Throughout the European Middle Ages and Renaissance, Latin was the language of learning and international communication. But in the early modern period, it was gradually displaced by French. By the eighteenth century, all the world - or at least all of Europe - aspired to be Parisian. Michael Dirda ageaspirecentury share on social
At the age of 14, I ran away from home for four days and hitchhiked around western Pennsylvania and southern Ohio. Michael Dirda agedayhitchhike Change image and share on social
Since I make my living as a literary journalist, not a book scout, I spend inordinate amounts of time either reading or writing. Michael Dirda amountbookinordinate Change image and share on social
Most lyric poetry is about love, whether yearned after, fulfilled, or wistfully regretted; what isn't tends to consist of laments and cris du coeur over this, that, and the other. Michael Dirda coeurconsistcris Change image and share on social
My wife tells me I should check out 'Downton Abbey', but I gather that series might be almost too intense for my temperate nature. Michael Dirda abbeycheckdownton Change image and share on social
People sometimes think that I bring home all these old books because I'm addicted, that I'm no better than a hoarder with a houseful of crumbling newspapers. Michael Dirda addictbookbring Change image and share on social
The savagery and power of Edith Wharton's ghost stories surprised me. Michael Dirda edithghostpower Change image and share on social
Neither my mom nor my dad ever bought me any comic books. Certainly not for Christmas. I suspect that doing so would have violated the Parents' Code. Michael Dirda bookbuychristmas Change image and share on social
Carl Barks was born in Merrill, Oregon, in 1901, grew up in a farming family, and eventually held a number of blue-collar jobs. He knew what it was to be poor and to work hard for a living. Michael Dirda barkbearblue Change image and share on social
Most scholarly books we read for the information or insight they contain. But some we return to simply for the pleasure of the author's company. Michael Dirda authorbookcompany Change image and share on social
