Emily BrandBesprekingen

I promise, promise, promise that I don't read all the knock-off Pride and Prejudice books out there. This caught my eye because it was in the non-fiction section of the library... In the Humorous/non-fiction section no less! So I picked it up and was appropriately appalled and amused in all the wrong places.

This is actually an imitation of old advice guides of the period and a mockery of those who are hard-core Darcy fans. And, if I had read this before Colin Firth, I would have supported her in every expressed sentiment. Darcy was proud, prejudiced, and incredibly snobby. And she captures that tone very well.

Consider his opinions on Flattery:
"Compliments are appropriate only once you are satisfied that she deserves to be praised."

A not entirely witty collection of quotes about marriage and relationships from the last 2,000 years.

Excellent research, dry reading

The Lord Byron that everyone remembers is the romantic poet who died fighting for the independence of Greece in the mid-19th century. However this George Byron was only the next in the line of reckless and profligate members of a diverse noble family who fell from power and riches over the preceding hundred years or so. This is an incredibly well-researched biography of that family following the escapades of various members through love, marriage, wild parties, scandal and poverty ending with the inheritance by a part-crippled, obscure heir. The family seat of Newstead Abbey is described with reverence and joy, the battles on the lake, the lack of funds allowing it to fall into the ruin depicted in the famous poem, and the story of the old retainer Joe Murray who saw so many of the family. I really enjoyed this book as the characters are so full of joie-de-vivre that they feel fictional, scandal follows scandal, and yet all of it is true and it offers a fascinating insight into high society in the 18th century.

Originally published on Tales to Tide You Over

I picked up this book for tidbits on the Regency courtship scene. Would that all research would be so enjoyable. I found the text delightful, though it made me long for Mr. Darcy's downfall as much as I do every time I reread Pride and Prejudice.

Miss Emily Brand did an excellent job in capturing the voice and nature of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy before his education at the hands of Elizabeth Bennet while the glimpses into the period and events surrounding them proved most entertaining. I do question the voracity of some of the gossip, but then they may have been reinterpreted for Mr. Darcy's purpose. The use of quotes from material close to the period also serves to educate in the manner of a historical resource but they are couched in the attitudes of Mr. Darcy such that they never drag or bore. This work brings to life the peculiarities of the late 1700s through early 1800s with a focus on the rules and expectations of society.

If you have an interest in Jane Austen or the Regency period, along with its prejudices and attitudes, this is an entertaining, educational read.

A humorous book for any Jane Austen fan. This work is a quick and easy read. Other Austen characters "contribute" to the book and there's a "Dear Mr. Darcy" section at the end.

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Obviously written from the perspective of a pre-Elizabeth Bennett Mr. Darcy, this volume instructs gentlemen, and, to a lesser extent, ladies on appropriate courtship behavior. It was absolutely brilliant and hilarious from start to finish! It was completely in keeping with Mr. Darcy's character. I would love to see a sequel written from Mr. Darcy's perspective after having achieved his own matrimony. The sections containing "contributions" from other Austen characters, as well as the "Ask Darcy" section at the end were very clever and amusing. All in all, this was an amusing, short read for any Austen or Regency fan.

"Invites readers into the byzantine and hilarious world of early-19th-century English romance in this faux dating—er, courtship—guide from the protagonist of Pride & Prejudice himself, Fitzwilliam Darcy...Reveals attitudes typical of his particular time and place...many subtle, funny anachronisms...He advises potential suitors to “be tall” or, if this is impossible, “invest in a monstrous tall hat,” and, in typical Darcian bluntness, “ensure that you are not utterly disgusting to behold.” ...Brand has done a delightful job recreating Darcy at his most cranky, aloof, and—yes—charming."—Publishers Weekly