The Winter King, The Queen of Hearts, and the Thirty Years War

I have the pleasure of welcoming historical fiction author, Laura Libricz, whose novels take place in 17th century Germany. On June 10th, she is re-releasing The Master and the Maid, the first novel of her Heaven’s Pond trilogy. Today, Laura introduces us to the Thirty Years War, that took place in the beginning of the 17th century in Central Europe. The events of the Thirty Years War had a profound effect on European and English History; many of the later English Civil War leaders received their training during this time. But in the beginning, there was the Winter King and the Queen…

The Fifth Monarchists

May 9, 2016August 19, 2019 Categories: 17th centuryTags: 17th century · 17th century enthusiast · Allhallows Church · Barebones Parliament · Charles Stuart · Commonwealth · English Civil War · English Historical Fiction Authors · Fifth Monarchists · Millennium · Oliver Cromwell · Parliament of Saints · Regicides · Rump Parliament · Thomas HarrisonLeave a comment

Given the talk about government policies and reform that is currently gripping the U.S, I thought it timely to repost an article about England’s Parliamentary struggles following the English Civil War. The following article was originally written for the English Historical Fiction Authors blog and published January 2015. If you enjoy English history and haven’t visited the blog, check out the EHFA site here. It was not all daffodils and roses for the new Commonwealth following the English Civil War. The tide that had carried Parliament to victory, surging them forward with the promise of a new society, became stagnant. Though…

In honour of the Bard

April 23, 2016August 19, 2019 Categories: 17th century · CreativityTags: 17th century enthusiast · Romeo and Juliet · Shakespeare · The Tempest4 Comments

Wilt thou be gone? It is not yet near day. It was the nightingale, and not the lark, That pierced the fearful hollow of thine ear; Nightly she sings on bond pomegranate tree, Believe me, love, it was the nightingale. I love these words from Romeo and Juliet. They’re haunting in their longing–to hold onto a cherished moment for as long as possible, even if it means holding back the dawn. And they’re timeless, not just because they were penned over 400 years go, but because they tap into a primal force–to love and be loved. I’ve always been a…

Classicism vs Naturalism: French and Dutch art in the 17th century

April 18, 2016August 19, 2019 Categories: 17th century · Author SpotlightsTags: 17th century · 17th century art · Annie Whitehead · art · Claude · Dutch Naturalism · French Classicism · Poussin · Rembrandt · VermeerLeave a comment

As a special treat, I turn my blog over to Annie Whitehead, indieBRAG honouree and author of Alvar the Kingmaker and To Be A Queen. Annie’s novels are set during the Early Medieval period, but her knowledge of history extends centuries beyond her chosen era to include the 17th century. In this article, she illuminates the differences between two opposing artistic traditions of the 17th century, Classicism and Naturalism. Enjoy! Artistically, the period of Richelieu and Mazarin saw the rise of French Classicism. Patronage of the arts was strong; Fouquet (the Superintendent of Finances in France), in particular used his money with exceptional taste. He gathered round…

17th century author spotlight: Elizabeth St. John

April 11, 2016August 19, 2019 Categories: Author SpotlightsTags: Barbara Villiers · Elizabeth St. John · John St. John · Lords of Bletsoe · Lucy St. John · Lydiard · Lydiard Park · The Lady of the Tower · the Tower of London13 Comments

Today I welcome fellow 17th century enthusiast, Elizabeth St. John, author of The Lady of the Tower. In her debut historical novel, Elizabeth tells the story of Lucy St. John, a woman who carves out her own path through the early Stuart decadent court. Most intriguingly, there is a close connection between the author and heroine. In this interview, Elizabeth shares with us the nature of this connection and her passion for uncovering the past. What drew you to the 17th Century in the first place? Having grown up in England surrounded by history, I think of it as one long continuum rather than specific periods,…