In the footsteps of Thomas Hardy by Mary Anne Yarde #amreading #ThomasHardy @nationaltrust

In the footsteps of Thomas Hardy

 By Mary Anne Yarde

Can you remember when you first read a novel written by Thomas Hardy? I can. I was thirteen, and at the time the publishing house Penguin had started producing 99p Classics, here in the UK. Having no notion of who Thomas Hardy was I picked up a copy of Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Consequently, my love affair with Hardy's work began. By the age of 16 I had read all of Hardy's novels, and then I had the joy of studying his poetry at A'Level.

Tess of the d'Ubervilles was first published in Britain in The Graphic, where it appeared in weekly instalments between July and November 1891

Thomas Hardy was born in 1840 in Dorchester. His father, Thomas, was a stonemason and builder, his mother, Jemima , was well-read and taught Thomas his letters and continued his education until he was eight years old. By which time, Thomas was old enough to go to a school at Bockhampton. Later he went to Mr Last's Academy for Young Gentlemen in Dorchester. His teachers saw his potential, but unfortunately, the Hardy's were not in a position to send Thomas onto university.

"Hardy's Cottage" This is where Hardy grew up. The house is now managed by The National Trust.

So instead, Thomas became an apprentice to a local architect, James Hicks. Thomas was a very gifted architect. He moved to London in 1862 and attended King's College. He won numerous prizes for his work, but London did not suit him. He missed the rolling hills of Dorset. He also became deeply distressed by what he witnessed. Social injustice was everywhere. He became very interested in social reform.

Thomas moved back to Dorset, and it was then that he decided to try his hand at some part-time writing.

Thomas's first book The Poor Man And The Lady failed to find a publisher. It had made for some uncomfortable reading and the world was not ready for Hardy’s take on social justice just yet. The next two books he published under a nom de plume. While working on Under A Greenwood Tree, Hardy met and fell in love with Emma Gifford. Hardy wrote about their courtship in A Pair Of Blue Eyes.

In 1874, Hardy release Far From The Madding Crowd. It was a great success. At last, Hardy could give up architectural work and pursue a literacy career. Two more books followed, and Hardy had enough money to design and build a house for him and his wife. He moved to Max Gate in 1885.

Max Gate. The house is now managed by The National Trust.

Here he wrote some of his most significant works. Most notable Tess Of The d'Urbervilles.

The study in which Hardy wrote Tess.

 When Tess was published, Hardy faced a backlash from critics. The book was too scandalous. How can a fallen woman, a murderer, be a heroine of a story? Of course, it was an instant hit with Hardy's readers! And he became something of a celebrity, with eager fans waiting outside of his house to catch a glimpse of him. Hardy was a very private man, and he hated this attention. He planted trees around the perimeter of his house. He even designed and made some shutters that he could raise up and cover half the window in their dining room so he could eat in relative peace without a group of people nosing in through the windows.

The garden at Max Gate

Hardy's success however, did not make for a happy home. Both Hardy and Emma were bitterly disappointed that they could not have a child. And as time wore on love turned to dislike. Hardy became fed up with Emma trying to take credit for his stories. Dislike turned to something very close to hate.

Hardy published Jude The Obscure in 1895. It did not go down well with his critics. Some bookshops sold Jude in a brown paper bag — so scandalous was it for the time. Bishop of Wakefield, Walsham How, burned his copy of the book. Hardy replied to this attack by saying:

"After these verdicts from the press, its next misfortune was to be burnt by a bishop – probably in his despair at not being able to burn me."

He only published one other book after this. It is argued that Hardy gave up writing after the criticism he received for both Tess and Jude.

In 1912 Emma became very ill with impacted gallstones. Emma's maid found her first thing in the morning in a state of great distress. Hardy was called, but by the time he got to his wife's chamber, Emma was unconscious. She died soon after. While going through her things, Hardy came across a book that Emma had written about her life. To start with her life was filled with passion and adventure but by the end, there was only bitterness and hate. Hardy was overcome with guilt at how his indifference had affected her. This guilt was something he never got over, even though he dedicated many hours in writing poetry about his Emma.

The study where Hardy wrote his poetry.

Hardy hated the small square window panes, but he could not afford two full side panes, so he had two medium size ones made. That way he could look out on the garden without the frames getting in his way!

In 1914, Hardy married his secretary, Florence Emily Dugdale.

Florence Emily Dugdale

 They had a happy marriage, although Emma's ghost was a constant companion to Hardy. They hosted many dinner parties, but for their guests, it could be a very traumatic affair. The Hardy's had a somewhat infamous dog called Wessex. Wessex had a bit of a temper problem. He was vicious, and the Hardy's did nothing to discipline him. Wessex was not only allowed to come into the dining room when they were eating, but he was allowed to sit on the table and growl, nip and bite anyone who annoyed him. 

The Hardy's dining table, set for afternoon tea.

Unsurprisingly the Hardy's had some trouble keeping staff during Wessex's reign. For the dog was not choosey whom he bit. 

"The Famous Dog, Wessex — Faithfully Unflinching" Wessex's tombstone in the pet cemetery at Max Gate. 

Hardy died on 11th January 1921. His ashes were buried at Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey, but his heart was laid to rest in the grave of his first wife, Emma.

"I am the family face;

Flesh perishes, I live on..."

Heredity by Thomas Hardy

Mary Anne Yarde

Mary Anne Yarde is the multi award-winning author of the International Bestselling Series — The Du Lac Chronicles. Set a generation after the fall of King Arthur, The Du Lac Chronicles takes you on a journey through Dark Age Briton and Brittany, where you will meet new friends and terrifying foes. Based on legends and historical fact, The Du Lac Chronicles is a series not to be missed.

Born in Bath, England, Mary Anne Yarde grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury — the fabled Isle of Avalon — was a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were part of her childhood.

Mary Anne loves to hear from readers. You can find her: Website/Blog •  Twitter • Facebook.

Folklore of Cornwall — and the Ghost Hunter of Talland by Johanna Craven #Cornwall #Folklore #History @JohannaCraven

Folklore of Cornwall — and the Ghost Hunter of Talland.

By Johanna Craven

Even today, Cornwall, on the southwest tip of England, is rugged, remote and isolated. It is a place of wild seas, sharp cliffs and moorland so far-flung you could believe you are the only person left on earth. The landscape is littered with stone circles and smugglers’ tunnels. Ghost stories abound. Life-like stone piskies watch around corner. It’s a place that makes it easy to believe in mystery and magic.

We can only imagine how this place must have felt in the eighteenth century; an era without trains or telephones in which I have chosen to set my latest book, Bridles Lane. At this time, the main road across Bodmin Moor, connecting Cornwall with the rest of the country was still a century away. Englishmen from other counties were known as ‘foreigners’, giving a sense of just how cut-off Cornwall was from the rest of the country.

The age of enlightenment was slow to reach superstitious Cornwall and in the 1700’s, the Cornish relied heavily on folk tales to make sense of their wild world. Boulders were remains of giants’ battles, the moors were populated by fairies and the sea was home to mermaids and monsters. A shipwreck would see a coast haunted for eternity. And if you listened carefully to the howling wind; you would hear the name of the next man to die.

The existence of ghosts and demons, of course, was undeniable. Both were things to be feared and both— if you asked the Cornish–  ran rife through their villages. Enter Richard Dodge, vicar of the tiny village of Talland, and the county’s famous ghost hunter.

Known for his elaborate exorcisms in Bridles Lane outside his church, a superstitious population meant Dodge’s services were in high demand. A record of the vicar’s most famous “laying of the spirits” can be found today in the Talland Church archives. In 1725, Dodge received a letter from Mr Gryllis, rector at nearby Lanreath. His people, Gryllis claimed, were tormented by ghostly visions and he had come to Dodge for assistance. Together, Dodge and Gryllis ventured out to Blackadown Moor near the Fowey River. There— if the records are to be believed— the men encountered a ghostly carriage, driven by a headless horseman. Inside, Dodge claimed, rode the devil himself. But the vicar would not be defeated. He ordered the devil back to Hell and shrunk the ghostly carriage to the size of a mouse.

Talland Church. John Piper, 1944 www.pinterest.co.uk

Through modern eyes, we can see Dodge’s antics were a cover for the smuggling so prevalent in the area. Thanks to his tales of ghosts and demons, the main road through town would be empty by nightfall, leaving the path clear for the local smuggling gang to carry their contraband up from the beach and hide it safely in the church. But even with this knowledge, can we say for certain there was nothing to Dodge’s ghost stories? Walk the moors of Cornwall at night and you’ll find your mind wondering just what is hiding in the dark… 

Bridles Lane

Cornwall, England. 1740.

They say only the brave ride Bridles Lane at night.

Vicar Richard Dodge speaks of ghosts and demons, conducting elaborate exorcisms in his churchyard overlooking the lane. And with the villagers sheltering in fear, local smugglers carry their haul up the road to be hidden in the safety of the church.

Isaac and Scarlett Bailey have spent their lives hiding contraband in Talland church. Forced into free trade by their father's mistakes, they want nothing more than to escape the smuggling syndicate and build a life above the law.

On the other side of Bridles Lane, Flora Kelly has grown up in the shadow of her mother, the village charmer. Sceptical of her mother's craft, Flora reopens her family's tavern, determined that her life will not be one of fortune telling and herbal lore.

When a seemingly abandoned ship is wrecked in Talland Bay, it sparks a wave of hysteria among the superstitious villagers. Faith in the vicar wavers and Flora feels herself drawn to the controversial old ways of her mother. Among growing unrest, the mystery of the wrecked ship deepens, unearthing long-forgotten secrets that will tear a village- and a family- apart.

Inspired by true events, 'Bridles Lane' is the first book in the West Country Trilogy, from the author of 'Forgotten Places' and 'The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea'.

Amazon

Johanna Craven

Johanna Craven is an historical fiction writer, pianist and film composer. She has lived on three continents and currently divides her time between London and Melbourne. She loves ghost-hunting, cooking (and eating) and plays the Celtic fiddle very badly.

Johanna released her first novel Music from Standing Waves in 2015 before signing with Endeavour Media for her second novel The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. She is currently writing the West Country Trilogy, inspired by true events from 18^th century Cornwall. Book One, Bridles Lane is available now.  

Johanna loves to hear from readers, you can find her: Website • Facebook • Twitter • GoodReads.

Author’s Inspiration ~ Paul Bennett #History #America #HistoricalFiction @hooverbkreview

Author’s Inspiration

Paul Bennett

The inspiration to write was, in the beginning, merely to see if I could do it.  I had written short pieces over the years but to tackle a full blown novel was a daunting prospect.  Once the seed was planted I came up with a rough idea of telling the story of three siblings living somewhere in colonial America.  Choosing that general locale was a natural fit for me as I’ve been a lifelong student of American history and I felt that if I was going to write a historical fiction novel, it might be prudent to choose a subject I knew a little about. I picked The French and Indian War as the starting point for what was now becoming a possible series of books that would follow the Mallory clan through the years.  That war intrigued me and I saw a chance to tell the story through the eyes of the Mallory family.  It also provided me with the opportunity to tell the plight of the Native Americans caught up in this conflict.  The French and Indian War paved the way for the colonies to push further west into the Ohio River area.  It also set the stage for the events of the 1770’s.  Britain incurred a huge debt winning that war and looked to the colonies for reimbursement in the form of new taxes and tariffs.  Well, we all know how those ungrateful colonists responded. 

An inspiration for the last couple of chapters in Clash came about because I grew up in Detroit, MI. the site of Pontiac’s Rebellion.  When France lost, the tribes that sided with them found themselves under the thumb of the British, a situation that became intolerable due to the harsh methods of Jeffrey Amherst.  A coalition of tribes arose under the Ottawa chief Pontiac so even though the war was over, conflict continued.  That was too good a setting to ignore so I made sure my protagonists were part of the action.

As to the name Mallory – I have a photo hanging on my living room wall of my great grandfather, Harry Mallory.  I got to know him when I was a young boy and was always glad when we visited him.  He lived a good portion of his life in western Pennsylvania which is where much of Clash of Empires takes place.  So, as a gesture to my forebears, Mallory became the name of the family. 

One thing I have learned while writing Clash is that the characters I created, that I gave life to, often have minds of their own. I’ll have an idea where I want a particular passage, scene, or conversation to go, but when I start writing that bit something happens. It’s as if my characters have hijacked my fingers and voilà, a new idea is born. I suspect that this activity on the part of my characters is part of a conspiracy concocted and led by my feisty Muse. She seems to delight in surprising me, often while I am driving to and from work. One day I spied a bald eagle flying overhead as I was passing Minuteman National Park, the site of the famous battle of Lexington and Concord that began the Revolutionary War. I know that was my Muse in the guise of an eagle, scouting out the area for the chapter I was soon to write about that battle.

Clash Of Empires

A Novel Of The French & Indian Wars

Thomas and Abigail Mallory move their family from their farm on the Susquehanna River to a frontier trading post near Fort Duquesne (modern day Pittsburgh) at a time when the French and the British both seek to control the lucrative fur trade along the Ohio River.  Clash of Empires is the story of the Mallory family as they are caught up in the conflict that would become The French and Indian War.  It is a tale of the three Mallory siblings, Daniel. Liza and Liam and their involvement in the conflict; the emotional trauma of lost loved ones, the bravery they exhibit in battle situations; the friendships they develop with the young, first time militia commander George Washington, and the friends, or enemies, made with many of the Native American tribes caught up the war. Clash of Empires is the first book in The Mallory Saga, a saga that will follow the Mallory clan through the making of the United States, and its rise to power in the 19^th century.

Amazon US   •  Amazon UK

Paul Bennett

Paul’s education was of the public variety and when he reached Junior High he discovered that his future did not include the fields of mathematics or science.  This was generally the case throughout his years in school as he focused more on his interest in history; not just the rote version of names and dates but the causes.

Paul studied Classical Civilization at Wayne State University with a smattering of Physical Anthropology thrown in for good measure.  Logically, of course, Paul spent the next four decades drawing upon that vast store of knowledge working in large, multi-platform data centers, and is considered in the industry as a bona fide IBM Mainframe dinosaur heading for extinction.

Paul currently resides in the quaint New England town of Salem, Massachusetts with his wife, Daryl.  The three children have all grown, in the process turning Paul’s beard gray, and have now provided four grandchildren; the author is now going bald.

Paul loves to hear from readers, you can find him: Blog Twitter