Violet Fenn

Secrets and Scandals in Regency Britain by Violet Finn is a 2022 publication.

With so many historical romance novels set during the Regency period one might get the impression the era was longer than it really was.

Yet, it remains one the most popular periods of history to read about or study, although it has been mythologized by lighter romantic stories featuring members of the Ton, and those proper Dukes, Viscounts, etc.

There are a few historical mystery series, though, that explore the darker aspects of this era in Britain- C.S. Harris's 'Sebastian St. Cyr' series, for one.

But, as far as nonfictional studies of the period, Violet Finn takes us on a journey through Regency Britain that gives the reader a sobering look at some of the most disturbing events, laws, and crimes of the time.

I would say that much of what is written here is not well-known and there are many obscure stories that are odd, disgusting, and horrifying, while others are quirky, or sad, but always very interesting.

This is a short book, but is packed with brief pieces of history, highlighting the harshness of life during this time, the prison system, the treatment of women, the poverty, tragedies, and includes a few recognizable names painting a vivid enough portrait of Regency Britain to send one off to do more in depth studies.

Overall, a well-researched book, very organized, fast moving and interesting. If you think you know a thing or two about the Regency era based on romance novels or Netflix series, this book will probably surprise you. For those who prefer looking at the realistic aspects of history, this book will get you off to a great start.

4 stars… (altro)

A quick review of the idea of the Vampire that begins with a basic examination of myth that may have contributed to the Vampire mystique (which can be found in almost any vampire reference), followed by a survey pop culture portrayals in literature, cinema, music and goth culture. Although presented as a summary, for somebody with only a passing interest in the concept, it was almost too long; but Violet's enthusiasm for the topic comes through and it was ultimately a very interesting read, just not late at night.

I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#AHistoryoftheVampireinPopularCulture #NetGalley… (altro)

Shallow

You only get a few pages into this book before you realize that Violet Fenn is not an academic historian nor is she used to writing long-form non-fiction. The book is disorganized, choppy and difficult to read. It sticks to North American and European popular culture and ignores all the hungry Asian vamps of film and fiction of which there are oodles. The scholarship is shallow.

This book feels like a bunch of blog posts strung together. The chronology is erratic and when the same topic, like Buffy, comes up in a different setting, some of the text is awfully similar. In the ARC, at least, there is not any graphical warning when topics change. I hope that a good book designer helps with the final edition.

I don't really think you will get much from this book.

I received a review copy of "A History of the Vampire in Popular Culture: Love at First Bite" by Violet Fenn from Pen & Sword History through NetGalley.… (altro)

A History of the Vampire in Popular Culture by Violet Fenn is a fun and informative look at the various incarnations of the vampire in popular culture as well as some thoughts about why we continue to enjoy them. What it says about us in relation to the changing presentation of the vampire.

One aspect of the book that will be either a positive or a negative for most readers is the way each chapter is almost a self contained essay. If you read several books at a time you may well approach a book like this as a book to read when you don't want to get back into a longer work of fiction or a nonfiction book that is building a single complex argument, you will appreciate what is periodic repetition since it largely serves to make each chapter a complete text. If you're reading this at one or two sittings, the repetition may become a bit much for you. I enjoyed having each chapter relatively freestanding.

This is less about "new" information and more about putting things into an historical context and considering what the changes might say about us a viewers/readers/listeners. Frankly, if your complaint is that there isn't enough "new" in here then I think you're mostly making that empty comment to falsely inflate your self-worth, but if it makes you feel good, go for it. There is not a lot of truly new information to be found and discovered, scholarship is largely about interpreting and analysis. And while this is a well-researched book it is not academic so does not fall under the strict concept of scholarship. Enjoy it for what it is and what it does. Some ideas to consider, some nostalgia to kindle the memory.

Recommended for readers who read for pleasure and have an interest in vampires and popular culture. Maybe a little less for those who have their self-image wrapped up in "knowing everything already," though frankly I think you do enjoy pretending to be all-knowing, so I guess I'd even recommend to you. I would just suggest other readers ignore those self-serving "reviews."

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (altro)