Review: 'Victorian and Edwardian Fashion: A Photographic Survey' by Alison Gernsheim

Victorian and Edwardian Fashion: A Photographic Survey by Alison Gernsheim, 1981, Dover Publications, $6.00, softbound, 104 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: cool. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


A commentary on the fashion of the period, this book contains not only the author's opinion, but that of critics during the Victorian and Edwardian period. 

The photographs are naturally in black and white, and not of the best quality, but they're interesting, nonetheless. There is a Bibliography and Study List, which the author says contains 'certain books more concerned with the philosophy of dress, or social conditions, than with fashion.' These books have been included in order to afford the reader a chance to study the subject in more detail. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?  

Review: 'The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800's' by Marc McCutcheon

The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800's by Marc McCutcheon, 1993, Writer's Digest, $18.95, hardbound, 308 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: pink. Ugh. But the pictures on it are cool. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble.


We got this book due to our interest in writing steampunk, but there are various other genres to which the information lends itself, including historical fiction and westerns. Historians would probably like this book, too. 

This book covers a multitude of handy topics: slang, dating and courtship customs, hair styles, house furniture, currency, food preservation, and amusements, plus it touches on slavery and black plantation culture, the Civil War, the range, and crime. 

McCutcheon also includes chronologies of events, noted books and novels of the period, selected magazines, innovations, and popular songs. 

An excellent reference book. 

If you like this one, try: The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England from 1811-1901, by Kristine Hughes. 

Review: 'Mylo' by Sheila Jaxland

Mylo by Sheila Jaxland, 2013, Outskirts Press, $12.95, softbound, 32 pages. Category/Genre: religion. Cover: very nice, except that Jesus is a little cross-eyed. Where we got it: author. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


An endearing tale of a donkey who saw Jesus through birth, adulthood, death, and resurrection. In this story, Mylo takes the virgin Mary to Bethlehem and, upon seeing the Christ child, vows never to leave Jesus's side. 

Quotes from the Bible punctuate the story, and the illustrations are vivid and colourful. It is, of course, a touching tale, and it's also a neat take on why donkeys have a cross on their backs. 

If you want to introduce youngsters to the Bible, this may be the way to do it. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?  

Review: 'Santa's Eleven Months Off' by Mike Reiss

Santa's Eleven Months Off by Mike Reiss, Illustrated by Michael G Montgomery, 2007, Peachtree, $16.95, hardbound, 24 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: good. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


Apparently, Santa Claus and his elves have a lot of free time. At least, that's the idea in this book, which explores the many funny ways Santa spends his time when he's not working on making toys. 

Told in rhyme and accompanied by equally humourous pictures, Reiss' book shows Santa incognito, at the Summer Reindeer Games, sumo wrestling, and photographing documents for the government as a super-spy, among other things. Always with him are Rudolph and a smiling, unnamed elf.

If you like this one, try: The Santa Trap, by Jonathan Emmett.

Review: 'Writing Steampunk!' by Beth Daniels

Writing Steampunk! by Beth Daniels, 2011, 3 Media Press, $13.06, softbound, pages. Category/Genre: writing how-to. Cover: pretty good; really like the typewriter, but it could be more Steampunky. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble. 


One of the best things about this book is that the appendices give examples of historical events and technology in the 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most frustrating things is that the Table of Contents does not list page numbers. In addition, the Appendices list events and technology by the decades, rather than the year, with the exception of Appendix II, '19th Century Technology.' 

Other high points include chapters on world-building, human and mechanical characters, and magical elements. 

There are research aids given on wardrobes and coinage, weapons, slang, and entertainment. 

If you like this one, try: The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England from 1811-1901, by Kristine Hughes. 

Review: 'Britain's Day-Flying Moths' by David Newland, Robert Still, and Andy Swash

Britain's Day-Flying Moths: A Field Guide to the Day-Flying Moths of Britain and Ireland by David Newland, Robert Still, and Andy Swash, 2013, Princeton University Press, $19.62, softbound, 224 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: beautiful. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.  


This book goes over lots of interesting information about moths, such as the difference between butterflies and moths, what a day-flying moth is, moth biology, the naming of moths, and where to look for day-flying moths. There's also a nice section on gardening for moths: what food plants are good to have in your garden in order to attract specific species, and tips such as the fact that ' "old-fashioned" varieties of plants are often better for moths than modern cultivars because their nectar is more easily extracted.' 

Then come the species accounts, in which you will find a detailed description of families and species, whether or not the species in question is scarce or widespread, where it is found, when it flies, forewing length, larval food plants, and similar species. Close-up colour photographs accompany each species account. 

There's also information on conservation and legislation.

If you like this one, try: Peterson Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern America, by David Beadle and Seabrooke Leckie. 

Review: 'The Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette' by Professor Thomas E Hill

The Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette by Professor Thomas E Hill, Illustrated by Charles Dana Gibson, 1994, Bluewood Books, $8.95, softbound, 127 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: well done. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 

Ideal for enthusiasts and researchers of the Victorian era, this handy little book gives advice on etiquette from introductions to traveling, to love letters and the wife's and husband's duties in marriage. 

For example, a man may leave his brolly and cane in the hall when calling, but must not leave his hat and gloves. When hosting a get-together, the man will sit at the side of the table in the center, ready to serve the guests; his wife will sit opposite him and preside over tea, sauces, etc. There are even examples given of love letters. 

If you like this one, try: Manners and Morals of Victorian America, by Wayne Erbsen; and The Essential Handbook of Victorian Entertaining, by Autumn Stephens. 

Review: 'The Steampunk Bible' by Jeff VanderMeer with SJ Chambers

The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature by Jeff VanderMeer with SJ Chambers, 2011, Abrams Image, $24.95, hardbound, 224 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: a little garish. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


This informative book includes contributions from such steampunk notables as Jake von Slatt, Catherynne M Valente, GD Falksen, and Libby Bulloff. It explores steampunk past and present, from the speculative fiction of Jules Verne and HG Wells to KW Jeter's 2011 Morlock Night and the works of Cherie Priest and Gail Carriger, as well as taking a gander at some steampunk films. 

Along the way, the authors provide helpful information, such as a guide to steampunk subgenres and a look at four styles of steampunk fashion. 

At the end of the book there is a look at the future of steampunk. There's also a little blurb about each of the authors, steampunk-style. 

If you like this one, try: International Steampunk Fashions, by Victoriana Lady Lisa; and  The Art of Steampunk, by Art Donovan.  

Review: 'International Steampunk Fashions' by Victoriana Lady Lisa

International Steampunk Fashions by Victoriana Lady Lisa, 2012, Schiffer Publishing, $39.99, hardbound, 192 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: cool. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


In case you're unfamiliar with steampunk, there's an article in this book called 'Steampunk 101.' The rest of the book showcases steampunk fashion from Europe, New Zealand, and North and South America, plus worldwide jewellery, hats, and accessories.

Then there are biographies of many of the people in the book which include websites and Facebook pages where you can find more information on them. Plus there's a chapter on steampunk fashion resources and organisations. 

If you're interested in steampunk (or think you might be), you'll want to check out this book.

If you like this one, try: Steampunk Accessories, by Nicola Tedman and Sarah Skeate. 

Review: 'Mammals of Britain and Europe' by FH Van Den Brink

Mammals of Britain and Europe by FH Van Den Brink, Translated and Edited by Hans Kruuk and HN Southern, Illustrated by Paul Barruel, 1986, The Easton Press, $17.94, hardbound, 221 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: elegant. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble.


This guide showcases 177 species, some of whom are quite rare. Some species who are extinct in the wild have also been included, either because some specimens still exist in captivity, or because domesticated races are being bred to recreate the species, or because the species still exist elsewhere, and it is desirable that they be reintroduced. 

Barruel's handsome illustrations accompany the text and help the reader in identifying the many species included. The guide is divided into ten main parts: Insectivores; Bats; Apes; Rabbits, Hares, and Pikas; Rodents; Carnivores; Odd-Toed Ungulates (Horses); Even-Toed Ungulates (Pigs, Deer, and Bovines); Toothed Whales; and Baleen or Whale-Bone Whales. There are 20 coloured plates and 12 black- and-white plates. 

A brief description is given on each Order, and then details are listed for each species, including measurements, physical description, habitat, range, habits, and similar species. There are maps, notes on how to take measurements, a word on the study and protection of mammals, and an explanation of the symbols used in the book. 

Also included are taxonomic notes and dental formulae. 

If you like this one, try: Mammals of Britain and Europe (Collins Field Guide), by David McDonald and Priscilla Barrett. 

Review: 'Across the Universe' by Beth Revis

Across the Universe by Beth Revis, 2012, Razorbill, $9.99, softbound, 417 pages. Category/Genre: science fiction. Cover: pretty cool. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


Told from the points of view of two different characters, this book takes place in the future, when cryogenics is a reality. Seventeen-year-old Amy gets cryogenically frozen along with her parents in order to reach a planet 300 years away. 

There are a number of people awake during the journey, including those known as 'Shippers'; they run the ship and have training in how to operate Godspeed during an emergency.  

Elder is the leader in training under Eldest on board Godspeed and wants to prove himself worthy of becoming the next leader. His leadership skills are tested when Amy wakes up early and is unable to be re-frozen. Everyone on Godspeed is the same: no religion, the same ethnicity, and the same language -- until Amy wakes up. One of the causes of discord, according to Eldest, is difference; and Amy is definitely different. 

This is a story about flawed leadership, learning to stand up for yourself, and why our differences should be celebrated rather than feared. 

If you like this one, try: A Million Suns, by Beth Revis.  

Review: 'Unleashed' by Lisa Wogan

Unleashed: Climbing Canines, Hiking Hounds, Fishing Fidos, and Other Daring Dogs by Lisa Wogan, 2007, Skipstone, $16.95, hardbound, 79 pages. Category/Genre: animals. Cover: cool. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


A celebration of sporting canines, this book has profiles of a number of dogs who find joy in action. With each profile are some colour photographs, the name of the dog or dogs, and the sport involved. 

Sports include 'Extreme Sprinkler' (jumping around chasing the water from a sprinkler), 'Skijorers' (a Scandanavian sport that combines mushing with cross-country skiing), 'Hiker,' and 'Innertuber' (hanging about in an innertube). 

Whether in groups or by themselves, these dogs know how to have a good time, and it's fun for the reader to learn how they do it. The text is clever and canine-friendly; anyone who loves animals will get a kick out of this book. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions? 

Review: 'The Front Yard Forager' by Melany Vorass Herrera

The Front Yard Forager by Melany Vorass Herrera, 2013, Skipstone, $18.95, softbound, 191 pages. Category/Genre: cooking/reference. Cover: pleasant. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


It must first be noted that foragers must take extreme caution when collecting weeds for consumption, as there can be deadly look-alikes and even the 'safe' ones can sometimes be harmful. 

To aid the novice in identifying harmful plants, this book contains a section on poisonous weeds common in urban areas. There are also photographs and descriptions of edible weeds (although the photos are black-and-white, and there could ideally be more), as well as information on where to find the weed in question, when to harvest it and how, what parts of it to eat, and poisonous look-alikes to avoid. 

Recipes for each weed are included, as well as a description of the taste, how to store and cook the weed, benefits to eating the weed, and who should avoid the weed altogether. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?