image sourced from original article at In this week's By the Book column, a diverse group of authors and artists share memorable facts and insights gleaned from their recent reading. Jeff Kinney recounts a clever tactic by George Washington involving smallpox survivors, while Will Oldham describes Paul Gauguin's adoption of a 10-gallon hat after attending Buffalo Bill Cody's Paris show. Elinor Lipman discovers the small size of Edinburgh's Jewish community in 1909 and details from Connie Chung's family history. Other contributors reflect on topics ranging from the cultural significance of the Andean condor to the transformative power of music venues and the risks faced by investigative writers.
The responses highlight how books can reveal unexpected details about history, science, and culture. Adam Haslett notes the cosmic origins of lithium, Jason Blum learns about the benefits of nasal breathing, and José Andrés reflects on the tradition of passing down seeds as family heirlooms. Louis Sachar is surprised by the historical impact of Marian Anderson's concert, while Patricia Lockwood uncovers a new theory about a famous poem's setting.
From organized crime in Naples to the architectural quirks of London and Tokyo, the authors' discoveries illustrate the breadth of knowledge and inspiration that reading can provide. Each anecdote offers a glimpse into the unique ways books shape understanding and spark curiosity.
