Thank you for this history. I agree that Substack seems like a modern salon … crossed with a progressive dinner party. Every house (Stack) serves a different course. This was a tasty entree.
Most people today, unfortunately, seem to associate the word "salon" with hairdressing, since the meaning of the word seems to have shifted in the 20th century.
We used to belong to a group that held bi-monthly mixed salons and it was fabulous. The hosts were responsible for setting the topic/direction, inviting speakers, snacks and beverages as well as moderating discussions. Topics were all over the place, from archeological dig results to ancient culinary history to modern tattoo designs to the sci-fi writing of Philip K. Dick. After reading your piece, I'm thinking it's time to find a new group of salon friends and see what we can come up with to talk about! Thanks for the inspiration and the history lesson.
This was such an interesting insight into the development of discussion! I had (to my shame) never heard of the literary salon, and loved especially the part you drew out about people seeing women's words within them as a threat. Imagine! Thanks for sharing this.
If we could time travel, I would have loved to sit in on any of these salons you described!! In the meantime, An online literary salon - what a great idea! It’s too bad that the conversations have to be limited to the comment section ! 👏👏
What a delectable post, Kate! Thank you so much for this one! I've always adored the idea of salons and it was great to learn more history about them here.
Thank you for this history. I agree that Substack seems like a modern salon … crossed with a progressive dinner party. Every house (Stack) serves a different course. This was a tasty entree.
I love that! ❤
Another great piece, filled with history, amazing insight and brilliant writing. Excellent piece.
Thank you! 😊
Most people today, unfortunately, seem to associate the word "salon" with hairdressing, since the meaning of the word seems to have shifted in the 20th century.
Ha! I guess language is always evolving…
Now, wouldn't that be a cool thing to see? A hair salon where the conversation is literary...
It would definitely be an improvement on ‘Where are you going on holiday…’ sign me up ;)
Love the idea of the Salons - let's bring them back! 😊🌻
YES!!!
I'm in! 🙌
The way I keep waiting every Sunday for such amazing nuggets of knowledge.
Ah, how sweet Veenita! Thank you for reading :)
We used to belong to a group that held bi-monthly mixed salons and it was fabulous. The hosts were responsible for setting the topic/direction, inviting speakers, snacks and beverages as well as moderating discussions. Topics were all over the place, from archeological dig results to ancient culinary history to modern tattoo designs to the sci-fi writing of Philip K. Dick. After reading your piece, I'm thinking it's time to find a new group of salon friends and see what we can come up with to talk about! Thanks for the inspiration and the history lesson.
That sounds amazing, Lori! I love that you had such diverse topics, tattoo designs included! :)
Such an interesting article - I had assumed salons were male-dominated so refreshing to read that women played such an important part
Me too! Such a lovely discovery 😀
This was such an interesting insight into the development of discussion! I had (to my shame) never heard of the literary salon, and loved especially the part you drew out about people seeing women's words within them as a threat. Imagine! Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you, Holly! I'm glad you enjoyed reading 😀
If we could time travel, I would have loved to sit in on any of these salons you described!! In the meantime, An online literary salon - what a great idea! It’s too bad that the conversations have to be limited to the comment section ! 👏👏
Thank you! I agree, it would be amazing to join a real-life one 😀
What a delectable post, Kate! Thank you so much for this one! I've always adored the idea of salons and it was great to learn more history about them here.
Thanks, Kate! I know, I've always loved the idea of being invited to one 😀
Thank you so much, Maureen! So glad you enjoyed it :)