As well as being an exceptional painter, sculptor, and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci was an extraordinary thinker and innovator, well ahead of his time.

Hywel Jones, Rebecca Sharpe, Jeff Waldock, and Alessandro Soranzo · The Conversation 09 May 2019

France

Notre Dame has been a crucial part of Parisian life for 800 years

Paris, famous for its philosophers, artists, poets and composers, owes much to Notre Dame and its influence on the world of the mind.

Emily E. Graham · The Conversation 02 May 2019

Italy

What Leonardo's depiction of Virgin Mary and Jesus tells us about his religious beliefs

Leonardo da Vinci's depiction of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus offer an insight into his religious beliefs, which are often shrouded in mystery.

Diane Apostolos-Cappadona · The Conversation 30 Apr 2019

Arts and Culture

6 inspiring books for children and young readers

The types of books we read in our adolescence can shape us forever. Here are six classics to consider reading to your own children.

Mike Colagrossi · Big Think 29 Apr 2019

Book Club

These vending machines are giving out free short stories to London commuters

The UK’s first short story vending machines have popped up in London, to help people stop scrolling through social media and lose themselves in bite-sized works of fiction.

Kate Whiting 25 Apr 2019

Arts and Culture

Newly discovered Du Maurier poems shed light on a talented writer honing her craft

Daphne du Maurier remains one of the 20th century’s most popular and enigmatic writers and the recent discovery of some of her unknown poems showcase her wide-ranging achievements.

Laura Varnam · The Conversation 25 Apr 2019

Book Club

Franco’s invisible legacy: books across the hispanic world are still scarred by his censorship

Between 1936 and 1966, every single book published in Spain had to be submitted to a national board of censors for examination.

Jordi Cornellà-Detrell · The Conversation 25 Apr 2019

France

What can this 17th century philosopher teach us about tolerance?

Pierre Bayles' writings were among the most widely read of the 18th century and shared messages of tolerance for all.

Matthew Sharpe · The Conversation 24 Apr 2019

Japan

Japan’s holiest shrine is pulled down and rebuilt every 20 years – on purpose

This venerated Shinto shrine in Japan has been repeatedly torn down and rebuilt over the past 1,300 years.

Sean Fleming 24 Apr 2019

Book Club

The World Economic Forum Book Club – 12 months, 12 great books

On this #WorldBookDay, we look back over a year of inspiring authors, from Elif Shafak to Steven Pinker and Yuval Noah Harari.

Beatrice Di Caro 23 Apr 2019

Arts and Culture

5 historic building that were rebuilt to be just as spectacular

The destruction of Notre Dame cathedral is lamentable. A wonderful icon has been largely destroyed by fire. However, we should not despair, writes this Professor of Archaeology.

Claire Smith and Jordan Ralph · The Conversation 17 Apr 2019