On This Day in History Sh!t Went Down

On January 15, 1947, the mutilated body of Elizabeth Short, aka the Black Dahlia, was found in Leimert Park. On May 4, 1970, four died as National Guard troops opened fire on protestors at Kent State University. The Bastille was stormed on July 14, 1789, kicking off the French Revolution. William, Duke of Normandy, kicked Harold, Earl of Wessex’s ass during the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks took a stand, by remaining seated, refusing to move to the back of the bus. All this skullduggery and more happened at some point in history.

On This Day in History Sh!t Went Down is a unique and entertaining book by historian and writer James Fell. There is an entry for every day of the year, highlighting some bit of debauchery, mayhem, and shenanigans. History was never meant to make one feel good, and Fell’s book proves that point. But these stories are out there, and one might learn a thing or two. If you are a fan of Nazis or the disgraced twice-impeached former president, you might want to stay clear. But for the rest of us, good luck not looking up your birthday as the first article you read.