The world of books and art, 1789 – 1914
Book review – Bodysnatchers by Suzie Lennox (2016). Digging up the untold stories of Britain's Resurrection Men This was my Christmas read, and one of the most enjoyable non-fiction books I've read for some time. A bit surprising given the subject matter; corpses, the desecration of graves and dissection of cadavers in Georgian era Britain.... Continue Reading →
Book review – The Gulag Archipelago – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn [pub. 1974] The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is an account of the Soviet Union's forced labour camp system. Apart from the prominence of ice and snow you probably think that it wouldn't make ideal Christmas reading. But let me give you three reasons why you... Continue Reading →
Crime in a rapidly changing society Reading the novels of Jane Austen one might be forgiven for thinking that hers was a calm and relaxing period in which to live (1775-1817). “Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.” ― Jane Austen Far from it. The economy of the country was going... Continue Reading →
The Long Victorian 