Joist
Etymology: Middle English giste, joiste, from Anglo-French giste, from Vulgar Latin *jacitum, from Latin jac?re to lie
One of parallel timbers stretched from wall to wall, to support the floor-boards. Laid flat earlier, from the later 17th century laid on edge.
(Wood, Margaret. The English Medieval House, 412)
*term definitions retrieved from Netserf’s Medieval Glossary (http://www.netserf.org/Glossary)
The Inquisitor: A Novel by Catherine Jinks
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Minotaur (October 9, 2002)
Average Customer Review on Amazon: 4.5 stars (3 reviews)
Editorial Review from Publishers Weekly
In her American debut, Australian Jinks provides a fast-moving and entertaining look at medieval France under strict church rule. Writing in the form of an extended confessional, overworked “Inquisitor […]
Michaelmas
[mik-uhl-muhs]
Etymology: Middle English mychelmesse, from Old English Michaeles mæsse Michael’s mass
Michaelmas: The Feast of St. Michael on 29 Sept. (MEDIEV-L. Medieval Terms)
*term definitions retrieved from Netserf’s Medieval Glossary (http://www.netserf.org/Glossary)
I probably won’t be able to blog as much over the next week and a half. My schedule is pretty full, so I don’t know how often I’ll be able to submit new posts or even check my personal email. I will still post the medieval historical fiction novel of the week along with the […]
The Islesman by Nigel Tranter
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Hodder Headline (June 1, 2003)
Comments from the Publisher:
“The absorbing tale of Angus Og MacDonald, Lord of the Isles, set in the turbulent days of Robert the Bruce. Angus Mor, Lord of the Isles, had a son, Alexander of Islay. The boy was too studious to be the warrior […]
I’ve updated my bookshelf with more fiction titles (mostly medieval historical fiction and fantasy titles though others are included), more medieval non-fiction resources, and more writing resources. Please send me your recommendations as well. I’m always eager to read authors I’ve never read before.
I’ve posted a new short story in the writing section of my site. The Sea-Ghost is historical fiction set in early 13th century medieval England. The story follows a knight and his squire in route to Wales by boat. They are traveling to Wales in order to join their lord, Earl William de Longespée, and King John’s […]
Exchequer
[eks-chek-er]
Etymology: Middle English escheker, from Anglo-French, chessboard, counting table, exchequer
1) The financial department of the royal government. The chief officers of the Exchequer are the Treasurer, the Chancellor and the Justiciar. Sheriffs, in their role as regional chief accountants, present reports to the exchequer at Easter and Michaelmas. (MEDIEV-L. Medieval Terms)
2) A) Department for receiving […]
David Anthony Durham had a post on his blog last week about the new Web site Suvudu, so I thought I’d check it out. Suvudu is basically a Web site for all things Science Fiction and Fantasy. Suvudu has only been around for a little less than a month, but it has attracted a lot […]
The Winter Mantle by Elizabeth Chadwick
Hardcover: 512 pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press; 1st edition (April 8, 2003)
Average Customer Review on Amazon: 4.5 stars
Editorial Review from Booklist:
With a practiced hand, Chadwick spins an irresistible historical romp that spans two generations. In 1067, William the Conqueror has successfully crushed the English at the Battle of Hastings. Compelling an […]