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Classic Books: The Anthology Of Spoon River & The Complete Works Of Emily...
Do you like poetry books? I do, but I don't read them as often as I'd like. There are just so many books getting released each day and, somehow, poetry collections seem to often end up at the bottom of...
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Etimology Of The Word Lady
Have you ever wondered where the word lady comes from? The 1829 edition of The Lady's Pocket Magazine explains:It was at first Leafdian, from leaf, or laf, which signifies a loaf of bread, and D'ian to...
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What Would A 19th Century Lady Read?
I've always been an avid reader and I'm grateful I was born at a time when books are easily accessible and cheap (if not free). It wasn't always like that. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries,...
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Historical Reads: Kitty Fisher
Heather Carroll, author of The Duchess Of Devonshire's Gossip Guide To The 18th Century has written a funny and informative article on the courtesan Kitty Fisher. To quote:You could say Kitty had an...
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Fashions For January 1808
What would a fashionable English lady would have worn in the cold winter month of January 1808? Here are a couple of suggestions:A Morning DressA round cambric gown, a walking length, with short full...
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Countess Lavinia Spencer
Lavinia Bingham, the daughter of Sir Charles Bingham, 1st Earl of Lucan and Margaret Smith, was born on 27 July 1762 at Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland. The baby would grow into a beautiful young woman...
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Book Review: Cotton By Giorgio Riello
Did you know that cotton is the most used textile in the world today? Sheets, towels, clothes... everything is made with this breathable and durable, but unassuming, fabric that we take for granted....
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Anglers, Fraters & Other Deceivers
In his book, The Town, Leigh Hunt, describes the various criminals who were infesting London during the reign of Charles II: "The Ruffler was a wretch who assumed the character of a maimed soldier, and...
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Historical Perfumes
I've always loved perfume, ever since I was a little girl. Just a spritz can evoke forgotten memories, uplift your mood or transport you back in time to special moments in your life or to exotic places...
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Historical Reads: Empress Theodora
Elizabeth K Mahon, author of Scandalous Women, has written an interest post about the Empress Theodora, the actress and courtesan who married the Emperor Justinian: Justinian was 40 when they met,...
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Elizaveta Alexievka, Empress of Russia
The April 1807 edition of La Belle Assemblee featured a biographical sketch of Elizaveta Alexievka, Empress of Russia:Elizaveta Alexievka, Empress of Russia, is one of the most handsome and interesting...
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Mrs. Jens Wolff by Sir Thomas Lawrence
Sir Thomas Lawrence worked on his painting, Mrs Jens Wolff, for more than 12 years. In 1815, when it was finally completed, it was exhibited at the Royal Academy, where it held the place of honour. It...
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Book Review: Mr Darcy's Guide To Courtship By Fitzwilliam Darcy
Synopsis:Inspired by the works of Jane Austen, the amusingly tongue-in-cheek Mr Darcy’s Guide to Courtship is written from the perspective of Pride and Prejudice’s Mr. Darcy and closely based on real...
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Lord Grenville On Czar Alexander II
In 1856, Earl Granville attended the coronation of Czar Alexander II of Russia. He noted down his impressions on the new ruler and its country in a letter to Queen Victoria. Here it is:Moscow, 30th...
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A Mother's Advice On Gambling
In the Georgian Era, gambling was endemic among the upper classes. "A thousand meadows and cornfields are staked at every throw, and as many villages lost as in the earthquake that overwhelmed...
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Historical Reads: Frances Abington
Heather Carroll, author of The Duchess Of Devonshire's Guide To The 18th Century, has written an interesting post about actress Frances Abington. To quote:Before Mrs. Abington was a leading actress...
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Fashions For Winter 1835
Hello everyone,here are some plates of styles that were fashionable in the winter of 1835, some of which include both the front and back of the dress. I'm not a big fan of the big sleeves that were...
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Marie Antoinette's Wedding
On 16 May 1770 Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna von Habsburg-Lothringen married Louis-Auguste de France, in a lavish ceremony at Versailles, in front of more than 5000 guests. Guests were admitted only if...
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5 Best Poirot Novels
Although most people prefer Miss Marple, Poirot is my favourite Christie's detective. He may be arrogant and annoying, but when you're a genius, you're allowed to be. Poirot doesn't believe in getting...
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Duchess De La Valliere
Louise De La Valliere was one of the mistresses of Louis XIV. Unlike other mistresses, she wasn't interested in riches and titles, but only wanted the King's love. When their relationship ended, she...
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