Examining the Middle Ages through modern eyes: movies, TV, stage, tourism and books. How do we perform the Middle Ages?
The history of foxglove poisoning, was Edward IV a victim?
April 30, 2014 By
The history of foxglove poisoning, was Edward IV a victim? Peter Stride (University of Queensland School of Medicine, Australia) Fiona Winston-Brown (Librarian, Redcliffe Hospital, Australia) Richard III Society: Inc. Vol. 43 No. 1 March (2012) Abstract Edward IV, having been obese, but otherwise apparently in good health, died after an acute illness of only a […]
‘Forgive me for all I have done and all I must do’: Portrayals of Negative Motherhood in George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords
April 27, 2014 By
I will argue that Martin both transgresses traditional high fantasy narratives but also employs other stereotypes found in general literature regarding motherhood and female power, often negative in tone.
Returning the King: The Medieval King in Modern Fantasy
April 5, 2014 By
Tales of kingship in modern fiction, specifically in the work of Neil Gaiman (The Sandman) and George R. R. Martin (A Game of Thrones), are similar to the medieval models, as kingship and the requirements of kingship were popular themes in medieval texts, including Beowulf and King Horn.
Quality TV, Constructed Authorship and the Case of ‘Game of Thrones’
April 5, 2014 By
Quality TV, Constructed Authorship and the Case of ‘Game of Thrones’ By Tobias Steiner Published Online (2012) Introduction: Castles, swords and chain mail, machinations and counter-schemes, the occasional dragon and even a newly-invented language – for many people this reads like Dungeons & Dragons-esque fantasy in the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien. George R. R. Martin not […]
A Burnable Book – novel starring Chaucer and Gower gets strong reviews
February 26, 2014 By
A Burnable Book is the title of Bruce Holsinger’s new historical thriller, set in the 14th century, with Geoffrey Chaucer as one of the main characters
Abelard and Heloise’s Love Story from the Perspective of their Son Astrolabe: Luise Rinser’s Novel Abelard’s Love
February 23, 2014 By
Abelard and Heloise’s Love Story from the Perspective of their Son Astrolabe: Luise Rinser’s Novel Abelard’s Love By Albrecht Classen Rocky Mountain Review, Vol.57:1 (2003) Introduction: The debate about the authenticity of Abelard and Heloise’s correspondence has raged for many decades, if not centuries. Traditionally, many critics have claimed that Heloise, as a woman, could not […]
Children and Literature in Medieval England
January 10, 2014 By
Deals with childrens’ literature in medieval England. Kinds of literature heard by children in England; Examples of rhymes used by medieval children; Ways of linking rhymes with children.
Medievalism as fun and games
December 23, 2013 By
Medievalism hides in many guises in contemporary culture, of which four will be examined here.
Book Review: Dangerous Women, edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois
December 16, 2013 By
The twenty-one story anthology features a wide array of modern and historical fiction, sci-fi and fantasy.
Book Review: The Donation Of Constantine: A Novel, by Simon LeVay
December 15, 2013 By
Love conquers all. Even the Donation of Constantine.
Christmas Books: Great Medieval Fiction Reads for the Christmas Holidays!
December 8, 2013 By
Some medieval stocking stuffers for the historians on your Christmas list!
Great Medieval Fiction 2013!
November 28, 2013 By
For those of you who enjoy some fantasy or a historical novel – this list is for you!
From Scott to Rispart, from Ivanhoe to The York Massacre of the Jews Rewriting and translating historical “fact” into fiction in the historical novel
November 23, 2013 By
From Scott to Rispart, from Ivanhoe to The York Massacre of the Jews Rewriting and translating historical “fact” into fiction in the historical novel Nitsa Ben-Ari Palimpsestes, 24 (2011) Abstract Historical “data” concerns not only facts, as we all know, but memory (individual as well as collective), language, cultural heritage (“real” or invented). In his […]
INTERVIEW: Author Tinney Sue Heath
September 7, 2013 By
In late July, I posted a book review on, “A Thing Done”, by Tinney Sue Heath. The book explores the fantastic world of Italian medieval vendetta during the thirteenth century. Here is my interview with this talented and accomplished author.
Literary composition and the early medieval historian in the nineteenth century
August 5, 2013 By
I wish to consider a number of literary works written by men who were also scholars, to see whether there could be a serious interpretative purpose in the historical novel.
Book Review: A Thing Done, by Tinney Sue Heath
July 28, 2013 By
I’ve read a lot of historical novels over the last few years but I have to say that hands down, this one is at the top of my list.
Interview with author Isolde Martyn
July 7, 2013 By
Isolde Martyn is best-selling author of historical fiction, much of it centred on the Wars of the Roses.
Broken April and Albanian Blood Feud
June 8, 2013 By
Their tribal codes are recorded in a Medieval text known as the Kanun. The Kanun dictates many facets of life, one of which is the custom known as ‘blood feud.’
Politics, Hidden Agendas and a Game of Thrones
June 4, 2013 By
The novel is analyzed from an intersectional perspective, and focuses on women’s positions in the power hierarchy, and in what ways they use their sexuality to access power.
Androgynes, Crossdressers, and Rebel Queens: Modern Representations of Medieval Women Warriors from Tolkien to Martin
May 15, 2013 By
This was another stellar paper given at the Tales after Tolkien session. It was an intriguing look at the women of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and George R. R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones and how each author portrays the mother and warrior characters of Galadriel/Cersi/Daenerys and Eowyn/Arya/Brienne. The paper examined the differences and problems posed by the portrayal of women in theses fantasy novels.
George R. R. Martin’s Quest for Realism in A Song of Ice and Fire
May 14, 2013 By
This was my last session of KZOO this year and it was the perfect way to end a great conference. This series was dedicated to examining medievalism in fantasy literature with the dominant topic being George R. R. Martin and Tolkien.
Book Review: Shadow on the Crown
May 4, 2013 By
A review of Patricia Bracewell’s book: Shadow on the Crown.
Game of Thrones – Review of Season 3, Episode 1: Valar Dohaeris
April 1, 2013 By
After what seemed like an eternity, we’re back with an exciting third season of Game of Thrones. Another season of plotting, scheming, sex, violence and dragons!
Under the Greenwood Tree : Outlaws in Medieval England and modern medievalist crime novels
January 27, 2013 By
A recurring theme in several medievalist crime novels is the subject of outlaws. They are used to create ambience, they can be the adversary and main threat to the protagonists, they can be cast in somewhat more heroic roles, and they are sometimes essential to the plot.
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