Jane Alexander

Joined: Apr 26, 2021

Jane Alexander is a freelance writer based in the UK. She focuses on literature, history, and the visual arts, and has previously written for Londonist, among other publications.

7 Fascinating Facts About Jhumpa Lahiri

Isamu Noguchi at the Noguchi Garden Museum in New York City.

8 Facts about Isamu Noguchi

The Crown Jewels include more than just crowns.

11 Facts About the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom

10 Fascinating Facts About Mary Wollstonecraft

7 Surprising Facts about Camilla, Queen Consort

Despite the decades of public attention, there are some aspects of Camilla’s life that have been less well documented.

A lion as depicted in a French Book of Hours, circa 1432.

Why Medieval Artists Drew Such Goofy Looking Lions

Just because lions were depicted frequently in medieval art and design doesn’t mean they were depicted well.

6 Novels That Controversially Fictionalized Real Events

In literary history, there is an undeniable thread of novels that make substantial use of real people and situations, often through a veil of changed names.

There’s a lot you may not know about the Duke of Sussex.

9 Surprising Facts About Prince Harry

In the midst of the incessant press speculation and gossip, many less well-known things about the Duke of Sussex have become lost in the shuffle.

Santa would look a lot different, if not for Thomas Nast.

Thomas Nast, the Political Cartoonist Who Illustrated Santa Claus

Thomas Nast’s illustrations of Santa for ‘Harper’s Weekly’ shaped the Father Christmas we know today.

Dala horses are more than just holiday trinkets.

How the Dala Horse Became a Symbol of Sweden

These traditional Swedish toys are much more than a classic holiday gift or travel souvenir.

A Brief History of Creepy Victorian Christmas Cards

’Tis the season for Victorian Christmas cards featuring dead robins and murdered frogs.

11 Facts about Truman Capote’s Unfinished Novel, ‘Answered Prayers’

Truman Capote believed it would be his “magnum opus,” but 'Answered Prayers' turned out to be his undoing—not to mention one of the most notorious unfinished works in literary history.

A table apparently moving on its own during a seance, circa 1900.

10 Facts about the History of Spiritualism

From spiritualism's beginnings at the Fox cottage to ectoplasm, so-called spirit photography, and beyond, here's what you need to know about this controversial cultural phenomenon.

5 Mysteries Surrounding the 'Mona Lisa'

Despite all we do know about this Leonardo da Vinci painting, there are still a number of lingering questions.

Henry James was no stranger to revising his work after it had been published.

5 Authors Who Edited Their Books After Publication

The history of literature shows that sometimes, even the greatest authors aren’t completely immune to outward criticism ... or the impulse to keep polishing.

10 Famous Works of Art That Were Attacked

The 2022 vandalization of the 'Mona Lisa' was just the latest incident where famous art was attacked.