Nittel Nacht: The Jewish Christmas Eve
'Twas the night before Christmas, and an undead Jesus walked the earth. No wonder early modern Jews played games and sang songs to scare him off.
A Holiday Gift Guide from a JSTOR Daily Gift Fanatic
Splurges for that scholarly curmudgeon in your life who has a critique of capitalism but still likes to have nice things.
John Gray: Cats Can Teach Us about the Meaning of Life
Philosopher John Gray on why he is critical of prevailing ideas of progress, his friendship with Isaiah Berlin, and the wisdom of cats.
Turtle Soup: From Class to Mass to Aghast
During the days of the British Empire, soup made from sea turtles was a delicacy. Now it's almost unheard of. What explains the change?
How (Not) to Teach Kids about Native Cultures
Even well-intentioned books for children can romanticize (or demonize) Native Americans. But better materials exist.
Tea Parties for Temperance!
Behind the Victorian movement to replace tippling alcohol with a very British ritual.
Why Would Parents Oppose Compulsory Education?
In Victorian England, reformers thought all children should go to school. That didn't sit well with everyone—and not just kids.
Harriet Taylor Mill, At Last
When you're married to John Stuart Mill, whatever you do or say may be held against you. And so it was.
Music Education and the Birth of Motown
Music teachers in the Detroit public schools paved the way for the success of future Motown artists like Smokey Robinson and Mary Wilson of the Supremes.
Does Dark Tourism Exploit Tragedy for Profit?
Thanatourism, as one scholar calls it, has a long history. And some historic sites of mass death do offer thoughtful educational experiences.