Author of The Greenest Branch, a novel of Germany's first female physician
Guest post by Laura Matthias Bendoly Did women of the late medieval and early modern era (1500-1650) take part in paid professions? Could they earn an income? Were they permitted to study or to transmit their learning to others? The short answer is ‘no.’ And yet, there were occasions in 16th and 17th century Europe... Continue Reading →
Lucrezia Borgia continues to be the subject of biographies, a hit TV series (sadly cancelled before its time), and historical novels, including the recent Vatican Princess that probes the depths of depravity that the infamous papal dynasty of the early 16th century sank into, engulfing everyone within its orbit. As an illegitimate but beloved daughter... Continue Reading →
Fools and Mortals is a significant departure from Bernard Cornwell's usual theme of medieval warfare and political intrigue. So much so that I would never have guessed he was the one who wrote it. Maybe that's why I was not riveted by it as much as I was by 1356 or his Saxon Stories. This... Continue Reading →
Guest blog by Pat Wahler There is an abundance of information, some accurate and some pure fantasy, on the infamous outlaw Jesse James. He had a wife, and I couldn’t help but wonder about her. Why would she marry a man on the wrong side of the law? Why would she stand by him despite... Continue Reading →
Chapter 1 Abbey of St. Disibod, September 1143 When I heard that the messenger had come from Burgundy, for a moment I could not breathe. Griselda handed me the letter with a quizzical look before she withdrew from the surgery. Had she heard my heart racing? Blood hammering in my temples? I tore the wax... Continue Reading →
A few weeks ago, I was researching medieval church architecture for Book Two of my Hildegard of Bingen series (which will come out in February 2019). Part of the story concerns Hildegard's project of building a church for her new foundation, which she wants to imitate the "French style," i.e. the nascent Gothic style (though,... Continue Reading →
This weekend I made an unplanned but very exciting visit to one of the most historic places in America, and it happens to be right in my town. Somewhat unassuming on the outside, The United First Parish Church in Quincy, Massachusetts, houses a crypt with the tombs of two former U.S. presidents. John Adams (1735-1826)... Continue Reading →
I finally read Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders's Man Booker Prize winner for 2017, and it was quite an experience. The book made a splash for its unusual theme and innovative style - it is written in a quasi-dramatic form and composed in part of quotes from history books and primary sources, including diaries of White House... Continue Reading →
Guest blog by Rose Seiler Scott Even with my eyes closed, I would have known I was in my Oma’s house. The aroma of woodsmoke and sauerkraut permeated everything from the air to the brightly coloured afghans draped over the couches. When it was time to leave, it was rarely without a small gift--- multi-coloured... Continue Reading →
