No Slang Like Old Slang, Unless It’s New–Part 3
Marissa Doyle
January 23, 2025
For most writers of historical fiction, the slang of the 19th century is a delight. Creative and clever, it’s fun to know and, for us,
Author : Marissa Doyle
Marissa Doyle graduated from Bryn Mawr College and went on to graduate school intending to be an archaeologist, but somehow got distracted. Eventually she figured out what she was really supposed to be doing and started writing. She’s channeled her inner history geekiness into a successful young adult historical fantasy series, and is now also happily writing contemporary romantic fantasy. She lives in her native Massachusetts with her family, including a pair of bossy but adorable pet rabbits, and loves quilting, gardening, and collecting antiques. Oh, and coffee.
A Mysterious Tale…or Perhaps Tail
Marissa Doyle
January 9, 2025
The following intriguing article first appeared in the September 1809 edition of La Belle Assemblèe, and I thought you might find it interesting. Is it
Fish, Preciousssss
Marissa Doyle
December 26, 2024
Ah, holiday customs. At my house, we’ve developed one we’re very fond of: after exchanging presents and eating Christmas dinner and pulling crackers (we lurrrrve
Christmas in a Nutshell
Marissa Doyle
December 12, 2024
Did you know that Christmas as we know it is very much a 19th century invention, courtesy of Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens? The Queen
Flirting with Props, Part 4: Parasols
Marissa Doyle
November 28, 2024
I must say that I regret that parasols are no longer in fashion—a pity, as they have a long history stretching back to the ancient
Flirting with Props, Part 3: Fans
Marissa Doyle
November 14, 2024
In our primer on Victorian flirtation techniques, we’ve learned how to utilize the handkerchief and the gloves to conduct our secret intrigues; now, it is
Flirting with Props, Part 2: Gloves
Marissa Doyle
October 24, 2024
Gloves…once an essential part of both ladies’ and gentlemen’s wardrobes. If you had any claim to gentility you did not stir out of doors without
Flirting with Props, Part 1: the Handkerchief
Marissa Doyle
October 10, 2024
Are you familiar with The Language of Flowers, Kate Greenaway’s delightful little 1884 volume of flowers and their symbolism? Well, flowers weren’t the only item
Fetch the Comfy Chair!
Marissa Doyle
September 26, 2024
In addition to the fashion prints I so love, the journal Ackermann’s Repository of the Arts, that splendidly illustrated journal of early 19th century culture
The Marvelous Mrs. Fish
Marissa Doyle
September 12, 2024
One of the most interesting people I’ve “met” over the course of doing research for my non-nineteenth century books is Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish, known as
Death and Dyeing
Marissa Doyle
August 22, 2024
You may know that I collect early nineteenth century ladies’ magazines, because I adore the fashion plates. Here’s one of my favorites, an 1835 Evening
Fun in the Sun…Not
Marissa Doyle
August 8, 2024
This parasol from my collection is not Victorian—I’m guessing it’s ca. early twentieth century—but the tassel and beautiful repoussé silver handle (I wish it showed
A Lot of Hot Air…Or Was It?
Marissa Doyle
July 25, 2024
My dear nephew (thanks, Ian!) sent me the following item, which first appeared in the Northampton Mercury on July 23, 1808, and again on the