Category Archives: real life tales

From Where Does That Phrase Come?

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Catch Word is a word under the right-hand side of the last line on a book page that repeats the first word on the following page – circa 1736. It was commonly used in printing. The phrase has come into … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, Great Britain, real life tales, word play | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Jane Austen’s “Literary” Brothers

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Many of those around her influenced Jane Austen, but Henry’s and James’s influences were profound. Most of Austen’s biographers believe that Henry was Austen’s favorite brother and James her least favorite. James Austen was the eldest of the Austen clan, … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, family, Great Britain, Jane Austen, literature, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Late Regency/Early Victorian Era Cottages for the Working Man

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

The Working Man’s Cottage During the Regency By the time George IV took the reins as the Prince Regent, England was the most powerful industrial nation in the world. Centres of commerce sprung up, bringing with them an increase in … Continue reading →

Posted in architecture, British history, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Common Riding, a Langholm Tradition Celebrated on the Last Friday of July

Posted on July 30, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Common Riding is an annual event celebrated in Scottish Border towns and in some other places, to commemorate the times of the past when local men risked their lives in order to protect their town and people. Common Riding, a … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, real life tales, Scotland | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Am Fear Liath Mòr, a Yeti-Like Creature in Scotland

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

The second highest mountain range in the UK is a mountain range in the eastern Highlands of Scotland. In modern terms, these mountains are known as the “Cairngorms.”  The Cairngorms include the highest, coldest, and snowiest plateaux in the United Kingdom. … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, real life tales, Scotland, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Celebrating the Feast of St Lewina

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Mysterious Britain and Ireland explains the source of the St Lewina celebration as, “St Lewina was a young British virgin who was martyred by Saxons on 24 July 687 A.D. (whilst Theodore was 7th Archbishop of Canterbury). Following her death … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, British history, Great Britain, real life tales | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Anatomy of a “Janeite” ~ Do You Fit the Profile?

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Anatomy of a Janeite: Do You Fit the Profile? In 2008, JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) put together a survey of the “typical” Janeite. I was wondering how many items match with my viewers/readers. So, read on… Part 1: … Continue reading →

Posted in Austen Authors, British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, JASNA, Living in the Regency, real life tales | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Anatomy of a “Janeite” ~ Do You Fit the Profile?

Anglo-Norman Literature: Part I ~ Introduction to Medieval Verse Romances

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Early “romances” were stories written in verse in one of the Roman language. Essentially, a romance incorporated the elements of adventure, passion, the extraordinary, and an exaggeration of the virtues and vices of human nature. Originating from the French, the … Continue reading →

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How Austen Changes Up the “Courtship Novel”

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Earlier, we examine Austen’s art in the “courtship novel,” specifically in Pride and Prejudice.”Here we see that Jane Austen’s portrayal of courtship differs from that of many courtship novels written throughout the eighteenth century: in Austen’s novels, instead of submitting … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Early Anglo-Norman Literature

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Anglo-Norman literature was a verse literature in which we find a love for word play. The tone was lighter and the themes romantic. Even when the subject was an imaginary historical or religious figure, the overall effect remained romantic. Imagination … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglo-Normans, British history, Great Britain, literature, real life tales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment