A.
I think this may be a sad commentary on us. “Selfie” chosen by Oxford Dictionary as the word of the year. Via January Magazine. Link here And yes, I see my “selfie” is sideways. It may be better that way. It’s a joke after all and a dreadful photo, as they always are.
B.
Do you use Scrivener? Karen Randau’s blog includes my happy experiences organizing the ungainly project of historical novels using this program. Link here
C.
Medieval/Renaissance history fans alert! Tinney S. Heath’s blog Historical Fiction Research is celebrating its anniversary w/ a retrospective of her top ten posts. Leonardo to the Black Plague w/ Dante in between… Link here
D.
Never trust what the “standard” line is on anyone in history. Nancy Bilyeau’s discussion of “Bloody Mary” is an example of the way historical reputation can be formed by enemies–sometimes the victors, sometimes by foes a good deal later. I can think of a number of maligned famous people. Link here
E.
Why do archaeologists choose a particular site to dig? This site in India was triggered by a holy man’s dream. Maybe modern scientific tools would be a better guide. You never know. Link here
F.
An Egyptian love story in full color. She was a priestess named Meretites, and he was a singer named Kahai, who performed at the pharaoh’s palace. They lived about 4,400 years ago in an age when pyramids were being built in Egypt, and their love is reflected in scene on their tomb walls with a highly unusual display of affection. The beautifully preserved artwork is now published in gorgeous color photos. The tomb art also reflects a greater level of equality of women in Egyptian society than has often been thought by scholars. Compelling details from this couple’s lives show in the inscriptions: the burial of an adult son whose wife was pregnant, the role of palace singers, the closeness the living felt with the dead. An amazing window into a world 4 millennia ago! Link here
G.
Doctorow’s signature: injecting historical figures into his fictional world. New Yorker refused to pub review: “I had transgressed in making up words and thoughts that people never said.” Great essay on how Doctorow changed the writing landscape, esp historical fiction, & who has come after. Interesting who this essayist thinks has fallen to mere “schtick”. Link here
I enjoyed the Egyptian article. That was very nice to see. Thanks.
OK, I am a closet romantic. I really enjoyed the Egyptian story.
I’m with both of you, Annmarie and Priscilla. Isn’t that Egyptian portrait a wonderful tease? A window into a relationship long turned to dust but so tantalizing in its intimacy. It seems a perfect “feed” for one of us to get writing!
Comments are closed.