Lauren Greenfield’s Photos of Extreme Wealth

From the USA to Russia, Dubai and China, photographer Lauren Greenfield has traveled the world photographing wealth for some 25 years. Greenfield (who made the 2012 documentary “The Queen of Versailles”) is now releasing a book of her portraits documenting wildly rich people, but it’s more than flashing cash—there is an underlying theme questioning morality and consumption. Greenfield herself says, “It’s not about Birkin bags …

J. Geils Band: Centerfold

Almost anybody who has been to a wedding, prom or late-night venue in a beachside town in the Western world will have heard the J. Geils Band. The American band (which started out as a three-piece) is responsible for the 1981 hit “Centerfold“—as well as “Freeze Frame” and “Love Stinks.” Sadly John Geils Jr (who played guitar in the band) has passed away aged 71. …

The Forgotten History of Women Pirates

The author of “Pirate Women: The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Privateers Who Ruled the Seven Seas,” Laura Sook Duncombe came up with the concept of this new book quite simply. A fan of the movie “Hook,” Duncombe simply wondered where all the female pirates were. Her book explores the history of several women—including Moroccan pirate queen Sayyida al-Hurra and ancient Norse princess Alfhild. “But Duncombe’s book …