FASHION AND ITS DANGERS: Before the outbreak of WW1, huge hats were in fashion and many were decorated with birds. A hawk chose this stuffed pigeon for lunch.
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The Belle Époque, a period of optimism, innovation, and cultural flourishing that spanned from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, left an indelible mark on French society. The evolution of printed media from text-heavy newspapers to vivid pictures marked a pivotal shift. Illustrated supplements emerged as a powerful storytelling tool that captivated readers’ attention in ways traditional articles couldn’t.
For the first time in history, readers had access to visuals of political and social events around the globe, as well as of the faits divers, the miscellaneous facts of human interest. The pictures helped to expand readers’ understanding of the world.
These weekly supplements are more than just printed images; they are windows into the heart of a bygone era in its multiple aspects. Their wealth of period details is a treasure throve for historians, students, and researchers.
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The 1911 revolution marked the end of 2,132 years of imperial rule in China. Western powers were heavily involved in some aspects of the event. The readers of Le Petit Journal were treated to a wealth of exotic details. Notice the long fingernails of the mandarin in the center. It was a sign that his class was never involved in manual work.
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On a lighter note, the police are experiencing some difficulty during the arrest of a snake charmer.
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Police had no trouble recovering a watch that had been swallowed by a pickpocket. This scene is vividly described in my novel The Boarding House for Single Gentlemen. Weekly Illustrated are a source of inspiration for historical fiction writers.
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Sometimes, police intervention was not necessary, although these burglars would certainly prefer it.
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The Belle Epoque saw the emergence of assertive women. French suffragettes caused disturbances during the electoral process.
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POST CARS TERRORIZE PARIS, says the subtitle.
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Traffic accidents were common even for horse-drawn vehicles. In the early days of motoring, they were even more frequent due to the lack of safety regulations.
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In the absence of safety regulations, culture events were often held in unsafe conditions.
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A shocking true drama awaited this theatre audience. An actor had his throat cut during the performance.
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HEROIC PASSENGERS: In order not to overload the lifeboats filled with women and children, men let themselves sink.
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WINTER: Those who enjoy it – Those who suffer it Such images were awakening social conscience.
The Boarding House transports you back to Paris during the enchanting Belle Époque period with a diverse ensemble of players: young and old, servants and socialites, French and foreign, polite and ill-mannered. It’s delicious, devious, and delightful. Iva Polansky writes with a style and authenticity you might wonder if she was there in another life.
NEW!
One for All
Madelon-la-Belle left Paris twenty years ago to escape her damaged reputation. She abandoned her infant daughter, Louise, in the care of her sister. Now she is back, a wealthy widow, and she plans to be a caring mother. Her idea of caring motherhood is to make Louise a high-born heiress. It only needs a little deception.This does not sit well with Louise’s father, Captain d’Artagnan of the Royal Musketeers, who finds Madelon’s plan unsound. He wants to see Louise married as soon as possible, before she becomes a slut like her mother, and has already found a good husband for her. Unfortunately, the formidable Madelon does not agree with d’Artagnan’s choice. A battle of wills ensues, involving d’Artagnan’s long-lost friends, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. A comedy based on Alexandre Dumas’s classic novel The Three Musketeers.
Fame and Infamy / Adventures of an American Maid in Paris
Otto von Bismarck, German secret police, celebrated French artists and Miss Nelly McKay of Butte, Montana, come together in this lively mystery set in 1870’s Paris.
Print or ebook, 410 pages
He was right. She was right. Together they were wrong
THE WAR OF THE TOLSTOYS
Leo Tolstoy’s last days: In 1910, newspapers around the world reported the tribulations of Russia’s most famous writer. The War of the Tolstoys tells it all.
Screenplay, 110 pages
Passion and Wit and Ménage à Trois ( a true story)
Our Divine Emilie
Two of the brightest minds of the French Enlightenment, Voltaire and Emilie du Châtelet, meet the poet Saint-Lambert in a dangerous liaison. Court intrigue, conspiracy, and betrayal are in abundance in this comedy/drama. (A Screenplay)
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