Montagu: “Sir, I do not know whether you will die on the gallows or of the pox” Wilkes: “That depends, my lord, on whether I embrace your lordship’s principles or your mistress” A classy exchange between 18th C English radical John Wilkes and John Montagu, Earl of Sandwich Tweet of the Week! (@HSA_McGill) On the … More Listserv: Jan 31, 2015

Your home, once the holiest of all, has become the most licentious den of thieves, the most shameless of all brothels, the kingdom of sin, death, and hell. It is so bad that even Antichrist himself, if he should come, could think of nothing to add to its wickedness. Martin Luther, Remarks on Café Campus  (just … More Listserv: Jan 24, 2015

“Pray good people be civil, I am the Protestant whore” Nell Gwyn, mistress of King Charles II, to a mob of angry Puritans that confused her with one of Charles’ Catholic dalliances Tweet of the Week! (@HSA_McGill) Historical #beautytips: Cleopatra attributed her good looks and complexion to a constant diet of various pickles The Preamble … More Listserv: Jan 18, 2015

“I have a terrific headache.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s last words (before dying of a cerebral hemorrhage) Tweet of the Week! (@HSA_McGill) March 1759: British courtesan Kitty Fisher “accidentally” falls off her horse in St. James’ Park, exposing her thighs to scandalized (yet interested) old men: the press and tabloid attention given to the event would … More Listserv: Jan 10, 2015

“My people and I,” he said, “have come to an agreement which satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please.” Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, Insufferable (just ask his neighbours) Tweet of the Week! (@HSA_McGill) 11th Century: The Bishop of Bayeux only fought with … More Listserv: Jan 4, 2015