History in Pictures

Alas, I am not sharing convention pictures with you today as I’d planned. As usual, I didn’t even think to take pictures while at Steampunk Symposium. I didn’t have nearly as much down time this year as I usually do, as I was on a total of 6 panels, and also had to be part of opening ceremonies. There were a couple of points were I wouldn’t have been able to eat if the friends who came down with us hadn’t gone to get food.

We had a wonderful time, but those aren’t the images I wanted to share with you today.

Since I got back, I’ve been obsessively watching documentaries on Youtube on a variety of subjects ranging from cosmetics to serial killers (what can I say? I’m well rounded like that).

If you’re looking for something to watch that isn’t the latest “you will probably hurt yourself” challenge or news clips, here are a few I loved:

Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown–This biography of H.P. Lovecraft was fascinating. I didn’t know much about him going in, but now I’d like to try reading some of his work.

River Pirates–a history of crime along the Ohio River, I was surprised to hear about a semi-local gang of serial killers I’d never heard of before.

A Very British Romance--The history of romantic literature in England. I added a couple of books to my reading list after watching this, including a Jane Austen *gasp*. I’ve never been a fan of her work before, but this does make me want to give her books another try.

Beauty in a Jar–the history of Western cosmetics.

The Pendle Witch–I’ve always been fascinated by the witchcraft trials of the 1600s, and this was a story I’d never heard before.

So those are my top five right now. Have you come across anything interesting of late?