Elizabeth Gould the original portrait, painted from life.
We have it on the authority of an art-critic from Melissa Ashley’s University faculty that this portrait was likely painted from life. And though my artistic skills are amateur in the extreme, I have to say, seen side by side, this portrait would be my obvious choice. There is a clarity to the features a brightness about the eyes that is absent in the second portrait, the one with the cockatiel.
If you aren’t convinced have a look back at last weeks post and compare the two.
Now drum roll, please….
Melissa Ashley’s Top 3 Tips for the Amateur Historian
1. Google Books, Google Books, Google books
I got the feeling that Melissa would have put Google Books for all three of the top tips.
While talking to her, I mentioned I wanted to find a digitised copy of Burke’s Peerage. In about 30 seconds she found the exact book which is actually called Burke’s Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry.
There is also this gem with a doozy of a title: A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great Britain and Ireland, Enjoying Territorial Possessions Or High Official Rank: But Univested with Heritable Honours, Volume 4, also by the estimable John Burke, dated 1838. (This is where you’ll find Mr Darcy)
If you’re curious, check out this link.
I, for one, am a convert.
Here are the reasons why every amateur historian should check out google books/play.
- Many out-of-print books are digitised and freely available.
- Access to 1,000s of primary or contemporary sources for your time period without even needing a researchers ticket or librarian.
- Google Play or ‘Books, My Books,’ stores your digital books which you can read on any device logged into with Gmail account. You can often make electronic notes, bookmarks, etc.
- There is also the option to download these texts as a PDF, they can then be printed for those of us who prefer to make handwritten notes and markups.
- If you have the funds and a copy is available you may be able to buy the actual physical book, Google books links you to a range of print booksellers.
Now be honest, how many of you at number 5 went all dreamy-eyed and giddy at the thought of owning the actual faded document with its yellowed pages and smell of dusty decay?
2. visual Aids
This is Melissa Ashley’s wall of inspiration for the novel she is currently writing, about the 17th-century fairy tale writer, Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy
If you are doing historical research for the purpose of writing fiction consider collecting images of artworks, illustrations, objects, documents and items from the time period to inform and inspire your writing.
Try looking for….
- Fashion plates
- Maps from the time period
- Architecture
- Illustrations and periodicals from the time period (Google books can help with that)
- And don’t forget to check museum on-line catalogues for artefacts that may be helpful, pottery, paintings, tool etc.
You can also use Google Maps, satellite view, to wander the streets of the city you are writing about.
3. check your sources
Don’t just see something on a blog post or Wikipedia and assume it is true, rather use the information in the post to start a trail.
Where did the writer source their information? Is Wikipedia their only source or is it from a reputed authority? Is it reliable? For example is it from a reputable institution or known expert in the field? Or is it simply pulled off of Pinterest?
Bibliographies are always a good sign, such as A Damsel in This Dress includes, but other bloggers, for instance, 1880’s Girl, might be more challenged in the area of organising their sources and bear checking up on.
The Birdman’s Wife Cover reveal…
Now Last but not least the secret inside the cover of The Birdman’s Wife.
You won’t know this if you borrow the book from the library.
This beautiful slip cover, with its touches of gold, has not been used to dress up a plain and dreary cover
It is secreting the nest of a superb fairy wren.
Now you see why The Birdman’s Wife is short-listed for the Australian Book Design Awards 2017!
Buy The Birdman’s Wife here.
It is definitely worth reading!
To find out more about Melissa Ashley and her writing check out her blog http://www.melissaashley.com.au
Or connect with her on…
Facebook: @1melissa.ashley
Twitter: @Baronessdualnoy
Instagram: @sylviemina
Amber Seah 