On Valentine's Day, a quote from the "Rector of Romance," Mr William Collins. Who could resist a proposal put with such fierce emotion? … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day with Mr Collins
Random musings
Everything from early-morning thoughts to late-night questions, with a small break for afternoon tea and cake.
Ranking Jane Austen’s “heroines”: a Top 5
It's fair to say that Mr Darcy sits atop the pile of Jane Austen's male characters, despite the valiant efforts of Henry Tilney (boosted by his understanding of muslins). But it's not a subject I have given much thought to. But I was asked … [Read more...] about Ranking Jane Austen’s “heroines”: a Top 5
Happy Holidays, 1978 and 2018
'Tis the time of year when I go offline to channel my inner Mr Bennet - drink wine, read books and make sarcastic comments to visiting relatives. But before doing so, I wanted to extend season's greetings and wish you the very best for the coming … [Read more...] about Happy Holidays, 1978 and 2018
Are you a male character in a Jane Austen novel?
Mallory Ortberg has a brilliant take on a similar question, written from a largely female point of view. So I wondered, how might a man tell if he's living in a Jane Austen novel? You once proposed to a woman and it did not go as well as … [Read more...] about Are you a male character in a Jane Austen novel?
Austenesque books for Christmas
The good news: books will never go out of fashion as holiday gifts. The bad news: the number of shopping days until December 25th insists on dropping by one every 24 hours. If you're planning some printed purchases, here a few Austenesque … [Read more...] about Austenesque books for Christmas
Introducing “Cake and Courtship”
Imagine Mr Bennet, comfortable at Longbourn surrounded by his books. And the door firmly shut against interruptions. Now imagine him advising a young man on how best to court a lady. You can't? Neither can Mr Bennet. But then the son of an old … [Read more...] about Introducing “Cake and Courtship”