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1800s, 19th Century, Art, Charles Dickens, Christian, Literature, Medicine, Military, Mystery, Navy, Novels, Photography, Pre-Reads, Prostitution, Regency, Romance, Science, Steampunk, Thriller, Victorian, War, Western A Woman Reading By Candlelight in an Interior by Peter Ilsted, 1908

Family drama and tragedy does not seem to end. After enduring one of the saddest Christmases of my life, I am ready for bibliotherapy. Luckily for all of us, today is the last Wednesday of the year–in other words, the last Pre-Reads of 2015. Finally! Below are sixteen carefully researched titles that are debuting (or newly reprinted) this month. They are broken into two categories; fiction and non-fiction, eight titles in each group. All books have been highly reviewed and their summaries are directly taken from Amazon, Baker and Taylor, Kirkus Review, Library Journal, or Publisher’s Weekly. I tried to make sure all the titles were representative of various 19th century-inspired sub-genres. This is how I ensure the post doesn’t turn into a list of Regency Romance reviews (There are other wonderful websites and blogs that cater specifically to this readership, if Regency Romance is your thing). Non-fiction is always tricky, because most are scholarly tomes for history graduates and PhDs in Victorian Studies (yes, there is such a discipline! Can you believe it?! Squeee!). I try to gather non-fiction titles that are a bit more accessible to the general public. Being a Librarian, this is by far my favorite planned post of the month. Just a note, however, I have not read any of these books, so I cannot recommend one over the other, nor give my opinion on the matter. However, I’ve jotted down a few to add to my ever-growing “To Read List.” How about you?




2015, Christmas, Holiday, Librarianship, Work

On December 5th the City had their Winter Wonderland Fair before the Annual Electric Light Parade. Here is me representing the library, inspired from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Welcome to Whoville! Dressed as Cindy Lou Who. Hair and Make-Up by Alexis Legleu The Morning News by William Merritt Chase, 1886

Midmonth, already? . . . It must be time for the news! December is always a fun month to sort through 19th century-inspired headlines. With soooooo many to choose from, it borders on overwhelming. Unsurprising many articles advertise a “Victorian Christmas.” A multitude of places all over the world have Victorian Christmas fairs, walks, shows, house tours and the like. Over a few years the initial excitement of finding these articles have worn off a bit. Now I look for new spins on he old favorites and By Jove! I’ve found some this year!! Interestingly enough, I have seen a couple of creepy headlines as well. This December is delivering a nice little mix of merry and macabre. For a perfect blend of 19th century modern there is a new custom-made Gothic Victorian Lego set as an ode to the renown Ada Lovelace. There have been numerous sightings of two life-size Victorian dolls trolling the streets of London. A new travel company is offering a private Victorian London tour for those with ample time and finances. One article covers the “next big thing,” 19th century style; the Magic Lantern! For the novel Christmas twist, Teddy Bears take center stage, a journalist attempts a feast, the smallest Queen and Consort open the holiday festivities, and in another town all the shop keepers take up costumes and actors take over the streets. So cool! Something we have not seen before!


1800s, 19th Century, Art, Cinema, Movies, Princess, Star Wars, Steampunk, Victorian, Women

Steampunk Princess Leia Courtesy of 9gag.com 1800s, 19th Century, Biography, Books, Cinema, Jane Austen, Kipling, Literature, Mini-Series, Movie, Novels, Regency, Slavery, Steampunk, Television, Victorian And the big screen to boot! Every other month or so I compile a list of 19th century-inspired viewing. Ironic, since I do not even own television nor have seen a movie in theaters in almost two years. Regardless, I understand I am unusual in this respects (. . .  well, in many respects, actually.–I prefer it that way. Drives my family up the wall. *insert big innocent smile here*) and the average reader likely has access to a Netflix account, a TV, or at least a desire to purchase tickets at the local cinema.



