These two short novellas are an example of how a practiced writer can research and really capture the essence of a time period.

The first is an exploration of the early work that was started both in reaction and support of Darwin’s research, telling the story of a man who returning from his journeys where he lost everything is taken into the estate of a British family that then begins to absorb his life while he desires to return to the wild.

The second is another historical piece, this time capturing seances to communicate to the loved dead. The story centers around Emily Jesse, once betrothed to the brother of Alfred (Lord) Tennyson, but disowned by his family after her love, Arthur dies, and she decides years later to re-marry. Her efforts to communicate with Arthur while dealing with the people around her, the ghosts, and also the written legacy left by both Arthur and Alfred.

Note, these novellas are very dense and I believe many … current readers would find the entirely boring.