Looking for a Scottish Jane Austen

[sheilajim]

Hi All

So far I have found few reference books that deal with the general population of Scotland. I suppose that there were few things written about ordinary people.

With that in mind, I was wondering if there are any novels, (preferably written by woman) in Scotland, in the 18th and 19th centuries. Even though they would be fiction, they could give us a glimpse on how people lived back then. Examples of how they wore their hair, travelled, etc.

Does anyone know where I could find such novels?

Regards

[Anne H]

Hi Sheila,

Have you been watching the complete series of Jane Austen on PBS recently...I loved all six adaptions

I found this site with the mention of three books by Susan Ferrier...might help
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Author:Su ... ne_Ferrier

http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Marriage
Quote:
"She may be said to have done for Scotland what Jane Austen and Maria Edgeworth have respectively done for England and Ireland—left portraits, painted in undying colours, of men and women that will live for ever in the hearts and minds of her readers".

I haven't read any of the books yet to give you a review...and too tired tonight

Regards,
Anne H

[Anne H]

http://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC0 ... =1#PPP9,M1

Well now...this is no Jane Austen, but has sketches of dress for men and women from the late 1700's...even has prices. I don't think much of the styles, but if nothing else, you'll get a laugh at some of the sketches. Women and their toiletries...putting in their teeth, putting their big wigs on a baldy heid, etc. Those were the days

Now I'm going to bed...Sorry Andrew, I tried to shorten the link, but it didn't work for me

Regards,
Anne H

[Currie]

Usually the Google Book URLs work okay if you chop them off after the PA** number. All that happens with the full view books is that you lose the highlighting of the searched text. This particular book may be one of those with copyright uncertainties that are viewable only in the U.S.A. because I can’t see the content. But you make it sound interesting Anne.

http://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC0 ... g=RA2-PA51

I can’t say I’ve ever read Jane Austen, I’ve only seen the odd screen adaptation. They always left me with the impression that the primary depiction of 18/19th century life therein was of rich people with big houses and fancy clothes with no obvious need of any form of employment. But I guess novels would tend to be written by the well-to-do and wouldn’t normally describe the mundane existence of the great unwashed.

The following Google Book is a real struggle to read on line and is best downloaded. Three of the four parts are available. It is said to contain 356 etchings and to open a window onto everyday life in Edinburgh in the 18th century.

A Series of Original Portraits and Caricature Etchings. By John Kay 1838.
http://www.google.com.au/books?id=k68EA ... frontcover

But if want to get into the doom and gloom of the slums of Glasgow you could try this book. Unfortunately there are no photographs despite the title.

Midnight scenes and social photographs By Alexander Brown Published 1858
http://www.google.com.au/books?id=T6UHA ... frontcover

If you search Google Images for "18th century" you’ll find interesting images which may lead to helpful sites.

Hope there’s something useful there Sheila,
Alan

[sheilajim]

Hi Anne and Alan

Anne, like you, I have been watching the PBS presentations of Jane Austen. The only two productions that I didn't like were the ones of Persuasion and Mansfield Park. I liked all the rest, especially the Jennifer Ehle/Colin Firth version of Pride and Prejudice. I also liked the version of Emma very well. I am a great fan of Jane Austen, and have read her books many times over the years.

Thank you both for the links. The styles of the clothes are so funny. I wish that I could buy these books, as I don't like reading on a computer. One of these interesting books is for sale, but the cheapest starts at $800.00.

Alan, I know most novels are written about well- to -do families. I suppose that one reason for that is because poorer people weren't able to write, and even if they were, readers didn't want to hear about them.

Thank you both for your interest.

Regards

[Anne H]

Hi Alan,
Thanks for the shortened link…I’ll have to try to remember to chop off everything after the number.

I haven’t actually read any of Jane Austen’s books either, but after seeing the new series on PBS, I think I might do so, just to see how close they are to the originals…you’re right though, most novels were probably written by the well-to-do, or at least, those with time on their hands.

I’ve had a quick glimpse at the two books you suggested, and so far, they are both extremely interesting and have been added to my collection for reading later. I think the one about the Glasgow people will be especially eye opening…the difference between 'those who have' and 'those who have not', is shocking, but I suppose that was life then…and unfortunately, still is for many poor people in third world counties today!

Regards,
Anne H

[Anne H]

Hi Sheila,
My favourite was also Pride and Prejudice with Jennifer and Colin. Emma was on last week again, and Sense and Sensibility is coming on this Sunday…this time, I’m recording both and hope that the others will be shown again so that I can tape those also.

Sheila wrote:

One of these interesting books is for sale, but the cheapest starts at $800.00.

A bit beyond my means, too!


Sheila wrote:

I know most novels are written about well- to -do families. I suppose that one reason for that is because poorer people weren't able to write, and even if they were, readers didn't want to hear about them.

I’m not sure that’s exactly true, Sheila, although the well-to-do families do get more notice…and people can dream of something better.

I can name two authors off the top of my head…Janet Hamilton, a shoemaker’s wife in Coatbridge. She wrote in poetic style about the life and times of the people of the Coatbridge area, and although not all great writings, she was well thought of, and told it like it was with only a few mentions of the well-to-do. You get a good glimpse of life in Coatbridge in the 1800’s for the ordinary folk.

Then there is my supposed ancestor, James Hogg who has many writings, although, I’ve never yet read any of them, only little glimpses. His father fell on hard times and James became a shepherd boy, albeit, giving him time to let his imagination run rampant…but neither of these authors were in any way wealthy or well educated, but were both self-taught and wrote of the 'not so wealthy families'.

Life was hard, but some people made it work for them.

Regards,
Anne H

[Malcolm]

There was a Female Poet from Carnock in nineteenth century Fife who, from what I have seen specialised in social commentary. This might fall into fiction for some.
Other than that I can only think of Louise Yeoman, also from Fife who wrote Reportage Scotland. A fine book by a fine writer.
M
Ref Reportage Scotland. "Scottish History in the voices of those who were there"

[WilmaM]

There is always Annie S. Swan 1859–1943.

She wrote lots of books, mainly based around the Gorebridge area of Mid Lothian, where she lived.

Not quite Austin period and tend to be "2 Kleenex boxes" type, but a good read non-the-less.

[sheilajim]

Hi Malcolm & Wilma

These are two more that I will have to put on my list. There seem to be more women writers in England than in Scotland for some reason.

Regards