Gossip In The First Decade Of Victoria's Reign
John Ashton
Read by David Wales
"I have written this Gossip not only for the edification of those to whom a portion, more or less, may be news, but for those who, like myself, have lived through the whole of Queen Victoria's reign, to whom the remembrance of things, almost forgotten, may bring pleasure and excite interest. The items, herein displayed, have been gathered from many sources, and their authenticity is guaranteed by giving the name of the authority whence they were taken, in very many instances ipsissima verba, as paraphrasing would rob them of their freshness and individuality. (From Author’s Preface) Gossip here should be understood as informal, unrestrained talk or writing, esp. about people or social incidents. (Shorter Oxford English Dictionary). John Ashton was an historian and a prolific writer, unjustly forgotten, of social mores, customs, and daily life of the English Regency as well as before and after. This book about Victoria’s early reign is the last of some thirty books about various preceding eras. The chapter titles here contain only a couple of the many interesting people and events contained in the chapter.
- Summary by Author's Preface and david wales (10 hr 59 min)
Chapters
Reviews
Phxjennifer
Well narrated collection of 19th century trivia, including the antics of young aristocrats, ringing doorbells and stealing the knockers and knobs, to a vicious rumor war against a lady-in-waiting. The author quotes memoirs, newspapers, court transcripts, 'Punch', and plenty of satirical verse.
Great stuff.
JD
Anyone curious about mid 19 century Britain will enjoy this. Good account of the railway boom and bust, also the Chartists' activities and the Irish potato famine. Excellent reader too. Thanks!
GOSSIP YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD
WarrenJ
Delightful fleshing out of English Victorian events, personalities and attitudes through newspaper reports, verse from Punch etc. Nicely read.