J E Cosnett writes: Doctors are prominently represented in Charles Dickens's fiction. In 14 major works there are at least 27 members of the medical profession, some named, others anonymous. The main medical personalities provide vignettes of Victorian medicine, seen through the eyes of a very observant, critical, and socially conscious layman. more »

The first group of recordings posted will consist of 25 interviews including those with Tony Bennett, Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Bo Diddley and Linda Rondstadt. "One of the great things about the interviews is how relaxed many of them are ... They’re not on camera and they’re talking to someone who’s very much a colleague and a peer." more »

Julia Sneden writes, There is a long line of British novels that aim to raise social consciousness: Dickens springs to mind, as do the mysteries of writer Dorothy L. Sayers, whom J.K. Rowling has said she admires. Rowling’s standards could hardly be higher than those two, and her story comes close to being every bit as distressing and rewarding and inspiring as the books of her idols. In Larson's book, as civil liberties eroded and Jews endured terrifying attacks, US Ambassador William Dodd endeavored to make the State Department aware of what was happening in Germany. His measured, careful responses to the growing chaos did not please the fascists nor, sadly, did they stir up outrage back home. more »

"Although Mr. Steichen is widely known for his photography, this is the first time his delphiniums have been given a public showing. They are original varieties, as creatively produced as his photographs. To avoid confusion, it should be noted that the actual delphiniums will be shown in the Museum — not paintings or photographs of them. It will be a 'personal appearance' of the flowers themselves." more »