A to Z Challenge: C & D is for Charles Dickens' Bleak House

I'm finishing off the first week with a double post for the letter's C & D for the A-Z Challenge.  This may seem like a stretch but when you consider Charles Dickens and the novel, Bleak House, you can understand why I'm doing a double post.

Written from 1852- 1853, Bleak House was Charles Dickens ninth novel and was to many classic lit enthusiasts, considered one of Dickens greatest works.  Even though I'm a huge fan of Dickens, I actually didn't know much Bleak House.  What I found in my research was so extensive, it was somewhat overwhelming.  Below is my best attempt highlighting some of particulars about this wonderfully written story.

Bleak House

Dickens' Bleak House, like many of his novels was written in a series and then published later in novel format.  During the Victorian era, penny dreadfuls were very popular.  I found an interesting book called, White Magic: The Age of Paper, written by Lothar Müller, where he discusses how the invention of the paper machine led to the many penny dreadfuls.  It also mentions how Dickens, not being a fan penny dreadful authors like G.W.M. Reynolds, did capitalize on the "newly literate audience" by writing his own detective story which featured key characters like the narrator and heroine, Esther Summerson.  The cast of memorable characters feels endless and I won't even dive into that.  In typical Dickens fashion, his storytelling is legendary, using perfectly flawed characters and tying them into an real-life intricate plots and subplots.  The Bleak House was a detective story and it's premise provided a window into how the English Chancery court system worked during the early to mid 1800s.  Trials and legal proceedings could remain stagnate for decades, leaving the poor to carry the brunt of the farcical legal system.  In truth that same process can be similarly compared to many of the legal cases or proceedings we see today.  Dickens mocked his time's legal system which many surmised was based on her own personal experience.  Did you know Dickens worked as a law clerk and court reporter?  Yes he did.  Additionally, his father was sent to prison for debt which undoubtedly had an impact on how he perceived and wrote about the system and all it's follies.

Although this book isn't a classic horror tale, it certainly highlights the darkness of humanity.  Greg Buzzell from the British Library wrote an articulate piece called  Charles Dickens, Victorian Gothic and Bleak House  where he discusses how Dickens' "incorporates and evolves Gothic imagery, settings and plot devices."  Dickens did have a knack for writing incredibly descriptive scenes that gave a dark or goth-like vibe to the reader.  He could easily shine a harsh and often truthful light on the people's ignorance, inadequacies and even stoic heroism.

Lastly, the artwork in Bleak House was amazing to say the least.  The illustrator, Hablot Knight Browne (pen name Phiz) "is most known for David Copperfield, Pickwick, Dombey and Son, Martin Chuzzlewit and Bleak House."

Where can I get a copy of Bleak House?

I found my e-copy on Amazon again and you guessed it....it's free!   Click here to get your copy.  

PBS's Masterpiece Theater

Did you know the PBS's Masterpiece Theater produced a mini series back in 2005?  And apparently in 1985 as well.  Yup.  The reviews for both series were high.  The most recent one had reviews listed at above an 8 on IMDB which is pretty impressive.  The latest version had classically-trained actors like Anna Maxwell Martin, Carey Mulligan, Denis Lawson, Charles Dance and cult-fan X-File's favorite, Gillian Anderson.

And to answer your question, no I haven't seen it yet.  I've put it on my watch-list though.




Have your read classic tale? What about the mini-series?  Do you have a favorite Dickens novel?

Have a great weekend!

Mina Burrows

My A-Z Reflection Post & Showtimes's Penny Dreadful (A MUST SEE!)

Okay, I apologize for not blogging in awhile.  I wanted to do the reflections post, but I couldn't get to it. I think I was a bit blogged out after the A-Z Challenge.   You would think after all that planning I did for A-Z, I'd at least plan on that post, but no.  Nice one, Ace.  Anyway, I picked up my badge though.  Score!

My A-Z posts for the month of April were about Classic Monsters.  I'm not sure how many people read my a-z posts, but honestly, I enjoying researching and writing them.  Most people know how much I love classic horror literature so it was a natural for me to write about it.  I think the fact that I love the genre so much made it easy.

Penny Dreadful - A MUST SEE!

Purrrr!  Bow chica bow wow!

After I finished the series, I caught an interview with Josh Hartnett, where he talked about his time away from Hollywood and his new project, Penny Dreadful.  One click led to another and I thought how strange that I finished my classic monster stint with A-Z and then I find out about the Penny Dreadful series on Showtime.  Well, long story short, I watched the first episode and I was hooked.  It's really good.  I mean like classic creepy good.  Unfortunately, you need to subscribe to Showtime for an extra $10 bucks a month. Damn you Comcast!

From Showtime's website, Penny Dreadful is based on "some of literature's most terrifying characters, including Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, and iconic figures from the novel Dracula are lurking in the darkest corners of Victorian London. PENNY DREADFUL is a frightening psychological thriller that weaves together these classic horror origin stories into a new adult drama."

Penny Dreadful features other talented actors like two former James Bond stars, Timothy Dalton and Eva Green.  Oh and trust me...it's good.  The free episode is available here.  Here's the trailer below.  Watch and let me know what you think.

That's all I got for a Friday.  Fred sends his love.  My boy is getting old.  :(
I hope you all enjoy your weekend.  

Mina Burrows

A-Z: Classic Monsters: T is for The Thing

A-Z Challenge continues on with the letter T.  The only classic monster I could think of what The Thing.  The creature is a "malevolent shape-shifting alien" is who is more of a classic horror monster in the sci-fi realm than anywhere else.

About Who Goes There?

This sci-fi movie classic was based on the novella, Who Goes There? written by John W. Campbell, Jr., written under the pen name Don A. Stuart.  Have you read it?  Some say its should have been turned into a full novel.  What do you think?

About The Thing, 1951

Three films were made from the original tale, but the most notable one was the classic, black and white one released by RKO Pictures back in the 50's. From IMDB, here's the classic movie premise:

Scientists and American Air Force officials fend off a blood-thirsty alien organism while at a remote arctic outpost. 

See the trailer from the 1951 film.  Have you seen this classic film?  What about the other more recent ones?

Did you come up with a better monster than The Thing?  

Mina B.

A-Z: Classic Monsters - D is for Dragons

The A-Z post today on Classic Monsters is for the letter "D."  I didn't choose a particular monster character but an entire monster species itself: Dragons.  I'm sure there are other D monsters you came up with, but Dragons are to me incredibly fascinating.  Don't you agree?

Source

The original myth of Dragons

Nearly every culture you can imagine has some sort of myth about the gargantuan-sized reptilian beasts that fly and breathe fire.  The Chinese, for example, have artifacts depicting their famous Chinese dragons as early as the 16th century B.C. Dragons have also been immortalized in Greek Mythology dating back to the times of Ancient Greece.  Their impressive history is massive and has bewitched us for what it feels like an eternity.  Read more about their history and where I found my facts here.

Source

Do they exist?

Kimono Dragons do.  And boy are they bad ass!  As for the ones that scour Earth's skies, terrorizing humans by pillaging towns with flame or better yet, the ones that guard precious treasures in dark caves lodges on the side of mountain tops...do those dragons exist?  Uh...in my head they do, but in reality?  No.  And I'm not sure if we as humans could handle all that awesomeness.

Classics Featuring Dragons

Beowulf, a poem written by an anonymous poet some time around the 10th century according to the British Library.  It features three battles with our hero, Beowulf who in the end fights a dragon in an epic battle.  This may have been one of the first times we are introduced the idea of the dragon-slayer.

Have you read Beowulf?  I haven't and I admit, I'm feeling a little ashamed with myself.  But I did download the classic on Amazon for Free for your Kindle so I'll get to it at some point.  What about the animated film version of Beowulf remake done in 2007?

Dungeons and Dragons

This role playing game designed by designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson has been around since the 1970's and has since spawned a cult following phenomena that I would say has deemed it a classic.  (Read here about Gary getting his own statue in Lake Geneva.)   Fans are obsessed, some for the old school board method and other now onto the online version.  One of the many cool aspects of this game are, of course, the dragons.  From the original game their are five dragons i.e. white, black, green, blue, and red and they reign today a most fearsome classic monster.      

The dragons in the Game of Thrones

George R. R. Martin's A Dance with Dragons is Book 5 of the Song of Ice and Fire series.  What I love most about this series is like Tolkien, Martin writes like his stories are from ancient times, making you almost believe it's the way things were in a time long forgotten.  The dragons, for example, even in the story are represented as such.  Many characters believe they have died with the members of the House Targaryen,  Dragons on myths until Daenerys Targaryen (Khaleesi) births her dragon babes in a blazing fire.  Oooh....I love this series and as you can see above with my gif, I love those dragons.

Have you read the series?  Do you want a pet dragon?  Have you watched the HBO series, Game of Thrones?  Season Four starts APRIL 6, 2014.  See the trailers here.

Obviously, I could go on and on with other great classics like the recent "How to Train a Dragon," and many others.  Dragons are a classic monster don't you think?  Do you have a favorite classic film or book that features the terrifying beasts?

Mina B.

A-Z Challenge Reveal: Classic Monsters

As the A-Z Challenge ramps up for April, today is the A-Z Challenge Reveal created by Vidya Sury!  Not too long ago, I took a tally on my blog to find my blog topic.  And the winner is...Classic Monsters.  Cool huh?

I've already put together a list but I would love to hear which classic monster you'd like read about.  Of course I will be covering many of the classic characters featured in this picture.  Any suggestions?

Comment and let me know.

The A-Z Challenge starts April 1st.  Sign up today if you haven't already.

Mina B.

NBC’s Dracula: Have you been bitten?

NBC’s Dracula featuring Jonathan Rhys Meyers premiered on last Friday night.   Did you get a chance to see it?  Since I’m such a huge fan of Bram Stoker’s classic, Dracula, I had to watch it.  My thoughts?  Truthfully…I’m on the fence.  Check out a sneak peak below:

Warning:  Spoilers are mentioned.  Read at your own risk.

NBC's Dracula was entertaining but completely different from the original story.  If you want a brief overview of the classic lit novel, see my review here.  The NBC version of Dracula is definitely unique because he's more of a vigilante and not necessarily a soulless bloodsucking monster (not yet anyway).  Interesting huh?  In the late 1800’s Dracula is awakened and reinvents himself as a wealthy American industrialist named Alexander Grayson.  He’s sworn vengeance against a secret group of ruthless business and political leaders called The Order of the Dragon.  This group did unspeakable things to Dracula hundreds of years ago, and he demands revenge.

Some of the original characters are present in this tale, including Mina, Jonathan, Lucy and even Van Helsing but the story has of course deviated.  Since this is a series, NBC must create plots that will entice viewership beyond the original tale.  And so how will Dracula extract revenge from his adversaries?  In short, Dracula wants to launch "wireless electricity technology" to the world and put the Order of the Dragon out of business.  I said it was a different story line, didn't I?    

Was it entertaining?  I suppose.  Will it be enough for me to watch an entire season or two?  I hope so, but I’m not sure.  Did you see the premier?  What were your thoughts?  If not click here to watch episode 1!  

Mina B.

2013 A-Z Reflections Post

I survived another year of A-Z!  Wahoo!  I nearly missed this post.  It's been so crazy lately for me.  I apologize for the delay on this one.  I chose Chaucer for my A-Z theme this year because I like classic literature.  Chaucer was a favorite of mine way back when and I decided to reread the Canterbury Tales.  In hindsight I don't know what the hell I was thinking.  LOL!  Still, I rallied and did the entire A-Z posts.  I think it was an accomplishment--although I'm sure most of my readers were like...snore.  :)  Oh well.  I did my best to keep the posts short, but that proved impossible for the majority of my posts.  I apologize for that.  Anyway, its been fun. :)

Before I forget, I'd like to thank all the people that helped the A-Z challenge during the month of April.  Not only did these blogger buddies post for A-Z, but they tirelessly trolled the blogosphere to comment and show team spirit for the A-Z cause.  In short, these folks are awesome.  Here is a list of all those wonderful people.  Thank you.  Thank you. Thank you!

Team Damyanti:
Rosalind Adam/Rosalind Adam is Writing in the Rain
Misha Gericke/My First Book
Mina Lobo / Some Dark Romantic
Pam Margolis /Unconventional Librarian 







TEAM NICOLE

Nicole's Happiness, Passion, Love & Faith
Sheila Siler, pondering life and all its many hats at Sheila Scribbles
Tami Von Zalez, who swoops into quality collectibles at Thrift Shop Commando
M.J. Joachim, helping you get those creative juices flowing at Writing Tips

Tina's Terrific Team!
AJ Lauer of Naturally Sweet
Andrea of Maybe it's Just Me
Hilary Melton-Butcher of Positive Letters...Inspirational Stories...
Jolie Du Pre of Precious Monsters
JoJo of Tahoma Beadworks and Photography
PV Ariel, aka Philip of philipscom

SHANNON'S WARRIOR MINIONS
Dani of Entertaining Interests
Jeanette of Jeanette S. Andersen
Julie of Julie Flanders
Terri of Scribbler's Sojourn

L. Diane Wolfe's Spunky Soldiers
Laura Marcella from Wavy Lines

Sia McKye from Sia McKye Over Coffee
Golden Eagle from The Eagle's Aerial Perspective
Clarissa Draper from Clarissa Draper
Jo Wake from JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS, AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
Tyrean Martinson from Tyrean's Writing Spot
Gwen Gardner from Gwen Gardner, YA Fiction Author
Ida Chiavaro from Reflex Reactions
Randi Lee from The Emotional Process of Writing a Novel
Nancy LaRonda Johnson from Writer’s Mark

;

Arlee Bird's A to Z Challenge Ambassadors for 2013:
Judy at raisingthecurtain.net

Tim Brannan at The Other Side and his secondary blog that he co-runs Red Sonja: She Devil with a Sword .

Jaimie Ramsey at Living in the Light . 

Yvonne Lewis at Yvonne's Poetry Corner 

Alana Garrigues at Writercize

Alex's Ninja Minions

Al Diaz at Father Dragon Writes

Baygirl at That Girl Around the Bay

Ciara Knight

Elise Fallson

Heather Gardner at The Waiting is the Hardest Part

JL Campbell at The Character Depot

Joylene Nowell Butler

Michelle at Writer-In-Transit

Matthew's Questionable Monks:

Jay Noel

Sheri Larsen 

Schwa Michaels 

Deniz Bevan 

Melanie Schulz

Jeremy's team "MINIONS: ASSEMBLE": 

Carolyn - http://cmbrown-books.blogspot.com

Laura - http://lauraeno.com/blog

Kathryn - http://imagine-today1.blogspot.com/ 

Tara - http://taratylertalks.blogspot.com/

Maryann - http://its-not-all-gravy.blogspot.com/

Tamara - http://onemagicbeanbuyer.blogspot.com/

Mark - http://leftandwriteblog.blogspot.com/

That's it.  Thanks again!

Mina B.

A-Z: Z is for Chaucer's Canterbury Tales Recap from A-Z

Okay, my Z post is a highlight of all my post...Chaucer from A-Z.  Whew!  I made it!  Before I finish with my last post I wanted to give you a brief background into the versions that I read of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.  There are different translations, versions etc... but I thought It was important to share with you the version that allowed me to really enjoy these tales.

The version I read was Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales from the Modern Library ,Random House, Inc. (2008).  In addition, I referenced various lines from the tales from Canterburytales.org.  That particular website has both middle english and modern english versions.  And don't forget about the mobile apps I featured.  Like I said, those let you can take Chaucer on the go!

Now onto the A-Z overview!  Our resident host, Harry Bailey, who helped kick-start the tales.  Funny how the host didn't contribute his own tale, but sure knew how to critique them, huh?  If you missed general prologue or introduction of Harry Bailey, check out my post here!




Remember, the winner of the tale telling was set to win a free meal-- or something like that. And now...of all the tales I've blogged about...which was on your favorite?  

Vote at the bottom!

The Tale of the Clerk

The Physician's Tale

The Knight's Tale

The Friar's Tale

The Guildsmen & Haberdasher

The Miller's Tale Part 1 & Part 2

The Man of Law's Tale

The Reeve's Tale

The Pardoner's Tale

Sir Thopas Tale & The Melibee Tale

The Prioress Tale

The Shipman's Tale

The Franklin's Tale

The Second Nuns Tale

The Wife of Bath's Tale

The Manciple's Tale Of The Crow

The Cook & Squire's Tale

The Canon's Yeoman's Tale

Thanks for joining me this past month. Wow...what a journey, huh? Anyway, I'd love to know which was your favorite. Comment below to vote! My favorite is tale was the The Prioress Tale! 

Mina B.