Around The Word

The accidental ghostwriter. It has been revealed that an anonymous article posted in one of the journals edited by Charles Dickens about the rights of the working class was written by the man himself. The article, published in 1863 in the weekly magazine All the Year Round, was analyzed by Dickens Journals Online, which is working on digitizing all of the critic’s works. They were given the mystery article and a list of six writers, ultimately deciding that the writing was most similar to Dickens’ himself.

It’s the end of libraries as we know it, but the computers feel fine. Along with the whole of Dickens’ work being digitized, there are many other initiatives to digitize literary archives, for preservation’s sake. Stalin’s personal collection has started to be scanned by the Yale University Press, and the University of Texas began a collaboration years ago to preserve documents and testimonies from the Rwandan genocide, along with various other historical moments. Insert clichéd "those who do not remember history" quote here.

The words behind the man. From June 8 until September 23, the Morgan Library and Museum will host “Churchill: The Power of Words,” an exhibit devoted to words, letters, and speeches from the wartime leader. Over sixty documents, including doctors' notes, postcards, and family letters, will show insight into Churchill’s thought process. The exhibit even includes an old report card, describing Churchill as “a constant trouble to everybody.” 


All Mom left me was her diamond tennis bracelet and her 50 Shades of Grey e-book. Over at NPR, Amanda Katz asks the question, “Will your children inherit your e-books?” With the entire industry converting for the digital age, what will happen to the dear tradition of classic books being passed from generation to generation? Will we soon bequeath only our Amazon account password to our grandkids? And will the change make priceless physical books even more priceless? Let us know in the comments what you think will happen with your generational bookshelf.

Around the Word

In defense of adverbs: Though Stephen King said, "The road to hell is paved in adverbs," one writer is coming to the much-maligned part of speech's defense. Atlantic writer Lily Rothaman argues that many famously, fantastically memorable phrases would be duds without adverbs -- would we "give a damn" about Rhett and Scarlett without "frankly"? Where do you weigh in on the adverb debate?

NYPL woes: The New York Public Library has been a vital resource for scholars, writers, and readers in NYC for over 100 years. But with budgets tightening and a large renovation planned, the library is in an unprecedented state of upheaval. Check out the Nation's in-depth article on the changes at America's largest library.

So-so sentences: Is "so" the new "um"? That's the question the Chronicle of Higher Education's Lingua Franca blog is asking, after the New York Times pointed out a pattern of starting sentences with "so" earlier this year. Microsoft employees take credit for starting the "so" phenomenon, but its been picked up by everyone from politicians to NPR (a chronic offender). What do you think about this connector-turned-sentence starter? Is "so" so over?

For the policy wonk who has everything: The gift-giving season is upon us, and you might be debating which books to put on your shopping list. The Guardian has compiled several different lists of the best books to give in 2011, but our favorite is the list of political books. From manifestos to biographies to political thrillers, you're sure to find something on this list for the current events connoisseur in your life.