Category Archives: real life tales

Sir Walter Scott, the Historical Romance, and the Creation of a National Identity – Part I

Posted on June 8, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

  Walter Scott was the first great writer to recognize the potential of historical romance as a “dramatic narration of national history, a modern commercial equivalent of the old national epic. Scott’s Waverley novels started out as the romance of … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, historical fiction, Living in the Regency, publishing, real life tales, romantic verse, writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Chief John Norton, Real-Life Model for a Character in “The Prosecution of Mr. Darcy’s Cousin,” a 2016 Finalist for the Chanticleer International Book Awards

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

One of the characters in my latest Austenesque novel, The Prosecution of Mr. Darcy’s Cousin, is modeled upon that of John Norton (Teyoninhokarawen), who was a Mohawk Indian chief of Scottish birth. Norton attended school in Scotland and was a … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American History, Austen Authors, British history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Chief John Norton, Real-Life Model for a Character in “The Prosecution of Mr. Darcy’s Cousin,” a 2016 Finalist for the Chanticleer International Book Awards

Do You Know the History of ®Murine Eye Drops?

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

I am forever adding allergy drops to stop my eyes from itching and later adding eye drops to prevent the dryness. It got me thinking…  Murine UK tells us this about the history of ®Murine: “The Murine® Eye Drops brand was first … Continue reading →

Posted in business, commerce, medicine, real life tales | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Why Do We Call a Toilet a “John”?

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

 Sir John Harington was a courtier, translator, a not so successful poet of the Elizabethan era. Harington’s father married an illegitimate daughter of Henry VIII. His second wife was attendant to Princess Elizabeth, and Queen Elizabeth I stood as godmother … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Elizabethan drama, poetry, real life tales, Tudors | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Chanticleer International Book Award Finalist “The Prosecution of Mr. Darcy’s Cousin”

Posted on March 17, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

When I was writing my most recent cozy mystery, The Prosecution of Mr. Darcy’s Cousin, I spent many hours in research on the Regency era court system for a long trial scene occurs within the book. Correct verbiage and procedures were … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Georgian Era Commerce

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

Before the later part of the Georgian Period in England few buildings/structures specifically designed for trade and commerce existed. One need only to look at the timber wharfs of the Port of London to understand the haphazard way the people … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Ladies of Llangollen, a Romantic Friendship, from Guest Author Sue Wilkes

Posted on February 22, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

The post originally appeared upon Austen Authors. I know you find it an exceptionally well researched and compelling tale.  It’s clear from Jane Austen’s novels and letters that female friendships played a very important role in her life. In Northanger … Continue reading →

Posted in books, British history, Church of England, Georgian England, history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, marriage, marriage customs, real life tales, romance | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Happy February Birthdays to Some of Our Favorite “Austen” Actors

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

These fabulous Thespians have brought us hours of viewing fun in Austen-inspired films. Happy Birthday!        9 February – Ciarán Hinds, who portrayed Captain Frederick Wentworth in 1995’s Persuasion 15 February – Jane Seymour, who portrayed Mrs Wattlesbrook … Continue reading →

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Ever Been on a “Cook’s Tour”?

Posted on January 12, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

Most of you are likely to think a “cook’s tour” has something to do with a chef’s culinary excellence, but the phrase actually has its roots in the world’s oldest and largest travel organization.   Thomas Cook was a 32-year old … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, commerce, Great Britain, Industrial Revolution, Living in the UK, real life tales, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Happy January Birthdays to Some of Our Favorite “Austen” Actors

Posted on January 2, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

January brings us a “New Year” and another batch of Austen-inspired actors celebrating birthdays.             January 1 – Nicholas Farrell, who portrayed Edmund Bertram in Mansfield Park 1983   January 1 – Doran Godwin, who portrayed … Continue reading →

Posted in film adaptations, Jane Austen, real life tales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments