Thomas Hardy’s first literary success Far from the Madding Crowd was written by Thomas Hardy in 1874. It was his fourth novel and the first one to see major literary success. The story was first published anonymously as a monthly serial in Cornhill Magazine. Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) considered himself a poet first and foremost but [...]
Are you attending a Dickens-themed event? Whether you are participating in a Dickens Fair, are part of a Victorian caroling group, or are part of a Dickens production such as A Christmas Carol, it’s important for a lady to know how to dress the part! We’re here to wrap it all up for you in [...]
The Industrial Revolution brought many and lasting changes to the labor force. We moved from a mostly agricultural society to one dominated by mechanization. Men, women, and children as young as five worked long hours in often dangerous conditions. It wasn’t unusual for people to work 12 hours a day, seven days a week for [...]
We know about the common wedding traditions that have stood the test of time, but we may not always know their origin or why we still honor them. Some of these traditions may come as a shock, while others are more than fitting to last lifetimes. Here are just a few wedding traditions that have [...]
Oh, the things you will see when you take the road less traveled! I love taking the ‘scenic route.’ On a recent trip through New Jersey, it was a delight to drive through Belvidere, New Jersey! Why take the interstate when there is a bridge over the Delaware River in this historic little town? [...]
Growing up in the greater Paterson area of New Jersey had many perks. One of them was visiting Garrett Mountain and Lambert Castle. On a recent visit to the area, I was able to share the experience with my own daughter. What makes Lambert Castle so special? And, what of Catholina Lambert, the man who [...]
Caption this! Christmas in July 2018 and win $50 We continue celebrating Christmas in July 2018 with this caption contest. Extra points for using Victorian vernacular! Your caption can be funny, thoughtful, or even a poem. It doesn't have to be related to Christmas. Our panel of judges will choose from the entries to determine [...]
Our team researched and compiled a list of the 10 best Victorian dresses for the mother of the bride for you. Here are our thoughts. Weddings are a joyous time of love, celebration, family, and decisions. When it comes to weddings it seems that the bride is thrown into a whole new world of decision-making. [...]
Almost everyone who tastes pizza likes pizza and Queen Margherita was no different, right? Well, there may be some truth to that and maybe not. Pizza’s origins reach much farther back in history than Italy and the Queen’s involvement in the popularization of this now globally-known deliciousness on flatbread has roots more in legend than [...]