Why heroines die in classic fiction

By Vivienne Parry
Presenter, A Nasty Case Of The Vapours

To read classic fiction is to know that if the heroine gets wet, a swift descent into brain fever and death bed scenes is assured within a chapter or so.

But, dear reader, have you ever wondered what was actually wrong with these swooning creatures?

For, I confess, part of me has always longed to grab them and say: "You only got your slippers wet. For heaven's sake, girl, just get a grip!"

So what does modern medicine have to say about these malingering madams' ailments?

Read more....