Showing results for "Sketch Book" in Literature & Fiction

In The Sketch-Book of Geoffrey Crayon (1820-21), Irving explores the uneasy relationship of an American writer to English literary traditions. In two sketches, he experiments with tales transplanted from Europe, thereby creating the first classic American short stories: "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".

Dive into a captivating collection of historical tales where commoners don the guise of royalty and kings slip into the shoes of the everyday. Discover the intriguing story of a Dutch merchant who sought a kiss from the disguised wife of Peter the Great, and unravel the mystery surrounding a farmers daughter born in 1750 in England, whose fame spread far and wide, even as rumors of her death were met with disbelief. Explore early legends of vampires and ghosts, and uncover the answers to these tales and more within this fascinating book. (Summary by mleigh)

This is a collection of essays, verbal sketches, and stories by Washington Irving. Irving lived at the Alhambra Palace while writing some of the material for his book. In 1828, Washington Irving traveled from Madrid, where he had been staying, to Granada, Spain. At first sight, he described it as "a most picturesque and beautiful city, situated in one of the loveliest landscapes that I have ever seen." He immediately asked the then-governor of the historic Alhambra Palace as well as the archbishop of Granada for access to the palace, which was granted because of Irving's celebrity status. ...

Washington Irving's Old Christmas tells of an American's travels through England during the Christmas season. Through a chance meeting with an old friend he is able to experience Christmas in a stately manor house. Through his eyes as a houseguest he glimpses the uniquely British customs and celebrations of Christmas as it would have been experienced during the Middle Ages, rather than in the early 19th century. - Summary by Greg Giordano

Step into the vibrant world of Bret Harte (1836 – 1902), an iconic American author and poet celebrated for his vivid portrayals of pioneering life in California. After moving to California in 1853, Harte embraced various roles—miner, teacher, messenger, and journalist—before settling in the charming coastal town of Union (now Arcata). This bustling hub served as a key provisioning center for the mining camps of the interior. In 1868, he took the helm as editor of The Overland Monthly, a literary magazine that captured the adventurous spirit of the era. It was here that his renowned story...

Forbidden love is an art all its own London, 1886 Barkeep Warren Bakshi is happy with the secrets that he keeps—those of the patrons he serves at underground queer club The Curious Fox, and his own. But when Warren’s long-lost brother returns, bringing unexpected wealth to the Bakshi family...

In 1862, Louisa May Alcott took on the challenging role of a nurse in Georgetown, D.C., during the tumultuous Civil War. Through her poignant and often humorous letters home, she captured the raw realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit. These powerful accounts were later compiled into the remarkable collection known as Hospital Sketches. (Summary by Aaron Elliott)

Delve into the intriguing life of Mark Twain through the eyes of Will Clemens, who, despite not being related to the famed author, became an acquaintance and penned what may be the first comprehensive biography of Twain. Published on July 1, 1892, as No. 1 in The Pacific Library, this 200-page work was available for just 25¢ and garnered enough attention to be republished in 1894 by a Chicago publisher. In this insightful sketch, Clemens draws heavily on previously published works by other authors, offering a unique perspective on Twains literary legacy. (summary by John Greenman)

Dive into a captivating collection of short stories filled with intrigue and romance, all set against the backdrop of the vast ocean during the golden age of sea exploration.

What really happens between that first design idea and a finished home? In this premiere episode of Architecture Unpacked: The dRAW Sessions, we take you behind the curtain to discover the full journey of architectural design—from early concept sketches through planning permission, 3D modelling, and final construction. Host and Lead Architect Kieran Gaffney sits down with co-director Dominique Oliver and client Sam Daniels, whose South London terrace underwent a bold transformation. Together, they discuss what it’s like to work with dRAW Architecture, how decisions are made at each stage, ...

Dive into this captivating collection of 63 writings by Mark Twain, published in 1882. Among the delightful sketches, youll find the iconic The Jumping Frog, presented in its original English alongside a French translation (narrated by Caroline Mittler). Twains clever re-translation highlights the amusing inaccuracies of the French version, showcasing his sharp wit and humor. Through these sketches, Twains remarkable ability for outrageous and hilarious storytelling shines, often reflecting on the quirks of contemporary life. (Summary by John Greenman)

Poetry read in a fitting setting, by teacher and poet of no great renown: Joe Riley.Great poems from a range of eras read aloud in a place that befits them. No lectures, not too many long words or academic pretence; a chance to sketch out how a poem reaches your heart. Want me to sketch a poem? thesketchpoet@gmail.com

A Preternatural Experiment

We are dedicating this channel to the study of the creative process.Through interviews with a wide variety of artistic individuals, we will be observing the unique ways that creatives approach their art, what drives them to create, and advice they have to offer others. Creativity in any field can be a messy, imperfect, but thrilling process and our hope is to bring inspiration to others.