Danielle Peterson Searls

It is one of the most celebrated, repeated, and misappropriated theatrical quotes in English: “Now is the winter of our discontent,” the beginning of Gloucester’s speech in Shakespeare’s Richard III. Whenever there is a political disagreement during the colder months, it is made out to be a winter of discontent. Perhaps this phrase will be less used in the future, as not the cold but the heat becomes a global challenge. Winter was a word with particular resonance during Shakespeare’s lifetime.

The best examples of counterfactual history display two characteristics. The first is equal plausibility for both the actual historical event and its alternative. The other is impact: the alternative must be consequential.

Selling the grasp for what isn’t there. More Upon returning home, Crusaders brought with them styles that would upset Europe’s fashion hierarchy. More Shades of history, from black to white.