Violets. Aren’t they pretty? Such a charming picture to print—or rather, re-print in Ackermann’s Repository of the Arts. The original image was a hugely popular one around France in 1814 and early 1815, so much so that it was quickly … Continue reading
Tag Archives: History
English Mastiff breeders share a common anecdote: by the end of the second World War, the English Mastiff all but vanished from Britain. American breeders helped to revive the breed in England. This intrigued me. Plans for a historical novel … Continue reading
In 1740, Lord Chesterfield wrote regular letters to his son in Latin, French, as well as English. Many have heard of his famous letters, but alas, few have read them. … Continue reading
By Brenda W. Clough Museums are a writer’s friends. Never pass one up! Background research is forever. There is nothing like actually seeing a helmet or a cup. And unless you are independently wealthy you are probably not traveling to … Continue reading
Ghosts in history first rose to my notice with Jaime Lee Moyer’s atmospheric, tense series beginning with Delia’s Shadow , set in San Francisco toward the end of World War I. This period coincides with the height of the Spiritualism … Continue reading
I tell people that I was born in a country that no longer exists – and it doesn’t, not on the maps, not in atlases, not on globes. It has vanished into history, now. But the land that the … Continue reading
Not long ago I got into a discussion about John M. Ford, who I find always worth rereading. The particular book that sparked things off is The Dragon Waiting, about which I commented that I found the main character to be … Continue reading
In Ashes Lie Onyx Court 2 by Marie Brennan ABOVE It is the seventeenth century. For twenty years, the City of London has been torn apart: by war, by plague, by fire. BELOW The Onyx Court is London’s faerie shadow. … Continue reading
ABOVE
The year is 1590. The City of London flourishes, the most brilliant jewel in the crown of Elizabeth I, Gloriana, the Virgin Queen.
BELOW
The Onyx Court is London’s faerie shadow. Ruled by Invidiana, its heartless queen, it reflects and distorts the glory of the mortal court.
BETWEEN
Years ago, Elizabeth forged a pact with her faerie counterpart to secure both of their thrones. Now that alliance is in danger. Michael Deven, a rising star in Elizabeth’s court, seeks the “hidden player” who has influenced mortal politics for so long. Lady Lune, a faerie out of favour, must infiltrate the mortal world to protect her vicious queen. Together this pair will uncover the secret of Invidiana’s power — a secret that has the potential to shatter both realms
Continue readingIt’s interesting to reflect on the animals that humans have chosen as frequent companions–or that have chosen humans. While we’ve kept just about every possible creature as a pet, status symbol/zoo animal, or beast of burden, a select few have … Continue reading