Tag Archives: historical
From my blog...
THE LAST KINGDOM 2, Episode 5
THE DEAD SPEAK Three years have passed since the rescue of Thyra and the banishing of Sigefrid and Erik. Ragnar and Brida are in Dunholm (Durham), Guthred rules at Eoferwic (Jorvik/York), Guthrum/Athelstan) is sitting like an old hen in East … Read More
THE LAST KINGDOM 2, Episode Two
UHTRED RAGNARSSON IS MINE! Our Uhtred is many things: a Saxon, a sometime-Dane, a pagan, a baptized Christian (well, not really), a canny warrior, a lady’s man (Beocca: ‘even his scars are handsome’), and sometimes a downright fool. Gotta love … Read More
Vikings 4 Recap, Episode 8: PORTAGE
This is the episode in which nobody dies in battle, but four characters are murdered; in which Floki works a minor miracle; and in which the gentle Judith turns into Lady Macbeth. I’m going to summarize events quickly because I … Read More
The Last Kingdom, Episode 1
BBC America’s new series THE LAST KINGDOM is based on The Saxon Tales a series of novels by the brilliant and prolific Bernard Cornwell. I have been a fan of Mr. Cornwell’s books for many years, so I was excited … Read More
Guest Interview with Historical Mystery Novelist Candace Robb
Historical novelist and mystery writer Candace Robb is in the spotlight today as she celebrates the re-issue of her Owen Archer mysteries in brand new editions from Diversion Books, on sale today as e-books and next month as trade paperbacks. … Read More
Vikings 3, Episode VIII: TO THE GATE
“Paris,” Ragnar confides in a soliloquy to Athelstan near the end of this episode, “is everything you told me it would be.” As he promised, Ragnar has taken his fleet — and us — to Paris. More precisely, as this … Read More
Vikings 3, Episode VI: BORN AGAIN
This week, an open letter to series writer, Michael Hirst. WARNING: SPOILERS! Dear Mr. Hirst, I have a bone to pick with you. Don’t worry, I am not going to call you out for going all George R. R. Martin … Read More
Vikings 3, Episode V: THE USURPER
Oh, Sweet Heaven, I don’t know where to begin with this week’s episode. I have so many thoughts in my head, so much speculation, and even a discovery of sorts. Perhaps I should start with the title. The Usurper. By … Read More
Downton Abbey’s Little Scots Sister
Ardkinglas House is perched on the edge of Loch Fyne in southwestern Scotland, about fifty miles from Glasgow near the village of Cairndow (pronounced cairndoo). It was built in 1907, a relatively new home compared to, say, Highclere Castle in … Read More