51 Results with the "Culture" genre


    • A Bookman’s Purgatory Cover
      by LovelyMay A Bookman's Purgatory takes us into the life of Thomas Blinton, a man who has dedicated his existence to the pursuit of rare books. For Blinton, book-hunting is far more than a hobby; it is a pursuit of intellectual superiority, a form of elitism that he compares to other bourgeois activities like fishing or shooting, which he deems far less meaningful. Despite warnings about the potentially destructive fates of famous book-hunters, which he dismisses as mere superstition, Blinton continues to immerse…
    • Chapter 30 — The Faubourg of St. Germain Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 30 – The Faubourg of St. Germain begins with a portrayal of Paris’s most guarded social enclave—a bastion of aristocracy that, much like the ancient Chinese elite, regards outsiders as unworthy of inclusion. The Faubourg of St. Germain, synonymous with old nobility and unyielding tradition, remains a stronghold where lineage trumps wealth and historical legacy overshadows personal achievement. Despite significant political shifts and even imperial efforts by Napoleon III and his consort…
    • Chapter 9 — Social Suggestion Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 9 – Social Suggestion explores the powerful, yet often unnoticed, influence that social environments have on shaping individual preferences, opinions, and behaviors. The chapter begins by discussing how social contexts subtly mold our perceptions of success and failure, particularly in areas like entertainment, art, and fashion. It asks the reader to reflect on how often personal tastes are shaped not by independent thought but by the collective sentiment of a group. Through anecdotes, the author…
      Culture • Society • view
    • From Hot Tamales To Cold Coffee Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin From hot tamales to cold coffee, the world is filled with unique and diverse culinary experiences that often reflect the history and culture of different regions. Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish, might resemble an exotic hot pocket, but it is much more complex. Made from a mixture of sheep’s internal organs, onions, oatmeal, suet, and spices, all packed inside a sheep’s stomach, haggis has become an iconic part of Scottish cuisine. Despite its unusual ingredients, it remains a cherished dish,…
    • Chapter 20 — “The Treadmill” Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 20 – "The Treadmill" begins with the weary voice of a woman crushed beneath the weight of her daily obligations. Her letter outlines a life dictated by endless engagements—sporting events, committee meetings, fundraising luncheons, music lessons, and obligatory dinners—all leaving no space for reflection, rest, or even a moment with a book. Her schedule, far from being leisurely or fulfilling, reads more like the itinerary of a public figure than that of a private individual. This exhausting…
    • Lady Book-Lovers Cover
      by LovelyMay Lady Book-Lovers delves deeply into the fascinating relationship between women of nobility, especially French queens and princesses, and their passionate engagement with literature throughout history. These women, often of high status, were known to amass impressive libraries filled with rare manuscripts and exquisitely printed books. According to Ernest Quentin Bauchart’s bibliography, while these women undoubtedly curated beautiful collections, a deeper question arises: were their libraries a genuine…
    • Chapter 31 — Men’s Manners Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 31 – Men’s Manners begins with a reflection on how societal expectations for male conduct have transformed over time. The author opens with a sense of detachment from the current trends among younger men, yet he acknowledges that, in some respects, manners have actually improved. What was once associated with stiff formality has become more approachable, yet the author notes that younger men today still manage to convey respect and attentiveness in their own way. This evolution does not…
      Culture • view
    • Chapter 10 — Bohemia Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 10 – Bohemia explores the idea of a cultural and social space where artistic and intellectual freedom thrives, as experienced by an English comedian and his wife during their visit to New York. While they were greeted with warmth and engaged in social activities, they expressed disappointment over the lack of meaningful interactions with notable intellectuals and artists such as painters, authors, and inventors like Tesla and Edison, figures who are highly regarded in England. This absence of…
    • Chapter 21 — “Like Master Like Man.” Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 21 – "Like Master Like Man." begins with a wry commentary on the frustrations voiced by many housewives about the perceived decline in servant quality. These complaints often overlook the complexities of domestic service and focus instead on minor inconveniences or personality flaws. The irony lies in how much is expected of servants with so little reciprocated in understanding or regard. Unlike in earlier times when household staff were viewed almost as extended family, the modern arrangement,…
      Culture • Relationship • Society
    • Chapter

      To the Reader

      To the Reader Cover
      by LovelyMay To the Reader, in Chapter 2 of "Worldly Ways and Byways," the author reflects on a past diplomatic custom known as the Pele Mele, a practice meant to resolve the constant disputes over precedence among courtiers and diplomats. This system, likely conceived by an overburdened Master of Ceremonies, sought to nullify rank and eliminate the usual formalities of social gatherings, creating an environment where one's position at an event was determined by wit or chance rather than status. The Pele Mele resulted…
      Culture • Romance Novel • Society
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