In Memory of William Shakespeare

Christ of the Abyss by KittyTSs d3ljrpi

William Shakespeare died on April 23rd, 1616—400 years ago today. Herewith are a couple of experts from The Tempest, generally thought to be the last play he wrote alone.

ARIEL sings

Full fathom five thy father lies; Of his bones are coral made; Those are pearls that were his eyes: Nothing of him that doth . . . → Read More: In Memory of William Shakespeare

Why the English commemorate a pair of French Saints

Saints Crispin and Crispinian are French—the patron saints of cobblers, tanners, and leather workers. Or maybe they were English, after all—although still cobblers. In the French version, they are tortured, thrown into a river with millstones around their necks, and survive to be beheaded, all as punishment for preaching the Gospel to the Gauls. (Sounds . . . → Read More: Why the English commemorate a pair of French Saints