2012 in Review: The Digital Divide
Since 1938 Britannica’s annual Book of the Year has offered in-depth coverage of the events of the previous year. While the book won’t appear in print for several months, some of its outstanding content is already available online. Here, we feature this article by Britannica contributor Steve Alexander, which explores disparities in Internet access in the United States. Read the rest of this entry »
2012 in Review: Notable Anniversaries
Since 1938 Britannica’s annual Book of the Year has offered in-depth coverage of the events of the previous year. While the book won’t appear in print for several months, some of its outstanding content is already available online. With the New Year nearly upon us now, we decided to take a look back at 2012 with this summary of notable anniversaries by Encyclopaedia Britannica editor Patricia Bauer. Read the rest of this entry »
Almost Apocalypse: Five Questions for Writer and Explorer Craig Childs
Writer, explorer, and desert rat Craig Childs has written several books about his adventures in the deserts of the American West. With his newest book, Apocalyptic Planet, he steps outside the region to explore the edges of the world, where danger—and a view, perhaps, of our future—await. Read the rest of this entry »
The Maya and the End of the World
If you are reading these words, then we survived the end of the world that was supposedly foretold by the ancient Maya. Congratulations! Please step inside to read more about that prophecy and its origins. Read the rest of this entry »
2012 in Review: Apocalypticism
Since 1938 Britannica’s annual Book of the Year has offered in-depth coverage of the events of the previous year. While the book won’t appear in print for several months, some of its outstanding content is already available online. This piece on apocalyptic movements by José Pedro Zúquete, a researcher at the Social Sciences Institute, Lisbon, Portugal, will bring you up to speed on the history of "revelations," from religion to pop culture. Read the rest of this entry »
Casablanca: A Classic Film Turns 70
You wore blue, and the Germans wore gray, and now I'm blue: Casablanca, which debuted 70 years ago, is one of the great classics of early modern filmmaking. There's good reason for that, as even Groucho Marx knew. Step inside for more on this fine film. Read the rest of this entry »
Exploring the Origins of Christmas
When and where did Christmas originate? Encyclopaedia Britannica religion editor Matthew Stefon explains in this classic post. Read the rest of this entry »
2012 in Review: The Semantic Web
Since 1938 Britannica’s annual Book of the Year has offered in-depth coverage of the events of the previous year. While the book won’t appear in print for several months, some of its outstanding content is already available online. Here, we feature an article on the semantic web written by James Hendler, the Tetherless World Professor of Computer and Cognitive Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Read the rest of this entry »
The Gollum Diet: Cave Creatures from Around the World
Peruse our menu of cave-dwelling delicacies, prepared specially for the original raw-foodist: Gollum. Read the rest of this entry »
The War of 1812: A Forgotten War
Perhaps because it was messy and inconclusive, the War of 1812 is little remembered wherever it was fought. Yet it had consequences, setting off a chain of events that would come to fruit later in the 19th century—and even beyond. Read the rest of this entry »
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