Posts on Catherine Pope

How to Add Fathom Analytics to Hugo

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:49:16 +0000

Learn how to add Fathom Analytics tracking to your Hugo website using the Papermod theme. Step-by-step instructions for installing the code correctly.

Fathoming Web Analytics

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:36:57 +0000

Fathom Analytics is a privacy-first alternative to Google Analytics that doesn't require cookie notices. Find out why I switched and whether it's right for you

How to Push to GitHub and GitLab Simultaneously

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:15:09 +0000

Learn how to push git commits to both GitHub and GitLab simultaneously using multiple remote URLs. A simple backup strategy for your repositories with step-by-step instructions.

How to Use Zotero With Google Docs

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:49:49 +0000

Learn how to use Zotero with Google Docs to create citations and bibliographies. Guide covering installation, setup, and key differences from Word integration.

How to Save Gmail Attachments to a Folder

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:06:31 +0000

Learn how to automatically extract PDF attachments from Gmail and save them to Google Drive using Apps Script. A step-by-step guide to organising invoices and receipts.

Get Your Ideas Down Fast With Scapple

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:00:08 +0000

Scapple is a simple, freeform mindmapping tool for capturing ideas quickly. Learn how it works, its key features, and how it integrates with Scrivener for academic writing projects.

Why I Use Obsidian for Notetaking

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:19:44 +0000

Why I've used Obsidian for over three years: offline access, markdown files, data protection, and flexibility. A personal review of this note-taking tool.

How to Create Forms for Hugo with Netlify

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:33:37 +0000

Learn how to add a contact form to your Hugo static site using Netlify's free form handling service. Step-by-step tutorial with code examples, spam protection, and email notifications.

Keeping Your Zotero Library Tidy

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:32:37 +0000

Learn how to maintain a tidy Zotero library with practical tips for managing duplicates, tags, and unfiled items. Includes a time-saving saved search for reviewing recent additions.

Why I Moved My Website to Hugo

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:00:51 +0000

Tired of WordPress complexity? I switched to Hugo, a fast static site generator that's simple to set up and maintain. Here's why it works for me.

How to Back Up and Restore your Zotero Library

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:30:05 +0000

Learn how to back up and restore your Zotero library using automated backups, manual copies, and emergency recovery methods to protect your research data.

Life According to Literature - 2025

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:07:54 +0000

I recently rummaged through some old blog posts and found this literary meme. After a gap of over a decade, I’m giving it another go. Literature was my refuge in 2025, so I’m hoping this will be easy …

THE RULES: Using only books you have read this year, answer these questions. Try not to repeat a book title.

Describe yourself: Determined by Robert Sapolsky

How do you feel: Lost in Thought by Zena Hitz

How to Import Your EndNote Library into Zotero

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:30:04 +0000

Learn how to import your EndNote library into Zotero using the XML method. This step-by-step guide shows you how to transfer your references, PDFs, groups, and formatting to Zotero successfully.

How to Import Your Mendeley Library into Zotero

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:06:34 +0000

Moving from Mendeley to Zotero is easier than you think. Learn two simple methods to import your Mendeley library, including PDFs and collections, into Zotero in just a few minutes.

Using NotebookLM for Academic Research

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:29:30 +0000

An overview of Google's NotebookLM for academic researchers. Learn how to use this AI-powered tool to search your research notes, find forgotten quotes, and identify gaps in the literature.

MacWhisper: a Privacy-Focused Tool for Transcribing Audio

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 12:05:18 +0000

MacWhisper is a Mac transcription tool that keeps your audio data private by processing everything locally. Learn how it compares to AudioPen for academic research workflows.

Streamline Your Notetaking with Readwise

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:03:10 +0000

Discover how Readwise helps academic researchers capture, organize, and export highlights from books, articles, and PDFs. Learn how to streamline your research notes into one central system.

Capturing Research Notes With AudioPen

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:48:58 +0000

AudioPen transforms voice notes into structured text for academic researchers. Learn how to use this AI tool responsibly for reading notes, field observations, and research workflows while respecting institutional policies.

LinkedIn without Tears: A Guide for Academics

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:53:23 +0000

Practical LinkedIn strategy for academic researchers who find social media overwhelming. Learn how to use LinkedIn effectively without wasting time, from setting intentions to managing your feed and building meaningful connections.

Managing Zotero Attachments with Zotmoov

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:02:10 +0000

Zotfile no longer works with Zotero 7. Learn how to use Zotmoov instead to automatically move PDFs to cloud storage like Dropbox or OneDrive, avoiding Zotero storage limits while keeping your library organised.

Running Out of Zotero Storage? Here's What to Do

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:07:50 +0000

Learn how to manage Zotero storage limits and avoid running out of space. Discover when to upgrade your storage plan, how to use linked files, and the best ways to sync PDFs across multiple devices.

The Art of Uncertainty

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:32:24 +0000

Exploring how creative practice - writing, music, art - can expand our sense of 'now' and help us live with uncertainty in a world of relentless change.

The Delphi Method: A Better Way to Make Team Decisions

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:32:24 +0000

Tired of unproductive meetings? Learn how the Delphi Method helps research teams make better decisions through structured, silent collaboration and consensus-building.

How to Create a Linux Virtual Machine on a Mac

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:57:13 +0000

Learn how to create a Linux virtual machine on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3) using UTM. This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to install Ubuntu Server ARM for fast, native performance.

The Three Clerks by Anthony Trollope

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:46:50 +0100

Anthony Trollope's The Three Clerks (1858) offers revealing social history about Victorian civil service reform, financial speculation, and making a living in 1850s London. An early novel that sketches themes Trollope perfected later.

How to Disable Automatic Tags in Zotero

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:05:43 +0000

Learn how to remove and disable automatic tags in Zotero with this quick two-step guide. Stop database tags from cluttering your Zotero library and keep only the tags you create yourself.

Why Your MacBook Wi-Fi Keeps Dropping (and how I fixed mine)

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:29:09 +0100

Fix MacBook Wi-Fi dropping and slow speeds by switching from 2.4GHz to 5GHz. Step-by-step guide to splitting your router's network bands and using a Wi-Fi repeater for faster, more reliable connectivity throughout your home.

How to Use Zotero with Scrivener - Part 2

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 08:47:33 +0100

Why Zotero 7 broke Scrivener integration and what to do about it. Honest review of alternatives including Quarto, Zettlr, and Obsidian, plus why the RTF/ODF plugin won't return.

How to Use Zotero with Scrivener

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:04:47 +0100

Learn how to integrate Zotero and Scrivener using the RTF Scan method. Step-by-step guide to add citations and bibliographies to your academic writing workflow.

A Catastrophist's Guide to Backing Up a Mac

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:14:42 +0100

Complete backup strategy guide for Mac users and researchers. Learn Time Machine, ChronoSync, cloud storage, and the 3-2-1 rule to protect your data.

How to Safely Eject an External Drive on a Mac

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:14:09 +0100

Fix the 'Disk Not Ejected Properly' error on Mac with Jettison. Learn why safe ejection matters for external drives and how to automate it to prevent data loss and corruption.

How to Create a Book Database with Hugo and YAML - Part 3

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 12:40:02 +0100

Learn how to create an auto-generated bibliography in Hugo by extending your YAML book database. Display all books organized by subject using shortcodes and partials.

Time Tracking for Researchers: Improve Your Project Management with Data-Driven Planning

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:41:17 +0100

Discover how time tracking can transform your research project management. Learn to avoid procrastination, set realistic deadlines, and say no to overcommitment with data-driven insights. Includes practical tips for tracking writing speed and estimating academic tasks.

How to Create a Book Database With Hugo and YAML - Part 2

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:40:02 +0100

Learn how to create subject-specific book lists in Hugo using YAML data files, shortcodes, and partials. Build flexible, maintainable reading lists with reusable code.

How to Create a Book Database with Hugo and YAML - Part 1

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:03:31 +0100

Learn how to create a reusable book database in Hugo using YAML data files and shortcodes. Save time by maintaining book details in one place and updating links site-wide instantly.

Beyond the Feedback Sandwich

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 09:08:33 +0100

Move beyond the basic feedback sandwich with practical strategies for giving, receiving, and requesting feedback effectively. Learn the three types of feedback and when to use each one.

How to Keep Your Mac Awake

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:12:42 +0100

Learn two simple solutions to prevent your Mac from going to sleep during long file transfers. Use the built-in caffeinate command or the free Amphetamine app to keep your MacBook awake for hours without changing system settings.

Open External Links in a New Tab With Hugo

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:04:15 +0100

Configure Hugo to automatically open external links in new tabs while keeping internal links in the same window. Complete tutorial with code examples for YAML and TOML configs.

How to Automatically Sync AudioPen Notes with Obsidian

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:04:56 +0100

Learn how to automatically sync your AudioPen voice notes with Obsidian using a simple plugin. Step-by-step guide to set up seamless voice-to-text workflow for your knowledge base.

Manage Multiple Hugo Versions with Docker

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:29:48 +0100

Learn how to run Hugo static sites with Docker to easily manage multiple Hugo versions. Simple tutorial with docker-compose setup and commands.

Linda Tressel by Anthony Trollope

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:08:20 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1868 novel 'Linda Tressel,' his anonymous experiment set in Nuremberg featuring a young woman forced to marry her elderly lodger. Discover this psychological study of religious extremism and domestic tyranny.

A Reflection on My Tiny Experiments

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:50:11 +0100

Reflections on completing a series of Tiny Experiments, from faster blog writing to joining writing communities. Discover how breaking tasks into small steps, capturing thoughts as fieldnotes, and finding accountability can transform productivity and learning.

You Need an Ashtray

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:46:27 +0100

A personal reflection on why traditional budgeting often fails when life becomes unpredictable. Explore Dana Miranda's argument that budget culture can be toxic and discover a more flexible approach to managing unexpected expenses.

How I Spent £120 on Two CDs

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:42:11 +0100

A reflection on the economics of music streaming versus buying CDs. Discover why paying £120 to rent two albums you already own doesn't make sense and explore more ethical ways to support artists while building a permanent music collection.

Liberated but Not Empowered

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 11:35:05 +0100

Explore how the Support-Challenge Matrix reveals what's wrong with personal finance. Discover why pension freedoms and online banking create high challenge, low support situations that leave us liberated but not empowered with financial decisions.

What My Cat Taught Me About Money

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:31:46 +0100

A personal reflection on how grief and life events impact financial decision-making. Explore why traditional financial advice fails during emotional upheaval and how tiny experiments might offer a better approach than big financial commitments.

The Confidence Game

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 11:22:27 +0100

Explore the challenge of making long-term financial decisions in uncertain times. Discover why traditional retirement planning may not be enough and consider alternative approaches like cooperative living and non-financial investments for later life security.

Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 17:05:47 +0100

Discover how Anne-Laure Le Cunff's 'Tiny Experiments' approach can help you achieve goals through small, manageable tests rather than overwhelming five-year plans. Learn about experimenting with money emotions and creative writing for personal insights.

Repeat for the Other Shoe

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:00:10 +0100

Discover how checklists and timeboxing can improve focus and productivity, especially for neurodivergent minds. Explore tools like goblin.tools and Focusbox to break down overwhelming tasks and manage executive function challenges effectively.

Diderot's Dishwasher

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 16:52:43 +0100

Explore the Diderot Effect - how one purchase leads to a spiral of consumption. From Denis Diderot's scarlet robe to modern smart appliances, discover why we're never satisfied with what we have and how to resist lifestyle inflation and mindless consumerism.

How to Signpost Your Academic Writing

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 14:11:10 +0100

Master academic signposting to guide readers through your thesis or book. Learn how to use chapter outlines, mini-conclusions, cross-references, and descriptive headings to create navigable scholarly writing.

Saturday Morning Experiments

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 16:48:48 +0100

Explore how Nobel Prize winner Oliver Smithies' 'Saturday Morning Experiments' can inspire your own creative breakthroughs. Discover why unstructured weekend experimentation leads to innovation and how to apply this approach to your own projects.

Playing Piano With Dinosaurs

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 16:29:09 +0100

A candid account of transitioning from piano learning apps to real lessons at age 50. Discover how human instruction transforms your understanding of dynamics, physicality, and musical interpretation beyond what apps can teach.

Let's Talk German to Owls

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:35:08 +0100

An honest review of Duolingo for German learning from an adult perspective. Discover the pros and cons of the gamified approach, competitive leagues, and why supplementing with other resources like Easy German leads to better language learning results.

Why We Should All Be Slackers

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 11:32:47 +0100

Discover why building 'slack' into your life is more valuable than relentless efficiency. Explore how having reserves of time, money, and skills helps you avoid the scarcity mindset and make better decisions during uncertain times.

Keeping Up with the Victorians

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 11:28:51 +0100

Explore lessons about wealth and status from 18 Stafford Terrace, Victorian cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne's preserved townhouse. Discover how property speculation has transformed London housing and why keeping up with the Victorians is now impossible for most.

Avoiding the Complexity Trap

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 11:20:01 +0100

A review and reflection on Oliver Burkeman's 'Meditations for Mortals,' exploring how the book exposes our tendency to avoid scary tasks through over-planning. Discover why the 'Complexity Trap' keeps us from taking action and how blogging can help clarify bigger writing projects.

88 Keys to Happiness: Learning to Play Piano at 50

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:19:28 +0100

A candid review of piano learning apps from a 50-year-old beginner. Compare FlowKey, Simply Piano, and Piano Marvel to discover which apps work best for adult learners, including pros and cons of each platform's teaching methods.

How to Map Your Thesis or Book

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:04:42 +0100

Learn how to map your thesis or book using sticky notes and wall space to visualize structure, identify gaps, and reorganize content. A physical approach to managing large writing projects when digital tools fall short.

Improve Your Flow with Reverse Outlining

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:15:08 +0100

Master the reverse outlining technique to transform rambling academic drafts into coherent arguments. Step-by-step guide to analyzing paragraph structure, identifying gaps, and strengthening your thesis flow.

Creating a Minimum Viable Thesis

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:00:32 +0100

Apply agile methodology to PhD completion with the Minimum Viable Thesis approach. Learn why aiming for 'good enough' rather than perfection can speed up submission and let examiners guide final improvements.

How to Add a Theme as a Hugo Module

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:12:30 +0000

Learn how to add a Hugo theme using Hugo Modules in this step-by-step tutorial. Covers installing Go, initialising your site as a module, and configuring your theme with simple commands.

Getting Started with Helm

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 12:11:56 +0000

Learn how to use Helm, the package manager for Kubernetes. This beginner-friendly tutorial walks you through installing Helm, finding charts on ArtifactHUB, and deploying NGINX on minikube.

Installing WordPress with Helm

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 15:30:09 +0000

Learn how to install WordPress on Kubernetes using Helm. This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to deploy WordPress with MariaDB on minikube using Bitnami's Helm chart.

Creating a Kubernetes Service Manifest

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 16:54:33 +0000

Learn how to create a Kubernetes Service to expose your deployment. This tutorial shows you how to combine multiple manifests in one YAML file and access your app through a browser on minikube.

Creating a Simple Kubernetes Manifest

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 16:40:58 +0000

Learn how to create a Kubernetes manifest file using YAML. This beginner-friendly tutorial shows you how to create, update, and delete a simple Kubernetes Deployment on minikube.

Creating a Jekyll Site with Docker

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Learn how to create a Jekyll site in just three steps using Docker Community Edition and Bret Fisher's images. Skip the complex Ruby installation process and get your Jekyll site running locally with simple Docker commands in minutes.

Creating a Kubernetes Deployment with minikube

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 10:52:05 +0000

Learn how to set up minikube on macOS and create your first Kubernetes deployment. This updated 2025 tutorial covers installation with Docker driver, creating deployments, exposing services, and using the minikube dashboard.

Creating and Running a Docker Image of Your Website

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Learn how to package a simple website with nginx as a Docker image in this step-by-step tutorial. Discover how to create a Dockerfile, build custom images, and serve websites locally using Docker containers - no complex web server setup required.

Previewing Jekyll Sites with Docker

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Learn how to preview Jekyll sites using Docker instead of installing Ruby locally. Step-by-step guide with Docker run commands and Docker Compose setup for easier Jekyll development.

How to Create an Interactive Checklist in InDesign

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 10:19:28 +0100

Learn how to create interactive and printable checklists in Adobe InDesign with this step-by-step tutorial. Perfect for designers who want to add functional form elements to their layouts while maintaining print compatibility.

How to Create a Content Library with Readwise

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 10:19:28 +0100

Discover how to organise and review highlights from books, blogs, newsletters, and podcasts using Readwise. This demo shows how the web-based tool helps you collect and manage all your content highlights in one place.

Capture Handwritten Notes with a Rocketbook

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 10:19:28 +0100

Discover how the Rocketbook combines traditional pen and paper note-taking with digital convenience. This demo shows how this reusable notebook bridges the gap between analogue writing and digital storage and organization.

Conquer Boring Tasks with the Pomodoro Technique

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 10:19:28 +0100

Learn how to tackle boring and avoided tasks using the Pomodoro Technique. This short video tutorial shows you an effective time management method for conquering procrastination and getting through dreaded jobs like accounts and admin.

Boost Your Productivity with TextExpander

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 10:19:28 +0100

Learn how TextExpander can save you over 50 hours per year by automating repetitive typing. This demo shows how text expansion software improves accuracy and eliminates the tedium of typing the same content repeatedly.

Easy Noise Reduction with Audacity

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 10:19:28 +0100

Learn how to remove background noise from audio recordings using the free software Audacity. This simple tutorial shows you an easy method to clean up your audio without expensive tools or complicated processes.

Insights from 2020

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 10:19:28 +0100

A candid reflection on pivoting a business during COVID-19, from losing £20,000 in cancelled workshops to building scalable digital income. Discover key lessons about online events, asset creation, financial resilience, and preparing for uncertainty in self-employment.

Should You Quit Your PhD?

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:07:25 +0100

Guidance for PhD students considering quitting their doctorate. Learn decision-making frameworks, hear from someone who quit successfully, and discover strategies for continuing if you choose to persist.

Dealing with Darwin Days

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 12:53:08 +0100

Practical strategies for PhD researchers having unproductive 'Darwin Days' when motivation fails. Learn how to recognize when you need rest versus when to work through easier tasks to maintain thesis progress.

Should You Hire a Professional Proofreader for Your Thesis?

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 12:30:38 +0100

Essential guide to hiring professional proofreaders for your PhD thesis. Learn what proofreaders do, how to find qualified professionals, costs involved, and university regulations around editing services.

Implementing Feedback from Your Supervisor

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 12:23:39 +0100

A systematic approach to handling PhD supervisor feedback without panic. Learn how to triage comments, assess their value critically, and implement changes strategically while maintaining your confidence as a researcher.

Organising and Annotating Research Photos With Tropy

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 12:14:19 +0100

Learn how to use Tropy, the free digital tool for organizing and annotating archival research photos. Discover features for transcription, metadata management, and image enhancement to streamline your historical research workflow.

Improving Writing Accountability With Focusmate

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 12:04:46 +0100

Discover how Focusmate can transform your academic writing productivity by pairing you with strangers for virtual body doubling sessions. Learn why accountability through webcam co-working helps PhD researchers overcome procrastination and stay focused.

To Write More, You Need Less Time

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:33:00 +0000

How constraints improve writing productivity: learn from Ray Bradbury's coin-operated typewriter method. Practical tools including Pomodoro Technique, Focusmate, and Write or Else for focused writing sessions.

Preparing for an Online Viva

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 11:50:06 +0100

Complete guide to preparing for an online PhD viva examination. Covers technical setup, environment preparation, day-of logistics, and video call etiquette to ensure your virtual viva goes smoothly.

How to Write a Thesis Abstract

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 11:42:43 +0100

A comprehensive guide to writing a compelling PhD thesis abstract in 300 words. Learn how to structure your abstract to attract examiners and readers, plus practical tips for distilling your research into a perfect summary.

Who Do You Include in Your Thesis Acknowledgements?

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 11:36:22 +0100

A practical guide to writing PhD thesis acknowledgements, covering who to thank from supervisors to librarians, plus style tips to strike the right professional tone. Essential advice for doctoral researchers approaching submission.

The Art of Deliberate Practice

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 10:19:28 +0100

Explore Anders Ericsson's research on deliberate practice and why there are no shortcuts to mastery. Learn how to break out of the 'good enough' rut by challenging yourself systematically, whether in music, business, or creative pursuits.

Open Up: The Power of Talking About Money by Alex Holder

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 10:19:28 +0100

A review of Alex Holder's 'Open Up,' exploring why we keep our finances secret and how honest money conversations can transform our relationship with spending, debt, and financial wellbeing. Discover practical advice for breaking money taboos.

The Kindness Method by Shahroo Izadi

Sat, 05 Jan 2019 10:19:28 +0100

A review of Shahroo Izadi's 'The Kindness Method,' exploring a compassionate approach to changing destructive habits. Discover why being kind to yourself works better than punishing schedules for lasting behavioral change and breaking compulsive behaviours.

How to Defeat Your Inner Critic and Keep Writing

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 15:27:26 +0000

Learn how to use the ABCDE technique to overcome writing blocks and silence your inner critic. A practical evidence-based method for academic researchers struggling to get writing done.

Overcoming Procrastination and Staying Motivated: Three Strategies for Getting on with your Writing

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 15:35:28 +0000

Three strategies to overcome procrastination and start writing: understand your resistance, use warm-up exercises, and set modest targets. Practical motivation tips for academic writers.

Overcoming Page Fright: Three Techniques for Planning a Piece of Academic Writing

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 15:30:22 +0000

Three simple planning techniques to overcome writer's block and structure your writing: audience analysis, storyboarding, and the Rule of Threes. Practical strategies for academic writers.

How to Become a Healthy Academic Writer

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 15:39:07 +0000

Writing-related health problems and how to prevent them: taking regular breaks, standing desks, ergonomic equipment. Essential wellbeing advice for academic researchers and writers.

The Great Sussex Book Sprint

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 15:55:22 +0100

Discover how a team of researchers planned, wrote, edited, and published an academic book in just 4 days using the Book Sprint methodology. Learn about this collaborative process that overcomes procrastination and perfectionism to achieve rapid results.

Miss Florence Marryat vs Mr Charles Dickens

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 09:25:09 +0100

Explore the recently discovered 1860 letter where Charles Dickens rudely rejected Florence Marryat's story for 'All the Year Round.' Discover how this snub didn't deter the prolific author who went on to write 68 novels and edit 'London Society.'

Life According to Literature 2015

Wed, 06 Jan 2016 16:15:27 +0100

Join the annual literary meme challenge! Using only books read in 2015, I answer quirky questions about life, feelings, and dreams through book titles. A fun way to reflect on a year of reading and discover new literary connections.

Harriet by Elizabeth Jenkins

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 11:44:02 +0100

A review of Elizabeth Jenkins' 1934 novel 'Harriet,' based on the infamous 1877 Penge murder trial. Discover how this psychological thriller exposes the legal vulnerability of Victorian women through the tragic story of Harriet Staunton's abuse and death.

Mrs Grundy's Enemies: Censorship, Realist Fiction and the Politics of Sexual Representation by Anthony Patterson

Sun, 08 Mar 2015 09:37:49 +0100

A review of Anthony Patterson's 'Mrs Grundy's Enemies,' examining how Victorian censorship shaped literature through authors like Zola, George Moore, and George Egerton. Discover how realist writers challenged moral standards while often reinforcing gender hierarchies.

Life in the Victorian Asylum: The World of Nineteenth-Century Mental Health Care by Mark Stevens

Sat, 14 Feb 2015 11:59:51 +0100

A review of Mark Stevens' 'Life in the Victorian Asylum,' offering a fresh perspective on 19th-century mental health care. Discover how these institutions provided sanctuary and treatment based on compassion rather than punishment, challenging modern misconceptions.

Sowing the Wind by Eliza Lynn Linton

Sun, 08 Feb 2015 12:48:37 +0100

A review of Eliza Lynn Linton's 1867 novel 'Sowing the Wind,' featuring journalist Jane Osborn who challenges Victorian gender norms. Discover how this anti-feminist writer created a surprisingly progressive heroine in this sensation novel exploring sexuality and independence.

Life According to Literature 2014

Wed, 24 Dec 2014 16:13:07 +0100

Join the annual literary meme challenge! Using only books read in 2014, I answer questions about life using just those book titles. A fun way to reflect on a year of reading and discover new literary connections.

Seventy Years a Showman by 'Lord' George Sanger

Sat, 15 Nov 2014 13:19:05 +0100

A review of 'Lord' George Sanger's autobiography 'Seventy Years a Showman,' chronicling his rise from humble caravan beginnings to circus empire. Discover the Victorian showman who entertained crowds with learned pigs, living curiosities, and Ajax the mischievous elephant.

George Eliot: The Last Victorian

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 16:34:53 +0100

A review of Kathryn Hughes' 'George Eliot: The Last Victorian,' exploring the life and contradictions of Mary Ann Evans. Discover how the unconventional author balanced literary genius with domestic desires through her relationships with G.H. Lewes and John Cross.

The Victorian Guide to Sex by Fern Riddell

Sun, 25 May 2014 16:41:36 +0100

A review of Fern Riddell's 'The Victorian Guide to Sex,' challenging myths about Victorian prudishness through fictional Society of Social Morality members. Discover authentic advice on marriage, contraptions like the Vee Dee Vibrator, and Victorian sexual attitudes.

Did She Kill Him? A Victorian Tale of Deception, Adultery and Arsenic by Kate Colquhoun

Sun, 23 Mar 2014 16:43:28 +0100

A review of Kate Colquhoun's 'Did She Kill Him?,' examining the 1889 trial of Florence Maybrick, accused of poisoning her husband with arsenic. Discover this Victorian cause célèbre that divided public opinion and exposed the precarious position of unfaithful wives.

The Mystery of Princess Louise: Queen Victoria’s Rebellious Daughter by Lucinda Hawksley

Sun, 16 Mar 2014 11:51:22 +0100

A review of Lucinda Hawksley's 'The Mystery of Princess Louise,' exploring Queen Victoria's rebellious daughter who smoked, cycled, and championed feminism. Discover the scandals surrounding her alleged illegitimate child and affair with sculptor Edgar Boehm.

Will Warburton by George Gissing

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 09:47:48 +0100

A review of George Gissing's final novel 'Will Warburton,' following a middle-class man forced into shopkeeping after financial ruin. Discover Gissing's characteristic themes of money, class, and social position in this posthumously published work with an unusually hopeful ending.

Life According to Literature 2013

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 16:10:51 +0100

Join the annual literary meme challenge! Using only books read in 2013, I answer questions about life using just book titles. A fun way to reflect on a year of reading and discover new literary connections.

The Alice Behind Wonderland by Simon Winchester

Mon, 09 Sep 2013 09:53:54 +0100

A review of Simon Winchester's 'The Alice Behind Wonderland,' examining Charles Dodgson's photography career and the controversial 1858 photograph of Alice Liddell. Discover how Winchester addresses allegations against Lewis Carroll with sensitivity and historical context.

How to Create the Perfect Wife: Georgian Britain’s Most Ineligible Bachelor and His Quest to Cultivate the Ideal Woman

Sun, 04 Aug 2013 10:01:25 +0100

A review of Wendy Moore's 'How to Create the Perfect Wife,' telling the disturbing story of Thomas Day who adopted two orphan girls in 1769 to train as his ideal spouse. Discover this Georgian experiment in female subjugation inspired by Rousseau's philosophy.

Fanny and Stella: The Young Men Who Shocked Victorian England by Neil McKenna

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:24:45 +0100

A review of Neil McKenna's 'Fanny and Stella,' chronicling the scandalous 1870 trial of Frederick Park and Ernest Boulton, two young clerks arrested for cross-dressing in Victorian London. Discover how their case exposed Victorian hypocrisy and bigotry.

Inconvenient People: Lunacy, Liberty and the Mad-Doctors in Victorian England by Sarah Wise

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:31:32 +0100

A review of Sarah Wise's 'Inconvenient People,' revealing how Victorian men were more likely than women to be wrongfully confined in asylums. Discover shocking case studies including Rosina Bulwer-Lytton and how 'madness' was often used to silence inconvenient relatives.

Capturing the Light: The Birth of Photography by Helen Rappaport and Roger Watson

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:38:01 +0100

A review of Helen Rappaport and Roger Watson's 'Capturing the Light,' telling the parallel stories of Louis Daguerre and Henry Fox Talbot's race to invent photography in the 1830s. Discover how these pioneers captured light permanently on paper through rival processes.

No Place for Ladies: The Untold Story of Women in the Crimean War by Helen Rappaport

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 09:01:59 +0100

A review of Helen Rappaport's book on the forgotten women of the Crimean War, highlighting Mary Seacole's remarkable contribution alongside Florence Nightingale and Fanny Duberly. Discover how these brave women challenged racism and convention to serve on the battlefield.

Thyrza by George Gissing

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:11:34 +0100

A review of George Gissing's 1887 novel 'Thyrza,' exploring London working-class life through the story of hat-trimmer Thyrza Trent who falls for Oxford-educated Walter Egremont. Discover Gissing's sympathetic yet bleak portrait of social mobility and class barriers.

The Victorian City: Everyday Life in Dickens’ London by Judith Flanders

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:27:01 +0100

A review of Judith Flanders' 'The Victorian City: Everyday Life in Dickens' London,' exploring the sights, sounds, and smells of 19th-century London. Discover how Dickens and other contemporary observers chronicled life in the rapidly growing metropolis.

The Day Parliament Burned Down by Caroline Shenton

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 09:33:56 +0100

A review of Caroline Shenton's 'The Day Parliament Burned Down,' recounting the spectacular fire that destroyed the Palace of Westminster on October 16, 1834. Discover how bureaucratic incompetence succeeded where Guy Fawkes had failed.

Life According to Literature 2012

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:59:44 +0100

Join the annual literary meme challenge! Using only books read in 2012, I answer quirky questions about life through their titles. A fun way to reflect on a year of reading and discover new literary connections.

The Duke's Children by Anthony Trollope

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:15:32 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's final Palliser novel 'The Duke's Children' (1880), where the grieving Duke of Omnium faces his children's rebellious marriages for love over duty. Discover how Trollope concludes his chronicle of Victorian social change.

The Excellent Dr Blackwell: The Life of the First Woman Physician by Julia Boyd

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 09:40:43 +0100

A review of Julia Boyd's 'The Excellent Doctor Blackwell,' chronicling Elizabeth Blackwell's journey to become the first woman doctor registered in Britain. Discover how this pioneer overcame hostility and physical injury to transform medicine for women.

Weeds by Jerome K. Jerome

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:36:41 +0100

A review of Jerome K. Jerome's suppressed 1892 novella 'Weeds: A Story in Seven Chapters,' his anonymous attempt at serious literature featuring adultery and sexual corruption. Discover how this dark tale challenges Victorian sexual double standards with its radical ending.

Below the Fairy City: A Life of Jerome K. Jerome by Carolyn W. de la L. Oulton

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:44:38 +0100

A review of Carolyn W. de la L. Oulton's biography 'Below the Fairy City: A Life of Jerome K. Jerome,' revealing the complex man behind 'Three Men in a Boat.' Discover Jerome's dark side, his suppressed novella 'Weeds,' and his campaigns for animal welfare.

John Caldigate by Anthony Trollope

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:11:36 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1879 novel 'John Caldigate,' questioning a man's right to a sexual past when the hero's Australian lover Euphemia Smith returns claiming bigamy. Discover Trollope's clever psychological tale with sensation novel twists.

Effie: The Passionate Lives of Effie Gray, Ruskin and Millais by Suzanne Fagence Cooper

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:09:59 +0100

A review of Suzanne Fagence Cooper's 'Effie: The Passionate Lives of Effie Gray, Ruskin and Millais,' revealing the true story behind Effie's unconsummated marriage to John Ruskin and subsequent happiness with Pre-Raphaelite artist John Millais.

The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 11:20:39 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1875 novel 'The Way We Live Now,' featuring fraudulent entrepreneur Augustus Melmotte and his corrupt influence on society. Discover Trollope's darkest work, a scathing attack on Victorian commercial greed and moral decline.

Mr Briggs' Hat: A Sensational Account of Britain's First Railway Murder by Kate Colquhoun

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:16:14 +0100

A review of Kate Colquhoun's 'Mr Briggs' Hat,' chronicling the first murder on a British train in 1864. Discover how Thomas Briggs' death sparked terror among Victorian commuters and led to the trial of German tailor Franz Müller.

Into the Frame: The Four Loves of Ford Madox Brown by Angela Thirlwell

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:28:53 +0100

A review of Angela Thirlwell's 'Into the Frame: The Four Loves of Ford Madox Brown,' exploring the Pre-Raphaelite artist through his relationships with wives Elisabeth and Emma, pupil Marie Spartali, and writer Mathilde Blind. Discover the man behind 'The Last of England.'

Is He Popenjoy? by Anthony Trollope

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:29:50 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1878 novel 'Is He Popenjoy?,' featuring his open attack on the women's rights movement through caricatures like Dr Olivia Q. Fleabody. Discover how this inheritance mystery reveals Victorian male anxieties about female emancipation.

A Thing in Disguise: The Visionary Life of Joseph Paxton by Kate Colquhoun

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:35:05 +0100

A review of Kate Colquhoun's 'A Thing in Disguise: The Visionary Life of Joseph Paxton,' exploring how a poor farmer's son became the architect of the Crystal Palace. Discover Paxton's rise from gardener to the Duke of Devonshire to Victorian engineering icon.

The Angel of the Revolution: A Tale of the Coming Terror by George Chetwynd Griffith

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:54:24 +0100

A review of George Chetwynd Griffith's 1893 sci-fi novel 'The Angel of the Revolution,' featuring Socialist revolutionaries who defeat Capitalism using dirigibles and air warfare. Discover this prescient tale of technology, social revolution, and utopian romance.

The Woman Who Saved the Children: A Biography of Eglantyne Jebb by Clare Mulley

Sun, 20 May 2012 16:52:24 +0100

A review of Clare Mulley's biography of Eglantyne Jebb, founder of Save the Children who ironically called infants 'little wretches.' Discover how this complex woman overcame heartbreak and ill health to save millions of children worldwide despite disliking them personally.

Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:45:20 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 'Can You Forgive Her?,' the first Palliser novel exploring what women should do with their lives through Alice Vavasor's choice between respectable John Grey and exciting George Vavasor. Discover Trollope's compelling examination of Victorian marriage and female independence.

Lady Worsley's Whim: An Eighteenth-Century Tale of Sex, Scandal and Divorce by Hallie Rubenhold

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:53:53 +0100

A review of Hallie Rubenhold's 'Lady Worsley's Whim,' recounting the scandalous 1782 crim-con trial where Sir Richard Worsley sued his wife's lover for £20,000. Discover how Lady Worsley's courage to defy her voyeuristic husband changed her from victim to survivor.

Top Ten Trollopes

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:33:27 +0100

A curated list of the ten best Anthony Trollope novels from someone who completed the full Trollope Challenge. From The Fixed Period to Nina Balatka, discover Trollope's most engaging and experimental works beyond the famous series.

The Golden Lion of Granpère by Anthony Trollope

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:37:42 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1872 novel 'The Golden Lion of Granpère,' set in provincial France where Marie Bromar resists her uncle Michel Voss's demands to marry the prosperous Adrian Urmand instead of his son George. Discover this tightly-plotted tale of love versus patriarchal authority.

Ten Terrible Trollopes

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:45:28 +0100

A critical look at Anthony Trollope's least successful novels from someone who completed the full Trollope Challenge. From The Belton Estate's misogyny to Lily Dale's self-pity, discover which Trollope works fail to hit the mark.

Ralph the Heir by Anthony Trollope

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:44:44 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1871 novel 'Ralph the Heir,' featuring two Ralph Newtons - one unworthy heir and one deserving cousin - plus the spirited Polly Neefit who refuses to be traded like a 'birthday present.' Discover Trollope's political satire and social climbing.

Sir Harry Hotspur of Humblethwaite by Anthony Trollope

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:52:27 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1871 novel 'Sir Harry Hotspur of Humblethwaite,' his most comfortless work featuring the worthless George Hotspur who destroys Emily Hotspur and actress Lucy Morton. Discover Trollope's brutal examination of male selfishness and female sacrifice.

Harry Heathcote of Gangoil by Anthony Trollope

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:15:27 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1874 novel 'Harry Heathcote of Gangoil,' set in the Australian outback where a young sheep farmer battles paranoia and bushfire threats. Discover Trollope's departure from English society to explore colonial tensions and survival.

The Somnambulist by Essie Fox

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:16:17 +0100

A review of Essie Fox's debut novel 'The Somnambulist,' a Gothic sensation story following Phoebe Turner from the East End to a mysterious Herefordshire mansion. Discover this haunting tale that cleverly subverts classic Victorian fiction conventions.

Wedlock: How Georgian Britain’s Worst Husband Met His Match by Wendy Moore

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:22:29 +0100

A review of Wendy Moore's 'Wedlock,' telling the story of Mary Eleanor Bowes and her abusive marriage to Andrew Robinson Stoney, 18th-century Britain's 'worst husband.' Discover how this wealthy heiress fought back and influenced women's rights legislation.

The English Marriage: Tales of Love, Money and Adultery

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:30:07 +0100

A review of Maureen Waller's 'The English Marriage,' chronicling 500 years of violence, infidelity, and fraud in British matrimony. Discover shocking stories from wife-sales to domestic abuse that shaped divorce law and women's rights.

The Struggles of Brown, Jones and Robinson by Anthony Trollope

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:18:03 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1870 satirical novel 'The Struggles of Brown, Jones and Robinson,' targeting Victorian advertising culture through a haberdashery business. Discover Trollope's underappreciated comedy about commerce, with magenta shopfronts and monkey muffs.

Life According to Literature 2011

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:59:44 +0100

Join the annual literary meme challenge! Using only books read in 2011, I answer quirky questions about life through book titles. A fun way to reflect on a year of reading and discover new literary connections.

The Landleaguers by Anthony Trollope

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:25:16 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's final novel 'The Landleaguers' (1883), depicting Irish tenant farmers resisting eviction. Discover Trollope's conservative critique of the Land League movement, featuring the spirited Rachel O'Mahony and the tragic shooting of young Florian Jones.

Magnificent Obsession: Victoria, Albert and the Death that Changed the Monarchy by Helen Rappaport

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:36:21 +0100

A review of Helen Rappaport's 'Magnificent Obsession,' exploring how Prince Albert's death in 1861 transformed Queen Victoria into the grieving Widow of Windsor. Discover how Victoria's prolonged mourning shaped the monarchy and grief rituals.

The Trollope Challenge

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:00:34 +0100

A complete checklist of Anthony Trollope's 47 novels from the epic Trollope Challenge. Track the journey from Can You Forgive Her? to The Landleaguers, with links to reviews of each work in this Victorian literature quest.

A Mummer's Wife by George Moore

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:43:04 +0100

A review of George Moore's controversial 1885 novel 'A Mummer's Wife,' following Kate Ede's tragic descent from bored draper's wife to alcoholic actress. Discover this shocking tale that challenged Mudie's circulating library and Victorian moral standards.

Nina Balatka by Anthony Trollope

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:32:41 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1867 novel 'Nina Balatka,' his anonymous experiment set in Prague featuring forbidden love between Christian Nina and Jewish merchant Anton Trendellsohn. Discover Trollope's bold departure from his familiar style to tackle anti-Semitism.

Mr Scarborough's Family by Anthony Trollope

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:48:39 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1883 novel 'Mr Scarborough's Family,' featuring the cunning father who manipulates inheritance laws through dual marriage certificates. Discover proto-feminist stirrings in Dolly Grey, Florence Mountjoy, and Matilda Thoroughbung amid Trollope's last-but-one work.

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:05:30 +0100

A review of Anna Sewell's 1877 novel 'Black Beauty,' the autobiography of a horse experiencing both kindness and cruelty from various owners. Discover how this children's classic advanced animal welfare and influenced the RSPCA's early campaigns.

Marion Fay by Anthony Trollope

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:57:06 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1882 novel 'Marion Fay,' featuring the Marquis of Kingsbury's children and their love affairs with commoners. Discover this late work's inheritance plot, complete with a wheezy Quakeress heroine and comic postal clerks.

Demos by George Gissing

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:00:32 +0100

A review of George Gissing's 1886 novel 'Demos,' following socialist Dick Mutimer's moral corruption after inheriting a fortune. Discover this sensational tale of bigamy, bisexuality, and betrayal set against the backdrop of English industrial unrest.

Madame Tussaud and the History of Waxworks by Pamela Pilbeam

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 14:11:08 +0100

A review of Pamela Pilbeam's 'Madame Tussaud and the History of Waxworks,' exploring Marie Tussaud's journey from modeling Terror victims in Revolutionary France to creating London's most famous wax museum. Discover the extraordinary businesswoman behind the tourist attraction.

The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:38:53 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1867 novel 'The Last Chronicle of Barset,' concluding the Barsetshire Chronicles with Reverend Josiah Crawley's trial and Mrs. Proudie's shocking demise. Discover the poignant farewell to beloved characters like Septimus Harding.

The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:48:32 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1864 novel 'The Small House at Allington,' featuring the Dale sisters - spirited Bell who resists marriage pressure and tragic Lily who falls for cad Adolphus Crosbie. Discover why this penultimate Barsetshire Chronicle feels darker than its predecessors.

Framley Parsonage by Anthony Trollope

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:01:32 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1860 novel 'Framley Parsonage,' the breakthrough Barsetshire Chronicle featuring clergyman Mark Robarts's financial troubles and the delightful heiress Martha Dunstable. Discover the novel that launched Trollope's fame in Cornhill Magazine.

The Light That Failed by Rudyard Kipling

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:46:53 +0100

A review of Rudyard Kipling's first novel 'The Light that Failed' (1891), following war artist Dick Heldar's descent into blindness and doomed love for Maisie. Discover Kipling's anti-aesthetic counterpoint to Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.'

An Eye for an Eye by Anthony Trollope

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:08:28 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1879 Irish novel 'An Eye for an Eye,' set in County Clare where cavalry officer Fred Neville seduces Kate O'Hara then abandons her upon inheriting an earldom. Discover this dark tale of revenge and the tragic consequences of sexual betrayal.

Doctor Thorne by Anthony Trollope

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 10:16:18 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1858 novel 'Doctor Thorne,' the third Barsetshire Chronicle featuring illegitimate Mary Thorne's love for Frank Gresham and her secret inheritance. Discover Trollope's most successful novel with its sensation plot devised by his brother Tom.

The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime by Judith Flanders

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:20:09 +0100

A review of Judith Flanders' 'The Invention of Murder,' exploring how Victorians transformed crime into entertainment through newspapers, novels, and public spectacles. Discover the cultural obsession with murder that created modern crime fiction and popular culture.

Blind Love by Wilkie Collins

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 15:37:36 +0100

A review of Wilkie Collins' final novel 'Blind Love' (1890), completed posthumously by Walter Besant. Despite promising elements like Fenian terrorism and insurance fraud, this disappointing work lacks the masterful plotting of Collins' earlier sensation novels.

Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 14:49:48 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 'Barchester Towers' (1857), featuring the memorable Mrs Proudie and her battles with the scheming Obadiah Slope. Discover Trollope's brilliant comic creation and strong female characters in this classic Barset Chronicles novel.

East of Suez by Alice Perrin

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 10:02:42 +0100

A review of Alice Perrin's 1901 collection 'East of Suez,' featuring Anglo-Indian stories that rival Kipling's work. Discover how Perrin used supernatural elements and feminist themes to critique colonial society with sensitivity and memorable plot twists.

The Warden by Anthony Trollope

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:25:02 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1855 novel 'The Warden,' the first Barsetshire Chronicle where Septimus Harding faces public scandal over his sinecure at Hiram's Hospital. Discover how reformer John Bold's crusade creates conflict between love and principles.

An Old Man's Love by Anthony Trollope

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:33:12 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's final novel 'An Old Man's Love' (1884), where 50-year-old William Whittlestaff faces a moral dilemma over his love for young ward Mary Lawrie when her former lover returns. Discover Trollope's poignant farewell to literature.

The Bazalgettes by E M Delafield

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:27:32 +0100

A review of E M Delafield's 'The Bazalgettes' (1935), a spoof Victorian novel about Margaret Mardon's marriage to an elderly widower and forbidden love for her stepson. Discover this early example of neo-Victorian fiction with characteristic wit and sensation elements.

The Fixed Period by Anthony Trollope

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:36:36 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's surprising dystopian novel 'The Fixed Period' (1882), set in 1980s New Zealand where mandatory euthanasia at 67½ divides society. Discover Trollope's unexpected venture into science fiction with dark comedy and futuristic predictions.

Ayala's Angel by Anthony Trollope

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:03:55 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1881 novel 'Ayala's Angel,' following sisters Ayala and Lucy Dormer's different fates after their father's death. Discover Ayala's struggle with unwanted suitors, including the persistent Tom Tringle, while searching for her ideal 'Angel of Light.'

Wild Romance: The True Story of a Victorian Scandal by Chloe Schama

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 09:15:10 +0100

A review of Chloe Schama's 'Wild Romance,' telling the story of the 1861 Yelverton bigamy case that scandalized Victorian society. Discover how Theresa Longworth fought Captain William Yelverton through English, Irish, and Scottish courts to claim her status as his wife.

The Fallen Leaves by Wilkie Collins

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:26:47 +0100

A review of Wilkie Collins' 1879 novel 'The Fallen Leaves,' generally considered his worst work. Despite featuring Christian Socialist Amelius Goldenheart and fallen woman Simple Sally, this moralistic tale lacks the masterful plotting of Collins' earlier sensation novels.

The Evil Genius by Wilkie Collins

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:13:22 +0100

A review of Wilkie Collins' 1886 novel 'The Evil Genius,' exploring the marriage breakdown between Herbert and Catherine Linley when he falls for governess Sydney Westerfield. Discover Collins' conflicted treatment of divorce, adultery, and the sexual double standard.

Love Well the Hour: The Life of Lady Colin Campbell by Anne Jordan

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:41:40 +0100

A review of Anne Jordan's 'Love Well the Hour: The Life of Lady Colin Campbell,' exploring Gertrude Campbell's career after her sensational 1886 divorce case. Discover how this pioneering woman defied Victorian convention to forge an independent life as a journalist and writer.

The Wing of Azrael by Mona Caird

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:13:00 +0100

A review of Mona Caird's 1889 novel 'The Wing of Azrael,' following Viola Sedley's forced marriage to the sadistic Sir Philip Dendraith. Discover this powerful New Woman novel that explores marital tyranny and psychological abuse with shocking intensity.

Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:59:01 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1874 novel 'Phineas Redux,' the darkest Palliser novel featuring Finn's false murder accusation and Lady Laura Kennedy's tragic marriage. Discover Trollope's powerful portrayal of domestic tyranny and psychological abuse.

Jezebel's Daughter by Wilkie Collins

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:48:35 +0100

A review of Wilkie Collins' 1880 novel 'Jezebel's Daughter,' featuring Mrs Wagner's business leadership and her redemption of Bedlam inmate Jack Straw. Discover this sensation novel's poisonous plot involving the mysterious Madame Fontaine and her daughter Minna.

Blessed Days of Anaesthesia: How Anaesthetics Changed the World by Stephanie Snow

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 14:00:22 +0100

A review of Stephanie Snow's 'Blessed Days of Anaesthesia,' tracing the discovery and development of anaesthesia from 1844. Discover how ether and chloroform revolutionized surgery and childbirth, despite religious objections to eliminating pain.

The New Magdalen by Wilkie Collins

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 16:03:49 +0100

A review of Wilkie Collins' 1873 novel 'The New Magdalen,' following ex-prostitute Mercy Merrick who assumes the identity of Grace Roseberry during the Franco-Prussian War. Discover Collins' exploration of redemption and identity in this moral sensation novel.

The Prime Minister by Anthony Trollope

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:06:02 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1876 novel 'The Prime Minister,' dominated by the spectacular Ferdinand Lopez, a Portuguese-Jewish adventurer who destroys lives through greed and ambition. Discover how Trollope's penultimate Palliser novel challenges then confirms Victorian prejudices.

Life According to Literature 2010

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 16:37:47 +0100

Join the annual literary meme challenge! Using only books read in 2010, I answer tricky questions about life through book titles. A fun way to reflect on a year of reading and discover new literary connections.

He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 13:09:52 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1869 novel 'He Knew He Was Right,' examining Louis Trevelyan's descent into jealous madness when he suspects his wife Emily of adultery. Discover Trollope's forensic examination of Victorian marriage and evolving views on women's rights.

Legacy of Cain by Wilkie Collins

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:24:06 +0100

A review of Wilkie Collins' 1889 novel 'Legacy of Cain,' exploring the nature versus nurture debate through sisters raised together - one the daughter of a hanged murderess. Discover Collins' humorous yet profound examination of heredity, criminality, and moral identity.

The American Senator by Anthony Trollope

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:24:51 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1877 novel 'The American Senator,' featuring the fortune-hunting Arabella Trefoil and Senator Elias Gotobed's critique of English society. Discover Trollope's satirical examination of marriage hunting and social customs.

Henry Dunbar by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:21:23 +0100

A review of Mary Elizabeth Braddon's 1864 sensation novel 'Henry Dunbar,' featuring bank fraud, murder, and early lady detective Margaret Wilmot. Discover this tale of crime and punishment that challenged Victorian attitudes toward capital punishment.

Beautiful for Ever: Madame Rachel of Bond Street by Helen Rappaport

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 09:17:52 +0100

A review of Helen Rappaport's 'Beautiful For Ever,' the biography of notorious Victorian beauty entrepreneur Madame Rachel (Sarah Rachel Levison). Discover how this con-artist inspired characters in Wilkie Collins and Mary Elizabeth Braddon while exploiting women's quest for eternal youth.

The Beth Book by Sarah Grand

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:26:16 +0100

An enthusiastic review of Sarah Grand's 1897 novel 'The Beth Book,' following Elizabeth Caldwell's journey from constrained childhood to independent womanhood. Discover why this New Woman bildungsroman about escaping an abusive marriage might be superior to 'Jane Eyre.'

The Claverings by Anthony Trollope

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:41:34 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1867 novel 'The Claverings,' following Harry Clavering's choice between steady Florence Burton and alluring widow Lady Ongar. Discover Trollope's uncomfortable portrayal of male indecision and the punishment of fallen women.

Lady Anna by Anthony Trollope

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:33:05 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1874 novel 'Lady Anna,' which he declared his best work. Follow the struggle between Countess Lovel's social ambitions and her daughter Anna's love for Daniel Thwaite, a radical tailor, in this controversial tale of class boundaries.

Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:46:11 +0100

A critical review of Elizabeth Gaskell's 1853 novel 'Ruth,' examining the story of a 'fallen woman' redeemed through self-sacrifice. Explore why some readers find Ruth's saintly perfection irritating despite Gaskell's noble defense of vulnerable women.

Esther Waters by George Moore

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 09:53:29 +0100

A review of George Moore's 1894 novel 'Esther Waters,' following a single mother's struggle against Victorian society's moral hypocrisy. Discover how Moore's naturalistic tale of seduction, abandonment, and redemption compares to Hardy's Tess with a more hopeful outcome.

Ouida: A Passionate Victorian by Eileen Bigland

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:25:59 +0100

A review of Eileen Bigland's biography 'Ouida: A Passionate Victorian,' chronicling the extraordinary life of Maria Louisa Ramé. Discover how this eccentric Victorian novelist lived flamboyantly in Florence with her beloved dogs while scandalizing society.

Moths by Ouida

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:01:00 +0100

A review of Ouida's 'Moths,' the first English novel to show a divorced woman happily remarried. Discover how this 1880 sensation novel challenges Victorian marriage ideals through Vere Herbert's escape from an abusive Russian prince in glamorous European society.

Hidden Depths by Felicia Skene

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:28:21 +0100

A review of Felicia Skene's 1866 novel 'Hidden Depths,' exposing prostitution in Oxford and attacking the hypocrisy surrounding fallen women. Discover this brave Tractarian novel that challenged Victorian attitudes during the Contagious Diseases Acts era.

Workers in the Dawn by George Gissing

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:08:13 +0100

A review of George Gissing's debut novel 'Workers in the Dawn' (1880), exploring class, poverty, and social reform in Victorian London. Discover how this autobiographical tale of an artist trying to reform an alcoholic prostitute reflects Gissing's early socialist phase.

Charles Dickens and the House of Fallen Women

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:23:44 +0100

A review of Jenny Hartley's 'Charles Dickens and the House of Fallen Women,' exploring Urania Cottage, Dickens' shelter for prostitutes in Victorian London. Discover how this project with Angela Burdett Coutts inspired his fiction while genuinely helping vulnerable women.

The Belton Estate by Anthony Trollope

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:11:11 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1865 novel 'The Belton Estate,' following Clara Amedroz as she chooses between passionate cousin Will and unemotional Captain Aylmer. Discover Trollope's early experiment in realism exploring women's limited choices in Victorian society.

Life According to Literature 2009

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:25:24 +0100

Join the annual literary meme challenge! Using only books read in 2009, I answer quirky questions about life using only book titles. A fun way to reflect on a year of reading and discover new reading ideas.

Hysteria: The Biography by Andrew Scull

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 10:31:41 +0100

A review of Andrew Scull's 'Hysteria: the Biography,' tracing the history of this elusive condition from ancient Greek 'wandering wombs' to modern dismissals. Discover how hysteria became a catch-all diagnosis for difficult women and justified horrific treatments.

Gissing: a Life in Books by John Halperin

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:04:55 +0100

A review of John Halperin's biography 'Gissing: a Life in Books,' exploring Victorian novelist George Gissing's extraordinary life (1857-1903). Discover how his troubled marriages, financial struggles, and personal misery fueled literary masterpieces like 'New Grub Street.

The Plimsoll Sensation: The Great Campaign to Save Lives at Sea by Nicolette Jones

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:53:46 +0100

A review of Nicolette Jones' biography of Samuel Plimsoll MP (1824-1898), the Victorian campaigner who created the Plimsoll Line to prevent 'coffin-ships.' Discover how this whistle-blower spent 20 years fighting ruthless shipowners to save sailors' lives.

The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:47:01 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1873 novel 'The Eustace Diamonds,' following the cunning Lizzie Eustace's battle to keep a £10,000 necklace from her late husband's family. Discover why this Palliser novel disappoints despite its promising villainess.

Phineas Finn by Anthony Trollope

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:52:04 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1867 novel 'Phineas Finn,' following an Irish MP's rise in Westminster society and his romantic entanglements with Lady Laura Standish and Violet Effingham. Discover Trollope's portrayal of parliamentary life during the 1867 Reform Act.

Lady Colin Campbell: Victorian Sex Goddess by G H Fleming

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:25:40 +0100

A review of G H Fleming's 'Lady Colin Campbell: Victorian Sex Goddess,' exploring one of British legal history's most dramatic divorce cases. Discover how Gertrude Blood fought her syphilis-raddled husband in court and pioneered women's rights in 1886.

Paul Ferroll by Caroline Clive

Sat, 16 May 2009 14:36:26 +0100

A review of Caroline Clive's controversial 1855 novel 'Paul Ferroll,' a unique early sensation novel where a murderous Victorian gentleman escapes moral judgment. Discover why this psychological drama shocked readers and influenced authors like Wilkie Collins.

The Mysterious Miss Marie Corelli: Queen of Bestsellers by Teresa Ransom

Tue, 12 May 2009 14:46:40 +0100

A review of Teresa Ransom's 'The Mysterious Marie Corelli - Queen of Bestsellers,' exploring the contradictory life of Victorian England's most popular novelist. Discover how this anti-suffrage bestselling author lived with another woman while writing about marriage as women's destiny.

Servants of the Supernatural

Mon, 11 May 2009 17:30:16 +0100

A review of Antonio Melechi's 'Servants of the Supernatural,' exploring Victorian fascination with mesmerism, spiritualism, and the occult. Discover eclectic accounts from Franz Anton Mesmer's animal magnetism to Daniel Dunglas Home's controversial séances.

The Sorrows of Satan by Marie Corelli

Thu, 07 May 2009 17:45:43 +0100

A review of Marie Corelli's bizarre 1895 novel 'The Sorrows of Satan,' featuring a Faustian pact with the devil and a thinly disguised self-portrait. Discover Corelli's narcissistic attack on critics and New Woman novelists through this extraordinary Victorian bestseller.

George Grossmith: Biography of a Savoyard by Tony Joseph

Sat, 02 May 2009 17:58:30 +0100

A review of Tony Joseph's 'George Grossmith: Biography of a Savoyard,' exploring the life of the Gilbert and Sullivan star who co-created 'The Diary of a Nobody.' Discover how this talented entertainer shaped Victorian culture through opera and literature.

Aubrey Beardsley by Matthew Sturgis

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:38:24 +0100

A review of Matthew Sturgis' biography of Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898), exploring the decadent artist's brief but influential life. From his Brighton schooldays to The Yellow Book and his controversial link to Oscar Wilde, this lavishly illustrated biography captures how Beardsley became a defining figure of the Fin de Siècle movement.

The Story of a Modern Woman by Ella Hepworth Dixon

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:38:25 +0100

A review of Ella Hepworth Dixon's 1894 novel 'The Story of a Modern Woman,' following Mary Erle's struggles as an independent woman earning her living through art and writing in London. Discover John Sutherland's 'greatest unread novel of female struggle.'

Mrs Humphry Ward: Eminent Victorian, Pre-Eminent Edwardian by John Sutherland

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:27:53 +0100

A review of John Sutherland's biography of Mary Augusta Ward (Mrs Humphry Ward), the bestselling Victorian novelist who wrote 'Robert Elsmere' and campaigned against women's suffrage. Discover the contradictions of this Arnold family member who championed education while opposing votes for women.

Thou Art the Man by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:41:37 +0100

A review of Mary Elizabeth Braddon's 1894 novel 'Thou Art the Man,' exploring themes of heredity, madness, and degeneration. Discover how this later work reworks 'Lady Audley's Secret' with female detectives unmasking degenerate male villains in Victorian sensation fiction.

Dr Wortle's School by Anthony Trollope

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:17:47 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1881 novel 'Dr Wortle's School,' written in just three weeks. Discover how Dr Wortle faces scandal when his schoolmaster's wife is revealed as a bigamist, exploring themes of forgiveness versus moral absolutes.

Ideala by Sarah Grand

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:56:03 +0100

A review of Sarah Grand's 'Ideala,' an early New Woman novel exploring a woman's choice between leaving her adulterous husband or becoming an independent singleton. Discover Grand's proto-modernist narrative techniques and feminist themes in this 1888 Victorian fiction.

The Vicar of Bullhampton by Anthony Trollope

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:26:27 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1870 novel 'The Vicar of Bullhampton,' exploring Mary Lowther's marriage dilemma and Vicar Fenwick's struggles with Christian forgiveness. Discover Trollope's complex examination of the Woman Question and social morality.

Miss Mackenzie by Anthony Trollope

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:34:38 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1865 novel 'Miss Mackenzie,' following a plain, middle-aged spinster who inherits £12,000 and attracts fortune-hunting suitors. Discover Trollope's exploration of women's independence and the right to exist on one's own terms.

The Disastrous Mrs Weldon by Brian Thompson

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:55:01 +0100

A review of Brian Thompson's biography 'The Disastrous Mrs Weldon,' chronicling Georgina Weldon's extraordinary life of legal battles, escaping asylum commitments, and holding composer Charles Gounod captive. Discover this controversial Victorian woman's fight against medical and patriarchal authority.

Rachel Ray by Anthony Trollope

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 11:05:38 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1863 novel 'Rachel Ray,' set in pastoral Baslehurst where young Rachel's romance with Luke Rowan faces opposition from her evangelical sister Mrs Prime. Discover Trollope's examination of politics, religion, and women's property rights.

Cousin Henry by Anthony Trollope

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:23:43 +0100

A review of Anthony Trollope's 1880 novel 'Cousin Henry,' featuring Henry Jones who inherits his uncle's estate while concealing knowledge of a later will favouring cousin Isabel Brodrick. Discover Trollope's masterful character study of guilt and moral weakness.

Harry Price the Psychic Detective by Richard Morris

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A review of Richard Morris' biography 'Harry Price: The Psychic Detective,' revealing how the famous ghost investigator was often responsible for the phenomena he claimed to debunk. Discover the darker side of this charlatan showman who fooled the public while chasing recognition.