Jane Alexander

Jane Alexander

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.

Why do we make wishes on shooting stars? The tradition stretches from ancient Egyptian beliefs to Ptolemy, Disney songs, and modern stargazing culture.

Jane Alexander
Finger pushing down a domino on wood table

From the accidental discovery of penicillin to the wrong turn that helped spark World War I, explore four remarkable coincidences that changed the course of history.

Jane Alexander