This week’s reads include the history of the Ouija board, Sherlock Holmes pilgrims in Switzerland, and why women aren’t welcome on the internet.
The Strange and Mysterious History of the Ouija Board by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie for The Smithsonian
Satan-cloaked-as-a-deceased-stranger, we only wish to communicate with you, ask you questions and learn from you. Utterly fascinating account on 19th century American spiritualism, the marketing of talking boards, and the ideometer effect.
The Curious Case of the Sherlock Pilgrims by Edward Docx for Prospect
Feeling bored? Have you ever thought of buying a plane ticket to Meiringen, Switzerland to re-enact Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Final Problem”?
Why Women Aren’t Welcome on the Internet by Amanda Hess for Pacific Standard
“According to a 2005 report by the Pew Research Center, which has been tracking the online lives of Americans for more than a decade, women and men have been logging on in equal numbers since 2000, but the vilest communications are still disproportionately lobbed at women.” Misogyny + the internet = terrifyingly crazy.
Feel free to share any recent (or not) long-form reads you’ve enjoyed in the comment section.
