The Age of Elegance is the final book in Arthur Bryant's trilogy "devoted to the England that beat the French Revolution and Napoleon. This covers Regency England, a wonderful rich plum-pudding of a subject. It is the England of Wellington and Castlereagh, Scott and Byron and the Lake poets; of George Stephenson and Humphrey Davy, of Cobbet and Robert Owen. An England bursting with vitality and creativeness - getting on with the industrial revolution at home while successfully fighting the French Revolution abroad.!
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Writing Goals and Cooking
Rather pleased with myself. I achieved my writing goals for today, made tomato soup, and also made rhubarb chutney with rhubarb from the garden. I enjoy the sweet and sour taste on crackers to be eaten with cheese, or, e.g. in a cheese and cucumber sandwich. I've also made a large jug of lemonade with unwaxed, organic lemons and organic honey. Very refreshing.
Regency - Research - Years of Victory
Years of Victory - 1802 - 1812 is the second in Sir Arthur Bryant's trilogy of the Napoleonic Wars.
"He paints a vital and memorable picture of the Britain of 1939-1945 in its essential characteristics. A Britain startled by threats of invasion, grimly preparing to face the worst, solidly refusing to accept a tyrannical New Order in Europe, and then attacking again and again by land and sea. He shows how the inexorable blockade of an enslaved continent enabled her to gain a foothold in Spain and confront an astonished and sceptical world with the glorious campaigns of the Peninsular Wars."
"He paints a vital and memorable picture of the Britain of 1939-1945 in its essential characteristics. A Britain startled by threats of invasion, grimly preparing to face the worst, solidly refusing to accept a tyrannical New Order in Europe, and then attacking again and again by land and sea. He shows how the inexorable blockade of an enslaved continent enabled her to gain a foothold in Spain and confront an astonished and sceptical world with the glorious campaigns of the Peninsular Wars."
Friday, 19 July 2013
Regency - Research - The Years of Endurance 1793 - 1802
Regency - Research - The Years of Endurance 1793 - 1802 by Arthur Bryant, the first of a trilogy.
"For twenty-two years this country fought against aggression and despotism to restore the law of nations and the liberties of mankind. She went to war in 1793 because the tyrants who had turned the French Revolution to violent and despotic ends had invaded Holland on the pretext of establishing the "natural frontiers".
As well as tracing the war against France this book also examines the social history and much more."
"For twenty-two years this country fought against aggression and despotism to restore the law of nations and the liberties of mankind. She went to war in 1793 because the tyrants who had turned the French Revolution to violent and despotic ends had invaded Holland on the pretext of establishing the "natural frontiers".
As well as tracing the war against France this book also examines the social history and much more."
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Guest at Unusual Historicals
This week I am a guest at Unusual Historicals. The link is: unusual historicals@optimum.net. Apart from reading about Rosemary Morris and her novels, you can scroll down and find out about other interesting works of fiction.
Regency - Research - Britain against Napoleon
Britain against Napoleon by Carola Oman (Georgette Heyer's friend) is out of print, but as readable today as it was when my copy was published in 1943. Apart from tracing the events in the long war it is full of anecdotes.
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Fierce Sun Overhead and Gardening
Going over to daughter's house later on this afternoon with the intention of splashing in the inflatable pool with the grandchildren, and helping the youngest to blow bubbles. Lots of fun.
I deserve it, I was out in the garden in the heat finishing the narrow border planted with veronica, lavenders and fuchsias. It looks gorgeous. Tomorrow I need to dig up a sadly overgrown patch and stand my potted, purple-red-leaved Japanese Acacia on it.
I deserve it, I was out in the garden in the heat finishing the narrow border planted with veronica, lavenders and fuchsias. It looks gorgeous. Tomorrow I need to dig up a sadly overgrown patch and stand my potted, purple-red-leaved Japanese Acacia on it.
Regency - Research - Bucks and Bruisers
Bucks and Bruisers, Pierce Egan and Regency England by J.C. Reid
Yesterday, I collected the book from the library. I have leafed through it, and it looks very interesting.
Yesterday, I collected the book from the library. I have leafed through it, and it looks very interesting.
Regency - Research - Bucks & Bruisers
Yesterday, I collected Bucks and Bruisers, Pierce Egan and Regency England by J.C. Reid from the library.
I've leafed through the book, and it looks as though it will be very interesting.
"Pierce Egan, whose Boxiana was the incomparable record of the golden age of pugilism, was by profession printer, publisher, journalist, hack-writer, actor and dramatist. His great success was a book called Life in London...
"In this the f
irst study of Pierce Egan J.C. Reed outlines his life and descrbes his careet, his intimate knowledge of London low life, and his eccentric, cocky, resilient personality...."
I've leafed through the book, and it looks as though it will be very interesting.
"Pierce Egan, whose Boxiana was the incomparable record of the golden age of pugilism, was by profession printer, publisher, journalist, hack-writer, actor and dramatist. His great success was a book called Life in London...
"In this the f
irst study of Pierce Egan J.C. Reed outlines his life and descrbes his careet, his intimate knowledge of London low life, and his eccentric, cocky, resilient personality...."
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Regency Research - The Gentlemen's Clubs of London
Today I collected The Gentleman's Clubs of London - Text by Anthony Lejeune - Photographs by Malcolm Lewis,, which I had reserved at the library. I have yet to read it. However, a glance through the book with many illustrations confirmed that it is a history of 39 gentlemen's clubs from their inception to about 1980. The Regency reader or researcher will find details of clubs in existence during that era. I'm looking forward to reading it.
Monday, 15 July 2013
Midday Sun
I am a mad Englishwoman out in the midday sun. Actually I finished my writing session (6a.m.-10a.m.) and went into the garden to plant out perennial fuchsias, French lavender in two shades and Veronica. I dug up the cornflowers that have finished flowering and added compost. Mind you, it's so hot that I retreated indoors every 20 minutes to drink some water and study a cookery book.
Regency - Research - Wellington The Years of the Sword
Wellington, The Years of the Sword by Elizabeth Longford.
"In the first volume Elizabeth Longford covers his (the Iron Duke's) martial life that ended abruptly, when he was a handsome resilient forty-six, in the holocaust of Waterloo. After Waterloo, Wellington was never asked to fire another shot.
This first volume shows the sensitive, withdrawn child of Irish aristocrats pushed into the army as 'food for powder', stumbling his way through the Flanders field , an abortive love affair, and the roistering banquet halls of Dublin Castle to reach India at twenty-seven. There he made his name and, as Sir Arthur Wellesley, returned to England and marriage to Kitty Pakenham ...etc."
I read this biography with great enjoyment and will consult it while writing my new novel, Monday's Child, the sequel to Sunday's Child published by MuseItupPublishing.
"In the first volume Elizabeth Longford covers his (the Iron Duke's) martial life that ended abruptly, when he was a handsome resilient forty-six, in the holocaust of Waterloo. After Waterloo, Wellington was never asked to fire another shot.
This first volume shows the sensitive, withdrawn child of Irish aristocrats pushed into the army as 'food for powder', stumbling his way through the Flanders field , an abortive love affair, and the roistering banquet halls of Dublin Castle to reach India at twenty-seven. There he made his name and, as Sir Arthur Wellesley, returned to England and marriage to Kitty Pakenham ...etc."
I read this biography with great enjoyment and will consult it while writing my new novel, Monday's Child, the sequel to Sunday's Child published by MuseItupPublishing.
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Blackbirds Having a Bath
England is having a heat wave. Yesterday evening I turned on the sprinkler to water the veggie patches and top up my very small pond. After I came upstairs, I looked out of the window on the landing and saw 3/4 grown blackbird fledglings chasing their mother begging to be fed. Then the mother fluttered across the lawn and obviously enjoyed being showered by the sprinkler. The fledglings followed her. The four blackbirds ran in and out of the shower. After five minutes or a little more, they spread their wings and shook off the water before having a drink at the bird bath. As you can imagine, it was a delightful scene.
Regency - Research - High Society in the Regency Period
I found High Society in the Regency Period 1788 - 1830 by Venetia Murray very useful, and often refer to it.
"A delightful book well-researched and highly entertaining." Christopher Hibbert."
"Spanning the years from the French revolution to the Age of Reform, the elegant, dissolute Regency era was one of glorious paradox and turbulent change. Drawing on original material from the Royal Archives at Windsor and the Chatsworth Archives, as well as diaries, letters, memoirs and menus covering the whole spectrum of society..."
"A delightful book well-researched and highly entertaining." Christopher Hibbert."
"Spanning the years from the French revolution to the Age of Reform, the elegant, dissolute Regency era was one of glorious paradox and turbulent change. Drawing on original material from the Royal Archives at Windsor and the Chatsworth Archives, as well as diaries, letters, memoirs and menus covering the whole spectrum of society..."
Saturday, 13 July 2013
Regency = Research - The Jane Austen Handbook
The Jane Austen Handbook. A Sensible Yet Elegant Guide to Her World.
"Every young lady dreams of a life spent exchanging witty asides with a dashing Mr Darcy, but how should you let him know your intentions? Seek counsel from this charming guide to Jane Austen's world. "
I found this handbook interesting and informative.
"Every young lady dreams of a life spent exchanging witty asides with a dashing Mr Darcy, but how should you let him know your intentions? Seek counsel from this charming guide to Jane Austen's world. "
I found this handbook interesting and informative.
Friday, 12 July 2013
Gymnastics & Proud Grandmother
A very busy day yesterday which included Year Six's production of Aladdin at two of my grandsons' school.
The elder boy has bee practising gymnastics for 6 years. He is a member of a country team and has performed more than once in a theatre. Yesterday his performance looked effortless but he trains for 3 hours 3 times a week and sometimes on 5 days a week when a competition is imminent. ( He has already won a gold, silver and bronze medal. Not bad going for an 11-year old.)
Yesterday he came down the aisle between the audience and executed forward flips, cartwheels, handstands etc.,. Later he performed again in the from of the stage and once more at the final curtain call.
He received ample praise and, as you can imagine, I am very proud of him and admire his dedication and determination.
The elder boy has bee practising gymnastics for 6 years. He is a member of a country team and has performed more than once in a theatre. Yesterday his performance looked effortless but he trains for 3 hours 3 times a week and sometimes on 5 days a week when a competition is imminent. ( He has already won a gold, silver and bronze medal. Not bad going for an 11-year old.)
Yesterday he came down the aisle between the audience and executed forward flips, cartwheels, handstands etc.,. Later he performed again in the from of the stage and once more at the final curtain call.
He received ample praise and, as you can imagine, I am very proud of him and admire his dedication and determination.
Regency - Research - Everyday Life in Regency & Victorian England
The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England From 1811 - 1901 by Kristine Hughes.
"In this time saving reference book, respected author Kristine Hughes brings 19th century England to life as she leads you through the details that characterise this fascinating era.
From slice-of life facts, anecdotes and first hand accounts, to sweeping timelines and major historical events, this book presents the delightful and often surprising daily realities of Regency and Victorian England. With it you'll craft a vibrant story while you learn."
"In this time saving reference book, respected author Kristine Hughes brings 19th century England to life as she leads you through the details that characterise this fascinating era.
From slice-of life facts, anecdotes and first hand accounts, to sweeping timelines and major historical events, this book presents the delightful and often surprising daily realities of Regency and Victorian England. With it you'll craft a vibrant story while you learn."
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Regency Research - Walking Jane Austen's London
Walking Jane Austen's London, A Tour Guide for The Modern Traveller, by Louise Allen, is a beautifully illustrated gem of a book. Even if you will never physically tread in Jane Austen's footsteps it is well worth reading.
"This book presents nine walks through both the London Jane Austen knew and the London of her novels. Follow in Jane Austen's footsteps to the Prince Regent's vanished palace, see where she stayed when she was correcting the proofs of Sense and Sensibility, accompany her on shopping expeditions. ...etc."
"This book presents nine walks through both the London Jane Austen knew and the London of her novels. Follow in Jane Austen's footsteps to the Prince Regent's vanished palace, see where she stayed when she was correcting the proofs of Sense and Sensibility, accompany her on shopping expeditions. ...etc."
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Regency - Research - Gardens
I have a rough book nearly filled with notes - non-fiction books for research, places of interest to visit including the ones I have been blogging about, websites and much more. Today I began to put them to good use. I reserved some books from the library, ordered some books from Amazon and visited lots of interesting websites.
When I wrote Sunday's Child I found Regency Gardens by Mavis Batey published by Shire Publications Ltd., very useful.
"Regency architecture and gardening inherited the stylish elegance of the 18th century but added a lively touch, consistent with the mood of the new century and a high-spirited monarch in waiting."
When I wrote Sunday's Child I found Regency Gardens by Mavis Batey published by Shire Publications Ltd., very useful.
"Regency architecture and gardening inherited the stylish elegance of the 18th century but added a lively touch, consistent with the mood of the new century and a high-spirited monarch in waiting."
Monday, 8 July 2013
Regency - Reference Book - Costume
Two of my Regency Novels have been published and I am writing a third. The (out of print) Handbook of English Costume in the Nineteenth Century by C.Willet and Phillis Cunnington interesting and useful.
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