Category Archives: religion

Historical Handfasting as a Plot Point in “A Dance with Mr. Darcy” + Excerpt + Giveaway

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

Although Darcy and Elizabeth do not come to their Happily Ever After in A Dance with Mr. Darcy through handfasting, it is a subject of discussion. They are in Scotland, and handfasting was a more common practice there. But what … Continue reading →

Posted in Austen Authors, book excerpts, book release, books, customs and tradiitons, eBooks, excerpt, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, marriage, marriage customs, medieval, Pride and Prejudice, publishing, Regency romance, religion, Scotland, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 36 Comments

An English Mystery Play: Abraham and Isaac, the Brome Non-Cycle Play

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

The sacrifice of Isaac is the basis for six extant Miracle plays. There is also the Coventry cycle of plays, where Isaac submits to his fate. In the Towneley Plays, which are part of the York cycle, Isaac is made … Continue reading →

Posted in drama, literature, medieval, religion | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on An English Mystery Play: Abraham and Isaac, the Brome Non-Cycle Play

Court of Star Chamber During Henry VII’s Reign

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

Court of Star Chamber is, in English law, the court made up of judges and privy councillors that grew from the medieval king’s council as a supplement to the regular justice of the common-law courts. The room was so named for stars were … Continue reading →

Posted in Act of Parliament, British history, Church of England, history, kings and queens, religion, royalty, Tudor | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Pre-Elizabethan Drama: Folk Plays

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

Folk drama is a remote form of oral literature. The early forms included dancers wearing masks portraying animal and human characters. Eventually, speeches and songs were added. The action and the dramatic imitation became the prominent part of these early … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, drama, Great Britain, medieval, religion, theatre | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Thomas More’s Life and Literature and Being a Reformation Martyr

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

 I am continued my journey through my undergraduate degree by looking at English literature through the ages. Today we have Sir Thomas More. Thomas More was born on Milk Street, London on February 7, 1478, son of Sir John More, … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, history, kings and queens, religion, research, Tudor, Tudors | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Colorful (But Lesser Known) Contemporaries of William Shakespeare, Part II

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

Previously, in our survey of the History of English Literature, we looked at Barnaby Barnes, John Fletcher, and Nicholas Breton. You may find that post HERE. Today we will explore the accomplishments of Sir Henry Wotton, Anthony Munday, and Raphael … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, historical fiction, literature, Living in the UK, playwrights, poetry, reading, religion, romantic verse, Tudors | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Colorful (But Lesser Known) Contemporaries of William Shakespeare, Part I

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

There are a slew of contemporaries of Shakespeare of which many of you never encountered in your English classrooms, whether high school of university. These are some of the more colorful ones.  Barnaby (Barnabe) Barnes was the third son of … Continue reading →

Posted in ballads, British history, drama, Elizabethan drama, Great Britain, playwrights, real life tales, religion, romantic verse | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Welcome Guest Author, Elf Ahearn, and the Amazon Sale of “A Rogue in Sheep’s Clothing”

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

Today, I welcome a fellow Beau Monder, Elf Ahearn to “Every Woman Dreams.” This is her first visit with us, and I hope you will show her the kindness you customarily show me. What can I tell you about Elf’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Act of Parliament, book excerpts, book release, customs and tradiitons, excerpt, Georgian Era, Great Britain, Guest Blog, Guest Post, heroines, historical fiction, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, Regency romance, religion, romance, royalty, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Changes in 19th Century English Schools

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

Education in England has roots deep in the Anglo-Saxon period. Latin was the main subject at these early schools and the instruction was directed toward the sons of “aristocracy” of the age. The church saw a need to train additional priests, … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, British history, Church of England, Georgian England, giveaway, legacy, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, reading habits, Regency personalities, religion, romance | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Overview: Life and Literature in the Era of the Reformation

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

In Academics, the Reformation saw a revival of the study of Greek and Latin writings, as well as a love of beauty. “Humanism” became the newborn ideal, one that advocated individualism, an ideal which gave a tremendous impetus to literature … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, customs and tradiitons, Great Britain, literature, Living in the UK, poetry, religion | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Overview: Life and Literature in the Era of the Reformation