Arts

Chances are you've probably read a poem or two in school, had to memorize a poem at some point, or maybe even wrote a poem yourself. But what exactly is poetry?

By Caitlin Uttley

Three things make books valuable: supply, demand and condition. Most collectors seek out these works because of their associations with famous authors and historical events. Some want them because they're really, really old.

By Ed Grabianowski

Everyone dreams of finding that rare first edition in Grandma's attic, but how would you know such a treasure if you found one? Book appraising takes years to master, but we've laid out the basics here.

By Dave Roos

The answer to this question may depend on how you define the word "book."

By Eric Baxter

If you've been to a Broadway show in the last four decades, there's a good chance you bought a discounted ticket at a TKTS booth. If so, you can thank the Theatre Development Fund for your low-cost ticket.

By Christopher Lampton

The Metropolitan Opera was established more than 100 years ago and hosts more than 200 performances each season. Find out how the Met got its start, and how technology has kept the performing arts alive.

By Christopher Neiger

It's not the oldest professional musical organization in America, or the largest, or even the first symphony orchestra to be based in the nation's capital. But the National Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of America's orchestral composing and performing arts scene.

By Lawrence Schumacher

For the past 70 years, the American Ballet Theatre has brought the best in dance theater to people around the world. What's the storied (and sometimes stormy) history of the ABT?

By Martha Barksdale

Lion tamers have a habit of putting their heads inside lions' mouths, which are made to crush the spines of bulls. So you can imagine what those jaws could do to a person's skull.

By Debra Ronca

Every weekend, the antique hunters come out. They prowl the aisles of shows, scrutinize the offerings at sales and occasionally even wave cards at an auction. But what makes an antique an antique? And why are they so expensive?

By Heather Kolich

Making stained glass is the ancient art of creating colored glass to use in decorative ways. Although the first colored glass may have been used as jewelry or even currency, you probably see stained glass predominantly in windows today.

By Sara Elliott

Your favorite plays go off without a hitch because of a hard-working stage manager. Read this article to learn more about the responsibilities of a stage manager.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

The practice of blowing glass may seem hip and modern if you've recently hit up an art exhibition by Dale Chihuly or Harvey Littleton. But the history of glassblowing is actually long and rich, dating back to the Roman Empire.

By Jessika Toothman

Not all art heists are worthy of the silver screen, but some stand out for their ingenuity -- or bravado. So how do thieves walk away with near-priceless works?

By Julia Layton & Matt Cunningham

Do you ever have the feeling you're being watched? The eyes in many paintings seem to follow you around the room. How do artists make it happen?

By Josh Clark

Web comics aren't your typical Sunday newspaper funnies -- they're surreal, gritty, philosophical and completely uncensored. Spare your fingers the ink stains and explore the infinite canvas of Web comics.

By Jonathan Strickland

In a lot of ways, Bruce Wayne's legacy has overshadowed the work of his parents. But before their untimely deaths Thomas and Martha Wayne were just as important to the economy and well-being of Gotham City as their son was.

By Matt Hunt

For years, citizens of Gotham City have relied on the masked avenger known as Batman to protect them from the schemes of numerous madmen. Is it possible that Gotham's greatest champion, like so many of the inmates he's sent to Arkham Asylum, is a sociopath as well?

By Matt Hunt

Some mornings it seems to take superhuman strength just to haul yourself out of bed. So how did adrenaline help these folks bench-press a Camaro or fight off a polar bear with their bare hands?

By Josh Clark

Many people and institutions throughout the years have banned books for their 'questionable content.' Many of these books became even more popular because of the controversy they caused. See our list of 9 surprising banned books.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Intentional or not, these authors gave their books names that will make readers laugh or cringe. These creative book titles show that there is no topic out there that someone won't write a book about. Check out our list of 17 unusual book titles.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The novelists on this list all overcame rejection after rejection after rejection. Check out these classic stories about authors persevered despite the doubts of publishers, and went on to earn wide acclaim.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

You won't come across names like Mr. Sloppy, Wopsle, Sweedlepipe, Bumble and Scrooge in real life. No, these names were purely the product of Charles Dickens' unique imagination.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd. & Denise Harrison

According to sci-fi lore, if you've read the "Necronomicon," then you might just be teetering on the brink of insanity. Featured in popular culture in TV, film and comics, the book is a fictional creation of author H.P. Lovecraft. Learn more about the mystery behind the "Necronomicon."

By Jonathan Strickland

He awaits the time when he will arise from his watery city to wreak havoc. Cthulhu made his first official appearance in the short story "The Call of Cthulhu," written by H.P. Lovecraft in 1926. Read all about the legendary monster known as the Old One.

By Jonathan Strickland