Bookplates for the distinguished

Since the fifteenth century, distinguished artists and their patrons have given serious attention to this art form. It represents a miniature art developed to adorn books and a convenient, individualized way for the book’s owner to be identified. The bookplate, or ex libris, is a label placed on the inside of the front cover of … Continue reading Bookplates for the distinguished →

Preparing for the AGM: Tours

"My brother and sister will be enchanted with this place!" Fine old houses richly furnished, museums that hold many treasures, and historical parks, situated in a wonderfully walkable city should delight conference attendees. Tours in the city and surrounding counties are offered to those with a mind to explore. For information on tours, please visit: … Continue reading Preparing for the AGM: Tours →

Jane slept here…

During Jane Austen's time, she might have slept in a bed very similar to this one available from: http://www.bernhardt.com/marthastewartfurniture Of course, during her time, it would not have been painted espresso, but this cannon-ball style bed was quite popular.

Cucumber Melon Salata

Enjoy this refreshing treat with some iced tea on a warm, sunny day outdoors.Cucumber Melon SalataMakes 24 servings1/2 cup balsamic vinegar1 large English cucumber1 (2-pound) seedless watermelon1/4 cup ricotta salata, broken into chunks1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepperGarnish: fresh basil1. In a small saucepan over low heat, simmer the balsamic vinegar until thick, … Continue reading Cucumber Melon Salata →

"Regency" America

The oldest museum in the United States devoted to architecture and design, the Octagon Museum enables the American Architectural Foundation to increase public awareness of the power of architecture and its influence on the quality of our lives. This building was designed by Dr. William Thornton for Col. John Tayloe III, and was constructed between … Continue reading "Regency" America →

Silhouettes a fad!

During the 18th century, silhouettes were a big fad. It was a past-time in the evenings in which folks could memorialize a family member or lover in perpetuity with a simple series of cuts. Carrying your precious items in a silhouetted bag of your own, available at mothology.com

Cake too rich?

Mr. Woodhouse in Emma, may have thought cake was too rich at Mrs. Weston's wedding. What would he think of Woodhouse Chocolate in St. Helena, CA? http://www.woodhousechocolate.com/

Mrs. Charles Darwin’s Recipe Book

Amazon reports: More than a cookbook, the Mrs. Charles Darwin's Recipe Book delineates a lifestyle at the top of English society and intelligentsia at the time. This treasure trove that includes unlikely dishes such as Turnips Cresselly and Penally Pudding contains, even, another cook evident in the work: The recipe for boiling rice is in … Continue reading Mrs. Charles Darwin’s Recipe Book →

Preparing for the AGM: Transportation

The pleasure of ". . . a brother or sister in every carriage." Those who live on the east coast will find that the journey to Philadelphia is an easy one made by plane, train, or automobile. Those who live in northerly or westward regions will make travel time more profitable by reading about Jane … Continue reading Preparing for the AGM: Transportation →

Dancing to the Precipice

Dancing to the Precipice: The Life of Lucie de la Tour du Pin, Eyewitness to an Era By Caroline Moorehead From Harper-Collins: Her canvases were the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette; the Great Terror; America at the time of Washington and Jefferson; Paris under the Directoire and then under Napoleon; Regency London; the … Continue reading Dancing to the Precipice →