How the arrival of a white elephant started a debate around race in 19th century America

A bizarre episode in American circus history became an unlikely forum for discussing theories of race.

The Public Domain Review

· Dec 08, 2017 · 03:30 pm

Edison invented recordings – but it was the phonography studios of Spain that popularised them

The formative years of the recording industry.

The Public Domain Review

· Aug 19, 2017 · 11:30 pm

How Voltaire’s reflections on Buddha shaped the way the West understands Buddhism today

The French Enlightenment thinker separated Buddha’s teachings from religious trappings.

The Public Domain Review

· Aug 16, 2017 · 08:30 pm

In photos: Glimpses of 16th-century Persia through exquisite miniature art

The Bosnian-born polymath and all-round genius Matrakçı Nasuh is best known for detail and precision of execution.

The Public Domain Review

· May 14, 2017 · 09:30 pm

Cartoons: The era of Yellow Journalism, the fake news of the 19th century

The phenomenon reached heights in the lead up to the Spanish-American War of 1898.

The Public Domain Review

· Mar 01, 2017 · 08:30 pm

An obscure text sheds light on the idea of the 'public' in 19th-century Calcutta

On the shelves of a public library in West Bengal is lurking a most unusual text.

The Public Domain Review

· Nov 02, 2016 · 09:30 pm

Take a look at the world's first ever 'selfie' – made in 1839

A photographer from the United States ran in front of the camera and back to take the world's first self-image.

The Public Domain Review

· Jul 07, 2015 · 08:30 pm