Modern histories of Sparta
tend to brush over the Messenian War(s) in considerable haste and without
providing a great deal of detail. The
reason is obvious. As Paul Cartledge stresses in Sparta and Lakonia: A Regional History 1300 to 362 BC (one of the
The Bishop of Albi paced back and
forth across his study, his purple robes fluttering about him, the gold threads
of the embroidery glittering in the candlelight. He was a formidable figure in
full episcopal regalia, his mitre set firmly on his head and his...
"Knights of Dark Renown" by Graham Shelby
This is fun historical fiction with a cast of colorful characters, lots of dramatic action and exotic settings. I have to admit liking this book — and not just because Balian d’Ibelin is portrayed sympathetically, but it’s neither great literature nor good history. The “bad guys” are a little too bad, for my taste, and the “good guys” are a little too modern. There are scenes that seem totally removed from reality altogether, as when the Baron of Toron frolics at his castle with a squire and his young bride but no apparent retinue, staff or responsibilities. There are numerous little errors as well: Balian was not lord of Nablus, (that was his wife’s dower portion), his brother left the kingdom rather than swear allegiance to Guy de Lusignan and was not at Hattin, Isabella was separated from her mother and step-father for three years before her marriage, Turcoples were native Christian troops, not Muslim converts or men of mixed Frankish and Syrian blood, swords at this time were rarely longer than two and a half feet — not the five foot swords described. Yet despite these errors, the book on the whole conveys the atmosphere of the times and captures a sense of the conflicts and values of the age far better than Holland’s prissy and egotistical courtiers of “Jerusalem.”
- The German Resistance to Hitler: Codename Valkyrie: General Friedrich Olbricht and the Plot Against Hitler, Haynes Publishing, 2009.
- The Berlin Airlift: The Blockade Breakers, The History Press, 2008.
- Women in Aviation: Sisters in Arms: British and American Women Pilots in World War II, Pen & Sword Aviation, 2006.
- King Leonidas and Queen Gorgo: a biographical novel in three parts: Leonidas of Sparta: A Boy of the Agoge, Leonidas of Sparta: A Peerless Peer, Leonidas of Sparta: A Heroic King
- Archaic Sparta: Are They Singing in Sparta? Spartan Slave, Spartan Queen, The Olympic Charioteer.
- Tales from the Languedoc during the Albigensian Crusades: A Widow's Crusade, The Disinherited, The Devil's Knight (not yet released).
- Tales from the Crusader Kingdoms: The Lion of Karpas, a novel about the Latin Kingdom of Cyprus in the early 13th Century (not yet released.)
- Biographical novel about Balian d'Ibelin, the defender of Jerusalem against Saladin. (In progress.)
- The Templar Tales: St. Louis Knight, The English Templar.
- Battle of Britain: Chasing the Wind, (published in Kindle format as: Where Eagles Never Flew.
- The Air War 1943: The Lady in the Spitfire.
- The German Resistance to Hitler: An Obsolete Honor (published in Kindle format as Hitler's Demons.)
- U.S. Department of StateForeign Service Officer, 2005 - present
- Intermezzo Ventures GmbHInvestor Relations Manager, 2003 - 2005
- Mediport Venture Capital GmbHInvestor Relations Manager, 2001 - 2003
- FortuneCity.comInvestor Relations Manager, 1999 - 2001
- Bankgesellschaft BerlinInvestor Relations Manager, 1996 - 1999
English Historical Fiction Authors: The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem
by Helena P. Schrader The roots of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem go back before the founding of the Knights Templar, and indeed befor
English Historical Fiction Authors: Richard the Lionheart’s Peacemaker
In an earlier entry, I wrote about Richard the Lionheart's successes in the Holy Land, stressing his exceptional logistical planning, his ba
English Historical Fiction Authors: The Son of Belsebub - an Englishman ...
Should you ever make it to Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, you should of course gawk at the beautiful cupola, but don't miss the gigantic
English Historical Fiction Authors: Fair Rosamund, Mistress of Henry II
By E.M. Powell King Henry II has a deserved infamous reputation for extra-marital affairs. Documented evidence exists of several liaisons, s
English Historical Fiction Authors: Alice Capet: The Almost-Queen of Eng...
Winter 1191. The armies of two mighty Christian kings jostled for space in their encampment on the island of Sicily, en route to the Crusade
English Historical Fiction Authors: The History of Armour 1100-1700
by Paul Walker The Knight in shining armour conjures up one of the most evocative images of the medieval period. Between the 11th and 17th c
Knight of Jerusalem: A Biographical Novel of Balian D'Ibelin
Balian, the landless son of a local baron, goes to Jerusalem to seek his fortune. Instead, he finds himself trapped into serving the youn...
English Historical Fiction Authors: The Unsung Heroines of Bannockburn
by Glen Craney When Robert Bruce seized the Scottish crown in the spring of 1306, his new queen consort was said to have volunteered a dire
English Historical Fiction Authors: WWII: History or Too Close to the Pr...
by Elisabeth Marrion Why write about World War II in the History section? When does the present stop and history start? 100 years, 150 or as
English Historical Fiction Authors: The Importance of the Post Office in...
by E.M. Powell I recently had the privilege of being involved with a project that has built a memorial of words to commemorate World War I.
English Historical Fiction Authors: The Vindolanda Tablets: glimpses of ...
by Mark Patton The Roman fort of Vindolanda often features in the itinerary of visitors to Hadrian's Wall, but it is earlier than the wall i
English Historical Fiction Authors: My Kingdom for a Horse: The Cost of ...
A discussion of the high costs of owning a horse in the later Middle Ages.
English Historical Fiction Authors: Thomas Becket: The Blood of a Martyr
On July 12 1174, King Henry II of England did public penance in Canterbury for the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket. The infamous murder h
A Potted History of Sudeley Castle and some thoughts on the people who l...
Today I'd like to welcome Judith Arnopp, author of many wonderful historical novels, who is introducing her most recent book, Intractable He
Women of the World: The Rise of the Female Diplomat – review
Female diplomats? Unthinkable! Helen McCarthy has uncovered the stories of women who sought influence and adventure on the world stage
English Historical Fiction Authors: The Dark Ages? What Dark Ages?
When I was at school I was taught that Britain “became” Roman in 43AD and “stopped” being Roman in 410AD. Before 43AD Britain was “uncivilis
English Historical Fiction Authors: England and Flanders: A Love Story
The story of the founding of the County of Flanders and its importance to England in the wool trade.
Sparta Reconsidered: Spartan Fraternities and Spartan Families
Observers of ancient Sparta noted the peculiar Spartan custom of dinning clubs or syssitia at which adult Spartan citizens were required to
Unyielding Fathers, Rebellious Sons. A Guest Post by Ken John
Today I am very happy to welcome my friend and Henry the Young King’s benefactor, Ken John, who is currently working on his first novel set