Nostradamus - Visionary or The Best Fraud Ever

When one thinks of Catherine de Medici the first thoughts that generally come to mind are the superstitions about her, her dark clothing and nature, her connections to the occult…and her connection to Nostradamus.

First to get a little background on the man himself-

Nostradamus did not begin his career in the occult. Nostradamus attended medical school, but was eventually expelled for practicing as an apothecary (apparently that was a big deal!). After this, he spent much of his early career in France helping to heal those struck by the plague. He took a trip to Italy around 1550 and this is when he changed focus. He left France as a healer, and returned to it with a much stronger belief in the occult. He began to write almanacs that would contain many prophecies for the coming year. His prophecies attracted the attention of many who would come to request information about births and deaths of their family.

Catherine de Medici was one of those people who requested prophecies from Nostradamus. He was asked to “see” the horoscopes of her children and her husband. It is believed that he predicted the death of her husband, Henri II, and also that all of her children would be kings and that they would die early deaths.

Nostradamus was kept in business by Catherine until his death, but his death didn’t stop him.

Nostradamus is just as successful (possibly more so) today, centuries after his death. Supermarket tabloids constantly herald Nostradamus for predicting a major event that happened or for foretelling the end of things. His book of prophecies has been in print almost constantly. There is always a new documentary or show coming out about him on tv.

Did he really “see” things? Well, I don’t know – personally, I think not. I think he was just vague enough in his prophecies that they can fit many situations. It’s all up to interpretation.



Nostradamus and his prophecies play a critical role in Gortner’s book Confessions of Catherine de Medici.

Other events at HFBRT today:

At HFBRT – giveaway for Catherine’s Necklace!
At Historical-Fiction.com– Book review by Arleigh




Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Mailbox Monday #35

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page.

This week I received the remainder of my Jean Plaidy Queen Victoria series.

The Captive of Kensington

The Widow of Windsor

The Queen and Lord M

Now I think that I'm going to have to buy some more to celebrate my blogoversary. What to you think?

Anything good in your mailbox?

Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Happy Belated Blogoversary To Me!!!

Well, I can't believe I missed my own blogoversary! Shame on me. It was on May 6th! All of March and April I kept reminding myself it was coming up...and then I just blank. And the only reason I even remembered at all was because I saw the post for Martina's blogoversary over at She Read A Book (stop by and drop her a note too!). So happy belated blogoversary to me!

It has been a CRAZY year and I can't believe it has gone by so fast! I started this blog on a complete whim - I had no idea what I was going to do or even if ANYONE would read it. I remember being so excited to have 10 followers - and I'm glad you have all stuck with me! I started out just reviewing my own books and this thing has grown into a thing of its own - it shocks me sometimes to see how far I have come.

Some things that have happened over the last year:

• Made some amazing friends that I will keep in touch with for a long time
• Attended many author events (and even one of them knew who I was!
• Graduated college/started a job (which have really changed my blogging schedule!)
• Joined HFBRT and taken part in some amazing events
• Was a part of Book Blogger Appreciation Week
• Improved my reviews and posts
• Did a major blog overhaul
• And plan on attending BEA and Book Blogger Con

I just cannot believe it! Thank you to everyone who has stuck by me since the start and those that are just joining in on the fun. I am excited to be kicking off year 2 with you all.

To celebrate my blogoversary I want to host a giveaway for you all. I have one gently used copy of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig. To enter leave a comment below indicating you are entering with your email address. The only catch to this one is that you be a follower - new or old! Giveaway ends May 31, 2010.

Let's Celebrate!

Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Suddenly Sunday - Bookshelves

Suddenly Sunday is hosted by Svea from Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog.

Sunday has snuck up on me again! This week has been so crazy. The pollen has been so bad around here that I suffered an attack of allergies like I never have before. I came home from work early on 2 days because I was just miserable. Now I’m doing much better – and Claretin is my new best friend!

Yesterday Nick and I went up to our apartment and started setting up our second bedroom – which we are calling our library, because basically it’s going to be like a library/study combination. I bought 2 bookshelves, which we assembled yesterday. Then it took us awhile to figure out how we were going to organize both of our books on the bookcases. As you will see in the photo below, we have basically filled it already. The open shelf is for the rest of my Plaidy’s, Nick didn’t want to have to move everything again. His books take up about 2 ½ shelves. He told me I can’t buy any more books than will fit on the shelves…yeah…okay…
Due to my allergies, I haven’t done too much reading. I started one of my own books, Dancing for Degas by Kathryn Wagner, about a week ago. I’m enjoying learning about the Paris ballet and Degas only just came in at about page 100. I have temporarily put this read on hold to work on reading a review book, By Fire, By Water by Mitchell James Kaplan. I’m only about 30 pages in thus far. Also, don't forget about the giveaway that ends the 17th for an issue of HerStoria magazine. You can enter here.

This week, the Historical Fiction Bloggers Round Table begins the May event. We are so excited to be hosting C. W. Gortner’s upcoming book The Confessions of Catherine de Medici. There is a giveaway going on right now for 2 finished copies of the book. And there is much more in store this week, so keep an eye out! Here is the schedule:

Saturday, May 8th – Two-book Giveaway at the HFBRT.
Sunday, May 9th – Post by Arleigh at historical-fiction.com, Review by Marie at The Burton Review, Author video at HFBRT.
Monday, May 10th - “An Italian in the Court of France,” a Guest Post by CW Gortner at Enchanted by Josephine, “Quoteables: Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers” by Allie at Hist-Fic Chick, Review by Lizzy at Historically Obsessed.
Tuesday, May 11th – Giveaway: Win Catherine’s Necklace! at the HFBRT, Post by Heather at The Maiden’s Court, Book Review by Amy at Passages to the Past.
Wednesday, May 12th – Re-cap of CW Gortner’s books at the HFBRT, “Two Women, One King,” A Guest Post by CW Gortner at Hist-Fic Chick, Book Review by Arleigh at historical-fiction.com.
Thursday, May 13th – Round Table Discussion Q&A at the HFBRT, Post by Lucy at Enchanted by Josephine, Book Review by Heather at The Maiden’s Court.
Friday, May 14th – “The Woman Behind the Legend,” A Guest Post by CW Gortner at Passages to the Past, Post by Lizzy at Historically Obsessed, Book Review by Allie at Hist-Fic Chick.
Saturday, May 15th – Book Excerpt at the HFBRT, Post by Susie at All Things Royal, Book Review by Lucy at Enchanted by Josephine.
Sunday, May 16th – Post by Amy at Passages to the Past, Book Review by Susie at All Things Royal.
Tuesday, May 25th – Release Date & Giveaway Winners Announced at the HFBRT.

Hope you are having a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!




Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Initial Reactions - America The Story of Us Part 2

I know I am a little belated on posting this, but truly I have not been in top form this week. First off, I forgot this was on Sunday and completely missed it. So, I had to wait until Wednesday to watch the repeat, and then the migraine hit – so here we are on Friday finally getting around to my recap.

The second episode of this series was entitled Westward. Here is what the description on the History Channel website says about it:

“Trailblazing pioneers set out to conquer the vast continent west of the mountains, but find the land already claimed. Wagon trains meet danger and hardship on the road to unprecedented riches in California's golden hills. Along the Mississippi, the steamboat ushers in a new era”.

I enjoyed this subject matter more than the previous episode – probably because it focused on more of the events I knew less about and are not over played in every history class you take. Some of the stories covered were:

• The Donner Party (which I had actually never learned about before – but I have a book coming up to read!)
• Lewis & Clarke
• Daniel Boone
• The Alamo
• and the California Gold Rush

I think this episode did really well at leading into next week’s Civil War. It did a decent job at covering some of the plight of slavery and the reasons it took off and the drama between North and South. I am particularly looking forward to the Civil War episode as I have generally skipped over this period because I hate reading about battles, but seeing it on TV might give me some new knowledge.

My few gripes this week have less to do with this particular episode and more to do with the series in general. First off, these Bank of America commercials think they are witty by taking a look at the history of banking, and initially I thought they were good, but they are starting to become overkill. I just can’t stand them constantly going on about how they were here and there and everywhere, when I’m pretty sure they weren’t. (And if my Aunt is reading this she will kill me for saying that!) Another thing I am noticing is that during this whole period of time we have covered so far, they have only mentioned presidents Washington and Lincoln. Again, I know it is needing to be brief, but it would be cool if some others were mentioned. They are looking some of the lesser known events and players, so why not spotlight some presidents that did good things while being less famous? Also, in continuing my rant on the choices of “experts”, I have only 2 words…P. Diddy? Honestly?

Don’t forget to watch Civil War this Sunday. Someone remind me please?

Here is a link video clip from one of my favorite sections, on the building of the Erie Canal.

Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Book Review: Royal Harlot by Susan Holloway Scott

Royal Harlot by Susan Holloway Scott

Paperback, 384 pages

NAL Trade

July 3, 2007

★★★★☆

Genre: Historical Fiction

Source: Received from Author for Review

“London, 1660: Ready to throw off a generation of Puritan rule, all England rejoices when Charles Stuart returns to reclaim the throne.

Among those welcoming him is young Barbara Villiers Palmer, a breathtaking Royalist beauty whose sensuality and clever wit instantly captivate the handsome, jaded king. Though each is promised to another, Barbara soon becomes Charles's mistress and closest friend, and the uncrowned queen of his bawdy Restoration court.

Rewarded with titles, land, and jewels, she is the most envied and desired woman in England--and the most powerful. But the role of royal mistress is a precarious one, and Barbara's enemies and rivals are everywhere in the palace.”

One of the most notorious things about King Charles II of England is his long line of famous mistresses. Author Susan Holloway Scott has found a gold mine to write about in Barbara Palmer, Nell Gwyn, and Renee de Kerouelle. In Royal Harlot, Scott takes a spin around the court with Barbara Palmer, the Countess of Castlemaine.

This book was not my first outing with Charles II. I have previously read a Jean Plaidy book called The Merry Monarch’s Wife about Catherine of Braganza (you can check out my review here) – with all those mistresses, who can imagine he had time for a wife! Obviously as that book was from the perspective of the wife, Barbara was not portrayed in the most flattering of lights. I have to say, that I very much enjoyed Barbara in Royal Harlot. Yes she was “bad” and most mothers would wish for their daughters to not turn out the way Barbara did – but she was a woman who knew how to get what she wanted, hold onto that power, and yet also know how to bow out on her own terms.

To quote the author in an email conversation we had, “Bad Barb was a LOT of fun to write about. She was every bit the libertine as any man of her time, and completely unrepentant. While I can understand why most writers (both historians and novelists) choose to paint her in an unflattering way, I enjoyed getting to "know" her. I imagine she would have been pretty entertaining company, and it's easy to see why Charles was so beguiled.” I could not agree more! Even though Barbara had loose morals, I enjoyed getting wrapped up in her escapades. Scott definitely knows how to tell a story.

Barbara was the mistress of Charles II for quite awhile – she was there before his wife, during Nell Gwyn and Renee de Kerouelle, and even with those other women she still managed to hold his attention. They had several children, 3 of which were definitely the king’s children – but she had many affairs and flings along the way too.

One of the things that I like about this novel is there is a thread that connects this book with Scott’s 3 other historical fiction novels. Renee and Nell were obvious (his other mistresses), but I had to take a second look to realize that a passing character in the novel would become Sarah Churchill, the lead character of her book Duchess. This was just an interesting side note. Also, as easy as it was to get wrapped up in Barbara’s life, it was refreshing to see that she was conscious of the way she was viewed by the people – she didn’t live in a bubble.

This was a wonderful, quick read. I raced through the pages caught up in the escapades of the court. There are many sexual references, but not overly graphic – it was well done and appropriate for the type of person that Barbara was. I felt that it was very important to understanding the character and her motives. I hope to proceed with another one of her books soon as I really enjoyed this one.

You can read an excerpt from the book here.

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• Books, Belles and Beaux
• Books by the Willow Tree

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia

Also by Susan Holloway Scott:

Duchess

The Countess and the King
[My Review]

The King’s Favorite

The French Mistress

Find Susan Holloway Scott: Website (as Isabella Bradford) | Facebook | Twitter

 

 

Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Giveaway - HerStoria Magazine Issue 3

You might have seen this magazine mentioned around this blog from time to time as a special segment I do. HerStoria magazine is a UK magazine that is published 4 times a year and is “history that puts woman in her place”. There have been some great articles that I have read in the last year, ranging from royalty, to football, to art, and everything in between. You can check out their website for a look at all the great things to be found in their magazines. They are currently in their second year of publishing (that reminds me that I need to renew my subscription). When I got my subscription from last year I also received a back issue – which I already had – so I thought I would pass it on to one of you lovely folks. Just enter below to win Issue 3/Autumn 2009 – what turned out to be one of my favorite issues.

To enter:

~ Leave a comment with your email address (no address, no entry)
~ Get an additional entry for each time you blog, sidebar, or tweet about this giveaway and return to leave me a link to it.
~ Get an additional entry to becoming a follower (or if you already are one)

This giveaway is open to US and Canada only.

Best of luck to everyone. The winner will be chosen Monday May 17th 2010.




Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Another Monday, Another Mailbox!

I had a couple of books show up in my mailbox this week, but I purchased some at Borders too, so I will include those as well.

Arriving in my mailbox was:

The Queen's Husband by Jean Plaidy (from UK Book Depository). This is the first book that arrived so far from the 4 I ordered in the Queen Victoria series. I'm excited to read this one - I have never read anything about Queen Victoria.

For the King by Catherine Delors (from the publisher). This is a manuscript copy for the June Roundtable event. Hopefully I will get the finished copy later.

Purchased from Borders this week:

Dancing for Degas by Kathryn Wagner. I decided to forgo a review book this week and jump right into this one. The cover is beautiful and I am having a ball with this one.

A Tale of Two Demon Slayers by Angie Fox. I have enjoyed the other 2 in this series and have been looking forward to this one.

Did you all get anything great in your mailbox?




Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Audiobook Review: Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Unabridged, 7 hr. 26 min.

Recorded Books

Ruth Ann Phimister (narrator)

July 16, 2004

★★★★★

Genre: Art Historical Fiction, Audiobook

Source: Borrowed Audiobook from the Library

“Tracy Chevalier's second novel Girl with a Pearl Earring centers on Vermeer's prosperous Delft household during the 1660s. When Griet, the novel's quietly perceptive heroine, is hired as a servant, turmoil follows. First, the 16-year-old narrator becomes increasingly intimate with her master. Then Vermeer employs her as his assistant--and ultimately has Griet sit for him as a model. Chevalier vividly evokes the complex domestic tensions of the household, ruled over by the painter's jealous, eternally pregnant wife and his taciturn mother-in-law. At times the relationship between servant and master seems a little anachronistic. Still, Girl with a Pearl Earring does contain a final delicious twist.”

 

Girl With A Pearl Earring is based on the famous painting by the same name by Johannes Vermeer. Chevalier brings that mysterious woman who looks out at us from her frame to life and injects her into everyday life in Delft. Griet becomes a maid in the Vermeer household and struggles right from the start to find her place there. The one place where she finds solace is when she is cleaning the studio for the painter. Little does she know that the solace that she finds there and the attention she gets from Johannes makes people in the house become upset. As things get increasingly out of control, Griet must make some decisions that will affect her life and her place in the household.

I initially read this book about 5 years ago – and I really didn’t remember much when it came to reading it again this time. I think it probably had something to do with the fact that I had to read it for school – and that is never as enjoyable. I feel that this is one of the best art novels around – it sets the bar high for every subsequent novel.

One of the things that I found very interesting is how different Vermeer’s wife, Catherina, is portrayed in this book compared to how she is portrayed in The Golden Tulip by Rosalind Laker. In both stories a young girl goes to live with the Vermeers (in Pearl Earring as a maid and in Tulip as an apprentice). Catherina doesn’t like Griet and goes out of her way to make life difficult for her. But in Tulip she is very kind and welcoming to Francesca. It’s amazing how different authors can depict the same person so differently. I think I liked her much better in Tulip.

Another aspect that I really enjoyed was how all of Vermeer’s famous paintings came to life in this novel. You got to meet all of the people who sat for the paintings and it added a deeper meaning to the works. On her website, Chevalier, has the paintings juxtaposed with lines from the novel.

Overall I very much enjoyed this story. Besides learning about the life of the artist and the paintings, I learned about the camara obscura (a box with mirrors that somehow helps the artist see his work better) and how pigments were made. This was my first Chevalier book, but it won’t be my last.

★★★★★

The narrators voice was very appropriate to the charcter of Griet. The narrator was really able to make me feel for Greit during all of her troubling times.

You can try a short sample of the audiobook (links to Audible)

You can also check out this trailer of the film version below:
 

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• My Book Retreat
• Rebecca Books

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia

Also by Tracy Chevalier:

The Lady and the Unicorn
[My Review]

Remarkable Creatures

The Virgin Blue

The Last Runaway

Falling Angels

Burning Bright

At the Edge of the Orchard

Find Tracy Chevalier: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

TV Show Review: Robin Hood Season 1

Robin Hood

BBC

Season 1

2006

Rated: PG

Everyone knows the story of Robin Hood and every few years a new show or movie comes out to tell his tale. I for one, have always thought of him as the mythical man who made all the ladies swoon and never really thought of him as having a “real” life - season 1 has really changed my mind!

In this series, Robin Hood is played by Jonas Armstrong, and he definitely has the cute factor I have always envisioned. In comparison with the upcoming Robin Hood film starring Russell Crowe, I think that Jonas has more of the look I have attributed to this hero. In fact, every actor was perfectly cast in their roles – not only for looks, but for personality as well. Before this show I didn’t know the names of anyone in his band except Robin and Little John – but now I know Allan-A-Dale and Will Scarlet. And the sheriff is wonderfully awful! Robin and Marion had great chemistry and they were great to watch together in their scenes. I don’t know if I can pick my favorite character – it’s a really close call between Robin and Allan.

One of the things that first struck me every time I watched an episode was how everything has a tint of green and it gives it such a brilliant look. It makes the forest look more magical. I also liked how the theme song was used throughout the episodes – something to connect with and carry through the episode.

My biggest complaint with the show is the costuming of Marion. I envision beautiful dresses befitting her rank – but much of the time she is wearing pants. While watching one of the special features they explained how this was done on purpose to make it more contemporary – but…I wished they had not done so. It just felt out of place for me because the rest of the cast looked appropriate. I loved watching this show, but it sometimes felt very slow; you would watch 2 episodes and feel like nothing had happened.

Another thing that I learned from this season was that Robin Hood had been to fight in the Crusades. Like I said before, I never thought of him as anything other than the hero. It was nice to learn some back story about how he became who he was. I cannot wait to watch season 2!

Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Initial Reactions – America: The Story of Us Part 1

This past Sunday was the kick-off episode, Rebels, of the series America: The Story of Us on The History Channel. I wanted to just throw a few things out there that I was thinking as I watched the episode.

• I felt that there was a disjointedness between the discussion of the early Colonial years and the Revolution. There wasn’t a great transition – it was talking about Plymouth one minute and then the next we are in Boston with the Massacre and Tea Party. I would have liked a better transition between the two.

• While I understand that there is a finite number of things that can be discussed in a television show (even with a series of this size) – I felt some very important things were missed. At the moment I am drawing a little bit of a blank (that’s what happens when the show is on so late) but I don’t remember Columbus being mentioned.

• I thought that the CGI and graphics were very good and everything looked beautiful. For me, all the settings and events looked a lot like I had imagined them in my mind.

• Usually with these sorts of shows there are experts in the field – while there were definitely some good ones, other choices threw me. Some of the commentators were famous celebrities, which really didn’t add much to the show for me.

I am anxiously anticipating the next episode, Sunday May 2nd – hopefully I will be able to stay up for it. After the episode ended, I checked out the message board on The History Channel and I was shocked to find there was not one good comment on there – most of these comments were berating the choice of President Obama as the opening speaker for the show. I don’t find this to be so egregious – who would you really expect to open a show about this country other than the president (whoever it might be at the time)? While some of the above things did bother me, I would rate this episode a solid B.

Here is a clip from the episode



If you saw the episode, I would love to hear what you thought.




Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Mailbox Monday #34

I love checking the mail every day to see if anything has arrived. This week it was slow, with only one book received – but I think it will be a good one.

Watermark by Vanitha Sankaran from the author through Harper Collins

“The daughter of a papermaker in a small French village in the year 1320—mute from birth and forced to shun normal society—young Auda finds solace and escape in the wonder of the written word. Believed to be cursed by those who embrace ignorance and superstition, Auda's very survival is a testament to the strength of her spirit. But this is an age of Inquisition and intolerance, when difference and defiance are punishable "sins" and new ideas are considered damnable heresy. When darkness descends upon her world, Auda—newly grown to womanhood—is forced to flee, setting off on a remarkable quest to discover love and a new sense of self . . . and to reclaim her heritage and the small glory of her father's art.”(from Harper Collins website).

How good was your mailbox to you this week?

Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Suddenly Sunday - Busy Week

I decided I wanted to join in on Suddenly Sunday hosted by Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog as opposed to the Sunday Salon.

Happy Sunday everyone. I hope your weather is better than mine – it’s kinda gloomy outside. I have been running around like crazy this week. First my mom was in the hospital with pneumonia all week – so I had to do a lot of things around the house that she normally does. I moved a good portion of my furniture into my apartment yesterday and went out for a celebratory dinner with my boyfriend and his parents. On top of this, I have been suffering from neck pain for the last two weeks – I found out on Friday it is muscle strain and am now on muscle relaxers and strong Advil (which makes me very tired). And starting tomorrow, I am going to be working overtime Mondays thru Thursdays until the end of September – so that is going to be a whole lot of adjustments for me. I don’t expect it to have too much of an effect on the blog – I just might be posting things later in the day due to coming home from work later, but don’t worry!

In case you missed it earlier this week – I posted a review of the TV episode Earth Days from the American Experience series as well as a joint book review with my boyfriend on Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. My review here covers the historical fiction aspect of Game of Thrones while over at Lions and Men, Nick’s review covers the characters and fantasy aspect of the book. Drop by and check it out!

In other television news – beginning tonight on The History Channel there will be a new series called America: The Story of Us. This is a 12 hour series that will continue all week. I am very excited about this and hope some of you will watch it as well.

This week I am anticipating having reviews of the first season of the BBC series Robin Hood and a review of Girl With The Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier – so keep on the lookout for those. I also might have a giveaway that I will post during this week as well.

As far as my reading this week – I have actually accomplished a lot of it. I started and finished Royal Harlot by Susan Holloway Scott, and I loved it. I found myself unable to put it down. The review will be upcoming, probably not until next week. I am now starting Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo. I am still continuing to read with Nick, Clash of Kings, the sequel to A Game of Thrones. I am a little less than half way thru that one. I have also just started listening to The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier on audio book.

I hope you all have a great week! I hope to have a little bit of a less stressful week.




Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Upcoming on The History Channel - America: The Story of Us

I never pay much attention to commercials while watching television, but this one certainly caught my eye and I thought that I would share this with you all.

The History Channel is kicking off a 6 night, 12 hour, series covering the entire history of America. Here is a summary of this event from their website:

"America: The Story of Us is an epic 12-hour television event that tells the extraordinary story of how America was invented. With highly realistic CGI animation, dramatic recreations and thoughtful insights from some of America's most respected artists, business leaders, academics and intellectuals, it is the first television event in nearly 40 years to present a comprehensive telling of America's history. Elaborate, ambitious and cinematic, America: The Story of Us will take you into the moments when Americans harnessed technology to advance human progress, from the rigors of linking the continent by transcontinental railroad--the internet of its day--to triumphing over vertical space through the construction of steel structured buildings to putting a man on the moon. It is an intensive look at the people, places and things that have shaped our nation, and the tough and thrilling adventure that is America's 400-year history."

So, the first episode begins this Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 9 PM EST. The first episode, Rebels, will be about the road to the Declaration of Independence.

"In 1607, a small group of English adventurers lands in Jamestown. Thirteen years later the Pilgrims settle in Plymouth, New England. These men and women are all driven by the promise of a new life, and all face huge dangers from disease, starvation and conflict. The two colonies are very different, yet in time both grow. One man’s entrepreneurial dream, tobacco, and the first African Americans, turn the swamps of the South into a land of opportunity. The hardworking and resourceful Puritans forge the North into a trading powerhouse with shipbuilding at its core. Within 100 years, they have the highest standard of living in the world--a testament to a unique American spirit. Yet success and wealth prompt British jealousy, taxation, resistance and, finally, war. This is the story of how, over seven generations, a group of European settlers survive against all odds, claw themselves up and then turn against their colonial masters. A diverse group of men, women and children are about to become truly American." (from The History Channel website).

Hope you will be tuning in - I might do some mini-reviews/my opinions of the episodes as we go along.



Copyright © 2010 by The Maiden’s Court

Book Review: A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Book 1 of A Song of Ice and Fire series

Mass Market Paperback, 835 pages

Bantam Spectra

August 16, 2005

★★★★½☆

Genre: Technically Fantasy, I’m going to classify it as Historical Fantasy

Source: My boyfriend’s personal collection

Long ago, in a time forgotten, a preternatural event threw the seasons out of balance. In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens.

Here an enigmatic band of warriors bear swords of no human metal; a tribe of fierce wildlings carry men off into madness; a cruel young dragon prince barters his sister to win back his throne; and a determined woman undertakes the most treacherous of journeys. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.

This represents one half of the review of this book. My boyfriend, Nick, and I read this together (and are currently reading the second book) so we thought it might be cool to split the review in half and tailor it to our blogs. His blog, Lions and Men, focuses mostly on science fiction and fantasy books – so he will be covering the fantasy aspect as well as the characters of this book. My review will focus on the historical fiction type aspects as well as the story itself. Please stop by Nick’s blog for the other part of the review. You will also find comments from each of us throughout the reviews.

While technically classified as a fantasy series, I would push for a classification of a form of historical fantasy. The world that the story takes place in is fictional and there are some supernatural elements – but the lifestyle is very much like that of medieval Europe. There are kings and queens, castles, tourneys, and wars, politics and intrigue. This book (and the rest of the series) would fit right in for a historical fiction reader. While reading you almost forget that this does not take place in Europe. The descriptions are so detailed that the world and its people absolutely come alive.

Nick says: George R. R. Martin is no stranger to bending genres. For example, his novel Fevre Dream incorporates the Civil War South and vampires. By doing this, his novels definitely appeal to a broader audience. Even if you hate fantasy novels, you won’t be disappointed by Thrones!

The book is structured where each chapter is narrated by a different character – mostly the Stark family with a few others thrown in for good measure. This layout allows the reader to get into the minds of each of these characters and really develop a strong feeling for them – positive or negative, you will definitely have your favorites. As the story progresses, these characters spread out over the vast world and through the shifting narrators you get to see what is going on all over Westeros.

Nick says: This way of storytelling definitely molds the way you are introduced to the world of Thrones. By focusing only on one character at a time, each chapter only gives you a sliver of the story. Chapter by chapter, mysteries arise, and yet the book as a whole gives the reader an all-encompassing feeling of closure. Thus, Martin blends the best aspects of first person and third person omniscient.

This is the first book in a series of seven – with four having been published so far. If you look at the whole series as one book – book one serves as an introduction and exposition. You learn who all of the key players are, their back stories, whose side they are on, where their loyalties lie, among other things. These will become very important in the following books. While this serves as an introduction to the characters, so much happens in their lives in this book, you will not be bored.

There is to be a series made from these books on HBO likely to premiere in Spring 2011. A card and board game has been made from these books as well – I have played a little, but always lose terribly to my boyfriend!

A definite worth-while read.

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• The Literary Snob
• S. Krishna’s Books

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia

Also by George R.R. Martin:

A Clash of Kings (Book 2)
[My Review]

A Storm of Swords (Book 3)
[My Review]

A Feast for Crows (Book 4)
[My Review|

A Dance with Dragons (Book 5)

Find George R.R. Martin: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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