What is the mood of this image? What symbols and other details in the engraving contribute to the overall mood it evokes? Now review the bibliographic record for this image. Describe what you learned and explain how that affects your "reading" of this source. Do a bit of research to learn more about the person featured in this image. Then write a short poem with words that mimic the mood of the poem. Use this list of tone and mood words to help you. What other observations, reflections … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Theory. Practice. Effect.
October 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Use only details from the illustrations and text to determine what the author of this print wanted the audience to know (view larger image) about these people and their relation to an important historical event. Use evidence from the source to support your conclusions. Now review the bibliographic record from a copy of this source and read the summary carefully. Describe what more you learned about this engraving and how that influences what you believe the author of this print wanted … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: El Mosquito Americano
October 8, 2014 by 1 Comment
Look closely at the illustration. What can you determine about this broadside from the art? What more do you learn from the summary of this primary source? Do you think the illustration supports the summary? Why or why not? Look at both the front and back of this broadside. How does each stanza end? Why do you think the creator might have chosen this pattern? Do you think this broadside literally refers to an insect invasion the United States? Why or why not? Learn more. What other … [Read more...]
Featured Source: Winged Time
April 3, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Curator's note from the Library of Congress online exhibition: The Dream of Flight On these pages, the English poet and illustrator, William Blake, depicts the personification of "Time" as having wings. On the left page, Time has his traditional scythe and conceals his wings as he creeps stealthily toward the viewer. On the right, Time has passed us, unfurling his wings as he goes on about his endless journey. Blake uses powerful imagery to interpret the words of the poet Edward Young, whose … [Read more...]
Featured Source: Litteratura Iuris
August 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Learn more from In Custodia Legis: Law Librarians of Congress blog. … [Read more...]
Today in History: Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2012 by 2 Comments
Today in History–February 14–the Library of Congress features St. Valentine's Day, celebrated yearly by many on this date. Did you know that the romantic emphasis on this holiday may have stemmed from the medieval belief that birds select their mates on February 14. Learn more about this lovely holiday by visiting the Today in History section and then clicking the links below to access some fabulous primary sources. Valentine's Day from America's Library Primary sources St. … [Read more...]
Phyllis Wheatley's first book of poetry published. Check out our 
Confederate General John B. Hood evacuated Atlanta, Georgia. Check out our 