Philobiblon

* What is the relationship between historiography and the writing of historical novels? What happens if the facts get in the way of the story?

The Little Professor is engaged in a fascinating study of the fictional treatments of Anne Boleyn, perhaps THE most popular single character in historical fiction. (No, on second thoughts probably that is her husband, or maybe Julius Caesar? Has anyone ever done a study on that?)

And I do have to look up the one book the prof has found in which Anne doesn’t die: Nancy Kress, And Wild for to Hold.

* As a child I once had the misfortune to draw with a chess grand master who was visiting my club, which instantly made me their “great junior hope”, a pressure that quickly freaked me out, particularly when I realised that to get anywhere I’d have to rote learn vast lists of moves.

But Bobby Fischer has solved the problem. With his form of the game it could be pure thinking and calculation again. (Via Robot wisdom.)

* I’ve enjoyed browsing a selection of presents for the person in your life who already has everything, from the Unemployed Philosophers Guild. I was particularly taken by the St Sebastian pincushion. (Via Grow-a-brain.)

* Want to know where you can find an animal you’re longing to add to your selection of snapshots? The World Wildlife Fund has put up Wildfinder, which will identify locations by common or scientific name. (Via Worldchanging.)