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Category Archives: People
The Gloucester Miser
Snippets 214. 184 years ago today, the “richest commoner” in Britain died. James (Jemmy) Wood made his money in banking, and had wealth of around £900,000. Calculating the value of that money in today’s terms is notoriously difficult, and depending … Continue reading
Posted in 19th Century, Books, Britain, England, History, People, Snippets
Tagged Book of Days, Gloucester Old Bank, Jemmy Wood, Misers, Robert Chambers
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Giant Feet and Rhinoceros Gums
Max of the Month 7. When reading non-fiction books from the 19th Century, one finds no shortage of great writers who have now been largely forgotten. However, occasionally a writer comes to light whose work is so entertaining, and who … Continue reading
Posted in 19th Century, Books, Britain, History, Humor, Humour, Max of the Month, People, Travel
Tagged John Bull and His Island, Max O'Rell, Women in history
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The Over-Excited Performer
Quick Quotes 35. The following quote is from an interview in the July 1904 issue of Talking Machine News with American recording engineer Mr J. D. Smoot, working in London making records for the International Talking Machine Company. “How does the … Continue reading
Posted in 20th Century, History, Humor, Humour, Magazines, Music, Newspapers, People, Quick Quotes
Tagged Gramophones, Talking Machine News, Technology
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Throw a Veil Over the Past
Max of the Month 6. When reading non-fiction books from the 19th Century, one finds no shortage of great writers who have now been largely forgotten. However, occasionally a writer comes to light whose work is so entertaining, and who … Continue reading
Posted in 19th Century, Books, History, Humor, Humour, Max of the Month, People, USA
Tagged Fashion, Jonathan and his Continent, Max O'Rell, Women in history
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At One with Nature
Quick Quotes 34. Every so often on Windows into History I have quoted from the very entertaining and interesting A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf, by John Muir. Muir (1838-1914) was a celebrated naturalist known as “John of the Mountains”, … Continue reading
Posted in 19th Century, History, Memoirs, Nature, People, Quick Quotes, Travel, USA
Tagged A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf, California, John Muir, Twenty Hollow Hill
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Generous and Humble Hospitality
Quick Quotes 33. The following quote is from Experiences of a Little Traveller, by Elisabeth Leonard Chapin, edited by her sister and published in 1898. Volo, Greece, May 28, 1891. I have just finished a most interesting trip of two … Continue reading
Posted in 19th Century, Books, History, Inspiration, People, Quick Quotes, Travel
Tagged Greece
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Lost in a Swamp
Snippets 209. John Muir (1838-1914) was a celebrated naturalist known as “John of the Mountains”, a key figure in the push for the establishment of National Parks in the USA. Today’s quote is taken from his account of A Thousand Mile … Continue reading
The Child Actor Who Caused a Riot
Snippets 208. Every so often a child actor rises to levels of fame that seems to eclipse that of their adult equivalents. It doesn’t happen all that often, but when a child actor makes a strong impact in a particular … Continue reading
Posted in 19th Century, Books, Britain, England, History, Memoirs, People, Snippets
Tagged Child Actors, Covent Garden Theatre, Theatre, William Betty
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“The Voice in the Box!”
Quick Quotes 32. The following quote is from the June 1904 issue of Talking Machine News: A correspondent, whose bona-fides is unquestionable, sends us particulars of a curious case of a madman and a talking machine. Ten years ago he was … Continue reading
Posted in 20th Century, History, Humor, Humour, Magazines, Newspapers, People, Quick Quotes
Tagged Gramophones, Talking Machine News, Technology
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A Widow’s Cruel Fate
Max of the Month 5. When reading non-fiction books from the 19th Century, one finds no shortage of great writers who have now been largely forgotten. However, occasionally a writer comes to light whose work is so entertaining, and who … Continue reading
Posted in 19th Century, Books, Britain, England, History, Humor, Humour, Max of the Month, People
Tagged Max O'Rell, Women in history
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Windows into History 