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
    • Chapter 32 — An Ideal Hostess Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 32 - An Ideal Hostess opens with a quiet observation of social contrast, as the narrator recounts a refined luncheon hosted by a retired stage performer in Paris. Her home, nestled just off the Rue Royale, commands a view of the Madeleine, exuding both the elegance of its location and the personality of its owner. Every detail in her apartment, from the velvet-trimmed furnishings to the soft lighting, speaks not of wealth, but of cultivated taste and a life once lived under the spotlight now…
    • Chapter 11 — Social Exiles Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 11 – Social Exiles delves into the lives of individuals who find themselves living away from their home country for prolonged periods, often due to financial or personal circumstances. These expatriates, many from affluent backgrounds, initially move abroad with the idea of staying temporarily, either to cope with personal grief or to provide their children with better educational opportunities. However, as time passes, returning to their homeland becomes increasingly impractical. Financial…
    • Chapter 22 — An English Invasion of the Riviera Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 22 – An English Invasion of the Riviera begins with a chance deviation that changed the destiny of the French coast. When Lord Brougham unexpectedly stopped in Cannes due to travel restrictions, he discovered a place overlooked by the traditional Grand Tour. The charm of the Riviera’s sunshine, sea, and gentle climate convinced him to settle, leading to the construction of a villa that would serve as the first English outpost in the region. His presence quickly attracted fellow aristocrats who…
    • 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 33 — The Introducer Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 33 - The Introducer focuses on the overly eager character who insists on connecting people regardless of interest, relevance, or social setting. These Introducers often see themselves as indispensable facilitators of friendship, acting from what they believe is a place of generosity or sociability. Yet their actions frequently result in awkward silences, forced smiles, and discomfort for the people they are so keen to bring together. The author points out that what may begin as an innocent desire…
    • Chapter 12 — “Seven Ages” of Furniture Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 12 – "Seven Ages" of Furniture opens with a humorous but sharp observation of how American couples evolve in their tastes for home décor, often without knowing exactly why. At the beginning of their married life, most young couples furnish their homes with mismatched items—gifts from relatives or leftover pieces with no aesthetic cohesion. These early arrangements feel more functional than intentional, reflecting a stage of life defined by practicality rather than taste. There is little room…
    • 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…
    • Chapter 23 — A Common Weakness Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 23 – A Common Weakness explores the deeply embedded human urge to feel seen, honored, or elevated, regardless of cultural or political changes. In America, where nobility was explicitly rejected by the founding fathers, the need for distinction didn’t disappear—it simply found new costumes. From early institutions like the Order of the Cincinnati, which tried to invent a kind of hereditary elite, to modern informal title inflation, this craving has taken countless forms. Washington’s ideal…
    • Chapter 2 — The Moth and the Star Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 2 – The Moth and the Star delves into an intriguing paradox within American culture—the fascination that ordinary people have with the lives of the wealthy, despite having no direct connections or shared experiences with them. This deep interest in the lifestyle of the rich and fashionable is explored in contrast to the norms of European societies, where the admiration for aristocracy is often rooted in centuries of tradition and hereditary privilege. In contrast, America’s lack of a…
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