In 1777, the Åhrman family welcomed yet another baby to the world. We don’t know much about the family, but given that this baby was sent out to serve as a maid before her teens, we can assume they were at most tenant farmers, probably farm servants. Anyway: the baby was baptised Anna Maria, and […]
Becoming Anders Magnus – the case of an 18th century crossdresser Read More »
Hands up those of you who’ve heard of the Battle of Cartagena de las Indias. Hmm, very few, apparently. Now, I had heard of this battle before, because as a child I grew up in Colombia, and on several occasions I had the pleasure of visiting Cartagena de las Indias. And once there, it was
The consequences of Jenkin’s ear – the story of a naval battle Read More »
Today, I am happy to shed some light on a book I recently read and very, very much liked. It is sort of fortunate Ms Mezzacappa is presently on tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club, thereby giving me the opportunity to share my review of her book, The Ballad of Mary Kearney. Blurb: ‘I
The Ballad of Mary Kearney – an Irish story as told by Katherine Mezzacappa Read More »
There’s a huge, huge blot on the history of Europe. It starts spreading in the late 15th century and stains the years all the way up to the early 18th century. Years and years of women being persecuted, tortured and often executed-for being a witch. We, in this day and age, know there are no
Marching through history – the innocents: of the persecution of witches Read More »
Those who follow my blog have encountered Jesamiah several times. Like here or here. One could almost think I have a thing for Helen Hollick’s adorable rogue Jesamiah – and yup, I do. But I also have a soft spot for all the other wonderful characters that flit through the pages of the Sea Witch
Today I welcome Virginia Crow and her book, Caledon to my blog as part of her ongoing tour, arranged by The Coffee Pot Book Club. Caledon makes me think of an airline I travelled a lot with when I was a child, British Caledonian, but airplanes do not figure in Ms Crow’s book. Nope. Not
I have waited. And waited. I have come with heavy-handed hints to Helen Hollick, telling her we (read me) need more Jesamiah. ASAP. And now, FINALLY, Helen has published the sixth book about Jesamiah, pirate extraordinaire and his white witch wife, Tiola. Did I like Gallows Wake? Read my review further down. Now, Helen isn’t
In 1720, Fredrick William I of Prussia and his wife welcomed a baby girl to the world. She was the tenth (but not the last) child of their union, and as she was a girl, rather than the much desired male spare, I dare say Fredrick William did not exactly do cartwheels of joy. Still:
Entitled, haughty and determined- of a Prussian Iron Lady in the Swedish Court Read More »
Today, I have a real treat for you. And yes, I realise the title is a giveaway – naked and gorgeous, hey? Now, those who know me – or follow my blog – will know I don’t write much about the Georgian period. I have little liking for the Hanoverian kings and while I can
Today, I am happy to introduce you to Kimberley Jordan Reeman, author of Coronach, a book set in the late 18th century and dealing with the fallout from that clash of clashes, the Battle of Culloden. In today’s post, Kimberley digs into the myths and legends surrounding the last Jacobite Rebellion, and so, with no
The cause, the rose, the bonnie prince – debunking the -45 Read More »