History

Video: Secrets of the Aegean Apocalypse

Around 1,200 BC, an ancient Armageddon destroyed nearly every known civilization. What could have caused it? The theories are many, but most now include one mysterious and massively destructive factor – a force only the Egyptians survived to name: The Sea People. Who were these warriors and how could they take down the world’s greatest powers in a span of just 50 years? Scale the dizzying heights of Crete’s mountain fortress with archaeologist Krzysztof Nowicki as he searches for clues.

By Fudgy McFarlen, ago

Jean Shepherd’s “I Libertine” Literary Hoax

I, Libertine was a literary hoax novel that began as a practical joke by late-night radio raconteur Jean Shepherd.  Shepherd was highly annoyed at the way that the bestseller lists were being compiled in the mid-1950s. These lists were determined not only from sales figures but also from the number of requests for new and upcoming books at bookstores. Shepherd urged his listeners to enter bookstores and ask for a book that did not exist. He fabricated the author (Frederick R. Ewing) of this imaginary novel, concocted a title (I, Libertine), and outlined a basic plot for his listeners to use on skeptical or confused bookstore clerks. Fans of the show eventually took it further, planting references to the book and author so widely that demand for the book led to it being listed on The New York Times Best Seller list.

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By Fudgy McFarlen, ago