Keith Johnston

Keith Johnston is a historian specializing in the 18th century. His research has appeared in both academic and general interest publications, and was once the subject of chatter on Slate’s Political Gabfest.

11 Poems Inspired By Movies

Poems have helped to create some of the most poignant scenes in movies—think of W.H. Auden’s "Funeral Blues" in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral,' or Elizabeth Bishop’s "One Art" in 'In Her Shoes.' Movies, in turn, have inspired some spectacular poems.... READ ON

15 Excellent '90s Slang Terms

The '90s were da bomb—a decade of great music, spectacular TV, and artful language use. Just look at the following 15 bits of slang popular in the '90s that were all that (and a bag of chips).... READ ON

20 Latin Words for Gross Things

Sometimes the dreadful things we must suffer can seem a little less grim when they have the sweet ring, nay—the dulcet tones of euphonious polysyllabic Latin appellations.... READ ON

11 Dating Tips from the Regency Era

Long before Helen Gurley Brown, Oprah, or Dear Abby dished out a single bit of dating advice, Regency women had their own guidelines to follow.... READ ON

Weird Historical Ways to Ward Off a Plague

From fart jars to drinking urine, here are strange, gross, or downright dangerous historical methods people used to prevent catching a plague.... READ ON

Thomas Lambert, the Child Who Seemingly Died Before He Was Born

According to his tombstone, Thomas Lambert was born in in May 1683 and died in February of the same year. It wasn't a mistake, but instead a quirk in the calendar.... READ ON

Old Words for Lunch We Should Bring Back

In the 17th and 18th centuries, there were as many words for lunch as there were varieties of it. Below is a lexicon of some of these splendid words.... READ ON

People Killed by Musical Instruments

We’re used to taking it figuratively: One “slays” on guitar, is a “killer” pianist, or wants to “die” listening to a miraculous piece of music. History, though, is surprisingly rich with examples of people who met their ends thanks to a musical instrument.... READ ON

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