9 Results in the "Culture" category
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Amidst the summer allure of Newport, with its vibrant yachting and festive dancing, few of its visitors ponder over the historical depth beneath their feet, largely overlooking the tales that predate even the most famed explorers of the Atlantic. This chapter delves into the rich tapestry of Newport's past, invoking the spirit of adventurous Norsemen speculated to have landed on these rocky shores well before Columbus's voyages. This notion, romanticized by Longfellow’s poetic narratives, sets the stage…-
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Chapter
CHAPTER 32 – An Ideal Hostess
Chapter 32 of "Worldly Ways and Byways" opens with the narrator reflecting on the dichotomy of lifestyles between different segments of society, a theme exemplified through a luncheon experience at the home of a retired stage artiste in Paris. The artiste, previously celebrated for her charm, beauty, and singing talents, invites the narrator to join her and other guests for a gathering that promises nostalgia and companionship. The setting of the luncheon is lavishly described, showcasing the hostess's…-
98.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
CHAPTER 29 – Husks
In Chapter 29 of "Worldly Ways and Byways" entitled "Husks," the narrative highlights the consequences of ignorance and wastefulness through the lens of culinary practices, and how these traits have permeated Anglo-Saxon societies, particularly in America. The story begins with a historical account of Protestant weavers expelled from France by Louis XIV, who settled in Spitalfields, England. These immigrants, faced with destitution, creatively utilized the discarded cattle tails from English…-
98.5 K • Ongoing
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The chapter "The Last of the Dandies" from "Worldly Ways and Byways" depicts the extinct culture of dandies, epitomized by the character of the Prince de Sagan, considered the last of his kind. The dandy, once a celebrated figure of refined taste and elegance, has vanished, leaving behind only memories evoked by outdated descriptions of their unique attire and lifestyle. Prince de Sagan, with his distinctive silver hair, eye-glass, and famous waistcoats, held an unparalleled position in Parisian high…-
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Chapter
CHAPTER 25 – Contentment
In "Contentment," the chapter delves into the American cultural ethos of ambition and upward mobility, tracing its roots to the nation's early egalitarian ideals. This ideology encourages every individual to aspire to the highest positions, such as the presidency, instilling a belief in limitless potential irrespective of one's starting point. While this mindset fosters ambition, the author scrutinizes its adverse effects, notably the widespread discontent with one's origins and the ceaseless pursuit to…-
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CHAPTER 23 – A Common Weakness
In "A Common Weakness," Chapter 23 of "Worldly Ways and Byways," the author examines the enduring desire for recognition and distinction among people, irrespective of changes in governments or societal conditions. This chapter highlights how, in the absence of traditional titles, individuals in American society, in particular, devise alternative methods to distinguish themselves. The narrative begins with the historical curiosity of the Order of the Cincinnati, which aimed to establish an American…-
98.5 K • Ongoing
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In the 19th century, Lord Brougham's fortuitous discovery of the Riviera, when an accident forced his detour towards Cannes, marked the advent of English aristocracy to the region. Previously overlooked during the Grand Tour favored by young aristocrats, the Riviera's climate and beauty captivated Brougham, leading him to establish a villa there. His actions sowed the seeds for the transformation of this coast into a destination marked by its splendid residences stretching from Marseilles to Genoa,…
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The chapter "Seven Ages" of Furniture from "Worldly Ways and Byways" delineates the evolving tastes in household decoration of an American couple as a metaphor for broader cultural and personal growth. It begins by painting a picture of young American couples, including the trope of the insightful wife and her adoring husband, navigating their way through various stages of domestic aestheticism, influenced largely by their financial status, exposure to different cultures, and the prevailing tastes of their…
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Chapter
CHAPTER 10 – Bohemia
The chapter delves into a reflection on Bohemia, an elusive cultural and social space celebrated for its association with artistic and intellectual freedom, as experienced by a visiting talented English comedian and his wife in New York. Despite enjoying widespread kindness and social engagements in the city, they lament their failure to interact with prominent artistic figures or intellectual luminaries, such as painters, authors, sculptors, or notable inventors like Tesla and Edison, whose works are…-
98.5 K • Ongoing
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