My own case of Manchegan Madness is about to progress to a new level. Tomorrow I have a Big Announcement to make, and I hope you can join me as I try to make a difference in the world (Is that hint vague enough?).
Don Quixote had a mission, and so do I. I just hope mine doesn't appear as crazy as his.
Here's a visual hint:
If you're a fan of mystery novels, you might enjoy Jack and Beverly's collection of Sherlock Holmes memorabilia, but the real example of Manchegan Madness today comes from The Wolfe Pack, a society devoted to detective Nero Wolfe:
The Wolfe Pack, founded in 1978, is dedicated to the celebration of America's greatest - and largest - detective, Nero Wolfe, and his world. The Pack publishes a semiannual journal, the Gazette, and sponsors several events each year including a shad roe dinner in the spring and, our oldest tradition, The Black Orchid Banquet, in December.Check out the society's website where you can join in Nero Wolfe book discussions, learn about winners of the Nero Wolfe award, and explore the A&E Nero Wolfe TV series. There's even a link to a set of Nero Wolfe dolls. Madness indeed.
Dickens World, a twisted blend of Disneyland and Newgate Prison, is set to open on May 25, 2007 in Chatham, Kent, England. The Dickens theme park (can I use those words in the same sentence?) features attractions based on works like Nicholas Nickleby, Oliver Twist and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. According to the official website:
The experience will feature a Dickensian Shopping Mall, together with a multitude of attractions and rides, including a mix of themed restaurants, bars and a multiplex cinema. Dickens World will also have facilities for seasonal variations, particularly over the Christmas period in which the attraction will convert into a Dickensian winter wonderland, replete with snow and other characteristics of a bygone era, complemented by a magnificent water feature which over the festive season changes into a spectacular 'ice fantasia' dominated by 'The Spirit of Christmas', 'JackFrost', 'Scrooge' and a host of other delightful characters who magically come to life. This and other seasonal events throughout the year an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.A "Dickensian Shopping Mall"? "Naughty delights"? Now that's what I call madness--Manchegan Madness!
A series of 'burlesque' evening dinner shows are being especially created to provide a nightly menu of 'naughty delights' in the 'Free and Easy' Victorian Music Hall.
Sylvia from Classical Bookworm sent in a link to The Republic of Pemberley, a site devoted to all things Jane Austen. Here's how the site defines itself: "Your haven in a world programmed to misunderstand obsession with things Austen"--definitely symptoms of Manchegan Madness.
If you visit, make sure to see Lady Catherine & Co. for "tongue-in-cheek advice from JA characters."
As Sylvia says, "I'm afraid there is not much hope for them, but perhaps it can be a lesson for the rest of us."
Thanks for the link, Sylvia. I think you're right about Pemberley--they've gone past the point of no return.
Obelia medusa has created a doll-sized version of Bag-end from The Lord of the Rings. You really must see this to believe it:
You can see how she made it here.
Apologies to the readers of Literary Compass for the duplicate post, but I just had to mention it here because it's such a perfect example of Manchegan Madness.
If you're addicted to the Horatio Hornblower books and movies then make sure you visit Scaryfangirl's Hornblower site. In her own words:
Welcome to ScaryFangirl.Com, a place for those who are (or would like to be) obsessed with C.S. Forester's nautical hero, Horatio Hornblower. This site is dedicated to the multiple dimensions of the Hornblower fandom, from the books to the movies, encompassing both the studious and the remarkably silly. It is my hope that Hornblower junkies the world over will find something here to brighten their day whether their tastes run to the historical or the hysterical. Enjoy!While you're there don't miss HH Fans, to Me! a video to support the effort to bring Hornblower back to the big screen.
Another manifestation of the madness occurs in the blogosphere. Here are some people who've got full blown cases:
It seems that Manchegan Madness affects children as well as as adults. From an article by the BBC:
We named my cat Sirius, tribute to Harry Potter's godfather. It suits him because he is an all black cat!
-Alison, 12, London
My two rats are named Pippin and Arwen because my sister and I are mad Lord of the Rings fans.
-Tanya, 13, Orpington
My cats are called Merry and Pippin. We named them after characters in Lord of the Rings.These are the youngest documented cases of MM, and researchers are having a difficult time determining if the disease is also spread through watching movies.
-Ruahdhan, 11, Gravesend
As a public service to the health of the literary community, I wrote a post on my literary blog titled Do You Recognize the 7 Signs of Manchegan Madness? When I saw more people coming down with symptoms I followed that article with Another Outbreak of Manchegan Madness?
This bibliophilic disease is one of most neglected disorders in the medical world. Its first victim was the Knight of the Sorrowful Face, the incomparable Don Quixote of La Mancha, from whom it gets its name. You can read about his battle with Manchegan Madness in The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha.
Today I decided it it was time to speak out. You see, I am one of the afflicted.
By sharing my story, and by chronicling the spread of this insidious disease, I hope to prevent others from suffering needlessly. If this blog saves only one life, it will be worth it.
How can you tell if you are a victim?
