Mmm, researching rather particular period subjects. - Writers Forum

Addison · 03-09-2006, 02:16 AM

Two stories I have in mind will, I fear, necessitate rather a great deal of historical research - which is fine with me, really: history's my thing. However, these are admittedly rather specialised topics and so I was perhaps wondering if by any chance any of you might be able to guide me in the direction of resources concerning these eras.

The first subject would be Dutch East Asia in the mid-to-late 19th Centuries, with particular emphasis on Sumatra. It's just not a topic one finds much about, and moreover one that most people aren't going to be mulling over for too many fireside evenings, and so I've rather found it tremendously difficult to research in any effective manner. Any sort of direction in that area would be appreciated.

Secondly, there's Venice in two periods of its history - the 1920s and the late 1600s. I'd just like any little sort of overall description of Venice in the '20s, but for the earlier period I'd need to refer to two rather more specialised topics - firstly masquerade balls and clothing styles, and secondly the artists of that city at the time - aside from Canaletto, who seems to be rather easy to read up on, mmm.

At any rate, anything at all would be appreciated.

Especially money.

But barring that, anything at all.

Well, perhaps I couldn't do much with a thimble or a slightly gnawed pencil. Therefore, anything pertaining to these eras would be of assistance. Just to clarify matters, y'know.

Seagoon · 03-09-2006, 07:00 AM

I saw a series on Venice's history last year, it was by a guy called Francesco da Mosto (I think it was called Francesco's Venice) on the BBC. You may be able to get info about any re-runs on the BBC website (www.bbc.co.uk) I seem to remember there was a book to accompany it.

Not much I'm afraid, but better than a thimble and gnawed pencil

Mike C · 03-09-2006, 07:51 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_East_Indies

Any help? You could also try just looking at colonialism from that era, Dutch or otherwise. All European countries shat on the natives in pretty much the same way.

mammamaia · 03-09-2006, 06:12 PM

erica jong did a pretty interesting novel on venice, which encompassed life there in both modern times and a centuries earlier one... think the title is 'serenissima'...

elizabeth_472 · 03-09-2006, 07:14 PM

Maybe you could google it?

hlarledge · 03-09-2006, 08:44 PM

The island of Sumatra in the mid to late 19th century? You would not be in search of the Giant Rat per chance?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addison

The first subject would be Dutch East Asia in the mid-to-late 19th Centuries, with particular emphasis on Sumatra. It's just not a topic one finds much about, and moreover one that most people aren't going to be mulling over for too many fireside evenings, and so I've rather found it tremendously difficult to research in any effective manner. Any sort of direction in that area would be appreciated.

glennstewart · 03-09-2006, 08:55 PM

I've been there...there is much scholarship in both areas...William McNeil's "Rise of the West" for Dutch-East Asia, 19th cent., along with Daniel Boorstin's "Discovery"...Venice is more varied in choices. I would go for the bio's of the great figures from there...Google those and follow your nose...good luck, Glenn

Addison · 03-10-2006, 05:07 PM

Thanks to all!

Quote:

The island of Sumatra in the mid to late 19th century? You would not be in search of the Giant Rat per chance?

Unfortunately not - though it occurs to me now that it may be somewhat amusing to insert a vague reference to said monstrous rodent of Watsonian memory.

elizabeth_472 · 03-11-2006, 08:56 PM

Sorry. Forget about the googling. For some dumb reason I thought you were mammamaia. Sorry again.