Artist, poet, and muse Elizabeth Siddal died #OTD 1862 at the age of 32 from an overdose of laudanum. Her widower Dante Rossetti placed a book of his poems in her coffin; however, seven years later, he had her exhumed to retrieve it for publication. He published the book in 1870.

ISSE ONLINE TALK: FRI 13th DEC 19:00-20:30GMT! Artificial Ancient Astronomy: The Year of the Scorpion in The Mummy Returns (2001) by Matt Szafran 🎬 Learn about movie props inspired by real ancient artefacts! FREE for members! Non members: ticket link eventbrite.com/e/artificial-a…

Tennant as #Macbeth was, as always, great at Shakespearean unhinged. All sound through headphones. Shame there were no on-stage witches. Atmospheric music. Minimalist, monochrome staging. White-clad lady Macbeth unspotted by blood. Would have preferred Ellen Terry's beetles!

Christina Rossetti was born #otd in 1830. Her poem 'In the Bleak Midwinter' was originally published by Scribners in January 1872 as 'A Christmas Carol'. Gustav Holst set it to music in 1906. It was my father's favourite! Hoping to sing it soon. QMUL Centre for 19C & Legacies BAVS Postgrads Victorian Web

MY YEAR-END READING STATISTICS #Wrapped (originally for Guardian Books)

Georges Méliès was born 163 years ago today, on December 8, 1861

As a mathematician, I must repost this every Christmas season. I don’t make the rules

The legendary Mystic and Weird Fiction writer Arthur Machen departed our plain of existence 77 years ago on December 15th 1947. He is one of my favorite writers to read and collect.

Granite sphinx of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, c. 1479–1458 B.C. From Deir el-Bahri, Senenmut Quarry, MMA excavations, 1926–28. Dimensions: H: 164 cm (64 9/16 in.); L: 343 cm (135 1/16 in.); Wt: 6758.6 kg (14900 lb.) egypt-museum.com/sphinx-of-hats…

Looking ahead to 2025. CFP: 1 day conference British Theatre & the 1920s. London 11 July. Please do get in touch if interested in contributing UniofHertsLiterature UniofHertsHistory Finborough Theatre The School of Creative Arts. call-for-papers.sas.upenn.edu/cfp/2024/12/13…

Merry Christmas to all! - especially scarab enthusiasts! ISSE Royal Entomological Society

May your insects bring more singing and less stinging in the coming year!

Happy New Year! (my cartoon for New Scientist)

This is Emma Sandys' stunning 1876 painting, Pleasant Dreams!! #Art #fineart #Victorian #Painting #Artist #Painter #19thcentury

Online talk announcement! 🐂 Dr. Nicky Nielsen presents “Some Bull is Regarded as a God!": Roman Attitudes to #Egypt and the Egyptians ⏰Zoom: 6 March 2025, 7pm (GMT) ISSE Members go free! 🎟️ If you’re not a member, tickets can be purchased here: eventbrite.com/e/some-bull-is…

Recently cleaned Dendera celestial ceilings never fail to impress 🩵🇪🇬🤩

Roses are red Violets are purple Brain's flailing about Like an upside-down turtle! #AcademicValentine #ValentinesDay

New exhibition launching soon! One of the most remarkable artists of her generation, Evelyn De Morgan, is returning to Guildhall Art Gallery this April in an exhibition that premieres two newly restored artworks. Find out more: bit.ly/3QftfhI

Spotted in Blackwell's, Oxford’s Bookshop a vibrant #TalesOfTheWeird display and a lovely note about the series British Library Shop British Library Publishing plus 2 copies of ‘Summoned to the Séance’! 👻