Seeking Cultural Truths
I read a book on relationships that said what people most desire from others is acceptance, the ability to be loved for who (or in spite of what) they are. When others reject us, it hurts. It causes us to lash out, or withdraw, or feel unworthy. The truly terrible thing is, I see this …
I wonder, when was the first time someone blamed God for a horrific act against humanity? And when will be the last time, when He finally shows up (again) to roll His divine eyes and say, “Honestly, mortals, must you blame everything on me? I gave you brains for a reason. You could use them …
I’ve never known a Brit without an opinion on the Duke of Windsor, also known as the “abdicated king.” And I cannot guess what the writer thinks of him, either, since he makes him in turns, dreadful and pitiable. “David” enters an England glad to see him (if you ask the wrong people), and loathe …
Death is the inevitability of life, the one thing that links people across the globe, for no one can escape it. The second episode of The Crown is a study in death, loss, and the change it brings. While England and the royal family, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet mourn the loss of a …
I’m an Anglophile. Maybe it’s my mostly-British blood, or that I dig the English and their outward emotional constipation while a storm brews underneath, or just that I’m kinda, sorta, okay a lot, obsessed with the English monarchies; the up and coming king and his wife, not so much. Could not care less. Have they …
One of the most fascinating cases in the history of crime is the unsolved murders of Jack the Ripper. The “Ripper” has featured in many movies and television series, in serial novels and literature. His identity has changed dozens of times, as has the reason for the murders. He has been confronted by Sherlock Holmes, …
Continue reading "A Touch of Blood: The Unsolved Crimes of Jack the Ripper"
Since Starz announced this production, I have waffled between anticipation and dread. The former because I appreciate new costume dramas centered on the lesser-known Tudors; and the latter, because I’ve read Philippa Gregory’s book series. She’s a talented enough writer that her “historical slander” passes for the truth – and she maligns reputations, turning decent …
Continue reading "Fact & Fiction: The White Princess, Episode 1"
Dear Readers, It is with utmost regret that I inform you that Charity is currently buried under a mountain of volumes, which she insisted upon piling in an enormous stack to “prove” how much research she is doing on her novels. I warned her of the high probability the pile would collapse on top of …
One of my major pet peeves is literary licenses taken with historical figures in serious historical literature. (I do not consider “speculative fiction” serious historical literature or any story where a historical figure is dealing with zombies, vampires, or magic; these stories are obvious fiction and never confused by a casual reader for the truth.) …
English History in the 1500s was not so different than it is now; we face many of the same issues plaguing the court of Henry VIII. In May 1517, there was a large contingent of French and Italian immigrants in London. They were situated near the city’s financial district and providing many services for the …
