Historian Charles Bahne examines Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "Paul Revere's Ride," looking at Longfellow's motivations for writing it, its writing, its publication and reception, its historical inaccuracies, and its enduring impact.
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Professor Colleen C. Boggs talks about poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's work as a translator, popularizing European literature for an American audience. Boggs also discusses the international exchange of literature as it occurred during the time in which Longfellow lived.
Writer Charles C. Calhoun, author of Longfellow: A Rediscovered Life, shows how the American poet Longfellow Henry Wadsworth blended the Federalist politics and Unitarianism of his parents' generation with the German romanticism he discovered on his own travels. Calhoun discusses Longfellow's life and his influences.
Associate director of the Boston Athenaeum John Lannon outlines the history of the Athenaeum, a leading research library founded in 1807 which houses notable artifacts from American history.
Professor Robert E. Gilbert suggests that Calvin Coolidge's popularly perceived inertia during the presidency may have been caused by extreme depression. Gilbert examines Coolidge's life using the framework of tragedy and mental illness.
Harvard Professor of Surgery Kevin R. Loughlin reviews the medical histories of presidents from George Washington to the present day. Loughlin focuses on "secret" medical problems hidden from the public and on causes of death.
Bruce Twickler, writer and director of the film Damrell's Fire, describes the Great Boston Fire of 1872, emphasizing the role of Fire Chief John Damrell in minimizing loss of life to the fire.
Scholar Emmanuel M. Obiechina talks about his research into the recorded life stories of Africans in the U.S. and England in the 18th and 19th centuries. He focuses on relating these narratives to African literature and African history.
Video and audio options are available.
Scholar Emmanuel M. Obiechina talks about his research into the recorded life stories of Africans in the U.S. and England in the 18th and 19th centuries. He focuses on relating these narratives to African literature and African history.
Scholar Emmanuel M. Obiechina talks about his research into the recorded life stories of Africans in the U.S. and England in the 18th and 19th centuries. He focuses on relating these narratives to African literature and African history.
Video and audio options are available.