Barely got this one in before the end of St. Patrick’s day. On this day, March 17th, in medieval history: 460 (?) – Presumed death of St. Patrick. 1040 – Harold Harefoot dies. Harold was the son of Canute the Great and King of England from 1035 – 1040. 1473 –… Read More »Medieval Timeline: Today in Medieval History
What are your five most-read and/or re-read fantasy or historical fiction novels on your bookshelf? Which novels do you find yourself reading over and over again, or would read over and over again? Normally, I don’t tend to read the same novels twice, with a few exceptions of course. Here’s… Read More »Discussion Topic: Five Most-Read Fantasy or Historical Fiction Novels
Built in Scotland between 1290 and 1300, Caerlaverock castle was one of the first castles of concentric circle design ever built. Caerlaverock is triangular in shape, of French style, with a large gatehouse of two drum towers standing at the apex of the triangle. At the time, these drum towers… Read More »Medieval Castles: Caerlaverock
Given the vast timeline and myriad of topics covered in the medieval period, it’s often difficult to determine which books should be at the top of your bookshelf. If someone asked you for a list of five works that are essential for every medievalist to read — no matter the… Read More »Discussion Topic: Top Five Foundational Books of Medieval History
Also known as the Battle of Legnica Armies involved: The Mongols vs. the armies of Poland and the Teutonic Knights In late March of 1241, the Mongol army, under the commands of Hordu (eldest grandson of Chinggis Khan) and Peta, swept down through southern Poland and ambushed a division of… Read More »Famous Battles in Medieval History: The Battle of Liegnitz
Last week, I reviewed Helen Hollick’s The Kingmaking. I also had the privilege of interviewing Helen about her latest novel. 1. When did you first start working on your novel? So long ago I can’t remember! It took me ten years to produce what turned out to be The Kingmaking,… Read More »Interview with Helen Hollick, Author of The Kingmaking
On this date, March 5th, in medieval history: 1133 – Birth of King Henry II of England 1324 – Birth of David II, King of Scotland 1326- Birth of Louis I (The Great), King of Hungary *image is of Henry II, King of England
The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (March 2009) Paperback: 592 pages ISBN: 1402218885 It is the time of post-Roman Britain. The Roman armies have fled from the island, leaving England alone in a power vaccum to decide its own fate. Rivalries compete for the throne, British against British, and with… Read More »Review of The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick
I’m sure a lot of readers of this blog share my interest in the medieval period, but I’m curious as to what other periods in history you find interesting? Personally, I enjoy studying ancient civilizations (Rome, Greece, Egypt, the Ancient Americas, etc.) and the art/structures or lost worlds left behind… Read More »What Historical Period(s) Interests You (aside from medieval history)?