Learn about the "fake news" that established long held beliefs about Edgar Allan Poe in this video [2:30] from American Masters, Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive. When Edgar Allan Poe died under mysterious circumstances, his literary rival, Rufus W. Griswold, wrote a high-profile obituary filled with falsehoods that cast him as a lunatic and a madman. Engage students with a background essay, discussion questions, teaching tips, and handout as they explore the mystery behind his death and how fiction can sometimes become accepted as truth.

The University of St. Andrews offers this iography of Francois Viete. Many links are provided for more information.

Information about the life of Gabriel Cramer (1704-1752 CE), 18th century mathematician credited with "Cramer's Rule," though "Cramer was certainly not the first to give this rule."

Katherine Cecil Thurston's novel, The Gambler, is presented here in English translation in multiple digital formats.

This University of St. Andrews page offers an excellent biography on Gaspard Monge, a French mathematician and diversified scientist (1746-1818.) Discusses his life and his contributions to these fields.

This video segment, adapted from NOVA, chronicles the education of leading chemist Percy Julian. Although Julian began his elementary school years in the Deep South under Jim Crow laws, he became one of the few African Americans of his time to earn a Ph.D.

In this video excerpt from the 2012 Masterpiece adaptation of Charles Dickens's Great Expectations, months have passed since Pip received the news that a mysterious benefactor has provided money for his education as a gentleman. When Joe Gargery-the kindly blacksmith who helped raise Pip-unexpectedly comes for a visit, Pip, embarrassed by Joe's shabby clothes and working-class accent, can hardly look at the man who befriended him and taught him a trade. Joe remarks, "You look different." Pip tries to dismiss the comment. "It's just a suit," Pip replies. But Joe understands that Pip is not only ashamed of him, but doesn't want to be reminded of his humble beginnings. Pip's unkind treatment of Joe allows the viewer to begin to see how money and a rise in status alone may not create a true gentleman. [2:17]

A brief biography on the life of French author and playwright, Guillaume Appollinaire.

This easy-to-navigate site has Abraham Lincoln's biography, significant events in his life, an image gallery, and several video clips.

A video featuring the Declaration of Independence. Tom Brokaw addresses why the Continental Congress found the need for the revolutionary document. [4:00]

Students investigate the iconic and much-beloved character of Sherlock Holmes, as well as the mystery genre, in this excerpt from Masterpiece's 2002 version of The Hound of the Baskervilles. As students are introduced to Holmes, they use their own analytical skills to understand the methods and characteristics of the famous detective, the history of the mystery genre, and why Sherlock Holmes, in particular, has continued to fascinate and engage audiences. See Teaching Tips for how to use the video in the classroom. This resource is part of the Masterpiece Collection. [1:47]

Students examine the importance of setting in this excerpt about the moors, from Masterpiece's 2002 version of The Hound of the Baskervilles. The legend of the hound that haunts the mysterious landscape of Dartmoor captured Arthur Conan Doyle's imagination. As students study the setting, they are also introduced to the cunning villain of the story, Stapleton, and what happens when the civilized Sherlock Holmes must solve a mystery set against such a wild and turbulent backdrop. See Teaching Tips for how to use the video in the classroom. This resource is part of the Masterpiece Collection. [2:05]

Detailed biography of John Adams' life prior to the American Revolution, beginning with his childhood with sections on all the important periods of his life. Site also includes texts of the inaugural address, state of the union addresses and Adams' address to Congress on the XYZ affair.

Meet the first latina in space Dr. Ellen Ochoa, presented here by Smithsonian in a short biography and descriptions of her missions.

In this inspirational biography unit, students read and learn about a diverse assortment of artists, musicians, and dancers, while focusing on identifying evidence from texts and illustrations.

This site, which is provided for by the University of St Andrews, gives a biography of James Sylvester, mathematician. Links to other interesting sites are provided as well.

This is a collection of three video clips from the production of Sanditon: MASTERPIECE, based on Jane Austen's unfinished novel. Teaching materials and an Austen biography are included.

In this scene from the 2007 Masterpiece film of Jane Eyre, Jane has been invited to bring Adele to the ladies at a fancy dress party, including the imperious Lady Ingram and her beautiful daughter Blanche, whom everyone assumes will become Mr. Rochester's fiancee. As the scene opens, Mr. Rochester and Lady Ingram are arguing. "If some people are rich and some poor, then that is God's will. So be it, I am satisfied," she tells Mr. Rochester. Blanche is annoyed and unfriendly towards Adele and, when the conversation turns to governesses, her mother declares, "...governesses are a nuisance, all of them." Blanche laughs carelessly about a trick she played on one of her governess. "We were very naughty," she says, "She was so boring, poor thing." Jane observes the conversation silently, but she is hurt and insulted by their disdain and disgust. [1:46]

This page, which is provided by the University of St Andrews, offers a short biography on Johann Heinrich Lambert, a French-German mathematician (1728-1777.) It discusses his life and his contributions to mathematics.

As Attorney General under JFK, Robert Kennedy supported civil rights and helped resolve the Cuban Missile Crisis. Learn more about his life with this biography.