The agony column of the Times

[curtana]

I've been enjoying reading this book - a bunch of ... personal ads? secret messages? I don't quite know what to call them. Messages, anyway, published in the Times of London between 1800 and 1870. Trying to figure them out is both futile and fascinating.

Comments

[irene_adler]

IF the LADY who met a CLERGYMAN in the Greenwich Coach, on Thursday, May 18, will send her address at Somers Town, to Rev. W. J., at the Turk's Head Coffee-house^ in the Strand, she may accomplish the declared object of her wishes immediately.

Yeah, I bet she will.

I have got to read this. I've always said, it's what the past societies didn't want to communicate to the future that can tell us the most.

[curtana]

There are a lot that read like Missed Connections, the 19th century version - "I saw you, think you're hot, want to meet you, contact me at this address." Just, you know, worded more nicely :D

[whatifoundthere]

Some of these are downright poetic! WHY SHAVE, indeed.

[curtana]

A NEWFOUNDLAND DOG HAS TEETH.

[haggisthesecond]

That is very fascinating! Arthur Conan-Doyle and PG Wodehouse, both.

[curtana]

It's an interesting mix of things, that's for sure!