The Victorian Variety Show

Taphophobia (the fear of being buried alive) was common during the Victorian Era. I discuss some reasons why this was the case, and describe inventions that were developed to prevent it from happening, such as safety coffins and waiting mortuaries. ***** Email: thevictorianvarietyshow@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/victorianvarie1 Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marisadf13 I’...

As a follow-up to my previous episode, in which I briefly explained the basis for Victorian-Era Spiritualism before discussing the rise and fall of the Fox Sisters, I examine conditions in 19th century British and American society that I believe help to explain why Spiritualism appealed to so many individuals of all social classes during this period. ***** References: Bond, Charlotte. “How Spiritu...

In the first episode of a 2-part series on Victorian-Era Spiritualism, I will briefly describe what inspired this movement and its core beliefs, then focus on Maggie and Kate Fox, who are credited by many with helping to put the beliefs of Spiritualism into practice in Hydesville, New York, in 1848. ***** Email: thevictorianvarietyshow@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/victorianvarie1 If you’...

According to many sources, the Victorians are seen as having been obsessed with death. In the first of what I anticipate will be numerous episodes concerning this topic, I explain why some of their views on death originated, and describe some common customs and superstitions regarding mourning and funeral rituals. ********** Email: thevictorianvarietyshow@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/vic...

I explain how the freak show became a popular form of entertainment during the Victorian Era, and discuss ways in which the freak show can be seen as problematic from a modern-day perspective. ***************** Email: thevictorianvarietyshow@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/victorianvarie1 Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marisadf13 I’d also really appreciate it if you could tak...

I examine how Franz Anton Mesmer’s theory of “animal magnetism” in the eighteenth century was adapted and received in 19th century Britain and America. ************************************************ Email: thevictorianvarietyshow@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/victorianvarie1 Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/marisadf13 I’d also really appreciate it if you could take a moment...

I briefly discuss the social conditions out of which penny dreadfuls developed in the 19th century, describe some prominent features of the form, and explain how they were received by readers and critics. Email: thevictorianvarietyshow@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/victorianvarie1 I’d also really appreciate it if you could take a moment to rate and review this podcast on Apple Podcasts, a...

What do you think of when you hear the term “Victorian”? If you think “repressive,” “prudish,“ or “uptight,” do I have the podcast for you! My name is Marisa, host of the Victorian Variety Show, coming to Anchor in August. Each episode, I will discuss a lesser-known aspect of life in the Victorian Age (1837 - 1901). I will cover art and literature, food and social customs, science and medicine, an...