Sunday, October 31, 2010

Coming this Week at "Stalking the Belle Époque"

The Crystal Skull
Waveny Mansion
With a nip in the air, we’re all getting ready to settle into a season of warm fires and cozy nights. We’ll begin the approach to the changing of the seasons, with several interesting explorations. We’ll visit Connecticut’s sprawling Waveny Mansion which some of you may know best as Cortlandt Manor. We’ll also take a look at portraiture in Britain’s National Gallery as well as the British Museum’s famed Crystal Skull. We’ll beat the chilly weather will looks into some grand landscape paintings from the world’s finest museums as well as from my own personal collection. Our usual journey into the beauty of gems and jewelry will reveal the warm brilliance of the canary diamond and a further exploration of the many generations worth of fabulous jewels from the Royal Collection. Similarly, we’ll explore the celebrated sculpture of the startling Laocoon Group and learn more about this exciting set of statues.
The Laocoon Group


Kay Francis
A new “Person of the Week” and a new “Humanitarian of the Week” will be announced as we learn about one of Broadway’s legends and one of television’s most appreciated actresses. You’ll also continue to be able to send me your recommendations for both “Humanitarian of the Year” and “Person of the Year.” Our investigations into classic film will re-introduce us to the great "Norma Desmond" and the beautiful Kay Francis.

We’ll see how Mr. Punch’s influence on the arts began to reach the United States and we’ll have a look at some videos which will further acquaint us with this loveable trickster.

As always, Punch’s Cousin will continue next week with Chapter 85 as Robert, and Julian/Mr. Punch must face a seemingly desperate Barbara Allen. Barbara’s trust in Arthur continues to prove misplaced. Meanwhile, Adrienne—full of Christmas joy—does something shocking to make sure that Barbara’s child spends the holiday with a proper family. Marjani realized that her Christmas will be lacking in joy as the lives of her son-in-law and daughter hang in the balance. And, Naasir is tempted by forces which confuse and disorient him. Furthermore, Iolanthe Evangeline is very much alive and, having recovered from her gun shot wound, vows that the new year will not be a happy one for the people who have gotten in here way. As the residents of Marionneaux begin their journey to New Orleans for the Masquerade Ball at the Waxworks, allegiances will change, relationships will be tested and Mr. Cage plots his revenge against Adrienne and Cecil. We’ve got a lot of exciting action in Punch’s Cousin on the way as more secrets are revealed and a shocking visitor arrives at the masquerade.

You can also continue your sneak preview of my new novel, The Cages of Marionneaux with samples from the novel.

I can’t wait to share all of this with you. I’ve been researching and writing so that I can continue to offer you the finest information, video and images possible. As our global community of like-minded people grows to over three thousand visitors a week, we’ll continue on our trek to find the most beautiful and interesting aspects of our world, both past and present. Thanks for coming along on the journey!




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