Pinch of the Past – Page 3 – Historical Bookworm

December 11, 2022September 22, 2024

A Brief History of Santa Claus

The audio version of this article was first shared in Episode 51: A Bookchat about His Delightful Lady Delia with Grace Hitchcock & a Review of The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel.

From a legendary Christian bishop to an elf driving flying reindeer across the sky, Saint Nicholas has certainly come a long way. Today we’re taking a look at some of the stops along this wild journey to international fame.

Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra

**Nicholas of Myra is believed to be the historical source of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, sailors, students, teachers, and merchants.** PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

Little is known about the actual man who became the Catholic St. Nicholas. He was the bishop of Myra in what is now Turkey. At the Council of Nicaea, he famously lost his temper and slapped another bishop in the face for arguing that Christ was not equal with God. But most details about his life are fuzzy.

December 11, 2022December 11, 2022

A Bookchat about His Delightful Lady Delia with Grace Hitchcock & a Review of The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Grace Hitchcock joins us for a chat about the Gilded Age, opera phantoms, and her latest release His Delightful Lady Delia. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at a brief history of Santa Claus traditions. Did you know Santa didn’t run his delivery route on Christmas Eve until 1821? (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Angela Bell. “The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel distills the atmospheric haze of a Noir film, the heel-kicking excitement of the Jazz Age, and the romantic tension of an almost kiss into a concoction as intoxicating as moonshine.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Grace: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram.

December 8, 2022December 9, 2022

A Bookchat about Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen & a Review of Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund

Julie Klassen joins us for a chat about regency England, Jane Austen Easter eggs, and her latest release Sisters of Sea View. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

A Pinch of the Past: What do Mary had a Little Lamb and Thanksgiving have in common? Author, editor, activist, and mother Sarah J. Hale. (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Megan Adams from the bookstagram account Messy Bun, Bookish Fun. “If you enjoy capable cowgirls, romance with a little sizzle, and family sagas, you’ll want to grab a copy of Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Julie: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram.

December 8, 2022September 22, 2024

Little Known Historical Figures: Sarah J. Hale

The audio version of this article was first shared in A Bookchat about Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen & a Review of Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund.

Sarah Josepha Hale painted by James Reid Lambdin (1807-1889) – Richard’s Free Library, Newport, New Hampshire

Sarah Josepha Hale (1788-1879) was the daughter of a Revolutionary War officer and a native of Newport, New Hampshire. She was born to Captain Gordon Buell and Martha Whittlesay Buell who believed in equal education for their daughter.

Once she was grown, she married and had 5 children, but in 1822 her husband died. After that, she opened a milliner’s shop but writing was her passion.

November 20, 2022November 22, 2022

A Bookchat about The Hidden Prince with Tessa Afshar & a Review of The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano

Tessa Afshar joins us for a chat about biblical fiction, ancient history, and her latest release The Hidden Prince. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, Michelle Griep joins us to share 3 Types of Victorian Travel. You might guess that the “penny-farthing” got its name from the cost of fare, but it has to do with the size of the coins. (Full post here.) Her book The Bride of Blackfriar’s Lane shows some of these transportation methods in action!

Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Christie K. “In The Lost Melody, Politano creates another fantastic story with an undercurrent of foreboding, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, a forbidden romance, and a heroine who is determined to find her path through it all.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Tessa: Newsletter (scroll down), Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.

November 7, 2022November 7, 2022

A Bookchat about The Blackout Bookclub with Amy Lynn Green & a Review of Come Down Somewhere by Jennifer L. Wright

Amy Lynn Green joins us for a chat about the radio stars, book clubs, and her latest release The Blackout Bookclub. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at jobs people took to keep themselves out of the poorhouse. Did you know the origin of our term “sweatshop” was the 18th-century slop shop? (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Beth Bulow. “If you’re in the mood for a bold, eye-opening, and impactful coming of age tale based on true events in history – one that honors and validates those impacted – Come Down Somewhere by Jennifer L. Wright should be your next read.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Amy: Newsletter (scroll down), Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.

November 7, 2022September 22, 2024

Keeping out of the Poorhouse

The audio version of this article was first shared in Episode 48: A Bookchat about The Blackout Bookclub with Amy Lynn Green & a Review of Come Down Somewhere by Jennifer L. Wright

Homeless men coming for shelter in 19th century London. (Credit: Mansell/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)

Anyone slightly familiar with British and American history has heard of the infamous poorhouse or workhouse. These municipal institutions generally provided the barest possible food and shelter to the elderly, disabled, and very poor, in exchange for whatever work the person could provide. They were designed to make poverty as unbearable as possible in an effort to keep people working rather than relying on the poorhouse.

October 29, 2022October 29, 2022

A Bookchat about Caesar’s Lord with Bryan Litfin & a Review of Paint and Nectar by Ashley Clark.

Bryan Litfin joins us for a chat about Constantine’s empire, the early Church, writing, and his latest release Caesar’s Lord. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at some strange medical practices, one of which dates back to 6500 B.C. A treatment for headaches, head wounds, and madness, trepanning was not for the faint of heart. (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Angela Bell. “If you love southern fiction and nuanced dual time stories, Paint and Nectar is sure to be your cup of tea!” (Full review here.)

Connect with Bryan: Blog, Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.

October 27, 2022September 22, 2024

Birthday Traditions

The audio version of this article was first shared in Episode 46: A Bookchat about The Secrets of Emberwild with Stephenia McGee & a Review of The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar

With my oldest recently turning 16, we had three separate birthday parties. Needless to say, this took up a bit of my time. But I got to wondering where the tradition of birthday celebration came from. So, here’s a little history lesson on Birthdays.

Egyptian Lute Players: Wikimedia Commons

In ancient Egypt, Egyptians celebrated the birthdays of what they considered their gods. Once a pharaoh was coronated he was considered a deity thus the date of coronation is considered his birth as a little “G” god.

October 27, 2022October 27, 2022

Episode 46: A Bookchat about The Secrets of Emberwild with Stephenia McGee & a Review of The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar

Stephenia McGee joins us for a chat about horses, muscle cars, writing, and her latest release The Secrets of Emberwild. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at how birthdays have been celebrated throughout history. By the way, did you know that “Happy Birthday” is not public domain? That’s right, more than a 100 years old, and someone still owns the copyright. (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Beth Bulow. “If you love Biblical fiction full of endearing characters, a tender, hard-won romance, and exciting journeys to distant kingdoms, The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar is an absolute must read for you.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Stephenia: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.