Many of us have been there. Many of us have believed ourselves in love to the point of obsession, and letters Charlotte Brontë wrote to Constantin Heger, a Belgian tutor, proves that even one of the most famed writers in English Literature wasn’t immune to this human experience.
15 Hilarious British Laws That Are Mind-Bogglingly Real
The United Kingdom has a rich and extensive history. This might not be more apparent than in the country’s legal history, with strange laws spanning from not wearing armor into the House of Parliament to ladies not eating chocolate on public transportation. Some laws are still enforced, but others are not. While this is definitely... Continue Reading →
Edith Lanchester: How A Victorian Feminist Ended Up In An Insane Asylum
In the Victorian era, insane asylums were a tool utilized by a patriarchal society in the oppression of women. While there were signs of feminism and women’s rights taking hold in the 19th century (i.e. bluestockings, feminist writers, women’s colleges, etc.), progression was slow. Women’s suffragettes, in England, wouldn’t see the fruits of their labor... Continue Reading →
6 Times Beau Brummell Was the Ultimate Diva
Beau Brummell took Regency England by storm with his devious good looks, witticism, and fashion sense. He was an ideal dandy, meaning a man who placed importance in his appearance, pursued his passions to the utmost, and adhered to romantic ideals. Beau took these beliefs to heart, taking great pains with his wardrobe. He disdained... Continue Reading →
Frankenstein’s Famous Creator, Mary Shelley, Kept Her Dead Husband’s Heart
One of my favorite things to do is to dig into the English annals and discover really weird stories. I’ve covered some strange and deranged stories on this blog, from Lady Caroline Lamb sending her bloody pubes to Lord Byron to one of life’s most baffling questions—was Jack the Ripper a woman? This month I... Continue Reading →
Romance or the Marriage Mart?: 10 Victorian Courtship Rituals
In the Victorian era, courtship was a business. There was even a term for it: "the marriage mart." Dowries, lands, and titles served as motivators for selecting a life partner. A gentleman might ask, "Is her dowry large enough?" A lady might ask, "Is his title high enough?" a However, finding genuine love and affection... Continue Reading →
“Secrets in the Poison” Appears in Twist in Time Magazine
Looking for something to read? Check out my latest story, "Secrets in the Poison," a story of suspense set in the Victorian era countryside.
Harris’s List of Covent Garden Ladies: A Guide to 18th Century England’s Prostitutes
Before the "Adult" section on Craigslist or hookup sites, there was Harris's List of Covent Garden Ladies. Printed annually between 1757 and 1795, this pocket-sized guidebook acted as a directory to Georgian London's prostitutes. a a Each issue featured 120-190 prostitutes who worked in or near Covent Gardens, often giving erotic details and reviews on the... Continue Reading →
Featured in an Article: Romance Author Keeps It Short and Sweet
Brooks Kohler, founder of Laptiast.com, was kind enough to write an article featuring my writing. As an author, it's always touching when someone finds your work praiseworthy. Especially with lines like this: "With an ability to craft a story in such a way it not only proves a pleasure to read but also forms a... Continue Reading →
10 Weird Foods the Victorians Ate
The Victorians gobbled down some strange foods, from jellied eels to boiled calf's head. Times really have changed. We might cringe at the thought of eating some of the foods on this list, but more than a century ago, many of these dishes were considered treats and delicacies. a 1) Jellied Eels - Yep! You heard it.... Continue Reading →