51 Results with the "Culture" genre


    • 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
    • Some Japanese Bogie-Books Cover
      by LovelyMay Some Japanese Bogie-Books stand as eerie relics in the shadowy world of collectors, with their origins deeply entwined with supernatural lore. These mysterious volumes are not simply books; they are believed to harbor dark spirits and curses, passed down from ancient folklore. In the bustling streets of Tokyo, where antique bookshops abound, there exists a niche community of collectors drawn to the allure of these haunted manuscripts. They seek not just rare editions or beautifully bound volumes, but books…
    • Old French Title-Pages Cover
      by LovelyMay Old French Title-Pages highlight the fascinating journey from the early, simple title-pages of printed books to the intricate, artistic designs that became a hallmark of French literature. Initially, title-pages were minimal, serving only the basic function of identifying the book’s title, as seen in Guido de Columna's History of Troy. This early style of title-page was largely blank, offering little more than the title itself, with no decorative embellishments or added flourishes. Over time, however,…
    • Literary Forgeries Cover
      by LovelyMay Literary Forgeries have long held a captivating and dangerous allure in the world of book collectors. These deceptive imitations of famous literary works blend art, illusion, and obsession, drawing many into their complex and often treacherous web. One of the most infamous figures in this shadowy world was Jean-Baptiste Duval, a French bibliophile whose passion for rare books led him to commit the ultimate betrayal of trust—creating forgeries of some of the most sought-after works in literary history.…
    • 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…
    • Ghosts in the Library Cover
      by LovelyMay Ghosts in the Library is a haunting yet poetic vision of how the spirits of those who once cherished books now inhabit the very shelves that hold their literary treasures. As the world drifts into slumber, the library itself comes alive with echoes from the past. The spirits of former patrons, ranging from revered historical figures to the lesser-known, move silently through the aisles, drawn to the very texts that once captivated them. Napoleon, the French emperor whose ambitions shaped European history,…
    • 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

      Elzevirs

      Elzevirs Cover
      by LovelyMay Elzevirs, the collectible books printed by the Elzevir family in the Netherlands from the late 16th to early 18th centuries, hold a special place in the world of rare book collectors. The chapter opens with an anecdote that highlights the obsession with acquiring Elzevir editions, even leading a countryman to starve himself to afford these rare volumes. His particular fascination was with editions of poets printed by the Elzevirs, especially those with red letters and accurate dates. This devotion to…
    • Curiosities of Parish Registers Cover
      by LovelyMay Curiosities of Parish Registers explores the fascinating history and quirks of English parish records, which serve as invaluable documents tracing centuries of social, religious, and cultural evolution. Initially established through Cardinal Ximenes’ initiative in 1497, parish registers became a formal requirement in England under King Henry VIII in 1538. These registers, which document baptisms, marriages, and burials, have been critical in preserving historical data, offering crucial insights for…
    • 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
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