Eggplant.place

306d

Who Was the Real Good King Wenceslas Behind the Christmas Carol?

Good King Wenceslas is one of the most popular Christmas carols, but who was the real Bohemian duke behind the heartwarming story?

by Elizabeth Morgan

https://www.thecollector.com/real-good-king-wenceslas-christmas-carol-2/

Christmas Carol at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/46

#books #literature

Good King Wenceslas, illustrated in Christmas Carols, New and Old from an 1879 book by Henry Ramsden Bramley, engraving by Brothers Dalziel .

An 1879 illustrated sheet music page for "Good King Wenceslas" from Henry Ramsden Bramley's "Christmas Carols, New and Old," featuring a dramatic engraving by the Dalziel Brothers. The image shows King Wenceslas and his page trudging through snow, above four verses of music notation with lyrics.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_King_Wenceslas#/media/File:Good_King_Wenceslas.jpg

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325d

Ebook and paperback: https://books2read.com/LegacyOfNewts

The undead witch that rules the space pirates, known as the Dead Queen, has finally been defeated. That only makes it worse for the witches that pulled it off. She’s livid and coming for them, at least once she gets her star ship back under control…

@bookstodon
#author #indieauthor #writing #fantasy #scifi #sciencefiction #sff #sciencefantasy #scifi #actionadventure #fiction #books

(Left) The cover of Legacy of Newts, by Owen Tyme.

In the background dawn, as seen from space, above a blue world.

In the foreground is a line drawing of a red spotted newt, in white. The lines of the newt are outlined in black, to help it stand out. The interior of the line drawing has been filled with the image of a spiral galaxy in red, orange and yellow, with a blue color that shades to white at the center, which lines up with the newt's head. The galaxy almost looks like fire.

(Right) The background is a blue and orange nebula, with the following text over it:

“You gotta be real strong, real bright, real quick, or real lucky to survive drawing *attention*. Which are you?”

“I’m quick, Amelia is bright, Marta is strong and all three of us have been lucky, after a fashion: if we didn’t have bad luck, then I suppose we wouldn’t have any luck at all.”

(Bottom) https://books2read.com/LegacyOfNewts

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327d

📚 The Persians by: Sanam Mahloudji

The women of the Valiat family are in crisis. Elizabeth, the regal matriarch, remained in Tehran despite the revolution and only has Niaz, her Islamic law–breaking granddaughter for company. In America, Elizabeth’s daughters, the flamboyantly high-flying Shirin and frustrated h...

https://bookblabla.com/book/the-persians

@bookstodon

#books #reading #libraries #fiction #literaryfiction #familylife #generalfiction #culturalheritage

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326d

📚 Infinity Gate (The Pandominion, 1) by: M. R. Carey

The Pandominion: a political and trading alliance of a million worlds. Except that they’re really just one world, Earth, in many different realities. And when an AI threat arises that could destroy everything the Pandominion has built, they’ll eradicate it by whatever means necessary.

Scientist Hadiz Tambuwal i...

https://bookblabla.com/book/infinity-gate-the-pandominion-1

@bookstodon

#books #reading #libraries

The Pandominion: a political and trading alliance of a million worlds. Except that they’re really just one world, Earth, in many different realities. And when an AI threat arises that could destroy everything the Pandominion has built, they’ll eradicate it by whatever means necessary.

Scientist Hadiz Tambuwal is looking for a solution to her own Earth’s environmental collapse when she stumbles across the secret of inter-dimensional travel, a secret that could save everyone on her dying planet. It leads her into the middle of a war on a scale she never dreamed of. And she needs to choose a side before every reality pays the price.

An immense achievement, an impeccably crafted book without a single word out of place. The New York Times

From bestselling author M. R. Carey comes a brilliant genre-defying story of humanity's expansion across millions of dimensions—and the AI technology that might see it all come to an end. INFINITY IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

A fascinating window onto a dangerous and multifaceted universe. Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of Time

A genuine treat for SF fans: an epic multiverse tale that moves like a thriller. Kirkus (starred review)

Readers will be wowed. Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Infinity Gate, with its in-depth science and rich characterization, is a must-read. Booklist (starred review)

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232d

Hyperion author Dan Simmons dies from stroke at 77

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2y

#OTD in 1905.

Albert Einstein publishes the third of his Annus Mirabilis papers, introducing the special theory of relativity, which used the universal constant speed of light c to derive the Lorentz transformations.

There are some controversies on the question of the extent to which Mileva Marić contributed to the insights of Einstein's annus mirabilis publications

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annus_mirabilis_papers#

On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66944

#books #science #physics

Einstein, Albert (30 June 1905). "Zur Elektrodynamik bewegter Körper" [On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies] (PDF). Annalen der Physik (in German). 17 (10): 891–921.

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2y

#OTD in 1846.

Astronomers Urbain Le Verrier, John Couch Adams and Johann Gottfried Galle collaborate on the discovery of Neptune.

There is evidence that Neptune was seen and recorded by Galileo Galilei in 1613, Jérôme Lalande in 1795, and John Herschel in 1830, but none are known to have recognized it as a planet at the time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_of_Neptune

Neptune at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=neptune&submit_search=Search

#science #astronomy #books #literature

New Berlin Observatory at Linden Street, where Neptune was discovered observationally.

Carl Daniel Freydanck - Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam

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325d

#OTD in 1859, Wilkie Collins’s novel, The Woman in White, begins serialization in the magazine "All the Year Round". This magazine was edited by Charles Dickens.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Woman_in_White_(novel)

The novel at PG:

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/583

#books #literature

poster by fred walker for the woman in white - picyrl.com

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325d

Any noir fans here?

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2y

#OTD in 1915.

P. G. Wodehouse's story "Extricating Young Gussie" is published in The Saturday Evening Post (U.S.). It introduces as characters Jeeves and Bertie.

It was published in the United Kingdom in the January 1916 edition of The Strand Magazine. It was included in the collection The Man with Two Left Feet (1917).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extricating_Young_Gussie

Extricating Young Gussie at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7471

#books #literature

Illustration by Alfred Leete for "Extricating Young Gussie", a short story by P. G. Wodehouse, published in the Strand Magazine in 1916.

The illustration likely features the key characters of the story, including Bertie Wooster and his formidable Aunt Agatha. In typical Leete style, the characters are depicted with exaggerated expressions and body language, conveying the comedic tone of the story.

Bertie Wooster, known for his bemused expressions and leisurely demeanor, is probably illustrated in his usual aristocratic attire, such as a suit or evening wear, which contrasts with his relaxed, carefree nature.

Aunt Agatha, who is always commanding and strict, might be depicted with a stern expression, furrowed brow, and upright posture, illustrating her dominant and intimidating personality.

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2y

"Nothing is given so profusely as advice."
Maxim 110.

French author François de La Rochefoucauld was born #OTD in 1613.

He was a French moralist of the era of French Classical literature and author of Maximes and Memoirs which portrays the callous nature of human conduct, with a cynical attitude towards putative virtue and avowals of affection, friendship, love, and loyalty.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois_de_La_Rochefoucauld_(writer)

Books by François de La Rochefoucauld at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/5749

#books #literature

Portrait of François de La Rochefoucauld
By Théodore Chassériau — Numérisation personnelle Catalogue Joconde : entrée 000PE007029 www.photo.rmn.fr

In the portrait, François de La Rochefoucauld is depicted with a calm and contemplative expression, his face showing a blend of nobility, intelligence, and introspection. His features are finely rendered, with a prominent nose, sharp cheekbones, and expressive eyes that seem to convey the sharp wit and wisdom for which he is known. His long, flowing hair frames his face, cascading over his shoulders in a style typical of the 17th-century French aristocracy.

La Rochefoucauld is dressed in elegant clothing, befitting his noble status. He wears a dark, richly textured coat, possibly made of velvet, with a large white lace collar or cravat that adds a touch of formality and refinement.

La Rochefoucauld’s posture is upright yet relaxed, suggesting both dignity and ease. His gaze is direct, but not confrontational, as though he is deep in thought, reflecting the introspective nature of his writings.

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229d

The £7.5m book at centre of Small Prophets plot

Birds of America, published in the mid-19th Century by ornithologist artist John James Audubon, is one of the library's more valuable treasures.

by Marc Waddington

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c77edrr8jg2o

Audubon at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/41878

#books #literature #ornithology

Snowy owl, Plate Number CXXI (121)

by Audubon, John James, 1785-1851

A large-format hand-coloured engraving showing two snowy owls perched on the branches of a dead tree against a dark, stormy nocturnal sky with moonlit clouds. The upper bird is predominantly white with minimal dark markings and bright yellow eyes, shown in an upright perched posture. The lower bird is larger and more heavily barred with dark brown-black patterning across its white plumage, also with vivid yellow eyes, leaning forward in a more alert, watchful stance. The dead tree is rendered in naturalistic detail with textured bark and lichen.

https://digital.cincinnatilibrary.org/digital/collection/p16998coll33/id/125/rec/23

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167d

Niccolo Machiavelli (May 3, 1469 – June 21, 1527) wrote The Prince after prison, torture, and exile, with the cold clarity of someone who had seen power from the inside.

This is not just a book about rulers but about fear, ambition, loyalty, betrayal, and the dangerous people who believe they are born to command others.

#books #literature #reading #book #writers #author #Machiavelli #ThePrince #bookstodon @bookstodon #politics #ambitions #booksky #bookstagram #BookTok #today

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2y

New Digital Library: Prado Museum Offers Free Online Access to More Than 11,500 Publications From the Late 15th to Early 20th Centuries

The Prado Museum’s new Digital Library, developed with funds from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), offers free access to 5600 issues of magazines and 6000 books specialized in artistic literature and published between the late 15th and early 20th centuries.

by Gary Price @infodocket

https://www.infodocket.com/2024/09/20/new-digital-library-prado-museum-offers-free-online-access-to-more-than-11500-publications-from-the-late-15th-to-early-20th-centuries/

#books #libraries

La Biblioteca Digital es la puerta de acceso al fondo antiguo especializado en literatura artística que conserva la Biblioteca del Museo del Prado. Contiene los objetos digitales de unos 5600 números de revistas y 6000 libros publicados entre finales del siglo XV y principios del siglo XX.

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310d

In Praise of E. H. Shepard’s Illustrations

What makes Pooh Pooh? The answer lies not only in author A.A. Milne’s prose, but also in the quiet genius of E. H. Shepard’s original illustrations. With Shepard’s work now in the public domain, it’s the perfect opportunity to revisit how these deceptively simple drawings became cultural touchstones.

by Sterling Dudley

https://blog.archive.org/2025/12/10/e-h-shepards-illustrations/

At PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67098

#books #literature

Here's a picture of Christopher Robin, Rabbit, Rabbit's firends and relations, Piglet, some mice and even a hedgehog, all pulling together on Pooh, still stuck.

https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/67098/pg67098-images.html

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2y

British artist, writer, poet, playwright, novelist, painter, designer of lamps, and bohemian Mina Loy died #OTD in 1966.

Loy's poetry is known for its non-traditional structure, free verse, and exploration of the female experience, such as Lunar Baedecker (1923). In 1914, while living in an expatriate community in Florence, Italy, Loy wrote her Feminist Manifesto. Loy was also a visual artist, working in painting, sculpture, and design.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mina_Loy#

#books #literature #poetry

Photograph of Mina Loy

Anonymous - Becoming Modern: The Life of Mina Loy (Introduction), carolynburke.com

Loy is typically depicted with a thoughtful, almost enigmatic expression, emphasizing her intellectual and artistic depth. Her gaze often appears direct and intense, conveying her confidence and unconventional spirit.

Loy’s attire tends to reflect her modernist aesthetics—simple yet avant-garde, blending elegance with a rejection of traditional norms.

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326d

‘He was just trying to earn a few kopecks’: how newly translated stories reveal Chekhov’s silly side

With daft jokes and experimental wordplay, the first comprehensive translations of his lesser-known stories show Anton Chekhov in a new light

By Viv Groskop

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/nov/23/he-was-just-trying-to-earn-a-few-kopecks-how-newly-translated-stories-reveal-chekhovs-silly-side

Chekhov at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/708

#books #literature

Anton Chekhov in 1893.

Chekhov stands outdoors in front of a wooden structure with ornate balusters. He is dressed in a long, light-colored overcoat and a dark hat, with a full beard and a calm, direct expression. Surrounding him are bare branches and foliage, giving the scene a slightly austere atmosphere.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_Chekhov#/media/File:Chekhov_ht.jpg

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260d

It's a hard knock life when you don't have a bookshelf with a rolling ladder 😜😂

@reading @joinin @bookstodon @books @humor @humor@lemmy.world @aiop

#Book #Books #BookMemes #Meme #Memes #Humor #Humour #Funny
#ReadingMemes #ReadAllTheBooks #Reading #Readers #ReadersOfMastodon #ReadingCommunity
#Litterature #Novel #Novels #Bookshelf #Mastobooks #BooksofMastodon #Bookstodon #Bookworm #Bookwyrm #Bookstodon #BookLove

A historic painting of a woman with her head a cushioned stool looking frenzied and depressed.

Caption:
"Are you okay?"
Me: No. I don't have a bookshelf a with a rolling ladder.

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306d

How Robert Frost summoned a classic from life’s timeless moments

Perhaps the most famous work by the US poet Robert Frost, ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ (1923) exemplifies his style with its vivid scenery and accessibility.

https://aeon.co/videos/how-robert-frost-summoned-a-classic-from-lifes-timeless-moments?utm_source=Aeon+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a5fbf00b6b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_12_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-4ef8a26106-72664972

Frost at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1091

#books #literature #poetry

Robert Frost, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing forward.

From the Library of Congress collection, the image captures the young Frost during the period when he wrote some of his most celebrated poems.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stopping_by_Woods_on_a_Snowy_Evening#/media/File:Robert_Frost,_1910s.jpg

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2y

In October 1819.

In Britain, Richard Carlile is convicted of blasphemy and sent to prison for publishing Common Sense, The Rights of Man and the Age of Reason by Thomas Paine (which criticised the Church of England).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Carlile

Books by Richard Carlile at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/39431

Books by Thomas Paine at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/91

#books #literature

A George Cruikshank cartoon attacking Paine; The caption reads: "The Age of Reason; or, the World turned Topsy-turvy exemplified in Tom Paine's Works!"

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325d

📚 Earthlings by: Sayaka Murata

As a child, Natsuki doesn't fit in with her family. Her parents favor her sister, and her best friend is a plush toy hedgehog named Piyyut, who talks to her. He tells her that he has come from the planet Popinpobopia on a special quest to help her save the Earth. One summer, on vacation with her family and her cousin...

https://bookblabla.com/book/earthlings

@bookstodon

#books #reading #libraries #fiction #literaryfiction #magicalrealism