March 2009 Regency Reflections Volume 4, Issue 3
March, Morning Walking Dress
|
|
The Regency: A Man's World?
|
It has been said that during the Regency a man's
time was his own, while a woman was expected to engage in only a
few genteel pastimes.
For instance, only men were free to vote, hold office, box,
fence, hunt, drive alone, shoot, attend a club, drink, play cricket, dine out freely with
other men, game (gamble), race, and even womanize.
Furthermore, only a son could usually inherit titles, and, most of the time, the accompanying lands and estate. And whatever pursuits he undertook--whether noble or not--would rarely jeopardize his standing with society. Whatever his private life, he could still dine with lords and mix with the highest sets, if his title, breeding, or status paved the way. A rare exception might be if he proved himself dishonorable by cheating at cards. (Imagine a world where dishonor was possible through cheating at cards, but not on your wife.)
There were some women who got away with having affairs; but they were already married. If a single woman, on the other hand, attracted the merest scent of sexual immorality before marriage, she was "ruined," while with men it didn't really matter how they behaved.
The emphasis for them was to take care of the family estate by siring an heir. Whether or not they maintained sexual integrity, or honour, or moral fortitude was more of a personal choice; Fortunately, many men had well-developed moral codes, and Jane Austen's books, for instance, often highlight the negative social consequences caused by the actions of those who lacked them.
Other avenues open to men but not women included entering the army or navy, or going into the church. Both (the military and the Church) were popular vocations for second or third sons throughout the regency. Finally, if a man had independent means such as rich parents or a large fortune, he could also choose to simply be "a man about town."
The best dressed and best looking men about town were usually the beaux and dandies. (Do not mistake dandies with fops--even the Prince Regent had years of dandified glory until he grew too large to cut a fine figure).
 The dandy is the style of male figure most regency romances rely upon to some extent for their heros. None of Austen's heros are mere idlers, even Mr. Darcy, and all are endowed with a deep sense of justice and honour. My own Mr. Mornay (from, Before the Season Ends) is independently wealthy due to his tenanted estate and other properties which he runs with meticulous care, and he has a great sense of fair ness and morality that stands him in good stead as a proper hero.
Finally, only men were allowed to be University educated. Women often were schooled at home, or were self-taught, and there was always the occasional Young Lady's Academy, but nothing more. Some, (like Jane Austen) became novelists, but most of these women were quick to let their public know they were doing it to support their children. Others, like Mary Anne Evans later in the century, used a male nom de plume. (George Eliot), as it was thought inappropriate for women to write novels.
Linore Rose Burkard
Did you enjoy this article? See more illustrated articles about the regency on my website.
|
|
|
Jane Quote of the Month (And Contest!) |
"Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story. Education has been theirs in so much higher a degree; the pen has been in their hands."
Contest: The
FIRST person who emails me with the correct citation of this quote will win an autographed free copy of the original version of Before the Season Ends.
Contest Rules: Was this spoken by Jane, or did one of her characters say it? If it was a character, you must include the name of the character, and the book in which it appears.
Hit "reply" to send your answer or email me at
Linore [at] LinoreRoseBurkard.com. Please put "Contest" in your email subject line.
And the winner is...(February's Contest)
Marcie Wachsler, who received a free copy of Before the Season Ends! Marcie opened her newsletter less than an hour after it was distributed, and got her answer to me first. Here's the quote and the answer:
February's quote:
"The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid."
The correct answer:
Henry Tilney, from the book Northanger Abbey.
Some of you were so smart as to give me the context of the conversation (between Henry and Catherine). For this reason, I'm listing all the Honorable Mentions--those who answered late but correctly. (See below, right-hand column) From this group, a second winner was chosen for a free copy of my book, which was: Karen Smidt.
Congratulations Marcie and Karen, and thanks to all who entered! |
|
Pride, Prejudice--and Marvel Comics!
|
|
|
|
More Regency Links
|
If you live in Louisiana, did you catch
The Old Mandeville Jane Austen Festival?
This sounded wonderful.
An excellent article about how Ms. Austen is affecting the lives of disadantaged London teens--today.
3. The Regency World of Jane Austen March 21, 2009 Smithsonian Program "An overview of the history, art and
architecture, and social customs of Jane Austen's time, including characters
like the Duke of Wellington, Beau Brummell, and the Prince Regent (later George
IV). Also includes a look at the historic city of Bath." [Oh, how I wish I could go!]
"Vanity Fair" with Reese Witherspoon. A beautiful treatment of a very regency film. Thanks to my dear friend and fellow historical romance author Rita Gerlach for sending me the YouTube link.
5. II Divo "Amazing Grace" Hear their rendition of the song that was penned in 1773 by Englishman John Newton, a slave trader turned cleric. His personal song of redemption has become an anthem for millions of people who have experienced conversion. It was set to the music we know today in 1835.
6. I wasn't even going to mention this, as I find the whole idea "exceedingly" repugnant. However, people are calling this a new edition of Pride and Prejudice. ("Pride and Prejudice and Zombies") I beg to differ. It's really just an intrusion of tastelessness into a formerly elegant dwelling; Jane had a cutting sense of
humour, but I can't see her enjoying this. It's like putting graffiti on the
Mona Lisa. (No link included. I just can't do it!)
SEND ME A REGENCY LINK to put here in a future issue. Share the fun! Email me at:
Linore [at] LinoreRoseBurkard.com
|
|
The House in Grosvenor Square--Coming Soon!
|
Finally! There's less than a month before Grosvenor Square hits the bookstores!
Here's a one sentence plot description (SPOILER! If you haven't read BTSE yet, skip this section.)
Ariana and Mr. Mornay, following a
rocky courtship, are finally betrothed and have set a wedding date, but strange things begin to happen in the house in Grosvenor Square, and when two brothers
with a grudge decide to abduct the future bride to prevent the wedding altogether, what
can Mr. Mornay do to stop them, and, if they succeed, will he ever get her back?
Pre-Order Your Copy Now! Release date is April 1st!
|
|
Good Reads (Links)
|
What's happening with other Christian authors? Want to get a sneak peek at upcoming releases? Read exclusive interviews?
Click the link and sign up for the newsletter of The Christian Authors Network. Easy on the inbox, it only comes once a month, and you'll be looking forward to it if you're an avid reader. (I'm in the network, too, by the way, so now and then you'll hear from me.) 
Another place to keep up with the latest in Music, Books and Movies is TitleTrakk.com ("Your Christian Book, Music and Movie Terminal.") This link goes to the review of a certain book, whose author I'm shockingly familiar with. The sign up link is on the upper RIGHT. : )
Check out At Home With Christian Fiction--a lovely blog with a ton of author links and book info.
BRAND NEW! A website for readers of Christian Historical Romance which I am proud to be part of. Hop on over to see what's new, what's hot, or what's not. : )
|
|
Free Download of the Month
|
image © Dimension Films
Coach and Four
A Newly Revised Short Story by Linore!
I usually only offer this story to new readers who post a review for me (for, Before the Season Ends) on Amazon.com.
For the next two weeks I am keeping it available to all of you--my subscribers!
Download and save it now while it's available! For the sake of those who are yet to discover and review my book, I need to keep it exclusive. It's available until March 25th only!
"Coach and Four" is not a Regency story, but it has an even older
English setting--the Restoration. The time of Charles II. I love this period in English history, and I hope you will, too. Enjoy!
Click on the title above to download the story.
|
|
Until next month,
I wish you excellent reading and real-life happy endings!
Linore Rose Burkard
PO Box 674
Waynesville, OH 45068
|
|
|
Linore's Free Reader Resources:
Click Here
"Burkard's
writing is smooth, seamlessly holding our interest... a Pride and Prejudice
meets Anne of Green Gables experience."
New Interview with Linore:
(Find out my favorite guilty snack!)
.
|
And get the free ebook, "Fact or Fiction: Myths and Mysteries of the Regency!" following sign up.
|
| READERS WRITE: |
 |
Linore, I found out yesterday that mother is reading your new book. She said
that she "LOVES" it! :o)
Tahnee Andrews, Author
"Captivating characters, Rich in period detail!"Keli Gwyn, Author
"A delightful read, reminiscent of Jane Austen!
"Out of all the excellent Christian fiction books I've
read, this one is by FAR my favorite. ..a MUST read! I greatly look
forward to more from this author!
Shirley A. Chatham, Amazon Reviewer
I
loved it. I would watch it as a movie...."AusJenny," Amazon Reviewer "I just finished Linore's book and thought it was absolutely
fabulous! I have loved Regencies for years and she has definitely
brought the flavor and the romance of the era into her work! You will LOVE it!"Sherrinda K. What's It All About?
Before the Season Ends
Romantic woes at home send lovely Miss Ariana Forsythe to fashionable Mayfair in London to stay with her wealthy aunt for the Season. What happens when this determined young woman of faith crosses paths with the Paragon, London's darling rogue, and scandal ensues? Ariana finds herself obliged to live a lie--but is it a lie? Will she end up betrothed to the wrong man, or could it be that all the mixed-up events are somehow leading her right to where her heart is? Her faith is turned upside down and inside out in this sparkling regency romp and only God knows what how it can turn out right --before the season ends! |
|
Purchase Links for Before the Season Ends or, The House in Grosvenor Square
|
| JOIN ME at WOW (Women of the Word)
|
 |
I am now a co-moderator of WOW_Women_of_the_Word, Yahoo
Group. Right now we're basing daily devotions on Nick Harrison's book, 365 WWJD? We also share prayer requests, praise
reports, etc. We're open for membership so come on in and make yourself comfy. : ) We'd love to get to know you.
|
Luxurious Reading
|
Linore Rose Burkard writes Inspirational
Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to
experience life and love during the Regency in England (circa 1800 - 1830).
"Experience a romantic age, where
timeless lessons still apply to modern life, and where happy endings are possible for everyone!"
|
UPCOMING!
BOOK THREE IS IN THE WORKS!
Harvest House has given me a contract for a third book in the Regency Series: The Country House Courtship is now underway, in which the characters you've come to love are still at large, and Beatrice, now all of seventeen, gets her day.
LARGE PRINT EDITION
BTSE will soon be in Large-Print! A new, hardcover, large print edition of BTSE will be ready for purchase in June, 2009, on Amazon, from Thorndike Press.
CROSSINGS BOOKCLUB Is offering BTSE in hardcover to its members! Have you thought about joining? Do so now and you may be able to get the BTSE with your special introductory offer. I was so excited to learn that they'd chosen to pick up the book!
|
| Honorable Mentions
for last month's contest
|
Colleen Duffy
April Dean
Kimmy Lane
Michele Smollett
Lisa (perdita7...)
Barb Salzer
Noelle Lamb
Kimba Wawrzyniak
Kim Ford
Tom Williams
Jan Avent
Lois Merritt
Charlotte Fletcher
Marilyn London
Laura (gigelwater...)
Sandy (muzzley...)
Deb Barnum
Cheryl Kaplan
Bonnie Britz
Leslie Thalo
Lori (helmswond...)
Well done!
|
|
SPONSOR:
Sponsor this newsletter with your ad or graphic here. (Family-friendly only)
Email: admin@LinoreRoseBurkard.com
for info
|
|
|
