Switzerland became a full member of the United Nations on 10 September. In what decade did this occur?
Two
On this day, the United States defeated a British fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie. This battle took place during what war?
Three
Who was the former major from the British Army who won £1 million on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire on 10 September 2001, only to be later convicted of cheating and fraud?
Four
The last full-scale military confrontation between Scotland and England took place on 10 September 1547. What was the battle? Was it the Battle of Finger, Pinkie, or Thumb?
Five
In a novel published in 2000, the theft of antimatter created by a device described by the BBC as “the world’s biggest science experiment” was an essential part the plot of the novel and subsequent film. What is the three-word name of the device, and what is the title of the novel and film?
Japanese surrender on USS Missouri, 2 September 1945. Image Wikipedia
One
On 2 September 1945, the Japanese formally surrendered, ending World War II. The following quote is from the US National Archives:
That morning, on the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, the Japanese envoys, Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and General Yoshijiro Umezu, signed their names on the Instrument of Surrender.
Please provide the names of the ship and the body of water that are missing from the quote above?
Answer: USS Missouri and Tokyo Bay
Japan surrendered unconditionally to the Allies on 15 August 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Soviet Union’s declaration of war and invasion of Manchukuo. The formal surrender ceremony took place on 2 September aboard the USS Missouri. The Treaty of San Francisco, effective 28 April 1952, formally ended the state of war.
Two
Tom Bombadil and his wife Goldberry were characters created by what 81-year-old author, who died on 2 September 1973?
Answer: JRR Tolkien
Tom Bombadil and his wife Goldberry are supporting characters in JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. They feature in the novel The Fellowship of the Rings but are omitted from various adaptations, including Peter Jackson’s film trilogy, due to their non-essential role.
On 2 September 1901, future US president Theodore Roosevelt said…
Speak softly and carry a big stick
…he claimed he was paraphrasing a proverb which originated from what continent?
Answer: Africa (specifically West Africa)
The phrase was supposed to come from West Africa but there is little evidence of that. Theodore Roosevelt’s ‘big stick’ diplomacy, characterised by a powerful military and a willingness to negotiate peacefully, emphasised intelligent forethought and decisive action. This approach, rooted in Realpolitik, involved possessing a strong navy, acting justly and striking decisively when necessary.
“This painting shows the great fire of London as seen from a boat in vicinity of Tower Wharf. The painting depicts Old London Bridge, various houses, a drawbridge and wooden parapet, the churches of St Dunstan-in-the-West and St Bride’s, All Hallow’s the Great, Old St Paul’s, St Magnus the Martyr, St Lawrence Pountney, St Mary-le-Bow, St Dunstan-in-the East and Tower of London. The painting is in the [style] of the Dutch School and is not dated or signed. Image Wikipedia
Four
What city was largely destroyed by a great fire which began on 2 September 1666?
Answer: London, England
The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed much of the medieval city, including St. Paul’s Cathedral. The fire, which started in a bakery, spread rapidly due to strong winds and indecisive firefighting efforts. The city was rebuilt on the same medieval street plan.
The Battle of Actium, 2 September 31 BC, oil on canvas by Lorenzo A. Castro, 1672. Image Encyclopædia Britannica
Five
On 2 September 31 BCE, Octavian, the future Roman emperor Augustus, won the Battle of Actium. Which historical figure, who appeared in two Shakespearean tragedies, was defeated in this battle?
Answer: Mark Antony
The Battle of Actium, fought on 2 September 31 BC, was a decisive naval battle between Octavian’s fleet and the combined forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Octavian’s victory led to the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire, with Octavian becoming Augustus.
Five questions which all are connected to today, September 2nd.
One
On 2 September 1945, the Japanese formally surrendered, ending World War II. The following quote is from the US National Archives:
That morning, on the deck of the (ship) in (body of water), the Japanese envoys, Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and General Yoshijiro Umezu, signed their names on the Instrument of Surrender.
Please provide the names of the ship and the body of water that are missing from the quote above?
Two
Tom Bombadil and his wife Goldberry were characters created by what 81-year-old author, who died on 2 September 1973?
Three
On 2 September 1901, future US president Theodore Roosevelt said…
Speak softly and carry a big stick
…he claimed he was paraphrasing a proverb which originated from what continent?
Four
What city was largely destroyed by a great fire which began on 2 September 1666?
Five
On 2 September 31 BCE, Octavian, the future Roman emperor Augustus, won the Battle of Actium. Which historical figure, who appeared in two Shakespearean tragedies, was defeated in this battle?
Bookplate of Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan, shown with one of his great-ape family, is holding the planet Mars and is surrounded by other characters from Burroughs’ stories and symbols relating to his personal interests and career. Image Wikipedia
One
On 1 September 1875, an American novelist was born. Starting in 1914, following a 1912 magazine story, he wrote a series of novels about an ape-man who was also known as John Clayton. Who was this novelist?
Answer: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950) was an American writer known for creating Tarzan and John Carter. Tarzan, aka John Clayton and Viscount Greystoke, first appeared in Tarzan of the Apes as a 1912 magazine serialisation and 1914 novel. This was followed by 23 further novels and Tarzan became a cultural icon, spawning comic strip, films and merchandise.
On this date in 1969, Muammar al-Qaddafi, or al-Gaddafi, along with a group of fellow young army officers, deposed the king and declared Libya a republic. Who was the deposed king?
Answer: King Idris I
Muammar Gaddafi ruled Libya from 1969 to 2011, initially as a revolutionary leader and later as the Brotherly Leader of the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. He implemented his Third International Theory, nationalised the oil industry, and promoted Islamic socialism. Gaddafi’s rule was marked by authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and support for terrorism, leading to his overthrow and assassination during the 2011 Libyan Civil War.
On 1 September 1954, Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window opened in American film theatres. Starring James Stewart, it also featured a future princess. Who was this future princess?
Answer: Grace Kelly (Princess Grace of Monaco)
Grace Kelly, an American actress, achieved stardom in Hollywood films before marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956. As Princess of Monaco, she focused on charity work, particularly for children and the arts. Kelly passed away at the age of 52 due to injuries from a car crash.
On this date in 1972, the first native-born American to become world champion achieved that title. Who was the American and who did he defeat to win the world title?
Answer: Bobby Fischer (USA) defeated Boris Spassky (USSR)
The 1972 World Chess Championship, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, marked the end of 24 years of Soviet dominance. The first game was played on 11 July 1972. The 21st and last game, begun on August 31, was adjourned after 40 moves, with Spassky resigning the next day without resuming play or attending the venue. Fischer won the match 12½–8½, becoming the eleventh undisputed world champion. This victory made Fischer the first US-born world champion.
On 1 September 1985, a search found the wreck of the Titanic lying at a depth of 13.000 feet (4,000 metres). Who was the oceanographer who led this search?
Answer: Robert Ballard
Robert Ballard, an American oceanographer, is renowned for discovering the Titanic in 1985 using the submersible Argo. He pioneered deep-sea archaeology and explored the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Galapagos Rift, uncovering thermal vents and chemosynthesis. Ballard also founded the JASON project, the Institute for Exploration, and the Ocean Exploration Trust, continuing his search for shipwrecks and sharing his discoveries through writing.
Lord of the…
The post title refers to both Lord of the Jungle and Lord of the Apes which have been used for Tarzan.
Tarzan and the Golden Lion. Illustration by James Allen St. John. Image Wikipedia
On 1 September 1875, an American novelist was born. Starting in 1914, following a 1912 magazine story, he wrote a series of novels about an ape-man who was also known as John Clayton. Who was this novelist?
Two
On this date in 1969, Muammar al-Qaddafi, or al-Gaddafi, along with a group of fellow young army officers, deposed the king and declared Libya a republic. Who was the deposed king?
Three
On 1 September 1954, Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window opened in American film theatres. Starring James Stewart, it also featured a future princess. Who was this future princess?
Four
On this date in 1972, the first native-born American to become world champion achieved that title. Who was the American and who did he defeat to win the world title?
Five
On 1 September 1985, a search found the wreck of the Titanic lying at a depth of 13.000 feet (4,000 metres). Who was the oceanographer who led this search?
An author, best known for the 1818 novel Frankenstein, was born on 30 August 1797. Who is this author?
Answer: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Mary Shelley, daughter of philosopher William Godwin and women’s rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft, was an English novelist best known for her Gothic novel Frankenstein. She was married to Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and faced personal tragedy, including the death of her husband and several children. Shelley’s literary output, including novels and travel writing, often challenged the individualistic Romantic ethos and advocated for cooperation and sympathy, particularly as practised by women.
Title page of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, first edition, 1818. Image Wikipedia
Two
What was the full title of Frankenstein as displayed on the title page of its first edition in 1818?
Answer: Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.
Mary Shelley’s 1818 Gothic novel, Frankenstein, tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sapient creature, and compares him to the Greek Tiata Prometheus who gave fire to humanity. Shelley was inspired to write the novel during a competition with her husband and others, including Lord Byron.
The Titan Prometheus. The Release of Prometheus by Carl Bloch, 1864. Image Wikipedia
Three
The title page mentioned in question 3 also features the following epigraph:
Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay To mould Me man? Did I solicit thee From darkness to promote me?
Please identify the epic poem (1667) from which this quote is taken and the author of that poem?
Answer: Paradise Lost by John Milton
Paradise Lost, an epic poem by John Milton, explores the biblical story of Adam and Eve’s fall from grace. The poem delves into themes of free will, the consequences of disobedience, and the complexities of human nature, while also sparking controversy for its portrayal of Satan.
To what poet was the author of Frankenstein married?
Answer: Percy Bysshe Shelley
Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822) was an English Romantic poet known for his radical views and masterful poetry. Despite limited recognition during his lifetime, his work, including “Ozymandias” and “Ode to the West Wind,” gained acclaim posthumously, influencing generations of poets. Shelley’s life was marked by personal struggles and political controversy, leading him to self-exile in Italy, where he produced some of his most celebrated works. He died in a boating accident at the age of 29.
Theatrical poster for Frankenstein, 1931. Image Wikipedia
Five
In the 1931 film adaptation of Frankenstein, what actor was cast as ‘The Monster’ and was depicted as ‘?’ in the opening credits?
Answer: Boris Karloff
Frankenstein is a 1931 American science fiction horror film directed by James Whale, based on Mary Shelley’s novel. The film, starring Colin Clive (Henry Frankenstein) and Boris Karloff (The Monster / ‘?’), was a commercial success and significantly impacted popular culture. In 1991, the United States Library of Congress selected Frankenstein for preservation in the National film Registry, recognising its ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant’ value.
Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf From a painting by Carl Larsson in 1881. Image Wikipedia
One
Who wrote the 1837 fairy tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes?
Two
The Brothers Grimm’s Children’s and Household Tales, a collection from 1823, includes these three tales; The … Brothers, The … Dancing Princesses and The … Hunstmen. The same number is missing from all three titles, what is that number?
Three
Peter and Wendy was originally written as a play in 1904, and then reworked into a novel in 1911. Who was the author of both versions?
Four
The Fir and the Bramble and The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse are from what collection of famous stories which date back more than 2,500 years?
Five
Sinbad the Sailor and Aladdin are well-known, although not original, stories from what early collection of tales?
One of the Ford Anglia 105E’s seen in the Harry Potter films. Image Wikipedia
One
Which turquoise blue Ford motor car model is depicted as the flying car in the Harry Potter books and films?
Answer: Ford Anglia 105E
“My secondary school, Wyedean, where I went when I was eleven, was the place I met Sean Harris, to whom Chamber of Secrets is dedicated and who owned the original Ford Anglia. He was the first of my friends to learn to drive and that turquoise and white car meant FREEDOM and no more having to ask my father to give me lifts, which is the worst thing about living in the countryside when you are a teenager. Some of the happiest memories of my teenage years involve zooming off into the darkness in Sean’s car.“ — J.K.Rowling. harrypotterfandom.com
The filming of the scene where the Ford Anglia crashes into the Whomping Willow resulted in the destruction of 14 cars.
Tristan da Cunha as seen from International Space Station. Image NASA/Wikipedia
Two
Tristan da Cunha, an island in the South Atlantic Ocean, has only one settlement. What is its name?
Answer: Edinburgh of the Seven Seas
Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is the only settlement of the island of Tristan da Cunha, a part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic Ocean. Locally, it is referred to as The Settlement or The Village.
What tourist attraction in Verona, Italy is a fake as the person allegedly connected to it never existed?
Answer: (either or both) Juliet’s house or Juliet’s balcony
In 1905, the mayor of Verona, as part of a tourism marketing campaign, bought the house from the Cappello family, thinking the name resembled Capulet, Juliet’s surname, and declared it the one and only Juliette’s House. Even the balcony is fake, constructed in the 20th century using parts from a 17th-century sarcophagus and attached to the wall to create a bogus balcony.
Statue of Juliet at Juliets House, Verona. Image WikipediaPalace of Holyroodhouse. Image Wikipedia
Four
What building is the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland?
Answer: Palace of Holyroodhouse (aka Holyrood Palace)
Holyrood Palace, or in full the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile. The name derives either from a legendary vision of the cross witnessed by David I, or from a relic of the True Cross known as the Holy Rood or Black Rood, which had belonged to Saint Margaret of Scotland, David’s mother. The palace, which adjoins Holyrood Abbey, is open to the public year-round, except when the royal family is in residence.
The title page of the first edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, published in 1768-71. Image Wikipedia
Five
On 10 December 1768, the first edition of which reference work was first published in Edinburgh, Scotland?
Answer: Encyclopædia Britannica
The Encyclopædia Britannica, a general-knowledge English-language encyclopaedia, was first published in 1768 and is currently owned by Chicago based Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. After 244 years of print, the last printed edition was published in 2010, and it has been available exclusively online since 2016. The Britannica is known for its scholarly articles and has undergone several changes in format and ownership throughout its history.
The Edinburgh connection is in all the questions except No. 3.
JK Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter while living in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. The settlement was orininally founded and named by a Scotsman: Sergeant William Glass from Kelso, Scottish Borders.
Not part of the theme.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is at the bottom of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Edinburgh Castle is at the opposite end.
Encyclopædia Britannica was originally founded and published in the city.
But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? — The post title is from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Lyndon B. Johnson, 1915. Image WikipediaLyndon B Johnson, 1972. Image Wikipedia
One
Born on 27 August 1908 in Texas, this boy went on to become the president of the United States. Who is he?
Answer: Lyndon B Johnson
Lyndon B Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, served from 1963 to 1969. He assumed the presidency after John F. Kennedy’s assassination and was later elected in a landslide. Johnson’s presidency is remembered for his Great Society programmes, which aimed to expand civil rights, improve healthcare, and combat poverty, but his legacy is also marred by the Vietnam War.
Two
On this date, Ernst Heinkel’s He178 turbojet-powered aircraft achieved the historic first jet flight. In which decade did this event occur?
Answer: 1930s (1939)
The jet engine, though conceptually ancient, only became practical in the 20th century. Early attempts, like the Caproni Campini N.1 and Tsu-11, were unsuccessful. The breakthrough came with the gas turbine, leading to the development of the turbojet, with Frank Whittle and Hans von Ohain (He178) playing pivotal roles in its creation.
Three
The Anglo-Zanzibar War, the shortest war in history, took place on 27 August 1896. How long did the war last? 1. Between 30 minutes and 60 minutes 2. Between 510 minutes and 540 minutes 3. Between 960 and 990 minutes
Answer: Between 30 minutes and 60 minutes
The war lasted no longer than 40 minutes, making it the shortest war in recorded history. — Encyclopædia Britannica
The conflict lasted between 38 and 45 minutes, marking it as the shortest recorded war in history. — Wikipedia
Four
The world premiere of a film adaptation of a book by PL Travers took place on 27 August 1964 in Los Angeles. Which film?
Answer: Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins, a 1964 American musical film, features Julie Andrews as a magical nanny who transforms a troubled London household.
Five
On 27 August 1938, at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA, Captain George E.T. Eyston set a new land speed record. What speed did he achieve? 1. 199.96 mph 2. 273.13 mph 3. 345.49 mph
Answer: 345.49 mph
Captain George Eyston, a British engineer and racing driver, broke the land speed record three times between 1937 and 1939.
Quizology Online 