Delving into the Journals and Diaries of Famous Writers + Artists

Delving into the Journals and Diaries of Famous Writers + Artists

You don’t have to be a writer to keep a diary, but there is no doubt that most writers kept extensive diaries during their life times. Diary-keeping serves a number of functions, often unique to the individual. It is a way to record down the happenings of daily life, to express private feelings, to make a record of life as it unfolds.  It is clear that writing a diary can has huge benefits - a way to de-stress, to process big emotions, to bring meaning and understanding to the complexity of life. It can also be a great way to store away memories. Opening up and reading an old diary can be transportive - taking you back years or even...

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Happy Galentine’s! My Favourite Friendships from Classic Literature

Happy Galentine’s! My Favourite Friendships from Classic Literature

Finally, a holiday that celebrates friendship! Galentine’s Day is a day to spend quality time with your nearest and dearest, preferably over cocktails!  While a lot has been said about some of the best romances in classic literature, today we have compiled a list of some of the best friendships in literature. These relationships are evidence that love comes in many forms, and we should never take our dear friends for granted. These stories show that real friends endure through thick and thin and promise to be at our side no matter what. So read on for our top 7 best friendships in literature!   Anne of Green Gables - Anne and Diana Anne of Green Gables (1985)  With Anne’s...

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A Tour of Writer's Homes Around the World

A Tour of Writer's Homes Around the World

If you’re an avid book reader, you will no doubt have wondered where your favourite titles were written - did the authors have a “room of their own”, a shed in the garden away from the noise, or just a simple desk in the corner?  While you can’t step into your favourite novels, you can visit the preserved homes of some of world’s greatest writers. You can walk down the streets and lanes they frequented, step into their hallways and spend a moment in their private spaces, where they wrote the literary masterpieces we cherish today. While book fandom is bigger than ever, flocking to visit the homes of famous authors is nothing new. In fact, the Bronte sisters became...

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Where Writers Go to Sleep: A Visit to London’s Highgate Cemetery

Where Writers Go to Sleep: A Visit to London’s Highgate Cemetery

On a hill above central London, on either side of a leafy, quiet street lies Highgate Cemetery - the last resting place of some of Britain’s most acclaimed authors, poets and journalists, artists and wealthy Victorians. Divided into two sections which straddle each side of the road, Highgate is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world.  Wide, tidy thoroughfares veer off into smaller paths where unkempt graves have been swallowed up by untamed greenery. A handy map given to you at the entrance will help you navigate to specific locations, but it is also nice to wander and explore. While Highgate was an illustrious place to be buried, for Victorians it was also a popular hang-out places. Having...

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A.A. Milne: The Beloved Creator of Winnie the Pooh

A.A. Milne: The Beloved Creator of Winnie the Pooh

  Winnie the Pooh and his friends are some of the most beloved characters of children’s literature. Before the myriad of cartoons and animated movies, toys and theme park rides, there were children’s books with simple but moving line drawings that brought these adorable creatures to life.   These books are so influential that they completely overshadowed their creator, who has always be known by his initials and, to most people, not much else. In this article, we’ll dive in to the background of this mysterious and endeavour to separate fact from fiction. A Young Milne Alan Alexander Milne was born on the 18th January, 1882 in Kilburn, London. His father ran a local independent school, Henley House, which he...

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5 Female Poets You Should Be Reading Right Now

5 Female Poets You Should Be Reading Right Now

To the uninitiated, poetry can be dull and pretentious. It might remind you of mind-numbingly boring English classes rather than engaging reading. But poetry is a huge part of literature, and even if you’ve overlooked up to this point, it’s never too late to start reading.  If you’re stuck with where to start, read our short primer of 5 major female poets. While you might of heard or even previously read a couple of them, we hope looking at them from a fresh perspective will help you to enjoy their work. Ever more so than novels, poetry is often deeply personal to the author. So knowing a little bit of background can really bring depth and meaning to what your...

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How to Have the Best Self-Care Cozy Reading Day

How to Have the Best Self-Care Cozy Reading Day

With shorter evenings, colder temperatures and fewer fun things to do outside, our natural inclination can be to burrow deeper into our duvets on days off and watch unhealthy amounts of Netflix. Or you end up doing a handful of random chores and not really relaxing much at all. If this sounds like you, then we have the perfect formula to the book-worm’s “self-care” day! Our step-by-step guide will take right through from lazy morning to a relaxing evening.   Step 1 : Breakfast All the best days off should always start with a delicious and slow breakfast. Since the mornings are cold now in the Northern Hemisphere, we recommend something warm. If spending time in the kitchen is not...

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Do Not Live Half a Life: The Life and Times of Kahlil Gibran

Do Not Live Half a Life: The Life and Times of Kahlil Gibran

  Despite being one of the most renowned writers in the world, the life of the poet Kahlil Gibran is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Who was the real man behind some of the most captivating poetry of the early 20th century? In this article, we will explore his humble beginnings and the extraordinary events that led him to become a legendary figure in literature - the third best-selling poet of all time. Gibran was born in Bsharri, in a mountainous village in what is now modern-day Lebanon on January 6th, 1883. He was one of four children. When he was eight years old, he father was imprisoned for embezzlement, so his mother decided  to move Kahlil and his siblings to...

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Real Life Jane Austen Locations You Can Visit

Real Life Jane Austen Locations You Can Visit

  If you need inspiration for your next trip, look no further. Travel back in time to Jane Austen’s day with a visit to some of the idyllic locations featured in her novels. While things might have changed a bit since her day, many of the places that inspired her books are still there, and you can visit them! From the rolling hills of Surrey to the stunning lakes of Derbyshire, there’s a multitude of incredible and historic sites to explore from Jane Austen’s beloved books. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of the five most iconic Austen locations that you can visit around England, and discover how the places have changed since Austen wrote her books....

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A Book-Themed Gift Guide for your Book Worm Friends and Family!

A Book-Themed Gift Guide for your Book Worm Friends and Family!

Do you have a book lover in your life? You know, that person who can't put down a book and is always on the lookout for the next great read?   With many a gift-giving holiday looming, it’s time to start planning out the presents you are going to give your loved ones. It’s not always easy to find each person the perfect gift, but if your recipient is a book-worm, you have a plethora of options!   From classic novels and cozy reading nooks idea to unique bookish accessories and gadgets, you can easily find something special that any book-lover would appreciate. We’ll give you practical tips on how to find and choose the perfect present, plus advice on...

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