Competitions are open to UK residents only, we're afraid.
To win one of five copies of The Fairy Visions of Richard Dadd by Miranda Miller, our October guest, just give an answer to the following question in the Comments below:
"Which historical character can you imagine visiting 21st century England, and what would she or he think of us?"
Closing date 7th November
This so makes me think of Catweazle and Electrickery ... but historical characters? Jane Austen would be at once horrified at our lack of manners and social grace, and pleased at the independence today's women have gained.
ReplyDeleteI'm not in the running for a prize as I'm in South Africa, tho' you could always send the copy to my mother in the UK if I did get lucky, I'm sure we'd both enjoy reading it!
Ooh, what an interesting idea.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading about Mary Wollstonecraft recently and think it would be fascinating to see how she (or other early feminists) saw us - I think she'd be disappointed and unimpressed at the pressure on women to look young and beautiful, but hopefully would be encouraged by more equal opportunities generally.
Although I imagine she'd be a bit shocked at how we dress.
I've always wondered what Arthur Conan Doyle would think if he could visit us now. He saw how popular Sherlock Holmes became in his lifetime, but there have been so many wild reimaginings of the character since then. I know he kind of hated Holmes, but I hope he'd be pleased by how enduringly popular Holmes still is, and how much people love still him. Though the fangirls on Tumblr might scare him a bit.
ReplyDeleteI always wondered what Joan of Arc would think if she was to visit 21st century England. I think in a way she would be pleased how women are treated a lot more equality today and also that people within society today are a lot more accepting of beliefs such as people experiencing religious visions.
ReplyDeleteI was always interested by the Brother Cadfel Mysteries as a youngster, I would love to be able to sit an chat about modern times with him, the fresh coffee ready to pour and soft buns and chocolate toppings, and fruits from all over the world. I fear I would not be able to explain how and why society has changed so much, how the church is not part of government and how many religions there are in Britain, and how you can decide what you want to do and how high or low you wish to live. I think that would be the biggest problem, it would be the very differences in background or expectations. the day to day changes would be explainable but why we should be equal or give people second chances, and why you should give respect and earn your own, not just get it due to your place, or name!
ReplyDeleteI know the character is fiction and has fairly modern attitudes any way from what reality would be, but the changes in how we think, and question would be true for any figure of the past.
I'd really like to know what Richard III would make of all the hoo-ha about the discovery of his bones in Leicester. I'd suggest he went along to a meeting of the RIII Society to answer questions from the audience!
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