July 11, 1405
Chinese mariner Zheng He set sail with his giant fleet to explore
the world for the first time.
Under the Yongle emperor of the Ming dynasty, he had led
seven expeditions to the “Western Oceans” between 1405 and 1433.
Today is
Bowdler's Day
The day “celebrates” the birthday of Thomas Bowdler who
published a censored edition of Shakespeare’s works.
What?
Shakespeare gets censored?
Yes, in 1807, Bowdler published a heavily edited version of
Shakespeare’s works by deleting “violence and intimacy,” the so-called “The
Family Shakespeare.”
How to “celebrate” the day?
It’s up to you.
Me, I refuse to read any book that’s
censored for whatever reasons.
July 11, 1971
John W. Campbell, the American science fiction writer and
editor died at age 61.