Monthly Archives: September 2014

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil: The Three Monkeys

As part of my coming release of “The Prosecution of Mr. Darcy’s Cousin,” I completed research on the Three Mystic Apes, as there are references to the extended maxim within my story’s plot line. I thought you might enjoy a … Continue reading

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UK “Real” Estate: Wimborne Minster’s Grandeur

Wimborne Minster’s Grandeur Known locally as the Minster, Wimborne Minster is the parish church of Wimborne, Dorset, England. The Minster has existed for over 1300 years and is recognised for its unusual chained library (one of only four surviving chained … Continue reading

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The Concept of a “Marriage of Convenience” as a Plot Line in Jane Austen’s Novels

What hope was there for the dowerless daughters of the middle class during Jane Austen’s lifetime? Such is a topic Austen explored repeatedly in her novels. Elizabeth and Jane Bennet sought men of a like mind. The Dashwood sisters found … Continue reading

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A Medieval Misconception: All Women Were Chattel, A Guest Post by Kim Rendfeld, who is Celebrating the Release of “The Ashes of Heaven’s Pillar”

Medieval Misconception: All Women Were Chattel By Kim Rendfeld Early medieval women were far from passive damsels waiting for a knight to rescue them. Of course, this time period is hardly an ideal time for women: childbirth so risky expectant … Continue reading

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Victorian Folklore Legend: Spring-Heeled Jack

As a native West Virginian, I grew up on the Mothman prophecies, the story line behind the 2002 movie of the same name, which was intermixed with the collapse of the Silver Bridge in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The Mothman … Continue reading

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Origin of “Rub-a-dub-dub” Nursery Rhyme

As part of my writing of “The Prosecution of Mr. Darcy’s Cousin,” I completed research on “Rub-A-Dub-Dub,” an English language nursery rhyme first published at the end of the eighteenth century. The nursery rhyme plays out as part of the … Continue reading

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Movie Discussion ~ 1995’s Pride and Prejudice

Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Movie Discussion of Pride and Prejudice 1995 In reading Jane Austen, one can easily imagine the Austen children acting out a play created by the boisterous Jane. Her novels have all the elements of drama: … Continue reading

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Universal Themes and Jane Austen: First Impressions

Universal Themes and Jane Austen: First Impressions Have you ever met someone with whom you have corresponded several times (Facebook, Twitter, phone, or the old-fashioned way by a letter) only to be surprised by his/her appearance? He/She looks nothing like … Continue reading

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Maria Fagniani, Marchioness of Hertford and Regency Era Eccentric

The mistresses of the Prince Regent and his brothers were as well known. The Duke of Clarence, for example, sired ten children with Mrs Jordan, and the Duke of York’s relationship with Mary Anne Clarke caused a major scandal over … Continue reading

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Henry ‘Orator’ Hunt, British Radical of the Industrial Age

Henry “Orator” Hunt (6 November 1773–15 February 1835) was a British radical speaker and agitator, who advocated parliamentary reform and the repeal of the Corn Laws. Because of his rousing speeches at mass meetings held in Spa Fields in London … Continue reading

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