Welcome to September’s Curious History Review
During this month’s historical ramble, we’ll walk in Jane Austen’s footsteps through Georgian Bath and discover why soldiers recovering from the trauma of war turned to her novels. Then we’ll meet some Florentine monks experimenting with a coca-and-kola combination and some French monks who may have been a little too enthusiastic about claiming credit for inventing champagne.
So pour yourself something refreshing, settle in, and let’s wander through a few curious corners of history…
Step into Jane Austen’s Bath… (the city – not the tub). This self-guided walking tour leads you through the streets she knew, the places she lived and the world that found its way into her novels.
Follow Jane Austen Through Bath
Every September, Bath, England – where I currently live – holds a ten-day Jane Austen Festival. People from all over the world descend upon the city dressed in period costume. It’s lovely to see, even if you’re not participating.
So, if you’re coming to Bath for the festival – or at any other time – be sure to save this walking tour of the city. And if you know someone else who might enjoy it, please pass it on.
It’s a fun way to learn more about Jane and her relationship with Bath. Note: Top hat and bonnet optional.
Today, some people may dismiss Jane Austen as chick-lit, but her novels were once taken very seriously indeed. Her keen observations of human nature appealed to all sorts of readers, including… soldiers and war veterans.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Jane Austen: Prescription for a Troubled Soul
Could reading Jane Austen really calm a troubled soul? Maybe… After World War I, her books were prescribed to soldiers suffering from what was then called shell shock…
During the war years, military hospitals considered reading an important step in recovery. They developed a system of matching books to different conditions, and surprisingly, for the “severely shell shocked” – a condition we would now associate with PTSD – the prescription was… Jane Austen.
After I learned this curious bit of history, I did some experimenting myself, and I do believe Jane’s books actually help calm me when I’m feeling a bit agitated.
Find out why Jane became a particular favorite among soldiers and veterans (and me).
If all that walking around Bath and reading Jane Austen novels has made you thirsty…
Who Put Coca and Kola Together?
What do Florentine monks, coca leaves, kola nuts, and one of the world’s most famous soft drinks have in common?
Recently discovered documents from an old monastery pharmacy in Florence, Italy reveal that its monks once produced a “restorative drink” made with coca and kola – a combination that has a very familiar ring to it today.
However, the famous American version in the red can wasn’t the first – or the only – drink to pair these two potent and exotic ingredients. Similar concoctions appeared across Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries – and this Florentine discovery adds a fascinating new chapter to the story.
What’s the curious connection between a Florentine pharmacy and a world famous soft drink? And why does writing and reading about this make me want a fizzy drink?
Now let’s move on to another drink that was ‘discovered’ by French monks…
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Who Put Bubbles in the Bubbly?
For a long time, the French believed a story told by an old monk about another even older monk called Dom Pérignon who had invented that bubbly wine called champagne.
Unfortunately, the monk’s version of events seems to have contained more sparkle than truth… The claim that Dom Pérignon invented champagne simply wasn’t true.
Another French monastery also claimed to have been the first to make the fizzy wine. Then the British came along and claimed they had done it first… Oh my, I know that didn’t land well with the French…
So who really invented champagne?
That’s it for this month’s Curious History Review. I hope you found something here that sparked your curiosity.
And this month’s important question is: What’s your favorite Jane Austen novel – and what would you drink while reading it? Let me know in the comments.
If you enjoy strange and lesser-known stories from history, feel free to share this newsletter with a curious friend.
See you next month for more curious histories!
Follow Me on Social Media:
- Curious History Review: September 2026 – 3 September 2026
- Jane Austen Walking Tour of Bath – 27 August 2026
- Who Put Coca and Kola Together? Add Florentine Monks to the List – 10 August 2026
COMMENT HERE: Can't wait to hear what you think… (email not required)