“This was never the story of one woman, or two. It was the story of all of them…” My copy of 'A Thousand Ships' by Natalie Haynes Re-telling of Greek myths have had something of a renaissance in recent years, with highlights including the Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, Ariadne by Jennifer Saint and … Continue reading Recommendation | A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
Tag: Recommendation
The Cottingley Fairies: A Study in Deception Exhibition
I first heard the story of the Cottingley Fairies when I was a kid and watched the movie Fairy Tale: A True Story, which came out in the late 1990s. I’ve always found it a fascinating story, and I’m not the only one, as the story has cropped up again and again in the media … Continue reading The Cottingley Fairies: A Study in Deception Exhibition
‘Rex Unfinished’ Exhibition at Plas Newydd
I recently visited Wales for the first time, and on our first full day we visited Plas Newydd which is run by the National Trust. They are currently undertaking some works on the property that were sadly put on pause due to Covid-19, so not all the house was available to view. However, the staff … Continue reading ‘Rex Unfinished’ Exhibition at Plas Newydd
Nell: The Australian Heiress Who Saved her husband from Stalin & the Nazis by Susanna De Vries
Susanna De Vries biography on Nell Kerensky (nee’ Tritton) is a must-read, bringing to life this fascinating woman and the adventurous life she led. Nell Tritton (1899-1946) was born in Brisbane, Australia and was the daughter of successful businessman Fred Tritton and his wife Leila. Despite their privileged upbringing, the eldest four of the six … Continue reading Nell: The Australian Heiress Who Saved her husband from Stalin & the Nazis by Susanna De Vries
Thomas Becket: The Murder and Making of a Saint Exhibition
“Very quickly you would turn your heart and favour away from me, which is now so great between us, and replace it with the most savage hatred” - Thomas Becket to Henry II in 1162 I recently visited the British Museum in London to see their current exhibition about Thomas Becket, who was the Royal … Continue reading Thomas Becket: The Murder and Making of a Saint Exhibition
Recommendation: The Queens of the Conquest Trilogy by Joanna Courtney
“1066: Three Queens. One Crown” Do you enjoy reading about 1066? Then I have a fabulous recommendation for you! The Queens of the Conquest trilogy by Joanna Courtney. The trilogy is historical fiction and is comprised of The Chosen Queen, The Constant Queen and The Conquerors Queen. They focus on the life of the queens … Continue reading Recommendation: The Queens of the Conquest Trilogy by Joanna Courtney
Recommendation: ‘The Black Prince of Florence’ by Catherine Fletcher
One of my favourite book shops is the Minster Gate Bookshop in York. It’s the stuff a booklover’s dreams are made off! It’s about 3 stories plus a basement and has lots of little rooms each covering different genres. As you can probably guess my favourite room is the history room, and that’s where I … Continue reading Recommendation: ‘The Black Prince of Florence’ by Catherine Fletcher
Recommendation: ‘The House of Clarence’ by Alison Weir
Recently on Twitter I came across author and historian Alison Weir's kind offer to send history fans a copy of 'The House of Clarence' as a nice distraction during the UK lockdown. It's a short biography sent as a word.doc focusing on George, Duke of Clarence (brother of Edward IV and Richard III) and his … Continue reading Recommendation: ‘The House of Clarence’ by Alison Weir
Recommendation: ‘Fall of Giants’ by Ken Follett
"An epic of love, hatred, war and revolution" Covering the period 1911-1924 Ken Follett's 2010 novel 'Fall of Giants' follows 5 families in Wales, England, Germany, Russia & the USA as they navigate their lives before, during and after the First World War... Follett does a fantastic job of weaving these very different families together, … Continue reading Recommendation: ‘Fall of Giants’ by Ken Follett
Recommendation: ‘Secrets of Great British Castles’ Documentary
As I trawled through Netflix recently I came across the historical documentary Secrets of Great British Castles presented by historian Dan Jones. There are two series, the first came out in 2015 and the second in 2016 - how I managed to miss them the first time round I don't know, but I was thrilled to … Continue reading Recommendation: ‘Secrets of Great British Castles’ Documentary
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