St. Cloud State University English Department

Pro tip: keep some little tablecloths in your car.

NEW ESSAY — “Typing for Love or Money: The Hidden Women’s Labor behind Modern Literary Masterpieces” — https://publicdomainreview.org/essay/typing-for-love-or-money/

Taking dictation, revising manuscripts, typing copies, literary amanuenses often labour for little compensation and even less recognition. Christine Jacobson explores the neglected efforts of women like Theodora Bosanquet, Véra Nabokov, and Valerie Eliot, who — through their work as typists, editors, and champions — had a profound impact on modern literature.

Thanks to Mahnoor Majid for finding and posting this

I guess this just proves that every writer has their writing style >>>

By mapping the meanings of the words used to communicate emotions across more than one-third of the planet’s spoken languages, a study in Science found that there is significant variation in how emotions are expressed across cultures. https://scim.ag/3ZJS6i6

In Iceland, Christmas does not begin with noise or excess. It begins quietly, with books. Long before gifts are unwrapped or meals are finished, families exchange books on Christmas Eve in a tradition called Jólabókaflóð, which translates to Christmas Book Flood. Once the books are opened, the evening slows down. People settle in, turn the lights low, and read.

The tradition took shape during World War II. Imported goods were scarce, but paper was still available, and books were affordable. Publishers leaned into it, releasing most new titles just before Christmas. Over time, giving books became expected, then cherished. It was not about luxury. It was about time, silence, and stories shared under one roof.

Today, the tradition is still going strong. Iceland has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, and this custom plays a role in that. On Christmas Eve, homes grow quiet as pages turn, often with a cup of hot chocolate nearby. No rush, no spectacle. Just a country agreeing that the best way to spend the night is with a good book.

Born on this day in 1838, theologian and schoolmaster Edwin Abbott Abbott, who in 1884 published the remarkable Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. Read Ian Stewart's introduction to the strange tale of A. Square's geometric adventures, perhaps the first ever book that could be described as “mathematical fiction” — https://buff.ly/35FTuVI

Born on this day in 1608, the English poet John Milton. Pictured here is the frontispiece to his first collection of poems, which contains a far from flattering portrait of the poet. A displeased Milton decided to get his own back with an erudite prank. Underneath the frontispiece he had the artist painstakingly engrave a scathing appraisal of it in Greek, a language he clearly could not understand:

"Looking at the form of the original, you could say, perhaps, that this likeness had been drawn by a rank beginner; but, my friends, since you do not recognize what is pictured here, have a chuckle at a caricature by a good-for-nothing artist"

More here: https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/john-milton-s-frontispiece-prank

Follow along with fictional scientist Victor Frankenstein's travels across Europe from his birth to his death. In Ingolstadt, Germany, a new figure enters the scene: the monster to whom Frankenstein bestows life. Key players: Victor Frankenstein- A young scientist The monster- A creature whom Victor creates Alphonse Frankenstein- Victor's father and the Frankenstein family patriarch Robert Walton- A polar explorer who meets Victor on his way to the Arctic Henry Clerval- Victor's best friend

Entering the public domain in 2026, in countries with a "life + 70yrs" copyright term: The works of Wallace Stevens.

More info behind window 6 of our advent-style countdown calendar for works entering the public domain on Jan 1st: https://publicdomainreview.org/features/entering-the-public-domain/2026/

Born on this day in 1684, the Norwegian writer Ludvig Holberg. Read about his satirical science-fiction/fantasy novel Niels Klim’s Journey Under the Ground detailing the adventures of its hero in a utopian society existing beneath the surface of the earth: https://buff.ly/3aR4l1Y

Congratulations, Sarah!

St. Cloud State University Professor Earns Prestigious Literary Honor (KNSI) - An English and creative writing associate professor at St. Cloud State University has won a prestigio...