Category Archives: History
The Zhdanovian novel – a literary rule for the masses
When do we define a novel as ‘zhdanovian‘? Is this term related to Russian-only contexts? The answer would be no. In fact, despite being known for outlining the theories of … Continue reading
Hashtag or Mot-Dièse: adopting or adapting? New words and the translation issue
New words come to life everyday. Without realising it, we welcome, use and throw away thousands loads of words in our written and spoken communication. Most of these are forged … Continue reading
From Joan to Leo XIV: the parallel world of fictional popes
On Wednesday a new pope was elected: Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is now Pope Francis (not “Francis I“, as he still is the first and only with that name), the 266th … Continue reading
Fritzes, Poilus,Tommys and their war of words in the trenches
Every time I read accounts on the Great War, I stumble upon nicknames that seem to appear out of nowhere, but sound as if they had been lingering in folklore … Continue reading
This is France 1892: the dangerous pen of Michel Zévaco
In October 1892 French journalist Michel Zévaco was jailed for having published these words: ”The bourgeois kill us with hunger; let’s steal, kill, dynamite, all means are good to get rid of … Continue reading
Written echoes of a lost Empire: Italian Literature and Imperialism
The word “Imperialism” is often (almost always) used in reference to the largest, most known Empire of recent times: the British Empire. It’s equally easy to connect the terms “British … Continue reading
Not so grey: Josep Pla and his colourful Catalan inspiration
A long-standing tradition lasting more than 8 centuries, Catalan literature mirrors the political status of Catalonia and its relationship with Spain: according to how history treated this land, Catalan literature … Continue reading
Seems like another book: re-reading novels in time
I once heard someone say something as wise as ‘reading books when you’re older makes you see them in a completely different way‘. Ever since, I could not help but … Continue reading
Goodreads
