On tour today, the topic is the history in The Importance of Pawns. Before I wrote fiction I studied history, so you could say history is in my blood. And here’s a secret. My mother was a history teacher (among other steps in her career)—including author! I learned what I know about powerful women breaking …
To people asking me, “How do you know that stuff?” I say using Google for research. How is that possible? Here are a few of my secrets. Most authors say that research is one of its joys. Also, one of its traps. Intriguing Plot Details Intriguing plot details are the content that persuade readers you …
How Do You Know That Stuff? Using Google for Research Read More »
The Dukes and Duchesses of Brittany between 1485 to 1559 were also kings and queens of France from the time France conquered Brittany to the death of King François II of France. Anne of Brittany, the last truly independent Duchess of Brittany, fought her whole life to keep her duchy separate from France. She had …
As befitted her role as Queen of France, Anne of Brittany passed her life travelling among the royal chateaux of Brittany and France. It could easily not have happened. When her father died shortly after the disastrous the battle of St. Aubin de Cormier in July 1488, Anne was not yet 12. She became ruler …
Anne of Brittany among the Chateaux of Brittany and France Read More »
Telling the time in the medieval and Renaissance period was not easy. Time was not a fixed construct. What day it was and when the day began, what year it was and when the year began all varied. Therefore giving the time when writing stories before clocks or timepieces were in common use is a …
Learning to read old writing is not a task to be undertaken lightly. Anyone who has admired an ancient manuscript written in a language they profess to read recognizes this instantly. If you don’t, glance at the page to the left. Do you know what language it is written in? If you guessed Latin, you …
You don’t want to grow the world’s most dangerous garden! When you sniff those beautiful flowers, remember they may be killers. Did you know that foxglove, monkshood and columbine are all dangerous to eat? Well, they are. That’s why you should admire, but not put unknown substances into your mouth. If you’re in England and …
Another medieval manuscript collection is online – the Bibliotheca Palatina. This is a collection of over 3000 manuscripts, so its numbers alone make it an amazing resource. For people like me – who live far from anywhere with a medieval or Renaissance collection – this is excellent new. I applaud every university, library and project …
Making Manuscripts Available Worldwide By digitizing thousands of pre-16th century manuscripts, researchers around the world can now study where they are. What a blessing this is. For researchers. Also for their family and workplaces. For the preservation of the precious manuscripts. And to protect our even more precious world. [Not that travel isn’t worthwhile, but …
Queen Anne’s Library and Books of Hours Queen Anne’s library, duchess of Brittany, included several Books of Hours. France considers her Great Hours one of its national treasures. Master Jean Bourdichon, who painted it was one of the great painters of the early French Renaissance. Anne’s library is a famous collection. Some she inherited from her …
Duchess Anne of Brittany’s influence as a patron played a critical role on early Renaissance French literature. She employed poets, writers and historians such as Jean Marot and Pierre Le Baud as secretaries, almoners and heralds. When her husbands went on campaign she sent them to describe their travels. The library she expanded at Blois …
Anne of Brittany’s Influence on French Literature Read More »
Renaissance Blogs I discovered three new renaissance blogs/ websites recently that I want to share with my readers. Renaissance English History, has been running since provides information on just about all of the famous Tudors. Europeans renaissance figures is lighter in content but contains some fascinating tidbits and useful photos and an excellent source of …
