A “Cook’s Tour” of Imperialism
Thomas Cook and Son Ltd. pioneered middle class tourism during the Victorian era, when it followed the course of the British Empire.
The Old New Trend of Sober Curiosity
Abstaining from alcohol is a new trend with a long, long history.
The New Nomads of #VanLife Reflect an Enduring Divide
A distinctly American restlessness is inspiring some to abandon the idea of a permanent home, while others are displaced by harsh realities.
There Will Always Be a Market for Snake Oil
Even when we suspect the underlying root of an issue is complex, we tend to look for a quick fix.
A Century After They First Appeared, Electric Boats Are Making a Comeback
In the late 1800s, electric boats were a promising new technology. They are now enjoying a revival.
A Glimpse at Women’s Periods in the Roaring Twenties
A 1927 study by famed efficiency expert Lillian Moller Gilbreth revealed how American women dealt with menstruation -- and how they wished they could.
Regulating Sex Work in Medieval Europe
When sex work was considered a "necessary evil," legal brothels provided certain protections for the women who worked there.
How Does Couples Therapy Work?
Since the 1980s, more and more couples have sought therapy. Why is it so helpful to have that third person in the room?
The Snow Day as Modern Festival
An unexpected day off work and school can take on the trappings of a religious ritual.