Just when I think I am caught up, life has this way of changing one's plans... Yes, I had the February issue almost all ready to go, despite needing to take quite a few snow-shoveling breaks... and then I managed to come down with a cold! It's hanging on... But so am I, and so here we are at last.
While we tend to think of Christmas as the most Victorian of holidays, Valentine's Day is surely a close second. Thinking back to the Valentines of my youth, it occurs to me just how Victorian they were, with satin and brocade hearts, lacy accents, cupids and flowers... Of course, lots of more modern designs were and are available, but when it comes to "romance," Victorian themes still prevail!
Of course, as we get older, our ideas of romance tend to change a bit with the times... Here in Maryland, we think that Valentine's Day is a huge success if we manage to get through it without a blizzard!
And now, without further chit-chat, here is the latest issue of Victorian Times, which is packed with fascinating articles. Once again, this issue is available not only by direct download but through DropBox. If you're already a DropBox customer, accessing the issue will be a cinch. If you're not, when you click the link I'll provide below, you'll be invited to sign up for their free service.
The current issue of Victorian Times will remain in DropBox until the next issue is released; then it will be removed, but will continue to be available through the regular web-link. Please let me know if you have any problems downloading from either source!
Here's what we have in the February issue:
Visit http://www.victorianvoices.net/VT/issues/VT-1602.shtml to download this issue!
Download it from DropBox: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ah3pn4u9le0yhgg/VT-1602.pdf?dl=0
I thought I'd add a new feature to the newsletter - one that you can participate in as well! Many readers have sent me suggestions of interesting books relating to the Victorian period, so here's your opportunity to share that information with the list as a whole. If you've recently read a Victorian-related book that you think other VT subscribers would like to know about it, just send me a paragraph or two about it. Tell us what the book's about and what makes it particularly useful or entertaining to Victoriana enthusiasts.
I'll get us started with the one I'm reading now: The Butler's Pantry Book, by Elizabeth Drury (1981). My mother-in-law sent me this over a year ago and I'm just getting around to it -- and I'm glad I did. It's a fascinating look at the roles and duties of various servants in the Victorian household, including not only the butler but the footman, housekeeper, cook, various maids, nursery maid, etc. Each section starts with an overview of the duties, requirements, etc. of the servant in question (including how they had to dress). Then follows a selection of tips and recipes that apply to that particular servant's work, drawn from various housekeeping and recipe books. I never realized, for instance, that jeweler's rouge, used to polish silver, is actually made from rust (which is, of course, why it's red).
My greatest quibble with the book is that the author doesn't always make dates and locations clear. Servants' roles changed considerably over the Victorian period (which, after all, lasted more than 70 years), so it's not always clear when a particular custom or technique might be in use. Apropos of my editorial in this issue, I discovered that footmen were, indeed, responsible for clearing snow from the pavements (i.e., walkways) in front of the house, but it's unclear whether the fines imposed for not doing so applied simply to London or throughout Britain.
All in all, though, it's an excellent guide to "managing the servants."
If you have a book to recommend, please send the details to me at editors@victorianvoices.net.
We're delighted to announce that the latest issue of Victorian Times Quarterly is available! This issue contains the full text of our October, November and December 2015 issues of Victorian Times, in a gorgeous print volume that is sure to have a permanent home on your bookshelf.
Packed with stories, history, recipes, craft projects, and, of course, loads of fascinating information on how to celebrate a true Victorian Christmas, this collection makes a wonderful holiday gift. If you know someone who loves Victoriana, why not give them a thrill with this unique volume?
This edition of Victorian Times Quarterly is available on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.ca.
Find out more, including the direct order links, at http://www.victorianvoices.net/VT/VTQ/VTQ02.shtml
Time for Tea: Victorian Tea-Time Treats & Decadent Desserts is perhaps the most tempting book you're likely to encounter. It brings you more than 600 authentic Victorian recipes - for cakes, puddings, scones, cookies, biscuits, custards, and more!
A Victorian tea was more than just a meal. It was a special time, a time of quiet celebration. It was a moment to be shared with friends, or with your loved ones... and sometimes, just a chance to be alone to relax with your thoughts and dreams.
It was also, to be honest, a time to nibble on some truly delicious, sinfully sweet delicacies. Many of the tea-time treats and desserts that made their debut in Victorian times remain so popular that you'll still find them in British tearooms today -- and now you can bring them to your own table!
In Time for Tea, you'll find:
Time for Tea brings you nearly 650 authentic Victorian recipes perfect for afternoon tea or evening dessert. Charm your family and friends with old-fashioned deliciousness -- no mixes, no chemicals, just the pleasure of good food and good company!
Find out more at http://www.victorianvoices.net/books/tea.shtml
Or order it directly from Amazon! (Also available on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.ca)