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.

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

Thomas Nast, the Political Cartoonist Who Illustrated Santa Claus

Dala horses are more than just holiday trinkets.

How the Dala Horse Became a Symbol of Sweden

A Brief History of Creepy Victorian Christmas Cards

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

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.

They're purrfectly happy to help you find your next read.

A Brief History of Library Cats

Cats have been keeping libraries rodent-free for thousands of years.

Why Medieval Artists Doodled Killer Bunnies in Their Manuscript Margins

The rabbits are frequently shown wielding weapons as they fight against—and sometimes kill—those who often hunted them.

The Mystery Model In Gustave Courbet's Most Scandalous Painting

For many years, the nude model for Gustave Courbet's 'L’Origine du monde' remained unknown.

August in Edinburgh can only mean one thing.

8 Facts About the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

For three weeks each August, Edinburgh buzzes with activity as people pour into the Scottish capital for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Edinburgh Castle is an iconic part of the city's skyline.

8 Facts About Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle has loomed above the city since the 1100s, surviving centuries of turmoil to retain its perch above Scotland’s capital.

It would be hard to fit the world's longest place name onto this small sign.

The 10 Longest Place Names in the World

At 85 letters, New Zealand's Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatah is the world's longest place name.

The official campaign portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

6 Historical Figures Who Kept Secret Coded Diaries

People throughout history have kept personal diaries. More unusual, however, are those who wrote their diaries in secret code.