Dear Subscriber,

September is upon us.  It seems just yesterday that the school-buses stopped trekking down our streets, and in a few short days, they'll be back.  And in another month, it will officially be autumn.  Already, I'm seeing splashes of reds and golds on the trees around town, though I can't imagine why, as it isn't as if we've had lots of really cold weather.  Although we've had weather cold enough to cause me to put on long sleeves twice so far - in August!

I'm also about to venture out on a rare vacation, so I won't be available for the first week of September.  I'll be back on the 9th.  So if anyone needs anything, just drop me a note, and I'll get to it as soon as I get home.

As you'll see below, in addition to our September e-edition, the next volume of Victorian Times Quarterly is now available, featuring the contents of our July, August and September magazines!

Now here's what we have for you in September:

• Shopkeepers' Advertising Novelties (The Strand, 1895) London shopkeepers had many ways of getting the attention of passers-by, including plates seemingly suspended in mid-air, a "living picture" of a donkey (featuring a living donkey!), a mummified cat, a two-headed goose, and funhouse mirrors.
• Garfield in London (Century, 1884) A fascinating excerpt from President Garfield's diary of his 1867 visit to London, including a lovely look at what the voyage from New York to London was like more than 150 years ago!
• Notes by an Artist Naturalist (The Girl's Own Paper, 1892-94)Beautifully illustrated monthly series by artist Fred Miller on the flora, fauna and lore of the season.
• My Diving-Dress (The Strand, 1894) A seeker of novel experiences finds that diving might best be left to the experts!
• How I Engage My Servants (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1877) "Before any steps are taken to inquire into character, a definite understanding should be come to between the mistress and servant. On this careful and definite agreement, most of the future comfort of both depends."
• Amusing Juvenile Answers (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1889) Odd answers to test questions are nothing new; amongst this delightful collection is the information that "a fort is a place to put men in, and a fortress is a place to put women in."
• The Prophet's Chamber (The Girl's Own Paper, 1901) On the best way to arrange a guest-room.
• Field Notes (Century, 1894) Naturalist John Burroughs explores a weasel's den and provides us with glimpses of some of the curiosities of nature.
• What Becomes of Lost Luggage (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1876) Curious items that go astray from ship and rail, including skeletons, loaded guns, and a host of contraband.
• Roddy the Rat (Windsor Magazine, 1898) A pet rat visits the opera.
• Fruit Puddings (The Girl's Own Paper, 1899)
• Practical Points of Law (The Girl's Own Paper, 1901) A series of fillers on various intriguing points of English law in Victorian times. In this issue: Wedlock; Dogs; Elementary Education.
• Pianoforte Fronts and How to Decorate Them, (The Girl's Own Paper, 1885) Beautiful patterns from artist Fred Miller.
• A Young Servant's Outfit, and What to Buy For It (The Girl's Own Paper, 1896) A look at what a servant girl is expected to wear, with details about the amounts of fabric required and the costs.
• The Rights and Obligations of Parents and Children (The Girl's Own Paper, 1891) A look at parental liability - including the surprising information that a parent is not liable for bills run up by their children!
  

Visit https://www.victorianvoices.net/VT/issues/VT-1909.shtml to download  this issue!

Or download it directly from DropBox:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n3bq0u7rhb1takw/VT-1909.pdf?dl=0

Victorian Times Quarterly #21 is Now Available

The latest volume of Victorian Times Quarterly is now available on Amazon, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.ca.

Victorian Times Quarterly #21 includes the contents of the July, August and September 2019 issues of Victorian Times.  This volume continues our gorgeous twelve-part series, "Notes by an Artist-Naturalist," with the incomparable artwork of Fred Miller.  Plus, it brings you articles on remarkable animal friendships, President Garfield's visit to London, notes on Victorian law, a look at British vs. American homes, some amazing figure-heads, the fate of the Bounty mutineers, and more.  Add it to your Victorian library today!

Find out more at https://www.victorianvoices.net/VT/VTQ/VTQ21.shtml

Victorian Bookmarks to Color

If you love to color, but are tired of your works of art ending up stored in a drawer, why not color a collection of bookmarks?  Bookmarks give your coloring a purpose - and you can enjoy the results of your artwork every single day.  They also make fantastic personal gifts.

This collection brings you 125 Victorian-themed bookmarks, including Victorian decorative motifs from books and magazines, floral designs, holiday bookmarks, and an extensive collection of stained glass designs, including a selection of French mosaic glass patterns from the 17th and 18th century. 

You'll also find some helpful tips on ways to protect and embellish your bookmarks so that they will last literally for years to come.  Bookmarks are the perfect "quick fix" coloring project, and this unique collection will keep you busy for weeks!

Find out more (and preview the complete collection) at https://www.victorianvoices.net/bookstore/coloring.shtml

Enjoy what's left of summer!

Your Intrepid Editor,
Moira Allen

editors@writing-world.com