Amphorae

As most of you undoubtedly already know, this week marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's famous novel "Pride and Prejudice", but, can you name the originally intended title of the book?

The facts surrounding the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 are a bit muddled, surrounded by legend and much historical re-writing over the centuries; but one thing is clear, that Brian Boru, High King of Ireland did die. Perhaps not in battle, perhaps as the outcome of a terrible treachery, but die he did and the vengeance taken on his behalf is not for the faint of heart. According to one version of the story, having retired to his tent to pray during the battle King Brian was surprised by two Danish mercenaries fleeing his victorious troops. One of them, Brodir, felled the king, but was himself captured not long after. His punishment? His abdomen was cut open, his entrails attached to a tree, and he was forced to walk around the trunk until they were completely unwound and he expired. 

“ When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford. ” - Samuel Johnson (I couldn't agree more, Mr. Johnson!)

When you think of war you probably don't think of humor, but there was at least one soldier during that time who wrote of his experiences with a more droll perspective. Find out more here .

Though I very doubt that I will have the time to attend any events for a while (having moved to a more rural location this past fall and taken a new position), I am happy to share with you some of the upcoming activities with the VRS. Workday at Bacon's Castle February 23, 2013, Surry, VA   ...and...Mother/Daughter Tea at Bacon's Castle The Regency Society of Virginia will be assisting Bacon's Castle in hosting a Regency-themed tea party for mothers and daughters.   March 1, 2013 - John Marshall House Season Open House - Richmond, VA - 10AM Help our friends at the John Marshall House in Downtown Richmond start the season by donning your Federal Era clothing and enhancing the period atmosphere for visitors. March 9, 2013 - "Celebrating Pride and Prejudice " - Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts,  Suffolk, VA - 2:00 pm The year 2013 marks the bicentennial of the publication of the bes...

1911 I'm currently designing a show for early February that is set in the Edwardian era, which I'm extremely excited about because it really allows me to stretch my creative muscles after a long sequence of largely modern productions. I've amassed quite the collection of interesting images, so I thought I would share just a few to spark your imaginations as well. 1910s (http://lamodeillustree.livejournal.com/298345.html) (http://www.marianiforos.com/clothing56detail.html) 1910-1914     (http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/80002285) 1910s (http://changesblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/edwardian-era-and-labelle-epoque-sewing.html)