Gossip In The First Decade Of Victoria's Reign


Read by David Wales

(4.5 stars; 7 reviews)

"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

Preface 1:18 Read by David Wales
Chapter 1 1837 The Queen's Accession, Funeral Of The King, etc 23:34 Read by David Wales
Ch 2 1837 Thames Tunnel Flooded, First Mention Of The Nelson Column, etc 23:35 Read by David Wales
Ch 3 1838 Destruction Of The Royal Exchange, Sale Of The Salvage, etc 21:50 Read by David Wales
Ch 4 1838 Lords and Pugilists, "Penny Gaffs," etc 22:46 Read by David Wales
Ch 5 1838 Thom The Religious Fanatic, His Riots And Death, etc 16:39 Read by David Wales
Ch 6 1838 The Queen's Coronation, The Carriages, etc 28:32 Read by David Wales
Ch 7 1838 Genesis Of The "Charter," London And North-Western Railway, etc 24:34 Read by David Wales
Ch 8 1839 Death Of Lord Norbury, Birth Of Photography, etc 28:05 Read by David Wales
Ch 9 1839 Queen Elizabeth's Statue, The Ladies Of The Bed-chamber, etc 21:55 Read by David Wales
Ch 10 1839 The Eglinton Tournament, Sale Of Armour, etc 21:50 Read by David Wales
Ch 11 1839 The Chartists: Their Going To Church, Dissolution Of The Conventio… 14:50 Read by David Wales
Ch 12 1840 Commencement Of Penny Post, Postage Stamps, etc 26:50 Read by David Wales
Ch 13 1840 The Mulready Envelope, Plans Of Royal Exchange Decided On, etc 23:39 Read by David Wales
Ch 14 1840 Lord Cardigan And The "Black Bottle" Case, Lord Cardigan's Duel Wi… 21:49 Read by David Wales
Ch 15 1841 Death Of Scott The American Diver, Prince Albert's Ducking, etc 29:31 Read by David Wales
Ch 16 1841 Story Of An Irish Informer, Steam Cars, etc 26:02 Read by David Wales
Ch 17 1842 Foundation Of Royal Exchange Laid, Medal Connected Therewith, etc 22:35 Read by David Wales
Ch 18 1842 The Royal "Bal Costume", The Queen Shot At By Francis And By Bean 25:26 Read by David Wales
Ch 19 1843 Murder Of Mr. Drummond, Rebecca And Her Daughters, etc 20:46 Read by David Wales
Ch 20 1843 Gretna Green Parsons, Number Of Marriages, etc 22:23 Read by David Wales
Ch 21 1843 Exhibition Of Cartoons, A Duel, etc 20:22 Read by David Wales
Ch 22 1844 A Child For Sale, Trial Of Daniel O'Connell, etc 19:58 Read by David Wales
Ch 23 1844 An English Dinner, Consols At Par, etc 23:51 Read by David Wales
Ch 24 1845 Murder By Tawell, Curious Story, etc 22:26 Read by David Wales
Ch 25 1845 The Queen's Costume Ball, Copper Coinage Of William IV, etc 21:58 Read by David Wales
Ch 26 1845 The Railway Mania, Deposit Of Plans 14:27 Read by David Wales
Ch 27 1846 Collapse Of The Railway Mania, Sheriffs' Officers, etc 25:32 Read by David Wales
Ch 28 1846 The Last Post Office Bell-man, The "Corn Law" Act, etc 23:44 Read by David Wales
Ch 29 1847 Medals for The Army And Navy, Grenville Library, etc 18:22 Read by David Wales

Reviews


(4 stars)

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.


(5 stars)

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


(4 stars)

Delightful fleshing out of English Victorian events, personalities and attitudes through newspaper reports, verse from Punch etc. Nicely read.