BOOKS

From Classics to Graphics: 6 Literary Masterpieces Turned Into Graphic Novels

Abridging classic novels for younger readers is nothing new. But in recent years, classic literature has been graphic novel-ized, making it more accessible for readers young and old while preserving the plot, themes, and sometimes even the author's voice.

11 Book Sequels You Probably Didn't Know Existed

We get frustrated with Hollywood's propensity for weird sequels that seem to have little or nothing to do with the original, but it just so happens that the practice is older than filmmaking itself. Several classic stories have strange follow-ups you've n

Your Favorite Authors Are Frauds: 6 Famous Ghostwriters

It’s almost like learning the truth about Santa Claus: Once you know, it’s so obvious, but you're still a little heartbroken when you discover that your favorite author didn’t really pen most of the work with his or her name on the cover. Take comfort, t

A Wonderfully Nerdy Marriage Proposal at the National Book Festival

Like most 20-somethings using social media, my Facebook newsfeed often features "Jane Doe is now engaged to John Smith" posts, with requisite thumbs-up, squeals of glee from friends, and photos of the engagement rings. Last weekend brought a round of seve

23 Writers Who Were Famous by Age 23

While it's not as easy for authors to become famous at a young age as it is for pop singers, it's still not unheard of for barely legal authors to find fame, success, and even fortune. Here are 23 authors who manager to achieve fame—though not always posi

13 Brazen Harry Potter Knock-Offs From Around the World

If J.K. Rowling’s seven Harry Potter books left you hungry for more Hogwarts, you’re not alone. Fortunately, a whole bunch of totally unauthorized Potter novels have been published in other countries. To give you a taste of the kind of quality reads avail

What Causes "Old Book Smell"?

“A combination of grassy notes with a tang of acids and a hint of vanilla over an underlying mustiness” is how an international team of chemists describes the unique odor of old books in a study. Poetic, sure, but what causes it?Books are made up almost e

11 Wonderful Libraries in Africa

We’ve brought you beautiful European, South American, North American and Asian libraries, so now it’s time for some of the most amazing libraries in Africa. 1. Library of

16 Famous Literary Characters Almost Named Something Else

“Bladorthin the Grey” just doesn’t have the same ring to it as “Gandalf the Grey,” does it? Here are the stories of Gandalf and some other famous characters who experienced an identity change before publication.

Famous Novelists on Symbolism in Their Work—and Whether It Was Intentional

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.

11 Cakes Based on Kids' Books, Movies and TV Shows

We've looked at cakes inspired by movies and video games. Next up: kids' books and characters! 1 & 2. Alice In

11 Fabulous Libraries in South America

Last week we toured some of Europe's most beautiful libraries. Now let's see what South America has to offer. 1. The Royal Portuguese Reading Room,

15 Spectacular Libraries in Europe

We've posted photos of gorgeous libraries before, but we just can’t get enough of these stunning book repositories. For those of you who share this opinion, here are fifteen of the most beautiful libraries throughout Europe, in no particular order. Trin

19 Fun Facts About Children’s Books Spotted at the Library

This past week I spent some quality time in the children's section of the Wayne Public Library. Over on Instagram (we're @mental_floss), I've been sharing photos of books with facts related to them. Since only 1,030 people have joined us over there — way

15 Vintage Photos of Libraries

Here are some old photos of librarians showing both the diversity of their duties and the diversity of the workers themselves. All images courtesy of the Library of Congress, unless otherwise mentioned.Helping OthersHere are a few images of librarians bei

Fun Facts About the 11 "Greatest Books for Kids"

Scholastic's Parent & Child magazine recently released a list of the 100 Greatest Books for Kids. Spanning a variety of genres and target ages, the editors made the selections from a population of around 500 submissions from literacy experts and "mommy bl

7 Children's Books Written in Response to Other Books

Some authors write books because they have a way with words. Others write books mostly to spite another author.

10 Excellent Bookstore Cats

Not all bookstores have cats: the big chains don't have cats, and some mom and pop stores keep their cats at home, so if you are allergic to cats, you can still find a place to browse for reading material. But you'll find resident cats in many independent

Insomnia Cured Here, Flickr // CC BY SA 2.0

Did Dr. Watson Really Write Sherlock Holmes?

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.

Why Are Textbooks So Expensive?

It’s hard to make that first trip to the college bookstore for required texts without leaving with a bit of sticker shock. Why are textbooks so astonishingly expensive? Let’s take a look.

Jules Verne: Poignantly Prescient

When we think of Jules Verne, we think of the genius behind 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea or Journey to the Center of the Earth (my personal favorite of only because I read it first, at an impressionable age, and it got me on a sci-fi kick). In these stori

How a Friendly Writing Contest Resulted in Three Literary Classics

These days, damp, rainy spells usually inspire us to curl up on the couch and watch an American Pickers marathon (tell me that's not just me). But back in 1816 - also known as "The Year Without a Summer" - the results were much different. The summer was r

When it was translated into Latin, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets became Harrius Potter et Camera Secretorum.

The Latin Versions of 12 Modern Stories

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.

The Story Behind Little Golden Books

Take a look back at the tiny tomes with the gold foil spine that have helped generations of kids learn to appreciate reading.

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