Downton Abbey's writer brings Anthony Trollope to 2016 Audiences If you are familiar with Downton Abbey, you are familiar with Julian Fellowes. Downton finished its six-season run on PBS in January and many of its fans are happy to see Julian Fellowes back on the screen. This time, he's adapted Anthony Trollope's 1858 novel, Doctor [...]
Heat Up Your Summer with Victorian Romance Ah, summertime. Do you like hot days spent at the beach or cool evenings by the campfire? Whatever your choice for summer relaxation, a good romance novel is always a good companion. Here are three romance novels set in the Victorian era you might enjoy. Secrets of a Summer [...]
Bathing by the Seaside during the 1800s By the 19th century, men and women regularly went to the seaside for summer recreation. But, decorum dictated that women cover up from prying eyes as well as the sun. Women were also required to use bathing machines (think cabana on wheels) to access the water. With all [...]
A Great Glass House for the Great Exhibition Oh, to be alive during the mid-1800s. What an exciting time it must have been! The Industrial Revolution was opening up borders and England was the host of what could be considered the first World's Fair. The Great Exhibition of 1851 showcased cultures and industry from around [...]
by Donna Klein Modesty and Menswear Although the romanticism of the Regency period was still evident in fashion at the beginning of her reign, Queen Victoria soon imprinted her attitude on the culture of the era that would bear her name. The rule of the day was modesty and propriety, and fashion took [...]
by Donna Klein Removing the Cloak from Mantle Whether the word is spelled 'mantle' or 'mantel,' the origin is the same. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, it comes from “Latin mantellum 'cloak'.” By the time it progressed to the Old English, it meant a 'loose, sleeveless cloak.' Whether you talk about a [...]
by Donna Klein Menlo Park and the Light Bulb As a young girl growing up in New Jersey, history was interesting but mainly taken for granted. We were surrounded by historical markers for everything, including many that inferred 'George Washington slept here.' My father's brother and his family lived in Edison and for [...]
It's Winter – Time to Grab a Sled and Find a Hill! We finally got our first big snowfall of the season up here in Northern Michigan – just in time for the New Year! I haven't been sledding in years, but I just might have to get out and do a little this winter. [...]
By Donna Klein Trains and Change Trains have always held a certain fascination for me. I love the sound of trains; the whistles, the vibrations, the rhythm of the wheels on the rails. Oh, the places you can go by train. Oh, the things you can see! Oh, the changes that came to [...]