How Old is ‘Haha’? The Sound of Medieval Laughter
Surviving in multiple copies, Ælfric’s work is not only the oldest Latin grammar written in English (or, indeed, any vernacular language), but it’s also been described as ‘one of the…
The Center of the Universe
Abigail had no idea about the effect she had on people, obviously. It’s a blessing of having seen yourself in every movie, magazine, song lyric. It’s the assuredness that if…
Graphic Means: A History of Graphic Design Production
It’s been roughly 30 years since the desktop computer revolutionized the way the graphic design industry works. For decades before that, it was the hands of industrious workers, and various…
99% Invisible: U is Urbanism
How Jane Jacob's urbanism dreams came to life on the most beloved kids' TV block.
Detroit finally has a RoboCop statue
The bronze monument depicting the eponymous star of Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 sci-fi satire was installed Wednesday, nearly 15 years after a viral tweet
Dish Podcast: Steve Coogan
Legendary actor, comedian, writer and producer Steve Coogan was born in Lancashire. His career began on Spitting Image in the 80s, and he is most celebrated for his portrayal of…
Dish Podcast: Sandi Toksvig
Sandi Toksvig OBE is a Danish-born comedian, broadcaster and writer. She spent her formative years travelling the world with her family, thanks to her father’s job as a foreign correspondent.…
Not Just the Tudors: How Poets Spoke Truth to Power
Throughout history, the words of poets have often ignited change or unsettled those in power. In England particularly, poetry has both celebrated and criticised the country's greatest triumphs and darkest hours. Professor…
Future Knowledge: Enshittification
The internet wasn’t ruined by accident—it was ruined on purpose. In this episode, Cory Doctorow joins us to break down enshittification, his term for the slow, deliberate process that transformed…