Today I am continuing on with another favourite post for 2021! If you missed yesterday, this year I am selecting my top 5 posts in each of my categories for my roundup. I normally share the top 5 performing posts in each category. However, this year, I thought it would be fun to ignore the numbers and chat about why these particular posts are my favourites. (To be honest, I can’t always account for why posts become popular…) These are my top 5 history posts of 2021, and why you should be reading them!
1) The Ins and Outs of Being a Regency Debutante (History Lizzie)
With Bridgerton premiering on Netflix last Christmas Day, it is unsurprising that the Regency period has become even more popular. (And it’s not like the continual interest in Jane Austen has let it die ever…) I was joined by History Lizzie for a guest post on what life was really like for debutantes in the Regency period! She shares what Daphne, Penelope, and Marina would have really gone through in the Regency, and how it differs from our own ideas of the period. And with the second season of Bridgerton announced to be premiering on 25 March 2022, there is no better time to catch up on the Regency!
2) Queen Alexandra’s Christmas Gift Book
While this is a relatively recent post on the blog from the end of November, this was absolutely one of the most enjoyable posts to research and write. Queen Alexandra is often forgotten and/or ignored, and she led such a fascinating life. She focused much of her time and energy on philanthropic efforts, and this book is no exception. Queen Alexandra’s Christmas Gift Book was published in 1908 to raise money for 30 different UK charities. It features over 130 different photographs from Alexandra’s personal connection; it is a true “behind the scenes” look at the royal families of Europe at the turn of the century. A bestseller across the UK, Europe, and the British Empire, you can actually still purchase it secondhand today!
3) My Favourite Period Dramas and Books To Read After
I think I can speak for many (most? all?) of us when I say that sometimes you want to “stay” in a period drama after the show finishes. While you can try and find period dramas that are similar, I often find that I have far more success transitioning to books after rather than another show. So, I’ve picked some of my favourite period dramas and paired them with fiction and non-fiction books to read after you’ve finished watching them!
4) Monarch of the Month: Catherine the Great
I love doing my Monarch of the Month series, where I do a basic rundown on different English/British monarchs and what interests me about them (plus book and podcast recommendations). However, this year I branched out and tackled two non-British monarchs, Louis XIV of France and Catherine the Great. I am thrilled that the second season of The Great premiered at the end of November this year, bringing even more interest to Catherine. She is a fascinating monarch, and there is so much that people don’t know about her!
5) The Top Royal Podcasts
While this listing includes podcasts that aren’t strictly historical, these are still some of my favourite royal podcasts. While I love my podcasts, I find that some really deviate into gossip territory, and others just seem to tread the same paths over and over again. These podcasts will keep you informed on both past and present royals, and are the highlight of my listening week. Note: These are mostly English/British focused- if you have any English-language podcasts about non-British royals, please send me an email at anhistorianabouttown@gmail.com with your recommendations!
What are your top 5 history posts of 2021?
Cheers,
The Historian
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