19th Century Inspiration

Emma and Mr. Knightley note card set

We're reading 19th Century literature in my American Studies course this spring. Currently we're working through, A Hazard of New Fortunes by William Dean Howells.

The book, which takes place in late 19th century New York, tells the story of the dispute between a self-made millionaire and a social revolutionary, with a third man attempting to act as mediator, yet his efforts prove futile.

Penny Farthing Bicycle Chalk Print

The main character of the novel, Basil March, is through whose viewpoint the reader sees most of the story. He resides in Boston with his wife, Isabel, and their two children. They are persuaded by March's idealistic friend Fulkerson to move to New York to start a new magazine, where the writers benefit in a primitive form of profit sharing. After some deliberation, the Marches move to New York and begin a rather extensive search for a perfect apartment.

Era of Elegance - Cameo Hair Clip Set

Work at the new magazine starts, and they decide on a name - Every Other Week. The bankroll of the magazine is coming from a man named Dryfoos, who made his riches from discovering natural gas on his farm, and then from investing money on Wall Street. An illustrator by the name of Angus Beaton, an old friend of Fulkerson's is chosen. Beaton is rivaled by Alma Leighton, also an artist, whom he has feelings for.



Steampunk-Aristocrat-Regency Lace Cravet Set

The story is very conversation-driven, with plenty of description of life in the upper-middle class societies of Chicago and New York City during the 1890's.



Regency Lattice Pillows

Items featured in this post are Etsy finds inspired by what I am studying--click the images for more info.