Cover of the first issue of Good Housekeeping.

On May 2, 1885, Good Housekeeping magazine debuted in
Holyoke, Massachusetts with this bold stated mission: “To
produce and perpetuate perfection—or as near unto
perfection as may be attained in the household.” And
an American institution begins, with a place in the
Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Clark W. Bryan (1824 – 1899) Publisher

Cover from August 1908.

The title page to the 1611 first edition of the authorized
version of the Bible.

The King James Bible, the most famous version of the world’s
most influential book, was published on this day in history,
May 2, 1611.         

"The King James, or Authorized, Version of the Bible remains
the most widely published text in the English language,"
according to the British Library. 

Commissioned by King James I of England in 1604, it is famed
for its artfully written versions of Old and New Testament tales;
its success bringing the Word of God to English-speaking
commoners; and its influence on the American colonies. 

The 80 books of the King James Version include 39 books of
the Old Testament, 14 books of Apocrypha, and the 27 books
of the New Testament.

Portrait of King James I of England (1566-1625). Found in the collection of National Museum Stockholm.

Duane Eddy, the pioneering rock guitarist known
for instrumental tracks “Rebel Rouser” and “Peter
Gunn”, has died.

According to reports in the Arizona Republic, the
Grammy-winning musician died peacefully on Tuesday
(30 April), surrounded by his family at his home in
Franklin, Tennessee.

ROSS SIMPSON

Citizen Kane is a 1941 drama film directed by, produced
by, and starring Orson Welles. Welles and Herman J.
Mankiewicz wrote the screenplay. The picture was
Welles’s first feature film. Citizen Kane is frequently
cited as the greatest film ever made.

Kane opened at the RKO Palace Theatre on Broadway in
New York on May 1, 1941, in Chicago on May 6, and in Los Angeles on May 8.