Not Quite Trick or Treat
Am I the only one to notice that over the last several years, Halloween has morphed from a children’s holiday to one just as popular
Tag: Marissa Doyle
Quiz: No Slang Like Old Slang, Unless It’s New
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,
Governesses, Part 2: Educating Lady Agatha
Continued from last time (see here.) Lady Agatha Crumpington is now nearly five. Her devoted nurse, Mrs. Hoggett, has taught her to not make messes
Governesses, Part 1: The Original Home-Schoolers
They’re a stock figure in fiction in and about the 19th century, from Charlotte Bronte to Georgette Heyer, who populated many of her stories with
Chair Amie
Here, for your viewing pleasure, may I present Pocock’s Reclining Patent Chair, from the March 1813 issue of Ackermann’s Repository: Isn’t it a beauty? The
The Royal Waterloo Bath!
From the June 1819 edition of Ackermann’s Repository, may I present to you with mingled delight and horror… THE ROYAL WATERLOO BATH “This very elegant
Chillin’ Out in the Seventeenth Century
Did you know that the first air conditioned building in London was Westminster Abbey…back in the year 1620? No? Well, it was a bit of
Toxophilia!
In these days when young women can participate in pretty much any sport they choose, it’s easy to forget that little more than a hundred
The Lady of the Lake and the Highland Revival
Just in case you think that media having a profound effect on popular culture is a modern phenomenon, I have five words for you: The
Lawn Ornaments, Garden Furniture, and Hermits
The early 19th century saw the birth of a new phenomenon in Great Britain: local tourism. Spawned by improved roads and transportation, the growth of
If It’s May, This Must Be Balmoral
Queen Victoria, footloose and fancy-free? Really? Well, yes. As Queen of the United Kingdom, Victoria either had use of or personally owned dozens of houses
Court Dress or Tea Cozy?
It’s May, and we’re in the height of the Season…or we would have been, two hundred years ago. And in addition to husband-hunting, the Season
I Scream…
One of the surest signs of spring in New England is the sudden disappearance of popsicles and ice cream sandwiches from local grocery stores’ freezers