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Orrin Grey

Orrin Grey is the author of several spooky books, among them Guignol and Other Sardonic Tales and Painted Monsters and Other Strange Beasts. His stories about monsters, ghosts, and sometimes the ghosts of monsters have been published in dozens of anthologies, including Ellen Datlow's Best Horror of the Year.

orringrey.com|@orringrey

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These may be the strangest cases of claims to power.

5 Failed Assassination Attempts That Could Have Changed History

What would the world be like if these plots had worked?

Australia Faced Ruthless Birds During the Great Emu War

The large flightless birds turned out to be a formidable enemy.

French Knight Gilles de Rais Inspired the Folktale “Bluebeard”

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17 Remarkable Books About the Great Depression

Fascinating stories of courage, corruption, and change emerged from the darkest period of the 20th century.

The Obscure Origins of Halloween

Discover the rich history behind this spooky holiday.

Rediscover the World Around You With 7 Accessible Ethnographies

These eye-opening books shed light on other cultures and communities.

5 Royal Scandals Throughout History

These faux pas tarnished several family names.

How Ivan the Terrible Earned His Nickname

The Russian tsar had a fearsome reputation.

The Cult of the Supreme Being: A New Religion in Revolutionary France

The French Revolution left fertile ground for a new approach to religion.

6 Historical Political Cartoons That Capture the Hopes and Fears of the Past

These satirical drawings reveal the debates that dominated bygone eras.

The Most Bizarre Historical Folk Remedies

Each of these so-called cures is stranger than the last.

Betsy Ross: How the Seamstress Became an Enduring Symbol of American Patriotism

She's said to have created the first American flag, but the real story is more complicated.

Coco Chanel’s Legacy, From Iconic Fashion Designer to Nazi Collaborator

The famed businesswoman had direct ties to Hitler’s intelligence agency.

The History Behind Strange Sayings

Idioms make up a huge part of our day-to-day language. But where do they come from?

5 Unusual Holidays Inspired by History

These celebrations are rooted in the past.

10 Everyday Objects that Doubled as Real Spy Gadgets

These historical gadgets could be smuggled right under the enemy's nose.