Thoughts currently in my mind: Evelyn Nesbit

No, I did not take this photo, nor do I claim to own it.

So, for AP English, one of the books I was required to read over the summer was Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow. As I was reading, I became fascinated with a character in it: Evelyn Nesbit. Though she was in a fictional work, she was one of a series of characters who were actual people. Evelyn was my favorite character in Ragtime, and I wanted to know more about her. So, I went to the library (hey, it's what I do when I'm in doubt or curious about something... or just in general) and borrowed a biography on her (link). This was a well written account of her life, and it left me wanting to read even more about her. Sadly, her autobiography (Prodigal Days) is out of print and rather pricey on Amazon. (If anyone knows where to find a copy that doesn't cost hundreds of dollars, let me know!!)

Evelyn is known as one of, if not the most photographed woman of the 20th century. And if that wasn't enough, she was also involved in what came to be known as "The Crime of the Century"- a case where her lover, Henry Thaw, shot her ex-lover, Stanford White. Oh, those crazy 20th century men... But on a more serious note, she was quite the fascinating young lady. You really should read more about her.

Oh, did I happen to mention a photograph of her inspired L.M. Montgomery to create Anne Shirley, of Anne Of Green Gables fame? Yup, that was Evelyn. (The photo that was the inspiration is to the right- she has flowers in her hair).

She traveled throughout Europe, had a son but never admitted who his father really was, and stared in a few silent films. She also was in some theater productions.

I think something I love about her, even ignoring her crazy life, is her beauty. She's quite beautiful, and not necessarily in the typical way- rather she looks as though she walked out of some old painting. Google her, it's really true.

That's all on Miss Evelyn for now.

I start Senior Year in about seventeen hours!