‘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
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
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’
Quality TV, Constructed Authorship and the Case of ‘Game of Thrones’ By Tobias Steiner Published Online (2012) Introduction: Castles, swords and chain mail, machinations…
A Burnable Book – novel starring Chaucer and Gower gets strong reviews
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
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,…
Children and Literature in Medieval England
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
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
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
Love conquers all. Even the Donation of Constantine.
Christmas Books: Great Medieval Fiction Reads for the Christmas Holidays!
Some medieval stocking stuffers for the historians on your Christmas list!
Great Medieval Fiction 2013!
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
From Scott to Rispart, from Ivanhoe to The York Massacre of the Jews Rewriting and translating historical “fact” into fiction in the historical…
INTERVIEW: Author Tinney Sue Heath
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
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
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
Isolde Martyn is best-selling author of historical fiction, much of it centred on the Wars of the Roses.
Politics, Hidden Agendas and a Game of Thrones
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
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
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
A review of Patricia Bracewell’s book: Shadow on the Crown.
Game of Thrones – Review of Season 3, Episode 1: Valar Dohaeris
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
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.
Is truth more interesting than fiction? The conflict between veracity and dramatic impact in historical fiction
I do not wish to enlist, on either side, in the battle between historians and novelists. What I would like is to suggest a foray which may at first glance seem a minor skirmish, but which may significantly affect the way in which a writer portrays people who once lived, particularly famous people.
A Perfect Reign of Queen and King?: An Analysis of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere in their Leadership Roles
As a literary couple that has stood the test of time, their roles as leaders, and roles in their relationship with each other reflects society’s understanding and belief of where gender roles belong in respect to leadership roles.
Interview with Jeri Westerson, author
I took the tropes of your typical hard-boiled detective series—the lone detective with a chip on his shoulder–who is hard drinking, tough-talking, tough fighting character–the dark streets and dark doings of crime and subculture of criminals and intrigue, the femme fatale—and let them slide into the medieval era.