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Mental Floss

Literature

Ambrose Bierce was a celebrated journalist, storyteller and, above all, cynic. Bierce had a barbed wit, and he often used it to kick American culture square in the teeth. In 1911, he published The Devil’s Dictionary, a partial lexicon that sardonically re
Lucas Reilly|
1. "Romeo and Juliet" – Dire Straits Dolly Parton, Steve Forbert, Elvis Costello, Michael Penn... These are just a few of many artists who've referenced the name Romeo in their songs. But this beautiful tune from Mark Knopfler stands out for its streetwis
Bill DeMain|
In 1963, 16-year-old Bruce McAllister mailed a four-question survey to 150 novelists, asking if they intentionally planted symbolism in their work. Here’s what they had to say.
Lucas Reilly|
Whether they're expressing genuine gratitude or sarcasm, we're thankful that these famous figures took the time to write.
Adrienne Crezo|
There’s actually a whole group of people who enjoy the theory that Sherlock Holmes – or at least sidekick John Watson -- was real. The truth? Well that's elementary, my dear Watson.
Jason Plautz|
Some of the most important literary figures of the last century had previously made a name for themselves in athletics. Here are the stories of a halfback who became a beatnik, an Olympic-hopeful wrestler who became leader of the Merry Pranksters, and nin
Conor McKeon|
Despite its status as a "dead" language, pretty much anything can be translated into Latin. Here are a few modern classics that might make Latin class more fun.
Andréa Fernandes|
Take a look back at the tiny tomes with the gold foil spine that have helped generations of kids learn to appreciate reading.
Rob Lammle|
The labels for the Y axis run from G (Good Fortune) to I (Ill Fortune).
Chris Higgins|
These 10 authors may not be Shakespeare, but they sure had vaulting ambitions.
Mark Juddery|
Vladimir Nabokov, the author of such masterpieces as 'Lolita' and 'Pale Fire,' was also an expert on butterflies who inadvertently helped give Luciano Pavarotti a career boost.
Ethan Trex|
Long-lost artworks by Leonardo da Vinci, Ludwig van Beethoven, and more have resurfaced in some unexpected ways.
Adrienne Crezo|
You might think you know these classic fairy tales by heart, but some have darker origins—and endings—than you probably expect.
Stacy Conradt|
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