History
A People’s History of April Fools' Day
Many date the day’s origins to the Persian holiday of Sizdah Be-dar, or “Day of Far Too Many Puddings.” In Scotland, a medieval holiday evolved into Hunt-the-Gowk Day ('gowk' meaning "Jew" in Scots). Whatever you call it, April Fools' is a tradition...
Living, Learning, and Going Long with Gypsy Boots, America’s First Hippie
I met Gypsy Boots in 1970, before I knew he was the nationally famous founder of the hippie movement, and became friends with him in 1995, nine years before America's archetypal holy fool passed away. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about him—what he...
Mother Teresa Was a Jerk, and So Were a Bunch of Other Saints
According to a study conducted by Canadian researchers, Mother Teresa wasn't as saintly as everyone assumed. But if you look back on the 10,000 people who have been canonized by the Catholic Church over the centuries, some of the other saints were way...
Taji's Mahal – Talking with Clayton Patterson About the Lower East Side
For this week's Mahal, I headed over to St. Mark's Bookshop, for the release of Clayton Patterson's new book, 'Jews: A People's History of the Lower East Side.' I got to catch up with the man himself to learn a bit about the historical culture of LES.
Historical Party Fouls
I’d just puked into a giant potted plant in the lobby of the Plaza Hotel, outside Truman’s Black and White. I was looking for a place to stash my now-soiled pocket square and thinking distantly about a palate-cleansing Bellini when some guy I didn’t...
How to Write a Novel About Murdering Nazis
For the most part I can’t stand books about shit from history. It’s not time’s fault, it’s mine.
A Bloody (and Belated) Black History Lesson
Gather 'round for the story of Nat Turner and his glorious white people massacre of 1831.
David Wallechinsky Is A Human Encyclopedia
A longtime reader of this magazine (such as yourself) already knows about David Wallechinsky because you read the People's Lists feature in every issue.
England Is The Place For Me
While certain rock stars with surnames that rhyme with "dagger" were making pained efforts to be seen to be hip on the 60s scene in London, Val Wilmer was living in the calypso, jazz and highlife alternative.
Master Of Minutia
You've probably never heard of Martin Monestier, but he is literally one of the best people ever.