American Civil War
[Text] General Sherman Describes His “March To The Sea”

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“I knocked daylight through Georgia, and in retreating to the s[outh] like a sensible man I gathered up some plunder and walked into this beautiful City, whilst you & Thomas gave Hood Forest, a taste of what they have to Expect by trying to meddle with our Conquered Territory…” On … Continue reading

World War II
World War II Soldier’s Letter To His Father

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In this laconic letter of Lincolnesque eloquence is the barbed challenge of the soldier to the scoffers of democracy’s virility and courage. Selfish interest is completely submerged. Before the war, Lt. Robert Hardart was boxing champion, cheer leader and captain of the cross-country track team at Fordham University. His classmates … Continue reading

Jane Austen
[Text] Jane Austen On The Release Of Pride And Prejudice

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“…I must confess that I think her as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print, & how I shall be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least, I do not know.—There are a few Typical errors—& a “said he” or a “said she” would sometimes … Continue reading

George R. R. Martin
A Young George R. R. Martin Was a Marvel Fanboy

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“You were just about the World’s worst mag when you started, but you set yourself an ideal, and, by gumbo, you achieved it!” The “Game of Thrones” author George R. R. Martin wrote to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, creators of Marvel, in 1963, raving about the the “Fantastic Four” … Continue reading

Dr. Seuss
[Text] Dr. Seuss Gives Advice to a Fan

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“To develop an individual style of writing and drawing, always go to yourself for criticsm. If you ask advice from too many other people, then you no longer are yourself…” American cartoonist Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Geisel, was known for his popular illustrated children’s books like “The Cat in the … Continue reading

Alien Films
[Text] H.R. Giger Reclaims Role as ‘Alien Father’

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“As for those responsible for this conspiracy: All I can wish them is an Alien breeding inside their chests…” H.R. Giger is a Swiss artist whose imagination gave birth to the design of the aliens in the iconic “Alien” film franchise. His horrifying creations first came to the screen in … Continue reading

J. R. R. Tolkien
J. R. R. Tolkien’s Son on His Dad’s Use of Rings As Metaphor

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J. R. R. Tolkien’s son, Christopher Tolkien analyzes his father’s work, particularly the metaphoric use of magic in his books: “Magic is very close to the machine. Magic is coercion…” And due to man’s use of machines, or “magic,” in order to attain power, Christopher Tolkien says it was important … Continue reading

Alfred Hitchcock
[Text] Nabokov’s Response to Hitchcock’s Request for a Film Collaboration

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“Your second idea is quite acceptable to me…” The following is a letter written by novelist Vladimir Nabokov to film director and producer Alfred Hitchcock in response to his question on writing a screenplay for a film together. In this letter, Nabokov replies to Hitchcock by telling him that his … Continue reading

Alfred Hitchcock
[Text] Alfred Hitchcock’s Letter to Vladimir Nabokov on a Film Collaboration

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“Now this next idea I’m not sure will really appeal to you but, on the other hand, it might….” Film director and producer Alfred Hitchcock writes a letter to novelist Vladimir Nabokov about the possibility of collaborating on a screenplay together. In this letter, Hitchcock proposes two story lines to … Continue reading