1066: The Year Of Three Battles ~ Frank McLynn

Hark! Calamity! The King is dead! Long live the..." "Right, well which one of you lot wants the job?"

The battles on English soil in 1066 (and a couple in 1065) served as the catalyst that not only changed Britain, but the whole of Europe. William the Bastard's (later Conqueror) success not only changed the English political landscape, but its geographic one as well. Try finding an Anglo-Saxon stronghold anywhere in England. There are none to be had. Even Time Team (R.I.P.) had difficulty locating evidence of a Saxon edifice. Finding a Norman building though, not hard at all. The Queen lives in one part time at Windsor.

Record keeping was another Norman strength, unfortunately, more-so after the events of 1066 than about those battles. A shame really as the little actual documentation that does exist is primarily on a 'tapestry' probably commissioned by one of William's relatives. However, much can be inferred, and that is where Frank McLynn comes in.



McLynn does a few things in this monograph. He gives the personal and political backgrounds of not just the reigning monarch and the three contenders, but how past conflicts for leadership of England, France and Scandinavia were heavily intertwined with intrigue, deceit, missed opportunities, betrayal and sheer dumb luck. As a result, 1066 was simply a very dense microcosm of Europe's then past and present. Those events served to provide each Harald Hadrada, Harold Godwinson, and William of Normandy with notions of entitlement and familial vindication. With three strong-willed men, all with battle experience want the same thing, two are bound to end disappointed in the very least, dead at the worst. Which is exactly what happened.

The way in which McLynn divides the information and offers evidence makes keeping track of all the key players and their aims quite straight. He establishes a firm foundation for each of the three claimants no matter how outrageous and supports his assertions with nearly boundless references and offers his own opinions on why he either supports or argues against certain theories. What some might have difficulty with is the use of some, arguably archaic terms. To be honest, while some I didn't care for, others I felt should be used more often.

I highly recommend this text to anyone who is looking for a good history of the three battles that took place on English soil in 1066.

Review originally appeared on the non defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.

The King's Spy ~ Andrew Swanston

The English Civil War, the one that ended with the beheading of a King...wait, no. That could be any of them really. This is the one that ends with a Stuart King losing his head...wait, yes. Yes it is. That head was so important this war became known as The English Civil War, erasing the importance of all the other civil wars England ever had. And where there is war, there is intrigue. When intrigue rears it's savage head, espionage follows. Being the King's Spy is, therefore, no guarantee of saving one's neck.



Book seller Thomas Hill is summoned to Oxford by King Charles (I) to help decipher and decrypt enemy communications. Of course when people are attempting to keep secrets and others are trying to discover them a plethora of no good ensues. Lies, theft and murder create distrust at every quarter, particularly when perpetuated by traitors and the generally offended. Plus there are codes, loads of them for Mr. Hill to crack as battles come ever closer to Oxford, which only serves to increase the pressure he faces.

I will admit that it took me a little longer than usual to figure out who the traitor was. With a talent for descriptive writing, Swanston weaves the possibilities in such a way that the reader has difficulty trusting his/her guesses. I appreciate this as I tend toward boredom if it is too easy. While I was less enthused by how the codes work (mainly because it seemed very algebraic for my anti-maths self), I am assured by people with the skills to understand these things the explanations are not only very good but interesting. A little something for everyone it seems. Because of this, I look forward to the next edition, and with any luck the publisher will make the book available in my country as well.

Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.

Gates Of Fire ~ Steven Pressfield

Who would have thought that three hundred men equipped with long spears, shields and big knives could hold off a Persian army hell bent on making Sparta and Athens pay for their defeat at Marathan. Darius (of Persia) planned this retribution for a decade, catching the Greeks off guard-ish. Sparta, taking a decisive stand sent their toughest dudes to delay the Persian forces as means of getting their own poop in one pile...so to speak. With complete knowledge of their fate, Leonidas strode to Thermopylae with his fellow Spartans and defended their lands for three days, killing more than their own number.



Having enjoyed The Virtues of War by Pressfield a few months prior to reading this work, and having always been interested in the Spartans, I set high expectations for this book. The author did not disappoint, but I was surprised, in a good way, by the approach.

Books that end with a character other than the one that had originally been narrating a tale is something that has always bothered me. Mainly because I feel like it's meant to be a fireside chat and suddenly, the storyteller falls dead and someone else finishes the tale, as if they shared the one mind. I don't know what this is really called, but I use the 'double jeopardy', because it feels like the author didn't think it through and wrote themselves into a corner. Or, they did think it through, but thought it would be an great way to introduce a new narrator for a follow-up, or as a clever device. I just find it annoying, and feel duped. Why am I going through this? Well, because while Pressfield did just that with Alexander, he avoided it with Leonidas. And I say Bravo!

The story is presented by a youth, who knowing his heritage prevented him from becoming a Spartan soldier, did not preclude him from becoming an aid to the fighters. What better perspective could there ever be? A young, enthusiastic man, watching, learning, and listening while the injured and the tired who are sharing tales by a campfire meal. He would have access to everything and everyone, especially in a situation where the only hope is a slow attrition of troops.

There are no surprises in this novel. The battle of Thermopylae ends as it should with the required heroics and plenty of drama. Thus, the captivation is Pressfield's prose. It is poetic without being flowery, it is large in its subtlety and sucks the reader in without his/her knowledge until a loved one passes a tissue over as the final pages are turned. Yes, even über macho men have admitted to shedding a tear during the final passages. That is how a story is told.

Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.

Hound ~ George Green

What could possibly go wrong when a German born, Roman slave fond of the drink is charged with Ulster's youngest hero's livelihood as they chariot through a war over a bull? The ending does not change in this modern adaptation of the Tàin Bò Cùailnge told from Cù Chulain's charioteer's inebriated point of view.



I'm of two minds regarding this re-working of the Ulster Cycle of heroic tales. I think that had I not spent the three quarters of my first year at Uni studying The Tàin I might have considered this a wonderful work of fiction. I enjoyed the characters a great deal and appreciated the perspective, especially the ending. However, academia stands in the way and thus my enjoyment of the text was often stilted by oddities or omissions.

The manuscripts where these tales are found were written by post-Patrician monks with an aim to inject Christianity within Pagan motifs as a means of holding on to the uniqueness of Eire, whilst ensuring acceptance in the broader world. As a result, the last of the Ulster cycle ends in unison with the Christian Christ's crucifixion, suggesting that the preceding stories were occurring relatively at the same time as Jesus's. George capitalises on this connection, despite there being no actual evidence of parallel dates. By doing so, he permits himself to add evidenced historical personages within this retelling. Characters, who I believe would have been included in the tales had the time frames actually been the same. The most glaring of these is Boudica.

While Ireland was a land of its own and never conquered, we do know that there was trade between it and other Celtic countries. There is no possible way, that just across the Irish Sea a great congregation of Druids was murdered, followed by the destruction of one of the most powerful Celtic tribes and there is no mention of it in the manuscripts. I understand this is all theoretical, but as an author, the insertion of such a personage should be carefully considered. Granted, this book is probably meant for a wider audience than those who studied ancient Celtic texts, but alienating those familiar with them is a risk, and in this case, a risk to far.

Because Boudica was mentioned relatively early, it ruined the experience for me. Maybe I'm making too much of this small point, as she is only mentioned the once, but I felt it was at the detriment of other elements. The very important system of geis is merely glossed over, but in the original texts, they form the foundation of not just these tales, but most Celtic tales, generally. Also, I had strong reservations about the representation of the hags. They didn't sit right with me, and probably because I'm trained to think of them as a single unit and not as a threesome. This is difficult to explain in a revue without turning the entire thing into a lengthy dissertation.

Ultimately, I suppose I conclude by saying that as a fiction, it really works and I did enjoy it. As an homage to The Tàin, I'm not convinced.

Review was originally located at the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.

The Virtues Of War: A Novel Of Alexander The Great ~ Steven Pressfield

"Alexander The Great... Oliver Stone, take it away!"

o.O "..."

When Oliver Stone released his bio-epic Alexander some years ago, I was centrally seated at the cinema on the opening day. Unfortunately, I left wondering how I could regain the 3 hours of my life I had just lost, and to be frank, some of hard earned quid I had spent at the new super-screen venue. Therefore, it might delight Mr. Pressfield to know that in my ignorance, I not only picked up this book, but voted in favour of it for a monthly group read. Had I had any knowledge that his book about the young Macedonian ruler was the inspiration behind the mediocre film, I would have run away, dramatically waving my arms in the air as though being chased by a grizzly. It is strictly due to this oblivion that I am now well acquainted with Mr. Pressfield's writing and continue to enjoy his works.



Although I was prejudiced by Mr. Stone's work, and found myself visualising some of the scenes whilst reading this novel, the story is not entirely the same. First of all, it is not a narration by Ptolemy, rather it is Alexander presenting himself (slightly), and relationships with his family, loves and cohorts. Mostly, this is a fiction about the some of his biggest battles, how they were achieved, the results and Alexander's desire for greatness.

Pressfield's writing draws the reader in and keeps him/her there. While this might not appeal to those who wish to delve deeply into Alexander's as an individual, it does serve well to understand this author's thoughts on what Alexander's expectations were for not only those around him, but those he'd set for himself.

As for Steven Pressfield; I've already mentioned I'm all for reading more (and have), but he should be rewarded for changing my mind about reading a book after watching a film. Though, I do reserve the right to change my mind.

Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.

Killer Of Men ~ Christian Cameron

This is the story of a young boy who begins life as a peasant in the relatively peaceful Plataea who finds himself a slave within a Persian household. His loyalties become divided when some Greek cities revolt against their Persian oppressors.



The first instalment in the The Marathon Series renamed Long War Series is written as a first person narration by the protagonist who is in his golden years speaking to his daughter and his friends. To be honest, if one can get past the annoyance of too-oft used thugater, then later honey then you might get through the book. In the first half of the book the flow is often broken by this unnecessary narration and it reminded me of the extended versions of Oliver Stone's Alexander where Ptolemy (played by the venerable Anthony Hopkins) just talks to damn much. Why epicists (probably an invented word, but I'm sticking with it) insist on having someone explain the action that is about to take place in detail rather than let the viewer/reader figure it out on their own never ceases to amaze me. The reader/viewer is not that stupid.

Once past the old fuddy-duddy explaining his present state, the story is not so bad. It's got all the tension stemming from politics, youthful indiscretions and fatal mishaps one would want. It's also filled with more egos than one might find necessary, but when communing with the gods.... The self-explanatory title; however, does not mislead or disappoint. If the reader thinks it's a play on words, he/she will be sadly disappointed. This is the story of a boy who learns that to survive while Sparta and the Persian exist is to learn to fend for oneself, by hook, by crook or by the sword.

Unfortunately, there wasn't enough in this book for me to get past the unnecessary narration, which might be error in judgement on my part as this book has put me off Cameron generally. I am told that his Tyrant series is very good and this particular book is not necessarily a good representation of his abilities. For this reason I will give his other series a try, but alas, it is unlikely I will pick up the sequel to this one.
>br>Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy Blog

Martyr ~ Rory Clements

What could possibly connect an intelligencer, religious persecution, a famous privateer, and the Queen's spy-master in Elizabethan England? None other than Shakespeare of course...



While William Shakespeare is touring through the countryside, his older brother John is retained by Walsingham to help uncover Queen Elizabeth I's distant cousin's murderer, while having to keep Francis Drake from being assassinated by the Spanish who managed to successfully infiltrate England. The elder Shakespeare has to do all this under the ever watch and sadistic eye of Topcliffe, another Royal investigator.

This mystery series has wonderful potential. However, I have a strong reservation and that is when the 'investigator' or 'intelligencer' lacks common sense. Sharing information with people who have no business knowing what is being investigated, and not doing researching about a particular person or location before going seems rather counter-intuitive, not to mention just plain idiotic. I understand that characters must have flaws, but when there are more failings than there are successes, I do not expect the protagonist to achieve much. There is only so much 'dumb-luck' I'm willing to accept before I lose faith in the author. I suspect my expectations are high as the more successful: Christie, Conan-Doyle and Sayers are smarter than their detectives. Too often now, the author seems to fall behind their own characters, and need to insert inexplicable defects that lead to unbelievable leaps. Unfortunately, Martyr's author is guilty of this.

Though I have an issue with unbalanced character, the story itself weaves seemingly unrelated events and characters in a way that keeps the reader guessing. While many might find this multiple approach to an end taxing, I appreciate that it stimulates my grey matter.

Review originally appeared in the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy

Inquisition ~ Alfredo Colitto

Templar Knights are falling dead with good reason; their hearts are made of iron. Or are they? Alchemy, the science by which different elements are combined to make a third. Apparently a thing to fear during the Middle Ages, though how they understood their weapons to be made still is a mystery to me.



Set in the dark days of the Catholic Inquisition, a time and place where no one, not even a religious figure was above suspicion of cavorting with the devil and his minions. The local archbishop-cum-detective is tasked with understanding why these honourable warriors back from the Crusades are dying in such a mysterious way. Is it one of their own, turned against them or perhaps a man of God? Regardless of who it is, the archbishop's insertion into the investigation puts his own life at risk.

This book is more about alchemy and how someone can render a heart into iron than it is about an inquisition. True, the Inquisition plays a crucial role in that there is additional tension placed on the protagonist, but the story itself is hardly about the actual Inquisition, its existence, why it was so blatantly feared and how people were selected, punished and either released or killed for their sins. For this reason, I felt deceived. However, as far as a mystery goes, it's quite good. There are elements that seem lost in translation (originally written in Italian, the translation of this text by Sophie Henderson). I didn't get the impression there was anything missing from the story, but there were awkward turns of phrases and the pace was slightly off in some places. I would not; however, be prevented from reading future instalments of this series as the characters are quite earnest in their convictions and beliefs. Quite refreshing considering this was a time in history that allowed for changing one's mind quite easily when faced with the pointy end of a sword.

Review previously appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy Blog

Rome: The Emperor's Spy ~ M.C. Scott

Having found an historical fiction group Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction" at Goodreads I stumbled across monthly reads from two different eras. The on from the ancient era was about Rome, a subject that rarely appeals to me, but I thought to myself, "In for a penny, in for a pound." Off I trudged to the book shop and purchased a copy of Rome: The Emperor's Spy by M.C. Scott. (The same Scott who wrote the Boudica trilogy in four novels).



The first instalment in a series about spies and charioteers in Nero's Rome, Scott weaves a tale where all the key characters meet because of the Emperor's need to be entertained. While intrigue and betrayal are around every corner, the Math is learning the way of horses, a career that may very keep him alive simply at the Emperor's pleasure. For those who have read Scott's Boudica trilogy, I am told some of the characters are initially from that series, though did not feature prominently.
This novel has opened my mind toward other books set during the Roman Empire however disinterested I am in the period. Although the attraction is minimal for the era, I am now hard-pressed to turn down a cracking story about charioteers or gladiators. Shame they must always be connected to the leaders of the time in some way. Surely, there was plenty more going on in Rome than the self-proclaimed nobility. While I lament, I would certainly read the other books in this series as I enjoyed the characters and the writing.

Review previously appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy Blog

Maus I & Maus II ~ Art Spiegelman

A course on Popular Culture taught me that graphic novels need not be about otherworldly super-heroes with abandonment and anger management issues. My introduction was Persepolis a brilliant tale of growing up in Iran during the revolution by Marjane Satrapi. I've since branched out having discovered an entire sub-group of World War II offerings.

Art Spielgelman's two part work about his parents and their lives as Jews in Hitler's Europe and its impact during and beyond the war reveals that struggles did not end when Hitler took his life and the gates of work and concentration camps were flown open by Allied troops. Nor was life made easy for the interred's offspring in the New World.



Spielgelman eventually convinces his father who is reluctant to share his experiences during World War II. This reluctance is evident throughout the story but he manages to get through it. Born in Poland, with wind of what was to come, the author's father and his wife make their way to Czechoslovakia but were betrayed be the very people who offered to help them across the border. This incident alone prevents any ability to trust in others, and serves as the basis for all decisions Spiegelman's father makes from then on.

While the story will have a familiar ring as others such as Elie Wiesel and Primo Levi, it is one generation removed and presented in a medium perhaps approachable to those who would not normally be comfortable with the heaviness of poetry and prose. For this achievement alone, the work is invaluable.

Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy Blog

Children Of Wrath ~ Paul Grossman

In his successful The Sleepwalkers, Paul Grossman's protagonist is heralded as the man who had put an end to Der Kinderfresser while attempting to solve another case. This book is the prequel that tells the story of why how he succeeded in closing the Der Kinderfresser case.



Willi Kraus is a Jewish detective in inter-war Berlin. Solving cases in for a police force increasingly supportive of the Nazis is a dangerous place for a man such as Kraus who must straddle between professionalism and fearing the anti-semetic onslaught. Tensions are also visible on the home-front, when Kraus prioritises the safety of Berlin's children over his own family's security. However, this book also serves as a means of understanding some of the oddities that appear in the first novel. It's as though Grossman was not on as solid footing with his first project. Perhaps, the storyline for this one got in the way of the first, causing some questionable acts by the protagonist. Either way, between the two books all is revealed.

I'm not certain if there's a third instalment in the works, but I would certainly read it, as I've become attached to Willi Kraus and his antics.

Review originally appeared at the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.