About

Join me for a plunge into the literary and artistic world of the Long Nineteenth Century, c.1789 – 1914.

Frequently asked questions: 

How can I contact you? My email address is the name of the blog (3 words with no spaces) followed by @gmail dot com – or get in touch via Twitter or Tumblr.

What is The Long Nineteenth Century?  The historian Eric Hobsbawm popularised the idea of a Long Nineteenth Century, 1789 to 1914 – taking us from the French Revolution to World War One. It is now a recognised category of literary history, though some prefer different dates.

Why are you doing this blog?  I started the blog to keep track of my own reading from this era but, like most projects, it grew (i.e. got out of hand!).

How do you choose the art? Selfishly. I don’t think “what would other people like”, the art I select is simply what I love, has made me feel, am intrigued by, sparks my imagination or sense of magic.

Are all your posts linked into the blog? No! At some point the blog became too large and cumbersome – I was told it had become difficult to navigate. So I changed WP “themes” and simplifed it. In the process some of the posts (one-third?) became orphans, disconnected publicly from the main blog. Oops. It doesn’t worry me, but it might mean a surprise post pops up at you occasionally.

Give us an indication of your favourite reads?  Middlemarch by George Eliot had my head reeling from the author’s powers. Eliot even questioned her own use of that power during the book. I love the world she created. My favourite ‘thumping good read’ is The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. I read the last page, made a mug of tea, and started it again. I didn’t want the spell it had cast over me to end. The Count of Monte Cristo [Review] comes a close second in that category, 1250+ pages and I wanted more. One of the most important books I’ve read is The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn [Review]. There are many “home truths” about each of us and the human condition to be found in that astonishing book. If you haven’t got the time to take it on, perhaps read his short novel, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.

Do you accept books from publishers for review?  In theory, yes – but I’ve politely declined most.

Do you place adverts on this blog? I have never put ads on the site. However, I use the free version of the software and therefore WordPress.com are entitled to insert ads whenever they like (and take any money they make from it). The only way for me to keep this site completely ad-free would be for me to pay for the premium version of WordPress – and I have no plans to do that – it would mean less money to spend on books or gallery trips!

Can I reblog your posts?  Yes, I have an open policy on reblogging. I only ask that you link back to The Long Victorian and give proper credit.

What is your background? Are you an academic?  No, I am not an academic. I was in the book trade, then a Chartered Librarian (university sector). I’ve also been a print seller and a project manager. I’m a lifelong art lover and reader.

[Last updated: 28 March 2023]