Showing results for "Sketch Book" in History

Step back in time with Washington Irvings Old Christmas, a captivating tale that follows an Americans journey through England during the enchanting Christmas season. When he unexpectedly reunites with an old friend, he finds himself immersed in the festive atmosphere of a grand manor house. Through his eyes as a houseguest, youll discover the rich tapestry of British Christmas traditions and celebrations reminiscent of the Middle Ages, offering a glimpse into a world that feels both timeless and magical. - Summary by Greg Giordano

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. ...

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...

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)

The North-West frontier policy of India is a topic of immense significance, impacting the overall stability of our Eastern Empire. This discussion is particularly timely as we witness military operations of considerable scale against a coalition of independent tribes along the frontier. Its crucial to recognize that the current unrest is not a mere spontaneous uprising but rather the result of deep-rooted historical events and long-standing tensions. (From the authors Preface, 1897).

Discover the fascinating life of Pope Adrian IV, the only English pope, in this engaging biography written in 1849. Authored by a devoted Catholic, this work emerges two decades after the English Parliament’s landmark “Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829.” The author aims to captivate fellow Catholics in England with a detailed account of Adrian IVs reign, shedding light on events that have long been obscured in ancient chronicles. While not claiming groundbreaking research, this narrative promises to weave together the significant moments of a unique papacy that have often ...

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 the life and career of D.W. Griffith, the man who boldly claimed the title Father of Filmmaking. This authorized biography, penned by Robert Edgar Long in collaboration with Griffith himself, takes you on a journey through his early years, his time on stage, his rise to prominence as a visionary filmmaker at Biograph, and the creation of his groundbreaking and contentious feature films such as The Birth of a Nation, Intolerance, and Broken Blossoms. Get a deeper understanding of these cinema classics and the man behind them in this podcast episode, summarized by ChuckW.

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.