Felicity’s and Elizabeth’s dolls are so adorable! I have been to the cafes - I absolutely loved American Girl Place when I was growing up, it was always such a treat to visit. 😍
What a perfect setting to chat about The Sherwood Ring! I wish I could have made it for the discussion because The Sherwood Ring is one of my all-time favorites, too, and close to the very top of my list. While I was reading it this spring I was also curious about Pope's historical inspirations so I decided to do a little research, but alas, I couldn't find a real house that seemed definitively like Rest-and-be-thankful! Many of the other places Pope mentions did turn up in my searching, though, like Smith's Clove and Iron Forge. As for people, Peaceable's raids and area of operation seem to be inspired by Claudius Smith, whom Dick briefly mentions, and aspects of his gentlemanly personality seem to reflect a bit of John Andre. Peaceable also reminded me a bit of Lord Peter Wimsey, since many of his adversaries seem to underestimate him at first!
I’m so sorry we missed you - I love hearing about your research!! Now I’m tempted to go visit that area. 😄 I never thought of the Peter Wimsey similarity, but you’re so right! One thing I was looking up was the medieval book by Abraham Potter about ghosts that Peggy came across in the library. While I couldn’t find one by the exact same author, there is a book with a very similar title from that time period that I now want to get ahold of to see if it was the original inspiration.
Felicity’s and Elizabeth’s dolls are so adorable! I have been to the cafes - I absolutely loved American Girl Place when I was growing up, it was always such a treat to visit. 😍
What a perfect setting to chat about The Sherwood Ring! I wish I could have made it for the discussion because The Sherwood Ring is one of my all-time favorites, too, and close to the very top of my list. While I was reading it this spring I was also curious about Pope's historical inspirations so I decided to do a little research, but alas, I couldn't find a real house that seemed definitively like Rest-and-be-thankful! Many of the other places Pope mentions did turn up in my searching, though, like Smith's Clove and Iron Forge. As for people, Peaceable's raids and area of operation seem to be inspired by Claudius Smith, whom Dick briefly mentions, and aspects of his gentlemanly personality seem to reflect a bit of John Andre. Peaceable also reminded me a bit of Lord Peter Wimsey, since many of his adversaries seem to underestimate him at first!
I’m so sorry we missed you - I love hearing about your research!! Now I’m tempted to go visit that area. 😄 I never thought of the Peter Wimsey similarity, but you’re so right! One thing I was looking up was the medieval book by Abraham Potter about ghosts that Peggy came across in the library. While I couldn’t find one by the exact same author, there is a book with a very similar title from that time period that I now want to get ahold of to see if it was the original inspiration.
Oh, that book sounds fascinating--what's the title? I'd love to add it to my TBR, especially for around Halloween!