do you know what books Obama and Romney have been reading?

John F. Kennedy, Harry S. Truman, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson – many of America's presidents were avid readers, and that informed their decisions. It gave them critical perspective. Americans should be curious about the reading habits of President Obama and Mitt Romney.

Culture Cafe
Herman Melville book 'Moby-Dick' on screen stretches from Gregory Peck to 'Futurama'

The Herman Melville book 'Moby-Dick' has been parodied on TV and several directors have tried to capture the classic novel on film, though no movie version has quite attained classic status.

Saving Money
21 things you can get for free

One of the best ways to become richer is to stop paying for things you could be getting for free. Here are 21, from cars to software. 

Modern Parenthood
Sukkot holiday: A mom finds comfort, and inspiration, from sukkot ghosts

Sukkot is a Jewish holiday spanning seven days, a holiday for ghosts that ends with Yizkor service that memorializes the dead. For this mom, the ghosts of Sukkot bring comfort – and some parenting inspiration.

'Gods Like Us': 6 stories of Hollywood from Ty Burr's new book

Here are 6 tales of Hollywood lore in 'Gods Like Us.'

Culture Cafe
'Sons of Anarchy' creator explains the shocking death in the newest episode

'Sons of Anarchy' creator Kurt Sutter explains why one important character had to be killed off on the show.

Toronto International Film Festival: Fewer political movies, more literary adaptations

A new version of a Henry James novel and a Shakespeare adaptation by Joss Whedon were standouts.

How not to be an old fogy when face to face with Class of 2016

To bridge the generation gap, you might want to drop references to Mrs. Robinson, car radio, and even, perhaps, Bill Clinton. The Mindset List, produced yearly, is now out with the cultural touchstones of new college freshmen.

The Rise of Rome

Classicist Anthony Everitt recounts the story of Rome's ascent to greatness as a republic and empire.

A literary road trip through New England

Take a trip through historic New England and visit the homesteads of famous literary figures. 

Role reversals on stage

Women taking on male Shakespeare roles is nothing new.

Editor's Blog
After Aurora: the role of media violence

The connection between violent images and violent acts is an age-old debate. Recent research appears to show the connection is real. So what's to be done? There's an age-old antidote.

Chapter & Verse
'Magic Tree House': Author Mary Pope Osborne looks back

The children's series about siblings who travel through time via a magical treehouse is celebrating its twentieth anniversary.

2012 Olympics: How to watch the opening ceremony

The 2012 Olympics opening ceremony will kick off a weekend of exciting Olympic coverage. After the opening ceremony, a look at the highlights coming up Saturday.

Opening ceremony London 2012: A city feels the thrill as Olympics (finally) begin (+video)

Opening ceremony London 2012: The Olympic torch is sailing down the Thames on its way to light up tonight's ceremony – as well as the mood in London, where grumbling has yielded to palpable excitement.

Opening ceremony London 2012 to wow with memorable show

Opening ceremony: London 2012's kickoff promises to set the capital apart, by being different.

The Well-Digger's Daughter: movie review

The film has unhurried storytelling and fairy-tale charm.

Johnson’s Life of London

The other eternal city: Boris Johnson brings a collection of famous Londoners to life.