AZ HNS Meeting & Weekly Roundup of History, Archaeology and Writing Wisdom March 22-28

April 5, 1-4 pm AZ Historical Novel Society Meeting
Ann Chamberlin speaking on “the history of sex, primarily focused on Europe since Rome. It will cover childbirth, contraception, marriage and social gender constructs in a quick overview, but also forays into kinkier aspects from elsewhere.” Ann writes about the ancient Middle East, early Islam, the Ottoman Empire and Merlin. Her two most recent books are Woman at the Well and The Sword of God

Everyone welcome. Email Judith for directions to meeting. Bring a sweet or savory to share, or a beverage.

My favorite posts from around the web this week:

A.

Tolkien translation of Beowulf with his commentary, edited by son, will be out May. Also a Tolkien story “Sellic Spell,” what Beowulf might have been in early folktale version. Via January Magazine Link here

B.
Women philosophers of Late Antiquity. Faith Justice posts for Women’s History Month. If you are like me, these brilliant groundbreakers are new names. Quite fascinating. Link here

C.
Historical Novel Society’s pro, Richard Lee, gives an overview of the state and scope of historical romances today. Also he announces the winners of the Romance Novelists Association Awards in historical and epic romance. No more the realm of bodice rippers. Take note of quality fiction if you haven’t been paying attention. Link here

D. Medicis & writing good but accurate historical heroine. Interview w/ Elizabeth Loupas by Jenny Q on Historical Novel Society website Link here

E.

Celebrating Women: Catherine the Great as doting Grandma by Eva Stachniak via Erin Al-Mehairi. Is this what comes to mind w/ this famous woman? Link here

F.
The oldest winemaking site in the world: Areni-1 Cave in Armenia. Laura Kelley talks about her visit to this remarkable production site. Carbon-14 dating of samples of dried grape skins & seeds place them between 4223-3790 BCE. I love Laura’s website, The Silk Road Gourmet. Link here