Who was the first to "paint the town red"? | IDIOM ORIGINS

Macbeth is a tragedy that explores themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of sin. The play follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, and his wife Lady Macbeth as they navigate a complex web of prophecy, murder, and political intrigue. The witches' prophecy sets off a chain of events that leads to the downfall of Macbeth and the restoration of order in Scotland. The play is known for its dark and haunting atmosphere, its exploration of the human psyche, and its commentary on the nature of tragedy and the human condition[1][4].

Published in 1979, 'The Right Stuff' by Tom Wolfe is a seminal work of nonfiction that delves into the lives of the pilots and astronauts involved in the U.S. postwar research with experimental rocket-powered aircraft and the early human spaceflight program, Project Mercury. Wolfe's book is based on extensive research, including interviews with test pilots, astronauts, and their families. It focuses on the bravery, machismo, and the unspoken code of 'the right stuff' that defined these individuals. The book contrasts the Mercury Seven astronauts with other test pilots like Chuck Yeager and Scott Crossfield, highlighting their courage, skills, and the risks they undertook. Wolfe's narrative is characterized by its vivid descriptions and use of literary techniques to evoke the era and the people involved in the early days of American space exploration.

In this book, Ivan Krastev and Stephen Holmes argue that the supposed end of communism marked the beginning of an age of autocracy. They contend that the drive for democracy in Eastern Europe after 1989 led to a bitter repudiation of liberalism due to the painful process of 'copycat Westernization.' This mimicry of Western institutions and values, especially after the Soviet era, resulted in a deep-seated resentment and a political backlash against liberalism. The authors also examine how this phenomenon is linked to the rise of populist and nationalist movements in both Eastern Europe and the United States, including the Trump presidency. They discuss the roles of Russia, China, and other global actors in this context and argue that Western defenders of liberal democracy need to offer a more realistic vision of world order[2][3][5].

Inferno is the first part of Dante Alighieri's epic poem, The Divine Comedy. It describes Dante's journey through the nine concentric circles of Hell, each representing a different level of sin and punishment. Guided by Virgil, Dante encounters various historical and mythological figures, witnessing their punishments which are symbolic of their sins. The poem is an allegory of the soul's journey towards God, with Inferno representing the recognition and rejection of sin. Dante's journey through Hell is also a personal and spiritual exploration, reflecting his own struggles and the political and social issues of his time.

Thornton Wilder's "The Skin of Our Teeth" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that blends elements of comedy, satire, and allegory. The play uses a non-linear narrative structure and incorporates elements of fantasy and surrealism. It explores themes of survival, human nature, and the cyclical nature of history. The play's unconventional structure and blend of genres make it a unique and thought-provoking work. Its exploration of universal themes continues to resonate with audiences today.

The Pickwick Papers, or The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, is Charles Dickens' first novel, published in 1837. It follows the travels of Samuel Pickwick, a kind and wealthy gentleman, and his three companions: Mr. Tupman, Mr. Winkle, and Mr. Snodgrass. Along with Pickwick’s servant Sam Weller, they get into numerous scrapes and misadventures. The novel satirizes societal misunderstandings and highlights the absurdity of social class divisions. A significant part of the story revolves around the trial of Bardell vs Pickwick and its aftermath, leading to Pickwick's incarceration and eventual triumph[3][4][5].

The Book of Job is an Old Testament book that explores themes of suffering, faith, and the nature of God. It tells the story of Job, a righteous man who endures immense suffering despite his piety. The book features dialogues between Job and his friends, who attempt to explain his suffering, and between Job and God. It raises profound questions about the relationship between God and humanity, the problem of evil, and the meaning of life. The Book of Job is considered a literary masterpiece, known for its poetic language and philosophical depth. It remains a source of reflection and inspiration for readers grappling with the complexities of faith and suffering.

The Geneva Bible was published in 1560 by Protestant scholars in exile from England. It was the first English Bible to include numbered verses, extensive marginal notes, and summaries before each book. The translation was influenced by John Calvin and other leading biblical scholars of the time. It was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I and became a popular Bible for family devotions, clergy, and lay people. The Geneva Bible played a significant role in the Reformation and remained widely used even after the publication of the King James Version in 1611.