speaking of 19th century literature

Posted on 1 November 2009 by lady dandelion

Speaking of industrial history – I must recommend Catherine Gaskell’s North and South. A brilliant novel of England and the industrialism in the 19th century, people, class, relations and a little bit of love. Also written by a lady with a sharp mind. It never turns into a political manifesto, but still manages to describe the time and its people, relations, opportunities and problems. Even if Catherine Gaskell is one of the big writers from that era, her books are not as widely known of as Jane Austen’s novels, but they are, just like Austens novels, still worth reading. North and South was also made into a BBC mini series a while ago, but the book is far better and more nuanced.

Posted in catherine gaskell, history, literature | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

november at the iron works

Posted on 1 November 2009 by lady dandelion

The mansion house where the owner of the Iron Works resided. Built in the 18th century.

These photos mightn’t be what comes to mind if one says Sweden and November, but they were taken a few days ago – during the suns regal visit that lasted one day – but what a day! The photos were taken in an old village with one of the oldest Iron works in Europe; Österbybruk. The mining, iron forging and smithy here goes back as long as the middle of the 15th century. During the 18th and 19th century it was the second biggest iron works in Sweden. A vast deal of this high quality iron was exported to the English industries in Sheffield. This kind of high quality iron could in times of high demand be almost as expensive as gold…

The cockerel on top of the Church of the Iron Works.

The old orangery – still in use during summer time.

Posted in autumn, history, scandinavia, seasons, wind vanes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments