Monthly Archives: July 2011

Gout Makes a Comeback

Posted on July 30, 2011 by

Gout is making a comeback in the United States.  This disease causes serious inflammation, swelling, and pain—especially in the feet. During the medieval and early modern periods, gout was considered a disease of the nobility.  Manuscript correspondence of European nobles … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Modern Europe, Early Modern World, Food and Cuisine History, History in the Media, History of Medicine, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Extremism in Europe

Posted on July 26, 2011 by

The attacks in Norway have raised awareness of the threat posed by far-right extremist groups in Scandinavia and across Europe. Details are still emerging about the Norway attacks, but already Norwegians are reexamining their political culture, social structures, and laws.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Comparative Revolutions, European Union, History of Violence, Religious Violence, Terrorism | Leave a comment

America, France, and Revolutionary Film

Posted on July 25, 2011 by

United States and French histories have been closely intertwined since the American and French Revolutions of the eighteenth century.  American and French identities have been constructed in part through the concepts of sister republics, Franco-American friendship, and military alliance. Americans … Continue reading →

Posted in French History, Historical Film, History in the Media | Leave a comment

United States Debt Crisis and the French Revolution

Posted on July 24, 2011 by

The current debt crisis in the United States in some ways echoes the financial crisis in monarchical France during the 1780s. French historian Lloyd Kramer, Professor of History at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has published an interesting … Continue reading →

Posted in Comparative Revolutions, French History, French Revolution and Napoleon, History in the Media | 3 Comments

Remembering Victims of Norway Attacks

Posted on July 24, 2011 by

At least 92 people are dead and another 90 wounded from the bombing and shooting rampage in Norway on Friday 22 July. As a historian who studies the dynamics of violence, I want to remember the victims of the Norway … Continue reading →

Posted in European Union, History of Violence, Terrorism | Leave a comment

150th Anniversary of First Bull Run

Posted on July 24, 2011 by

The 150th anniversary of the American Civil War has begun, ensuring that every day over the next four years, there will be commemorations of each battle, skirmish, and political event of the war. Over 8,000 historical reenactors ventured out into … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil Conflict, Historical Film, History in the Media, War in Film, War, Culture, and Society | Leave a comment

54th Massachusetts Reenactors

Posted on July 24, 2011 by

As the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War unfolds, historical reenactors are enthusiastically commemorating most of the major events of the war. African-Americans are apparently getting involved in Civil War historical reenactment in increasing numbers. One new group has … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil Conflict, Historical Film, History in the Media, War in Film, War, Culture, and Society | Leave a comment

Controversial Steve Reich WTC Album Cover

Posted on July 22, 2011 by

A new album of composer Steve Reich’s music, performed by the Kronos Quartet, is stirring controversy. The album cover uses an iconic September 11 photo of the second plane just before it crashes into the World Trade Center. Reich’s composition, … Continue reading →

Posted in Contemporary Art, Music History, Religious Violence, Terrorism | Leave a comment

E-Book Revolution Transforms Publishing Course

Posted on July 19, 2011 by

An e-book revolution has been gathering steam and transforming the world of books for at least a decade now.  Academic researchers and writers have been following the changes closely, and participating in many of the new initiatives.  Historians have participated … Continue reading →

Posted in Academic Publishing, Digital Humanities, Education Policy, History of the Book | Leave a comment

French Rocker in American Press

Posted on July 16, 2011 by

It is rare to see French rock music discussed in American popular culture, but the New York Times ran a fairly long story today about the iconic French rocker Johnny Hallyday. Johnny Hallyday is an aging rock star and national … Continue reading →

Posted in French History, Music History | Leave a comment