English dramatist, librettist, poet and illustrator W. S. Gilbert died #OTD in 1911.
He is best known for his collaboration with composer Arthur Sullivan in creating the famous series of comic operas known as the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. The most famous of these include H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and one of the most frequently performed works in the history of musical theatre, The Mikado.
Irish astronomer, astrophysicist & historian of science Mary Brück was born #OTD in 1925.
Although her astronomical research, she is probably best remembered as a writer, with a particular interest in the history of science. Her published works include ‘The Peripatetic Astronomer: The Life of Charles Piazzi Smyth’; ‘Agnes Mary Clerke and the Rise of Astrophysics’; ‘Women in Early British and Irish Astronomy: Stars and Satellites’; and ‘Ladybird Book of the Night Sky’.
English author, philosopher, literary and art critic G. K. Chesterton was born #OTD in 1874.
Chesterton created the character Father Brown, a Catholic priest and amateur detective. The first collection, "The Innocence of Father Brown," was published in 1911. His most famous novel is "The Man Who Was Thursday" (1908), a metaphysical thriller that explores themes of anarchy and order.
The Reader's Brain: How Neuroscience Can Make You a Better Writer by Yellowlees Douglas, 2015
The Reader's Brain is the first science-based guide to writing, employing cutting-edge research on how our minds process written language, to ensure your writing can be read quickly, assimilated easily, and recalled precisely - exactly what we need to transform anyone into a highly effective writer.
Disobey The Philosophy of Resistance by Frédéric Gros
In this provocative essay, Frédéric Gros explores the roots of political obedience. Social conformity, economic subjection, respect for authorities, constitutional consensus? Examining the various styles of obedience provides tools to study, invent and induce new forms of civic disobedience and protest.
Current reading is this anthology of Jimi Hendrix writings, interviews, letters, and lyrics, presented chronologically in lieu of an autobiography, and largely it's working so far, about 40% in. Jimi comes across as the all-round good egg you'd expect, and his rise seems to define overnight success - from band formation to the Monterey Festival in under 9 months. He was also clearly someone who took popular music seriously, both his contemporaries and his predecessors, and his insights on other acts are frequently insightful. 📖 #books#bookstodon@bookstodon
Mind Design III: Philosophy, Psychology, and Artificial Intelligence by John Haugeland, 2023
The essential reader on the philosophical foundations and implications of artificial intelligence, now comprehensively updated for the twenty-first century.
Our Moon: How Earth's Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution, and Made Us Who We Are by Rebecca Boyle, 2024
Acclaimed journalist Rebecca Boyle takes readers on a dazzling tour to reveal the intimate role that our 4.51-billion-year-old companion has played in our biological and cultural evolution.
Just finished reading ‘Babel, or the Necessity of Violence’ by R.F. Kuang. Words can’t express how much I loved this book. The best story I’ve read in a very long time 10/10 @bookstodon#books#bookstodon