Header Background Image

    51 Results with the "Culture" genre


    • Chapter 1 – Charm Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 1 – Charm delves into the concept of charm, which the author views as the pinnacle of sophistication and allure, particularly in women. This captivating quality is described as being far more influential than mere beauty, capable of swaying the fates of entire empires and captivating hearts across generations. Remarkably, many women who have possessed this charm were not considered conventionally beautiful by society’s standards. Historical figures such as Cleopatra and Mary of Scotland,…
      Culture • view
    • 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
    • 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…
    • 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…
    • 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,…
    • Bibliomania in France Cover
      by LovelyMay Bibliomania in France reached its peak in the 19th century, capturing the fascination of the wealthy and intellectual elite. Rather than focusing on reading books, this obsession centered around the collection of rare editions and the amassing of vast libraries. For many individuals of this era, books became symbols of power, status, and intellectual supremacy, valued more for their rarity than for the knowledge they contained. This phenomenon, driven by a desire to stand apart from the masses, saw books…
    • 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.…
    • 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,…
    • 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…
    • 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…
    Note