Hello, history lovers!
The latest entry in Lord Likely's journals are especially fascinating for me and my fellow historians. For the first time, we see large-scale historical events outside of Likely's usual experiences take an influence upon his life.
The Crimean War (1853-1856) was an especially brutal war, and was said to usher in the modern style of conflict that we still enjoy today. (Is 'enjoy' the right word here?) It's impact politically, socially and culturally was far-reaching, and it is truly very interesting to see how Lord Likely himself was affected.
For further reading on the Crimean War, may I suggest a visit to The Crimean War Research Society. A fine resource for anyone fascinated by this awful war.
Tell 'em Julian sent you!
- Julian Syngen-Smythe.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Lord Likely - Comic Stripped
Hello, history lovers!
Children are pretty stupid, are they not? With their burbling and gurgling, and distinct lack of interest in history.
That is why, with the help of the excellent Strip Generator, I have fashioned this cartoon about the always astonishing Lord Likely:
Children are pretty stupid, are they not? With their burbling and gurgling, and distinct lack of interest in history.
That is why, with the help of the excellent Strip Generator, I have fashioned this cartoon about the always astonishing Lord Likely:
(Click for full view)
I think children and teachers alike will be delighted.
- Julian Syngen-Smythe.
Piss-Takers and Pisstakers
Hello, history lovers!
Work continues apace on transcribing the diaries of the enigmatic Lord Likely from the antiquated volumes of his journals to the virtual world of the internet. The response continues to be positive, with The Past Today magazine calling the diaries "one of the most important finds in the field of Victorian filth that has ever been seen this week", while History and Historians Periodical states that the journals are "really not too bad," accompanied by a rather fetching picture of myself wearing a tank-top.
In cyberspace, The Pisstakers has given Lord Likely a week-long residence on their site, "in recognition of a great comic talent." Many thanks to them indeed. It is gratifying to know that the long hours spent hunched over these dusty tomes is being appreciated.
Meanwhile, in a more serious matter, a rival historian, Dr. Reginald Wabb-Nasperton, recently took to slandering my good name in this very blog. It was a wild and frenzied tirade of abuse, which sent shockwaves rippling through the historian community. I believe it to have been a wildly unprovoked attack, which has caused me no end of mental anguish. It nearly made me hate history for a while, but then I realised I could never hate history. I love her too much. Besides which, my spirits were raised by a wonerful article on the whole, messy affair, penned by my old journalist friend Bill Blunt. My heart-felt thanks to Bill for his support. It seems together we have driven Wabb-Nasperton back to whichever fetid rock he crawled out from.
In short, Wabb-Nasperton is history. But I, dear readers, am History.
Thank you.
- Julian Syngen-Smythe
Work continues apace on transcribing the diaries of the enigmatic Lord Likely from the antiquated volumes of his journals to the virtual world of the internet. The response continues to be positive, with The Past Today magazine calling the diaries "one of the most important finds in the field of Victorian filth that has ever been seen this week", while History and Historians Periodical states that the journals are "really not too bad," accompanied by a rather fetching picture of myself wearing a tank-top.
In cyberspace, The Pisstakers has given Lord Likely a week-long residence on their site, "in recognition of a great comic talent." Many thanks to them indeed. It is gratifying to know that the long hours spent hunched over these dusty tomes is being appreciated.
Meanwhile, in a more serious matter, a rival historian, Dr. Reginald Wabb-Nasperton, recently took to slandering my good name in this very blog. It was a wild and frenzied tirade of abuse, which sent shockwaves rippling through the historian community. I believe it to have been a wildly unprovoked attack, which has caused me no end of mental anguish. It nearly made me hate history for a while, but then I realised I could never hate history. I love her too much. Besides which, my spirits were raised by a wonerful article on the whole, messy affair, penned by my old journalist friend Bill Blunt. My heart-felt thanks to Bill for his support. It seems together we have driven Wabb-Nasperton back to whichever fetid rock he crawled out from.
In short, Wabb-Nasperton is history. But I, dear readers, am History.
Thank you.
- Julian Syngen-Smythe
Monday, April 23, 2007
News Just In: Lord Likely is One
Good evening, history lovers!
I have just been informed by the lovely people at www.oneblogaday.com that an interview with Andy Fanton will be published on their site today, at around midnight. In it, Mr. Fanton will be discussing The Astonishing Adventures of Lord Likely, and hopefully adding some eye-opening analysis and critical theory.
Now who that Fanton character is, and how much about Lord Likely he knows, I do not know, but I am lead to believe he is quite knowledgable on the subject. Though I refuse to believe he knows more than me, as I know everything and have a framed certificate to prove it.
Anyway, go and have a read of it, see what you think. Just do not blame me if he turns out to be a blathering idiot.
UPDATE EXTRA! It appears the journals of Lord Likely have been given a big 'shout out' by the excellent Kyle Beabo, in his equally excellent blog. I would like to offer a shout out to Kyle, who runs a selection of really really good blogs.
And then I'd like to take the opportunity to give a big shout out to my main man history, the ultimate homeboy.
'Word', as I believe the youth of today say.
- Julian Syngen-Smythe.
I have just been informed by the lovely people at www.oneblogaday.com that an interview with Andy Fanton will be published on their site today, at around midnight. In it, Mr. Fanton will be discussing The Astonishing Adventures of Lord Likely, and hopefully adding some eye-opening analysis and critical theory.
Now who that Fanton character is, and how much about Lord Likely he knows, I do not know, but I am lead to believe he is quite knowledgable on the subject. Though I refuse to believe he knows more than me, as I know everything and have a framed certificate to prove it.
Anyway, go and have a read of it, see what you think. Just do not blame me if he turns out to be a blathering idiot.
UPDATE EXTRA! It appears the journals of Lord Likely have been given a big 'shout out' by the excellent Kyle Beabo, in his equally excellent blog. I would like to offer a shout out to Kyle, who runs a selection of really really good blogs.
And then I'd like to take the opportunity to give a big shout out to my main man history, the ultimate homeboy.
'Word', as I believe the youth of today say.
- Julian Syngen-Smythe.
Lord Likely: HisSpace
In the ongoing quest to promote the extraordinary journals of Lord Likely to the world wide web, I have taken the liberty of setting up Lord Likely with his very own MySpace page.
I do not pretend to understand the ins and outs of this particular networking tool, which is home to a bewildering array of youths with unsightly piercings and hairstyles that are, quite frankly, intimidating. But I am led to believe it is highly popular, and a useful tool for reaching out and touching thousands of potential would-be history lovers.
The MySpace page will also feature exclusive blog entries, and also some music by that fine composer, Edward Elgar.
Please take a moment, if you are a member, to make his Lordship your friend. He will reciprocate, if you are deemed worthy enough.
Thank you.
- Julian Syngen-Smythe.
The Lord Lords It Up On The Internet
Since putting The Astonishing Adventures of Lord Likely up on the internet some two months ago, I have been delighted to see that many people have been as excited and invigorated by these journals as I have. It seems I am not alone in my insatiable lust for history.
Today, for example, has seen two glowing reviews for the journals. Top Blog Mag, in the latest issue of their online magazine, says the diaries are, "the daftest, laugh out loud funny, wonderfully politically incorrect blogs I have ever read". I could not agree more!
Meanwhile, The Pisstakers selected Likely as their 'bonus blog' on their 'MyBlogLog Sunday' competition. They say, "This guy, sorry, gentle-man, is seriously amusing". They are quite right, of course.
It brings a lump to my throat, it really does. And, I don't mind telling you, a lump to my trousers. I really do love history, you know.
Finally, the internet super-high-way has also helped me regain contact with old friends, such as my old mucker Bill Blunt, that straight-talking, straight-shooting, striaght man; and damn fine journalist to boot. It has been a pleasure to rekindle our friendship online, and to browse his selection of fine articles. Keep it up, Bill!
- Julian Syngen-Smythe.
Today, for example, has seen two glowing reviews for the journals. Top Blog Mag, in the latest issue of their online magazine, says the diaries are, "the daftest, laugh out loud funny, wonderfully politically incorrect blogs I have ever read". I could not agree more!
Meanwhile, The Pisstakers selected Likely as their 'bonus blog' on their 'MyBlogLog Sunday' competition. They say, "This guy, sorry, gentle-man, is seriously amusing". They are quite right, of course.
It brings a lump to my throat, it really does. And, I don't mind telling you, a lump to my trousers. I really do love history, you know.
Finally, the internet super-high-way has also helped me regain contact with old friends, such as my old mucker Bill Blunt, that straight-talking, straight-shooting, striaght man; and damn fine journalist to boot. It has been a pleasure to rekindle our friendship online, and to browse his selection of fine articles. Keep it up, Bill!
- Julian Syngen-Smythe.
Chapter Two: Finding The Journals.
So, you may be wondering how an old historian like me got hold of the valuable and extremely rare journals of Lord Likely.
Then again, maybe you are thinking nothing of the sort. But I'm still going to tell you anyway.
The location of Likely's diaries was one of history's greatest mysteries. They were not among the items left on the Likely Estate, nor were they ever published for mass consumption. So where did they go?
The answer turned out to be spectacularly anti-climatic for a series of diaries so packed full of adventure. They turned up in...a charity shop, in Swindon.
Then again, maybe you are thinking nothing of the sort. But I'm still going to tell you anyway.
The location of Likely's diaries was one of history's greatest mysteries. They were not among the items left on the Likely Estate, nor were they ever published for mass consumption. So where did they go?
The answer turned out to be spectacularly anti-climatic for a series of diaries so packed full of adventure. They turned up in...a charity shop, in Swindon.
Fig 1: a charity shop.
I happened to stumble upon them quite by accident, while looking for a new jacket. Imagine my surprise when, among the racks of books on sale for fifty pence each, I spied the legendary journals of Lord Likely.
Needless to say, I snapped them up in an instant, having first haggled with the shop-keeper to let me have all ten volumes for a pound, then excitedly rushed home to study these tomes at my leisure.
I shall never forget that day for as long as I live, unless I am struck with Alzheimer's in my old age. It was a wonderful, glorious day.
Now, I am more than happy to share my discoveries with the world, over at lordlikely.blogspot.com.
Enjoy.
- Julian Syngen-Smythe.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Chapter One: Who Exactly Was Lord Likely?
Before we begin, we should first answer the question: Who Exactly Was Lord Likely?
Not much detail about Lord Likely had been available until now, with some historians believing Lord Likely was nothing more than a Victorian-era myth, made up to terrify school-children and entertain convicts. Yet, from the recent discovery of Lord Likely's journals and other artifacts, we have been able to piece together some biographical information about the great man.
Lord Likely was a Victorian aristocrat, and son of Lord Eustace Likely, the well-respected explorer and trader, who famously introduced pornography to the tribes of deepest, darkest Africa. Eustace Likely disappeared from England not long after his son's fifteenth birthday, leaving his heir with a large country estate and the Likely fortune.
Likely Junior grew up in opulence and decadence, never needing for nothing and living a life of unparalleled luxury. However, he soon grew bored of the daily routine and the rigmarole of high society, and so on his twenty-first birthday, Lord Likely took to traveling.
Not much is known about Lord Likely between the day he left the docks at Dover, and his reappearance some twelve years later. All that can be ascertained is that Likely returned to England a wiser man, and that on his travels he also acquired his long-time companion and man-servant, Botter, as well as a curious strain of gonorrhea.
Likely remained based in England thereafter, but still frequently journeyed to foreign climes as his mood took him. It was through his love of travel, and his eagerness for adventure, that Likely became well-renowned throughout Britain and Her colonies, garnering the nick-name the 'Aristocratic Adventurer'.
Finally, these adventures can be told, right here on the super-web highway.
- Prof. Julian Syngen-Smythe.
Not much detail about Lord Likely had been available until now, with some historians believing Lord Likely was nothing more than a Victorian-era myth, made up to terrify school-children and entertain convicts. Yet, from the recent discovery of Lord Likely's journals and other artifacts, we have been able to piece together some biographical information about the great man.
Lord Likely was a Victorian aristocrat, and son of Lord Eustace Likely, the well-respected explorer and trader, who famously introduced pornography to the tribes of deepest, darkest Africa. Eustace Likely disappeared from England not long after his son's fifteenth birthday, leaving his heir with a large country estate and the Likely fortune.
Likely Junior grew up in opulence and decadence, never needing for nothing and living a life of unparalleled luxury. However, he soon grew bored of the daily routine and the rigmarole of high society, and so on his twenty-first birthday, Lord Likely took to traveling.
Not much is known about Lord Likely between the day he left the docks at Dover, and his reappearance some twelve years later. All that can be ascertained is that Likely returned to England a wiser man, and that on his travels he also acquired his long-time companion and man-servant, Botter, as well as a curious strain of gonorrhea.
Likely remained based in England thereafter, but still frequently journeyed to foreign climes as his mood took him. It was through his love of travel, and his eagerness for adventure, that Likely became well-renowned throughout Britain and Her colonies, garnering the nick-name the 'Aristocratic Adventurer'.
Finally, these adventures can be told, right here on the super-web highway.
- Prof. Julian Syngen-Smythe.
Welcome, Likely Readers!
Welcome!
I am Professor Julian Syngen-Smythe, renowned historian and writer of such history-packed books as The Renaissance: A Heck of a Lot of Drawings, How The Great Plague Was Not Really All That Great and Henry VIII - The Fuck King.
My recent work has been in transcribing the fascinating journals of Lord Likely, a Victorian aristocratic adventurer, from the diaries themselves to this here internet.
You can view these fascinating journals by visiting the blog entitled The Astonishing Adventures of Lord Likely, Aristocratic Adventurer. I highly recommend doing so right away. They truly are an astonishing read.
This blog you are reading now will focus on the trials and tribulations of transferring these great works to the internet, alongside some thorough academic study of the diaries' content.
It was be enormously interesting, even if I do say so myself.
I hope you enjoy your visit, and do not be afraid to leave me a comment or two to encourage further discussion about the enigmatic Lord Likely.
Good day.
- Prof. Julian Syngen-Smythe.
I am Professor Julian Syngen-Smythe, renowned historian and writer of such history-packed books as The Renaissance: A Heck of a Lot of Drawings, How The Great Plague Was Not Really All That Great and Henry VIII - The Fuck King.
My recent work has been in transcribing the fascinating journals of Lord Likely, a Victorian aristocratic adventurer, from the diaries themselves to this here internet.
You can view these fascinating journals by visiting the blog entitled The Astonishing Adventures of Lord Likely, Aristocratic Adventurer. I highly recommend doing so right away. They truly are an astonishing read.
This blog you are reading now will focus on the trials and tribulations of transferring these great works to the internet, alongside some thorough academic study of the diaries' content.
It was be enormously interesting, even if I do say so myself.
I hope you enjoy your visit, and do not be afraid to leave me a comment or two to encourage further discussion about the enigmatic Lord Likely.
Good day.
- Prof. Julian Syngen-Smythe.
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