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Terror and Wonder: Exploring Gothic culture's roots in British literature
Highlights of the exhibition include a vampire slaying kit and 18th and 19th century Gothic fashions, as well as one of Alexander McQueen's catwalk creations. Also on display is a model of the Wallace and Gromit Were-Rabbit, showing how Gothic literature has inspired varied and colourful aspects of popular culture in exciting ways over centuries. more »
The Eye of the Needle: "Both needful and pleasant, and commendable in any woman"
The seventeenth century saw periodic and often raucous pamphlet wars over the status, roles and education of women. Many girls attended school but the curriculum they followed prioritized the attainment of socially acceptable skills and moral worth over intellectual achievement. more »
Culture Watch. A The Art of Mystery Writing: What’s in a Series? The Latest Books of Andrea Camilleri, Linda Fairstein, Robert Galbraith (J. K. Rowling), Donna Leon and Louise Penny
Jill Norgren Reviews: Why do mystery writers create a series? Obviously, the pleasure of developing characters over time has appeal as well as the opportunity to explore varying issues within an established framework. Doting fans and good money also speak to the attractiveness of the genre. On the other side of the table sit the readers. What is the pull of a series for them, and does a series ever lose its allure? more »
Can't Wait Until Downton Abbey's New Season? There's Always 'Breathless' Starting This Weekend
Set in London in 1961, "Breathless" follows the exploits of doctors, nurses, and spouses connected with a busy obstetrics ward at a National Health Service hospital. It's a time when gynecologists are all men and nurses aspire to a trip down the aisle with a good-looking doctor. Abortion is illegal, the Beatles are still nobodies, and society is on the cusp of profound change. more »