Textory – The Podcast

Two castles, a husband-prince, longest string of pearls in the world - what more could a girl wish for? In this episode we’re reading the diaries of Princess Daisy of Pless, revealing a life full of travels, flirtations, but also dullness and longing for something more.

In this November episode – the month of Polish Independence Day - we’re dissecting Fryderyk Chopin’s private correspondence (rude!). Romantic era homo-erotic content, bxtching, flirting – all of that awaits.

Why are women more likely to be witches? And what are witches actually capable of? People asked themselves these questions daily in 1597, when King James’ “Daemonologie” was first published. In the text we’re analysing in this episode, the paranoid king discussed different kinds of witchcraft, the physics behind flying and getting through walls, and what punishment he deemed suitable for engaging in black magic.

Black powder, dogs walking on hind legs and flying women - what was going on in Guernsey in the 17th century? In this episode we’re reading confessions of three women accused of witchcraft on the island - and, sadly, convicted.

Who was classic Hollywood’s favourite starlet and who was generally disliked? Which star cut her own dress before the film shoot? Did Ginger Rogers have no interest in fashion? Was Rita Hayworth actually shy? In this episode we’re reading first-hand tea from the Golden Era of Hollywood as described by Orry-Kelly, one of the industry’s most prominent costume designers.

In this episode we dive into the written works of Marilyn Monroe. Hollywood’s most famous blonde was also an occasional poetress, and her intimate writings reveal a person who was both complex and self-aware.

Is fashion the root of all evil? According to Philip Stubbes, a late 16th/early 17th century pamphleteer, it sure is! In today’s episode we’re reading his thoughts on fashion of the late 16th century that he described in “Anatomy of Abuses”.

What would you do if you had to live in a windowless, rotting room 45 sq ft (4m2) big with your spouse and three sick children? In this episode we're exploring the 19th century gutters of Edinburgh's Old Town, as described by a badass Victorian traveler Isabella Bird.

Are Americans intelligent? Back in 1895, this was the question a visiting Chinese diplomat asked himself attending a dinner party. Let's dive into this "Metropolitan Magazine" article and find out his thoughts on things such as the American storytelling, sense of humour and the American tipping culture!

Looking for a way to battle the heat? Fridtjof Nansen's diaries from his North Pole expedition might help you cool down! In 1893, Nansen and his crew took off on a small ship that was supposed to withstand the main problem of polar explorers at the time - getting viciously crushed by the ice. Listen to find out whether they succeeded!

What was the fashion industry like in 1920s Paris? What did fashion "sketchers" do and why was it a morally grey job? Which fashion houses were allowed free samples from fabric manufacturers, and which designers went bankrupt? Find out in this episode from writings by a fashion designer's Elizabeth Hawes.

Early 20th century Kansas saw a peculiar case of a Native American woman illegally occupying a burial ground. And not just any woman – Lyda B. Conley was a lawyer and frankly, a total badass. In this episode we’re reading a 1910 article about her and her sister's legal (and physical!) battle that ended up at the Supreme Court.

(sorry, no video this time!)

When cycling first became popular, the very participation of women in the sport was a topic of a public debate. But what about the women that made the decision to participate? In this episode we're reading tips and trick for female cyclists straight from 1896.

In this episode we’re talking about 1930s song lyrics that have little to do with “cheek to cheek” and a lot to do with putting cheeks to other use. Warning! Strong language and heavy innuendos throughout this one. Very much NSFW.

The existence of a secret world of spirits, only accessible through skilled mediums, was early 20th century’s favorite conspiracy theory. Today we’re reading reports on a Polish medium, Miss Tomczyk, who developed skills of telekinesis in the early 1900s – or did she? Let's find out!

Boys, friends, parties - we know teenage life is no joke. How was it in 1840s Poland? In this episode let’s delve into the writings of Celina Dominikowska, a dramatic Polish teen.

[AD] This episode is sponsored by Incogni! Get Incogni here: ⁠⁠https://incogni.com/textory the original diary manuscript in Polish: https://polona.pl/item-view/323f4b4e-6ad9-4dce-ab90-b6a5648977fc

In the world of American 1950s inventions, even regular housewives felt like they were just a step away from a genius patent and great success. But were their ideas any good?  

In this Valentine's Day episode, to keep ourselves grounded, we're reading letters that famous writers produced to end their tumultous relationships - both amicably and... not quite. TW: brief mention of s*icide attempt