It is my privilege to welcome my very dear friend JB Grantham today to talk about her absolutely delightful labour of love, 'Mr Darcy's Guide to Pemberley', a wonderful creation I'm sure you'll adore as much as I do.
If, like me, you can't have enough of Pride and Prejudice and you visit the filming locations whenever you can for more glimpses of Pemberley, you'll be thrilled to own this beautiful book and travel to the iconic country house as often as you wish in your imagination, with the master of the house guiding your virtual footsteps.
JB Grantham will now tell you more about it. Please read on and don't forget to comment for a chance to win an exquisite token in the GIVEAWAY.
If, like me, you can't have enough of Pride and Prejudice and you visit the filming locations whenever you can for more glimpses of Pemberley, you'll be thrilled to own this beautiful book and travel to the iconic country house as often as you wish in your imagination, with the master of the house guiding your virtual footsteps.
JB Grantham will now tell you more about it. Please read on and don't forget to comment for a chance to win an exquisite token in the GIVEAWAY.
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I am delighted to visit Joana’s blog today with my new book “Mr Darcy’s Guide to Pemberley”.
Joana is a very dear friend of mine and her support has been absolutely invaluable in bringing this book to you. Ever since I shared with her my secret about writing the book, Joana never allowed me to lose my focus or my heart about it. There were some tough times during the process when I felt like giving up, but Joana never lost her optimism and belief in the book and encouraged me every step of the way.
In two years that we’ve known each other we visited together so many wonderful Jane Austen–related places: from Lydia’s Brighton, to Mr Darcy’s Pemberley, from Catherine’s Bath to Jane’s very own Chawton.
Joana is a very dear friend of mine and her support has been absolutely invaluable in bringing this book to you. Ever since I shared with her my secret about writing the book, Joana never allowed me to lose my focus or my heart about it. There were some tough times during the process when I felt like giving up, but Joana never lost her optimism and belief in the book and encouraged me every step of the way.
In two years that we’ve known each other we visited together so many wonderful Jane Austen–related places: from Lydia’s Brighton, to Mr Darcy’s Pemberley, from Catherine’s Bath to Jane’s very own Chawton.
One of my fondest memories along the way is that of visiting Pemberley with Joana and Mira Magdo. I suppose, we just had to meet on that path one day, for all roads lead to Pemberley…
Indeed, they do. At least - for any dedicated (read - obsessed) Jane Austen and Pride & Prejudice 1995 fan.
And, you will not be surprised, I am sure, that a person, who started a Facebook Page about Elizabeth Bennet’s life after her marriage to Mr Darcy, and continues to work on that page religiously 5 years later, - is a dedicated fan. Or enthusiast – pick your own noun.
However, no matter how many times one watched BBC’s P&P and re-read The Book, life adds its corrections to one’s travel schedule. As it happens – I only managed to travel to Pemberley for the first time about 4 years ago.
I planned my trip meticulously: a train to Manchester, from there – to Stockport and Disley; all train times written down neatly on a folded sheet of paper, pages of maps printed from the internet, a sketchpad and pencils in my bag – everything ready for my big adventure at Pemberley.
For weeks before the trip I was trying to imagine my feelings when I would see the gates of Pemberley for the first time, seriously believing that I might be in tears when it happened.
Well… I planned it all, but didn’t count on one simple thing – Disley is a small village and there is no taxi rank at the station. It might not be a deal breaker for the vast majority of people, but I, as it happened, had an injured knee at the time and walking was not my forte. In vain I struggled to connect to the internet and call a taxi, nothing was available. I had to resort to walking along the main road, following the directions on my map. It was an early summer’s day, warm and dry, large heavy loaded lorries passed me in both directions, lifting into the air clouds of fine road dust, leaving fumes of diesel in their wake. No matter how hard I tried to imagine myself being Elizabeth Bennet on one of her long walks – the image was repeatedly ruined by the next heavy truck speeding along the road.
It took me a while to reach the gates of the Lyme Park (Pemberley) estate, and I turned off the main road onto a smaller one, shaded by trees on both side, promising some respite from the sun and dust.
Indeed, they do. At least - for any dedicated (read - obsessed) Jane Austen and Pride & Prejudice 1995 fan.
And, you will not be surprised, I am sure, that a person, who started a Facebook Page about Elizabeth Bennet’s life after her marriage to Mr Darcy, and continues to work on that page religiously 5 years later, - is a dedicated fan. Or enthusiast – pick your own noun.
However, no matter how many times one watched BBC’s P&P and re-read The Book, life adds its corrections to one’s travel schedule. As it happens – I only managed to travel to Pemberley for the first time about 4 years ago.
I planned my trip meticulously: a train to Manchester, from there – to Stockport and Disley; all train times written down neatly on a folded sheet of paper, pages of maps printed from the internet, a sketchpad and pencils in my bag – everything ready for my big adventure at Pemberley.
For weeks before the trip I was trying to imagine my feelings when I would see the gates of Pemberley for the first time, seriously believing that I might be in tears when it happened.
Well… I planned it all, but didn’t count on one simple thing – Disley is a small village and there is no taxi rank at the station. It might not be a deal breaker for the vast majority of people, but I, as it happened, had an injured knee at the time and walking was not my forte. In vain I struggled to connect to the internet and call a taxi, nothing was available. I had to resort to walking along the main road, following the directions on my map. It was an early summer’s day, warm and dry, large heavy loaded lorries passed me in both directions, lifting into the air clouds of fine road dust, leaving fumes of diesel in their wake. No matter how hard I tried to imagine myself being Elizabeth Bennet on one of her long walks – the image was repeatedly ruined by the next heavy truck speeding along the road.
It took me a while to reach the gates of the Lyme Park (Pemberley) estate, and I turned off the main road onto a smaller one, shaded by trees on both side, promising some respite from the sun and dust.
One thing I underestimated, just like Elizabeth on her first visit to Pemberley, was the size of the vast estate. From the main gates the road continued for miles, as I felt it, or rather my knee did. I looked enviously at cars passing me on their way to Lyme Park, ready to partake in its delights. I carried on along the road, trying to ignore my aching knee and wishing only for one thing – to reach a place I could sit down and have some rest.
When, at last, I glimpsed the walls of Pemberley in the distance, the only tears to blur my vision were the tears of pain, bud – alas – not of sentimental delight. By this time I didn’t feel like a romantic heroine at all. I suppose, I could have pretended to be Marianne Dashwood with her twisted ankle, but as no handsome scoundrel rushed to my rescue, this scenario didn’t quite work.
When, at last, I glimpsed the walls of Pemberley in the distance, the only tears to blur my vision were the tears of pain, bud – alas – not of sentimental delight. By this time I didn’t feel like a romantic heroine at all. I suppose, I could have pretended to be Marianne Dashwood with her twisted ankle, but as no handsome scoundrel rushed to my rescue, this scenario didn’t quite work.
This painful walk made such an impression on me that when, months later, I started working on “Mr Darcy’s Guide to Pemberley” I felt it necessary to warn my readers of the potential difficulties of the walk, writing something like “the walk from Lambton is quite manageable for an experienced walker”.
It made my husband laugh when he read it.
“You mean, it is OK, unless you have an injured joint or two?” he asked. “Exactly!” I replied, but removed the sentence from the book.
Nevertheless, I feel that I should forewarn any particular pilgrims of the future – the walk along the main road is not the most pleasant. There are some other back roads and paths however. They are all approximately 2 miles long, or just over. They are more picturesque than the road I took, but do wear comfortable shoes.
However, if you prefer to call a taxi, you can do nowadays! On our last visit we used Lynx Taxis of Stockport (+44 161 480 5000), you can even download their app on your phone (http://www.lynxtaxis.uk/). They were pretty efficient and turned up quickly even at short notice. I am not on any commission from them, of course, just sharing my experience :)
Many people asked me whether it is easy to get to Lyme Park without a car. It is, actually.
You need to take a train to Stockport – most trains from London to Manchester stop at Stockport. The trains go from London Euston and take exactly 2 hours. You change at Stockport and take a train to Disley. It actually goes to Buxton – that what you need to look for on the departure screens, but you alight at Disley after only 20 min. The train goes once an hour, so there might be time for a cup of coffee at the station café.
From Disley Station – as I said before – you either walk or call a taxi that will bring you right to Lyme Hall ( aka Pemberley House) in a mere 5-6 min. Easy!
Once at Pemberley, you won’t need my directions, because now its Master himself invites you to take a turn in the grounds of his house.
Visit Pemberley’s gardens, woods and lake sides, see the house from every angle, accompanied by Mr Darcy’s commentaries and explanations; learn about the history of his family, and share his memories of meeting Elizabeth by the giant lime tree back in 1812.
The book is available for pre-order: https://gumroad.com/pemberleybooks
It made my husband laugh when he read it.
“You mean, it is OK, unless you have an injured joint or two?” he asked. “Exactly!” I replied, but removed the sentence from the book.
Nevertheless, I feel that I should forewarn any particular pilgrims of the future – the walk along the main road is not the most pleasant. There are some other back roads and paths however. They are all approximately 2 miles long, or just over. They are more picturesque than the road I took, but do wear comfortable shoes.
However, if you prefer to call a taxi, you can do nowadays! On our last visit we used Lynx Taxis of Stockport (+44 161 480 5000), you can even download their app on your phone (http://www.lynxtaxis.uk/). They were pretty efficient and turned up quickly even at short notice. I am not on any commission from them, of course, just sharing my experience :)
Many people asked me whether it is easy to get to Lyme Park without a car. It is, actually.
You need to take a train to Stockport – most trains from London to Manchester stop at Stockport. The trains go from London Euston and take exactly 2 hours. You change at Stockport and take a train to Disley. It actually goes to Buxton – that what you need to look for on the departure screens, but you alight at Disley after only 20 min. The train goes once an hour, so there might be time for a cup of coffee at the station café.
From Disley Station – as I said before – you either walk or call a taxi that will bring you right to Lyme Hall ( aka Pemberley House) in a mere 5-6 min. Easy!
Once at Pemberley, you won’t need my directions, because now its Master himself invites you to take a turn in the grounds of his house.
Visit Pemberley’s gardens, woods and lake sides, see the house from every angle, accompanied by Mr Darcy’s commentaries and explanations; learn about the history of his family, and share his memories of meeting Elizabeth by the giant lime tree back in 1812.
The book is available for pre-order: https://gumroad.com/pemberleybooks
About the book:
Sumptuously presented, to make sure it does justice to the stunning place it describes, this book is the first and only of its kind. It is only available as a hardback, wrapped in a smooth dustcover with gold emboss. Inside, the book is printed on high quality silky paper with full colour paintings adorning every page.
Hand-drawn maps help you to find your way around Mr Darcy’s extensive estate and perfectly imagine every detail as if you were walking the garden paths beside your generous (and handsome!) host.
I'll tell you a secret, when I brought my specifications to the printers their reply was: "Sounds like a nice book with every high priced print process known to man and the most expensive paper you can buy." That scared me a little, but I had to stick to it to do justice to the beautiful place this book is about.
Here goes:
- It is a hardback, landscape, 28x21 cm.
- Dust cover with gold emboss.
- Satin paper.
- Full colour throughout.
- 108 pages, with illustrations practically on every page.
Because the book will be expensive to print - we are looking first of all to fulfilling the pre-orders. How many will remain available for general sale - I am not sure.
Sumptuously presented, to make sure it does justice to the stunning place it describes, this book is the first and only of its kind. It is only available as a hardback, wrapped in a smooth dustcover with gold emboss. Inside, the book is printed on high quality silky paper with full colour paintings adorning every page.
Hand-drawn maps help you to find your way around Mr Darcy’s extensive estate and perfectly imagine every detail as if you were walking the garden paths beside your generous (and handsome!) host.
I'll tell you a secret, when I brought my specifications to the printers their reply was: "Sounds like a nice book with every high priced print process known to man and the most expensive paper you can buy." That scared me a little, but I had to stick to it to do justice to the beautiful place this book is about.
Here goes:
- It is a hardback, landscape, 28x21 cm.
- Dust cover with gold emboss.
- Satin paper.
- Full colour throughout.
- 108 pages, with illustrations practically on every page.
Because the book will be expensive to print - we are looking first of all to fulfilling the pre-orders. How many will remain available for general sale - I am not sure.
You can pre-order to save money and secure your copy here: https://gumroad.com/pemberleybooks
Why pre-order?
Firstly, this way you secure your copy. The book is a limited edition and the number of copies ordered will be strongly determined by the number of pre-orders we receive.
Secondly, there is a special introductory price on pre-orders, you save £5 off the regular price of the book.
The book will be released on 1 October 2017, and you will not be charged until the date of release.
It is coming to Amazon.co.uk in October at RRP £25 + p&p.
Pre-order at https://gumroad.com/pemberleybooks for £20 + p&p only.
Why pre-order?
Firstly, this way you secure your copy. The book is a limited edition and the number of copies ordered will be strongly determined by the number of pre-orders we receive.
Secondly, there is a special introductory price on pre-orders, you save £5 off the regular price of the book.
The book will be released on 1 October 2017, and you will not be charged until the date of release.
It is coming to Amazon.co.uk in October at RRP £25 + p&p.
Pre-order at https://gumroad.com/pemberleybooks for £20 + p&p only.
If you need a recommendation, I would like to share with you a review written by none other than my generous hostess, Joana Starnes. Also, exclusively for Joana’s Blog I am very happy to reveal one page of the book (please click on the images to enlarge them):
And finally - Today’s Giveaway:
To win – comment on this post and tell us about your favourite episode from BBC 1995 Pride & Prejudice adaptation. The winners will be chosen randomly in a week time.
The Prize:
A specially made pendant featuring an original portrait of Mr Darcy by E.Tarnovski.
This work was especially commissioned for this book and currently not available for sale from any retailers. The pendant is 23 mm in diameter, on a long chain and on the back features one of the best known and loved quotes in literature. Can you guess which?
There are only two pendants like this in the world. One is mine and the second one will belong to our lucky winner.
You also will receive an A5 print of the portrait and a green ostrich feather – why not? ;)
To win – comment on this post and tell us about your favourite episode from BBC 1995 Pride & Prejudice adaptation. The winners will be chosen randomly in a week time.
The Prize:
A specially made pendant featuring an original portrait of Mr Darcy by E.Tarnovski.
This work was especially commissioned for this book and currently not available for sale from any retailers. The pendant is 23 mm in diameter, on a long chain and on the back features one of the best known and loved quotes in literature. Can you guess which?
There are only two pendants like this in the world. One is mine and the second one will belong to our lucky winner.
You also will receive an A5 print of the portrait and a green ostrich feather – why not? ;)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Julia, for compiling the beautiful Guide, for visiting my blog today with this lovely post, and for this gorgeous giveaway!
I fell in love with Mr Darcy's Guide to Pemberley ever since you kindly showed me the draft copy. That is also the time when I became a huge fan of E. Tarnovski.
In my opinion this is the best portrait of Mr Darcy. E. Tarnovski has skilfully portrayed him as we know and love him, with his inner goodness shining through as he bestows a loving glance upon his Elizabeth.
Please leave a comment for a chance to own one of the only two such pendants in existence and check out Mr Darcy's Guide to Pemberley
I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do!
To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment on this post no later than midnight, BST (British Summer Time) on Monday, 31 July.
The winner will be announced on this blog on 1 August, 2017.
I fell in love with Mr Darcy's Guide to Pemberley ever since you kindly showed me the draft copy. That is also the time when I became a huge fan of E. Tarnovski.
In my opinion this is the best portrait of Mr Darcy. E. Tarnovski has skilfully portrayed him as we know and love him, with his inner goodness shining through as he bestows a loving glance upon his Elizabeth.
Please leave a comment for a chance to own one of the only two such pendants in existence and check out Mr Darcy's Guide to Pemberley
I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do!
To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment on this post no later than midnight, BST (British Summer Time) on Monday, 31 July.
The winner will be announced on this blog on 1 August, 2017.
