The Last Quest: Song of Montsegur by Derek Armstrong Blending the history of the Albigensians-Cathars and the traditions of the tarot, this second volume in the trilogy continues the wry and engaging epic begun in The Last Troubadour. Ramon, the last troubadour, Dame Esclarmonde de Foix, and their companions have… Read More »New Releases for October 2008: Medieval Historical Fiction
On this date, September 11th, in medieval history: 813 – Louis I (“The Pious”), son of Charlemagne, crowned Holy Roman Emperor 1297 – William Wallace and the Scots defeat the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge
In the Catholic Church (the same today as in medieval times), the day is divided into hours based on divisions of three hours apiece. These hours of Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and the night Vigils are based on divisions established in Roman times. The night Vigils consist of Matins… Read More »The Canonical Hours
On this date, September 9th, in medieval history: 1000 – The Battle of Swold (or Svold), one of the most famous sea-fights among the Norsemen 1087 – Death of William the Conqueror, Duke William of Normandy, William I of England
On this date, September 8th, in medieval history: 701 – Death of Pope Sergius I 1157 – Birth of Richard I (the “Lionheart”), King of England 1380 – At the Battle of Kulikovo, the Russians defeat the Tartars. 1425 – Death of King Charles III (“The Noble”), King of Navarre… Read More »Medieval Timeline: Today in Medieval History
On this date, September 5th, in medieval history: 1187 – Birth of Louis VIII (“The Lion”), King of France 1316 – Pope John XXII enthroned
The historical fiction novel Heretic by Bernard Cornwell is the third and final novel in the Grail Quest Series. For years, Thomas of Hookton has sought the truth of his family and the secrets behind the Holy Grail. It is the time of the Hundred Years War between England and… Read More »Review of Heretic by Bernard Cornwell
On this date, September 4th, in medieval history: 476 – Odoacer deposes Romulus Augustulus, last Roman Emperor of the Western Empire. 1241 – Alexander III, King of Scotland, is born. 1346 – King Edward of England and the Black Prince lay siege to Calais; Bernard Cornwell describes this battle in his historical… Read More »Medieval Timeline: Today in Medieval History
On this date, September 3rd, in medieval history: 1189 – Richard I (the “Lion-Heart”) crowned King of England 1260 – The Egyptian Mamluks defeat the Mongols at the Battle of Ain Jalut, marking the first time the Mongols had ever been decisively defeated, according to some historians 1346 – Edward… Read More »Medieval Timeline: Today in Medieval History