Beth Dunn

A Boatload of Knowledge

by BethDunn May 14, 2012

Somewhere in the library of Drexel University in Philadelphia a portrait hangs. It depicts a reasonably young, reasonably handsome man of apparently good humor and warmth — Thomas Say, noted American entomologist and conchologist. Of course portraitists can famously commit all manner of falsehoods in the name of pleasing their clients, and it’s entirely possible [...]

1 comment Read the full article →

The Remains of the Day

by BethDunn April 9, 2012

If I had the chance to choose one item to remain after my death, one artefact that would encapsulate my entire life and all its choices and decisions, I seriously doubt that I would choose anything that I either gave or received as a gift at my wedding. Believe me, nothing from that day would [...]

2 comments Read the full article →

The Turn Of The Leg

by BethDunn March 12, 2012

Much is often made of Beau Brummell’s unique and lasting contributions to fashion, but in the interest of citing one’s sources, it’s important to clarify just exactly who — or what — old George was modeling himself on. Because just around the time that a young George Brummell was setting up house at 4 Chesterfield [...]

7 comments Read the full article →

The Secret History of The Great Bed of Ware

by BethDunn February 13, 2012

By Beth Dunn Lovers have been carving their initials into tree trunks and fenceposts since time immemorial. It seems like if you’re in love, you’re a fool if you don’t carry a pocket knife at all times, just so that you can proclaim your passion to the world. Maybe this is why the biggest bed in [...]

3 comments Read the full article →

Muffin Man

by BethDunn January 9, 2012

By Beth Dunn Was George Handel and a buttered muffin inadvertently responsible for the creation of the British Museum? Well, probably not. But honestly? I wouldn’t rule it out, either. So you know the British Museum. First public secular museum, established in 1753 when Sir Hans Sloane passed away and left his absurdly large and varied [...]

8 comments Read the full article →

A Bout of Dickensian Anxiety

by BethDunn December 12, 2011

By Beth Dunn At first glance, the tale of Charles Dickens’ rise to fame and fortune would seem to be one of unhalting advances towards the pinnacle of success that he had achieved by the end of his life. But even the mighty Boz suffered from serious doubts about his skills as a novelist, and [...]

2 comments Read the full article →

Before they were themselves

by BethDunn November 14, 2011

In the summer of 1817, two men hiking in the Scottish countryside ducked out of a rainstorm by huddling close together beneath a nearby thicket. One of the men pulled his thick tartan cape over the head and shoulders of the other, protecting them both from the wind and the wet until the storm had [...]

0 comments Read the full article →

Arresting Beauty: Julia Margaret Cameron

by BethDunn October 10, 2011

By Beth Dunn (Wonders & Marvels Contributor) I longed to arrest all the beauty that came before me, and at length that longing has been satisfied.” -Julia Margaret Cameron Julia Margaret Cameron was widely regarded as the ugly duckling of her family. Born in India into a clan of famously beautiful women, the daughter of a [...]

0 comments Read the full article →

Location Research in 140 Characters or Less

by BethDunn September 12, 2011

By Beth Dunn I’ll be the first to admit that I’m addicted to the internet. I spend pretty much every minute of the day online, unless I’m sleeping, driving, or exercising. But it’s not all funny cat videos and screencaps of sexy British leading men in cravats. It’s also surprisingly useful for doing in-depth location [...]

2 comments Read the full article →

Contributor Q&A: Beth Dunn

by BethDunn September 11, 2011

As you may have seen, we’re adding some contributors to Wonders & Marvels. We want you to get to know each of them, so we’re planning on doing a Q&A (like the one below) with each new contributor. This time around, we’re hearing from Beth Dunn. Q: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself? [...]

1 comment Read the full article →