Essays

Explore the enchanting world of the Providence Athenæum, where the lines between library and temple blur. Follow a librarian's nightly ritual, paying homage to Athena and the rich tapestry of history woven into every corner. Delve into tales of literary legends, haunted echoes, and the gentle whispers of ancient wisdom, all amidst the cozy embrace of dusty tomes and flickering fairy lights. Step into this magical realm, where even the fountain outside holds secrets and promises of return. Discover the Providence Athenæum: more than just a library, a sanctuary for seekers of knowledge and lovers of stories.

The Rivals Diane de Poitiers was the moon goddess on Earth. Born a few days after the calendar rolled over to 1500, she lit up the...

America’s favorite sharpshooter suffered a sugary makeover in Hollywood and Broadway depictions, which depicted her as someone willing to throw matches and stomach bratty...

Galadriel of the shining hair, Lady of Lothlórien: She appears in only two chapters of The Lord of the Rings, but she is one...

Photography by Hajnalka Ber.nyi-Kiss Once upon a time, there was a princess who wanted the moon. Her name was Lenore, and you can read about...

Feature Image: Sappho and Erinna in a Garden at Mytilene (1864), by Simeon Solomon According to the Ancient Greek poet Alcaeus of Mytilene, “No man sings...

There are dozens of ways to define the fairy tale—just ask a folklorist. But perhaps the quickest way to get to the heart of...

Photography by Bella Kotak I’msure you remember that scene in Disney’s Cinderella: The fairy godmother waves r magic wand, and Cinderella’s rags turn into a...

I think that it is a truth universally acknowledged that you might well have a challenging relationship with your mother-in-law. My own dear-departed Ma-in-Law...

They had names like Sofonisba and Lavinia and most of all Artemisia. They were brilliant and gifted and (sometimes) ferocious—because they had to be, sure,...