Bronteana is a Year Old!
The internet's first Bronte blog began on this site one year ago today. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this blog so much over the past year, and to my readers especially. Thanks to Thisbeciel, Kristin, Monica, Biedroneczka, Thais, Alisa, Aidan Brack, Lousie in Manchester, Vaire, Lillieoz for the many tips and files you have sent in as well as helping with uploading links- my computer is notoriously slow. Thanks also Paul Gordon, composer of Jane Eyre: The Musical for allowing me to pester him from time to time.
Now, the story of Bronteana! A little more than a year ago a friend of mine started a Classics blog on blogger (Classics as in Homer, Classical Greece and Rome etc.). You will notice it is the only non-Bronte-related link on this entire site: Glaukôpidos: An Anachronism in Modernity. I keep a personal blog, and often felt that the Bronte content had long ago taken over so I decided to follow her lead. At first I had no idea what I was doing. I thought I would try some literary criticism but I couldn't come up with something every day! There are also early illustrated posts- such as Edward Bulwer Lytton in Petticoats. Eventually I discovered the wonders of google and other search engines. So there's news and a bit of everything besides debating and sharing my huge collection of... well, Bronteana. Which brings me to the name. Glaukopidos wanted me to name this blog 'BronteBlog', but I didn't like the name (no offense to BronteBlog ;).
This year has been incredible, very interesting and a lot of fun. Within the first few months I had emails from some very interesting people, including someone who believed they are a direct descendent of Constantin Heger, and someone who really is a cousin of the Brontes. Writers have written in, publishers have sent me their manuscripts (I got to see a preview of Branwell- which I reviewed unfavourably, much to the publisher's annoyance...). I enjoy hearing from my readers, because it lets me know that you are having as much fun as I am. I am gratified also, that my efforts caught the attention of the Bronte Society Gazette early this year. It has been a most wonderful year!
And now, the apology. I meant to have a lot of fun stuff prepared for this occasion but nothing has come through. The archives are still a horrendous mess, I have not been able to finish moving the resource site to Dalhousie, and the media files I meant to post are not uploaded... even this post is almost an hour late.
For the future. Well, the first post was a demand to the BBC that it release its 1973 production of Jane Eyre. That came to pass in the fullness of time (ie, this past spring/early summer) so, I think I'll start demanding their 1970 production of Villette!
19 comments:
Yay for Bronteana!! I'd like to wish you (and the others) a warm Thank you for all your hard work and dedication! This blog is a tremendous resource!
Many Happy Returns! And what a wonderful site this is. I've nothing to contribute except my long running obsession with the novel "Jane Eyre" which I first read when I was sixteen. I'm now.... errr never mind. You have put together an excellent blog. And I add my thanks to mysticgypsy's.
I too want to add my congratulations on this anniversary. I cannot thank you enough for all the wonderful things I have found on this blog. I do however want to give you a special thanks for telling me about the 1973 "Jane Eyre." I just can't seem to watch it enough and every time I watch it I love it more. Thanks, Agnes
Happy Birthday Bronteana!
What a great site this is- and its nice to know that there are people out there who are inspired by the same things I am- now I don't feel so lonely in my little book corner (picture me,a year ago shivering, cold, wearing sack-cloth, in an obscure corner of a windy-alley in London, rocking back and forth, reading a tattered copy of Jane Eyre, while Charles Dickins' evil twin brother jeers at me...then the sun comes out, and the clouds part, and this web-page comes galloping up to me on a white steed, sweeps me off my feet, and promises to give me a cookie every day for the next year.) I guess the joy I get reading this blog is kind of like that.
Congrats and here's hoping for many many more anniversaries for Bronteana. This is one site I visit regularly and often I learn something new. In fact, I would never have seen the 1934 Jane if Bronteana hadn't posted a link.
Thank you.
to mysticgypsy:
Thank you. If only I could get the archives untangled! And you've been reading from very early on, I think.
to anonymous:
You're very welcome! Thanks for commenting.
to Agnes:
I'm glad you enjoy the 73 version! I really didn't think they would ever release it. I feel the same way about it.
to mandyjoy:
Don't worry Mandy, I'll protect you from Dickens!
to anonymous:
Thanks for commenting! I hope you found something to like in that version of Jane Eyre.
Has it really been only a year? I feel I have been reading this blog forever! Thanks for injecting lots of lovely bronteness into our daily lives and fingers crossed for Vilette 1970!
Hi there!
Yes, I believe I've been here since the fall of last year, although it feels like it should be ages!! :)
to Liz:
I almost missed the aniversary and I was keeping an eye out for it! It hardly seems like a year has gone by, but stranger still is for me to imagine how far it has come in such a short time. It has really taken on a life of its own.
to Marshalsea:
Thanks. :) Just wait until the BBC start posting teasers and clips of Jane Eyre!
to mysticgypsy:
Yes, back when we both lamented not having many people to talk to about the Brontes. Do you still feel that way?
Not really. The internet has been a wonder :D!
Should we just accept the fact that many people find it harder to like the Brontes, and as a consequence, we won't find many Bronte fans outside the Net?
Ohhh I meant to say this earlier, but HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
I sorta forgot about Glauk's. heh.
to mysticgypsy:
Good :)
I don't like that idea very much but I have a feeling that you're right about that. Hardly anyone here has even read the Brontes' works.
to glaukopis:
Well, that is understandible. What with preparing to go to Cambridge and all. I suppose I can't haunt your college since I'm supposed to be lurking around the Bodleian. Pity ;)
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