July 22

On July 22, 1598, William Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice was first entered into the Stationers' Register in London. The Register served as a government-controlled ledger that licensed printed works and enforced early censorship. By mandating registration, Queen Elizabeth I's administration asserted strict oversight over publishing and information dissemination. This registration paved the way for the play's printing and wider distribution across England. The Merchant of Venice, a rich blend of comedy and drama, explores themes of mercy, justice, and cultural tension that continue to resonate with audiences today.

On July 22, 1893, Katharine Lee Bates stood on the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs and was moved by the vast, rugged landscape below. Overwhelmed by the scenery, she composed a poem that celebrated the nation's natural splendor and ideals of freedom. Titled "America the Beautiful," the work was first published later that year and set to music in 1904. The song quickly resonated with the public, growing into one of America's most beloved patriotic hymns. Its anniversary invites reflection on both the country's beauty and the aspirations it evokes.