Cara/Andrea here,
For me part of the fun of writing Regency-set novels is discovering some arcane little fact to weave into the storyline. I confess it—I’m a total history nerd, and love reading reference books, visiting specialty museums, looking at art and architecture—anything that takes me back to a different world! I soak up the ambiance like a sponge.
Now, inspiration can come from unexpected sources. I somehow stumbled over a small video on an item up for auction at Sotheby’s. I hit play and well, just knew the item had to be in one of my books. (you can see it here.) It’s a pistol. But no ordinary pistol. Instead of firing bullets, it shoots an exquisite little bird out of its barrel—no bang-bang, but beautiful birdsong! Okay, I imagine you see where this is going. A dramatic scene where the villain grabs the weapon, intent on putting a period to the heroine’s existence. With a manic laugh, she pulls the trigger . . .
Lord Davenport, the hero in Sinfully Yours, the second book of my “Hellions of High Street” trilogy is outward a jaded rake, but like Anna, my heroine, he has a secret passion—yes, crafting automata. There is a reason for this, but suffice it to say it was mostly so he could make a singing bird pistol!
The concept of a complex mechanical toy really fascinated me, so naturally I decided to do some deeper research. What I discovered was that “automata” have been intriguing people for centuries, and that there is a long and fascinating history to the craft—Greek mythology mentions that Hephaestus created Talus, a mechanical man made of brass. The island of Rhodes was renowned for its mechanical engineering during ancient times—the Greeks were renowned for their scientific and mathematical prowess. And according to Jewish tradition, King Solomon had a special throne were mechanical animals greeted him when he sat down—and an eagle placed a crown on his head!
In medieval times, the Arabs were famous for their intricate mechanical snakes, scorpions and other fanciful creations, including a water flushing mechanism that is used in modern toilets. The Europeans were also busy inventing things like monkey marionettes and mechanized birds for princely pleasure gardens. Automata were also popular in the Renaissance. Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebooks contain a detailed drawing for a mechanical man who twists his torso and move his arms. He also crafted a lion in honor of King Louis XII that walked and then opened its chest with a clawed paw to reveal a hidden coat of arms of France.
The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were the zenith of automata. Master inventors vied to create the most spectacularly complex “toys.” In 1649, when Louis XIV was still a boy, a French craftsman made him an elaborate miniature mechanized coach, complete with moving horses and footmen. And in 1737, the French engineer Jacques de Vaucanson, perhaps the most famous maker of automata, constructed a Digesting Duck that quacked, splashed in water and appeared to eat and void. Another highlight of the time was a chess-playing machine made by Wolfgang von Kempelen called The Turk. It was said to have defeated both Napoleon and Benjamin Franklin in head to head play. (Alas, the Turk was proved to be a hoax, as the large base was designed to have a person hidden inside who actually made all the moves.
Another mechanical wonder is The Writer, by Pierre Jaquet-Doz, which can be programmed to write 40 different letters. He dips his pen in ink and drafts a lovely script on paper, carefully dotting “i”s and crossing “t”s.
One of my favorite mechanized creations is Tipoo’s Tiger, made in 1792 by the son of an Indian sultan. (Those of you who have read the Richard Sharpe series will recognize it from Sharpe’s Tiger.) It depicts a large Bengal tiger savaging an Englishman—the victim flaps his hand while the tiger emits savage growls. (Can you blame the Sultan!)
What about you—do you like learning about esoteric subjects in your historical novels, or learning the details of a long-ago profession? Or do you find them a distraction to the main plot? Have you a favorite oddity—an exotic hobby or profession—that you’ve learned about in a novel? I’ll be giving away a free e-book of Sinfully Yours to one lucky reader who leaves a comment here between now and Saturday evening.
LOVE THIS! That little gun (and your use of it!!!) are genius. I’ve wanted to somehow work automata into my book since reading THE TURK, but I’ve never found the right plot.
LOVE THIS! That little gun (and your use of it!!!) are genius. I’ve wanted to somehow work automata into my book since reading THE TURK, but I’ve never found the right plot.
LOVE THIS! That little gun (and your use of it!!!) are genius. I’ve wanted to somehow work automata into my book since reading THE TURK, but I’ve never found the right plot.
LOVE THIS! That little gun (and your use of it!!!) are genius. I’ve wanted to somehow work automata into my book since reading THE TURK, but I’ve never found the right plot.
LOVE THIS! That little gun (and your use of it!!!) are genius. I’ve wanted to somehow work automata into my book since reading THE TURK, but I’ve never found the right plot.
Thanks, Isobel. The pistols were simply too good a discovery to pass up. It took a little thinking to come up with a plot device to fit them in, but I was determined! I really had a fun time writing Sinfully Yours.
Thanks, Isobel. The pistols were simply too good a discovery to pass up. It took a little thinking to come up with a plot device to fit them in, but I was determined! I really had a fun time writing Sinfully Yours.
Thanks, Isobel. The pistols were simply too good a discovery to pass up. It took a little thinking to come up with a plot device to fit them in, but I was determined! I really had a fun time writing Sinfully Yours.
Thanks, Isobel. The pistols were simply too good a discovery to pass up. It took a little thinking to come up with a plot device to fit them in, but I was determined! I really had a fun time writing Sinfully Yours.
Thanks, Isobel. The pistols were simply too good a discovery to pass up. It took a little thinking to come up with a plot device to fit them in, but I was determined! I really had a fun time writing Sinfully Yours.
I do like learning about esoteric subjects in my historical novels!
Seeing those pictures of mechanical toys made me think of those wind-up sheet-metal toys they used to sell in the market place when I was a kid and they most likely were imported from our neighbour, the Soviet Union. I had at least 1 or 2 of them. Pity really I still don’t have them. These days collectors would pay a few Euros for them.
I do like learning about esoteric subjects in my historical novels!
Seeing those pictures of mechanical toys made me think of those wind-up sheet-metal toys they used to sell in the market place when I was a kid and they most likely were imported from our neighbour, the Soviet Union. I had at least 1 or 2 of them. Pity really I still don’t have them. These days collectors would pay a few Euros for them.
I do like learning about esoteric subjects in my historical novels!
Seeing those pictures of mechanical toys made me think of those wind-up sheet-metal toys they used to sell in the market place when I was a kid and they most likely were imported from our neighbour, the Soviet Union. I had at least 1 or 2 of them. Pity really I still don’t have them. These days collectors would pay a few Euros for them.
I do like learning about esoteric subjects in my historical novels!
Seeing those pictures of mechanical toys made me think of those wind-up sheet-metal toys they used to sell in the market place when I was a kid and they most likely were imported from our neighbour, the Soviet Union. I had at least 1 or 2 of them. Pity really I still don’t have them. These days collectors would pay a few Euros for them.
I do like learning about esoteric subjects in my historical novels!
Seeing those pictures of mechanical toys made me think of those wind-up sheet-metal toys they used to sell in the market place when I was a kid and they most likely were imported from our neighbour, the Soviet Union. I had at least 1 or 2 of them. Pity really I still don’t have them. These days collectors would pay a few Euros for them.
Interesting, Minna! I’m sure you’re right about collectors being eager to scarf them up . . .not sure the quality would quite rival the singing bird pistol, but all those mechanical toys are pretty neat. We had a lovely, intricately carved cuckoo clock from my Swiss grandmother in our house when I was growing up, and that is an example of an automaton too. (Hmmm, I wonder where that went!)
Interesting, Minna! I’m sure you’re right about collectors being eager to scarf them up . . .not sure the quality would quite rival the singing bird pistol, but all those mechanical toys are pretty neat. We had a lovely, intricately carved cuckoo clock from my Swiss grandmother in our house when I was growing up, and that is an example of an automaton too. (Hmmm, I wonder where that went!)
Interesting, Minna! I’m sure you’re right about collectors being eager to scarf them up . . .not sure the quality would quite rival the singing bird pistol, but all those mechanical toys are pretty neat. We had a lovely, intricately carved cuckoo clock from my Swiss grandmother in our house when I was growing up, and that is an example of an automaton too. (Hmmm, I wonder where that went!)
Interesting, Minna! I’m sure you’re right about collectors being eager to scarf them up . . .not sure the quality would quite rival the singing bird pistol, but all those mechanical toys are pretty neat. We had a lovely, intricately carved cuckoo clock from my Swiss grandmother in our house when I was growing up, and that is an example of an automaton too. (Hmmm, I wonder where that went!)
Interesting, Minna! I’m sure you’re right about collectors being eager to scarf them up . . .not sure the quality would quite rival the singing bird pistol, but all those mechanical toys are pretty neat. We had a lovely, intricately carved cuckoo clock from my Swiss grandmother in our house when I was growing up, and that is an example of an automaton too. (Hmmm, I wonder where that went!)
A fellow history geek here, Cara! I LOVE finding these little odds and ends and putting them into books. I have an entire notebook of research on stoves and heating fireplace inserts, i.e. Rumford stoves, during the Regency because I wanted a villain to be able to heat water quickly for nefarious purposes.
I love the automata gun is priceless. I love all of these little intricate mechanisms so far ahead of their time.
I collect music boxes and many of mine are quite old and automated. I admire the work, but I would never have the patience to do such delicate work.
A fellow history geek here, Cara! I LOVE finding these little odds and ends and putting them into books. I have an entire notebook of research on stoves and heating fireplace inserts, i.e. Rumford stoves, during the Regency because I wanted a villain to be able to heat water quickly for nefarious purposes.
I love the automata gun is priceless. I love all of these little intricate mechanisms so far ahead of their time.
I collect music boxes and many of mine are quite old and automated. I admire the work, but I would never have the patience to do such delicate work.
A fellow history geek here, Cara! I LOVE finding these little odds and ends and putting them into books. I have an entire notebook of research on stoves and heating fireplace inserts, i.e. Rumford stoves, during the Regency because I wanted a villain to be able to heat water quickly for nefarious purposes.
I love the automata gun is priceless. I love all of these little intricate mechanisms so far ahead of their time.
I collect music boxes and many of mine are quite old and automated. I admire the work, but I would never have the patience to do such delicate work.
A fellow history geek here, Cara! I LOVE finding these little odds and ends and putting them into books. I have an entire notebook of research on stoves and heating fireplace inserts, i.e. Rumford stoves, during the Regency because I wanted a villain to be able to heat water quickly for nefarious purposes.
I love the automata gun is priceless. I love all of these little intricate mechanisms so far ahead of their time.
I collect music boxes and many of mine are quite old and automated. I admire the work, but I would never have the patience to do such delicate work.
A fellow history geek here, Cara! I LOVE finding these little odds and ends and putting them into books. I have an entire notebook of research on stoves and heating fireplace inserts, i.e. Rumford stoves, during the Regency because I wanted a villain to be able to heat water quickly for nefarious purposes.
I love the automata gun is priceless. I love all of these little intricate mechanisms so far ahead of their time.
I collect music boxes and many of mine are quite old and automated. I admire the work, but I would never have the patience to do such delicate work.
Oh, Louisa, I want to read that book with the boiling villain! So glad you find the arcane little details of history as interesting as I do.
Your music boxes sound amazing. They are a whole art unto themselves. The craftsmanship of this complicated mechanical works are truly astounding. I do have patience, but not the expertise. I have thought at times that I would enjoy watch making—the ones that have the moon phases and other “complications.” But I have a feeling that’s something that will remain merely a pleasant daydream!
Oh, Louisa, I want to read that book with the boiling villain! So glad you find the arcane little details of history as interesting as I do.
Your music boxes sound amazing. They are a whole art unto themselves. The craftsmanship of this complicated mechanical works are truly astounding. I do have patience, but not the expertise. I have thought at times that I would enjoy watch making—the ones that have the moon phases and other “complications.” But I have a feeling that’s something that will remain merely a pleasant daydream!
Oh, Louisa, I want to read that book with the boiling villain! So glad you find the arcane little details of history as interesting as I do.
Your music boxes sound amazing. They are a whole art unto themselves. The craftsmanship of this complicated mechanical works are truly astounding. I do have patience, but not the expertise. I have thought at times that I would enjoy watch making—the ones that have the moon phases and other “complications.” But I have a feeling that’s something that will remain merely a pleasant daydream!
Oh, Louisa, I want to read that book with the boiling villain! So glad you find the arcane little details of history as interesting as I do.
Your music boxes sound amazing. They are a whole art unto themselves. The craftsmanship of this complicated mechanical works are truly astounding. I do have patience, but not the expertise. I have thought at times that I would enjoy watch making—the ones that have the moon phases and other “complications.” But I have a feeling that’s something that will remain merely a pleasant daydream!
Oh, Louisa, I want to read that book with the boiling villain! So glad you find the arcane little details of history as interesting as I do.
Your music boxes sound amazing. They are a whole art unto themselves. The craftsmanship of this complicated mechanical works are truly astounding. I do have patience, but not the expertise. I have thought at times that I would enjoy watch making—the ones that have the moon phases and other “complications.” But I have a feeling that’s something that will remain merely a pleasant daydream!
I love the automata! I have a lovely wooden music box that came from Germany-it’s a Nativity scene, but quite large, like a 3-tiered wedding cake. On the lower level, Roman soldiers rotate around, on the middle level, it’s the 3 kings on their camels, and the top level is the manger scene, complete with shepherds, animals and palm trees.
Probably my most exotic hobby is mycology. I didn’t learn it from a book, but I do get annoyed when a book I am reading gets its mushroom facts wrong, for instance having a certain species growing at totally the wrong time of year.
I love the automata! I have a lovely wooden music box that came from Germany-it’s a Nativity scene, but quite large, like a 3-tiered wedding cake. On the lower level, Roman soldiers rotate around, on the middle level, it’s the 3 kings on their camels, and the top level is the manger scene, complete with shepherds, animals and palm trees.
Probably my most exotic hobby is mycology. I didn’t learn it from a book, but I do get annoyed when a book I am reading gets its mushroom facts wrong, for instance having a certain species growing at totally the wrong time of year.
I love the automata! I have a lovely wooden music box that came from Germany-it’s a Nativity scene, but quite large, like a 3-tiered wedding cake. On the lower level, Roman soldiers rotate around, on the middle level, it’s the 3 kings on their camels, and the top level is the manger scene, complete with shepherds, animals and palm trees.
Probably my most exotic hobby is mycology. I didn’t learn it from a book, but I do get annoyed when a book I am reading gets its mushroom facts wrong, for instance having a certain species growing at totally the wrong time of year.
I love the automata! I have a lovely wooden music box that came from Germany-it’s a Nativity scene, but quite large, like a 3-tiered wedding cake. On the lower level, Roman soldiers rotate around, on the middle level, it’s the 3 kings on their camels, and the top level is the manger scene, complete with shepherds, animals and palm trees.
Probably my most exotic hobby is mycology. I didn’t learn it from a book, but I do get annoyed when a book I am reading gets its mushroom facts wrong, for instance having a certain species growing at totally the wrong time of year.
I love the automata! I have a lovely wooden music box that came from Germany-it’s a Nativity scene, but quite large, like a 3-tiered wedding cake. On the lower level, Roman soldiers rotate around, on the middle level, it’s the 3 kings on their camels, and the top level is the manger scene, complete with shepherds, animals and palm trees.
Probably my most exotic hobby is mycology. I didn’t learn it from a book, but I do get annoyed when a book I am reading gets its mushroom facts wrong, for instance having a certain species growing at totally the wrong time of year.
Karin, your music box sounds amazing! Love the three-tiered complexity. And love your mycology expertise. (Note to self: if you write a mushroom scene, be sure to research it VERY carefully.) It’s fun to hear all the passions that readers have, and it reminds me to be extra vigilant in trying to get even small details right. But I like doing that, so it’s all good!
Karin, your music box sounds amazing! Love the three-tiered complexity. And love your mycology expertise. (Note to self: if you write a mushroom scene, be sure to research it VERY carefully.) It’s fun to hear all the passions that readers have, and it reminds me to be extra vigilant in trying to get even small details right. But I like doing that, so it’s all good!
Karin, your music box sounds amazing! Love the three-tiered complexity. And love your mycology expertise. (Note to self: if you write a mushroom scene, be sure to research it VERY carefully.) It’s fun to hear all the passions that readers have, and it reminds me to be extra vigilant in trying to get even small details right. But I like doing that, so it’s all good!
Karin, your music box sounds amazing! Love the three-tiered complexity. And love your mycology expertise. (Note to self: if you write a mushroom scene, be sure to research it VERY carefully.) It’s fun to hear all the passions that readers have, and it reminds me to be extra vigilant in trying to get even small details right. But I like doing that, so it’s all good!
Karin, your music box sounds amazing! Love the three-tiered complexity. And love your mycology expertise. (Note to self: if you write a mushroom scene, be sure to research it VERY carefully.) It’s fun to hear all the passions that readers have, and it reminds me to be extra vigilant in trying to get even small details right. But I like doing that, so it’s all good!
I love to learn new facts about history in the romance novels I read. So fascinating! I’ve always been fascinated with the technology of historical times (STILL searching for some better resources on sewage systems and mechanisms of water closets of the Rengency era). Love this bird automata! I remember reading a short story in an anthology that employed this – heroine challenged hero to a duel and he shot from these pistols – but sadly can’t remember its name now.
I wonder when cuckoo clocks were made…
Thanks for the lovely post!
I love to learn new facts about history in the romance novels I read. So fascinating! I’ve always been fascinated with the technology of historical times (STILL searching for some better resources on sewage systems and mechanisms of water closets of the Rengency era). Love this bird automata! I remember reading a short story in an anthology that employed this – heroine challenged hero to a duel and he shot from these pistols – but sadly can’t remember its name now.
I wonder when cuckoo clocks were made…
Thanks for the lovely post!
I love to learn new facts about history in the romance novels I read. So fascinating! I’ve always been fascinated with the technology of historical times (STILL searching for some better resources on sewage systems and mechanisms of water closets of the Rengency era). Love this bird automata! I remember reading a short story in an anthology that employed this – heroine challenged hero to a duel and he shot from these pistols – but sadly can’t remember its name now.
I wonder when cuckoo clocks were made…
Thanks for the lovely post!
I love to learn new facts about history in the romance novels I read. So fascinating! I’ve always been fascinated with the technology of historical times (STILL searching for some better resources on sewage systems and mechanisms of water closets of the Rengency era). Love this bird automata! I remember reading a short story in an anthology that employed this – heroine challenged hero to a duel and he shot from these pistols – but sadly can’t remember its name now.
I wonder when cuckoo clocks were made…
Thanks for the lovely post!
I love to learn new facts about history in the romance novels I read. So fascinating! I’ve always been fascinated with the technology of historical times (STILL searching for some better resources on sewage systems and mechanisms of water closets of the Rengency era). Love this bird automata! I remember reading a short story in an anthology that employed this – heroine challenged hero to a duel and he shot from these pistols – but sadly can’t remember its name now.
I wonder when cuckoo clocks were made…
Thanks for the lovely post!
I loved your article, Cara/Andrea! I especially enjoyed reading about the bird pistol. I do enjoy reading about esoteric subjects.
I loved your article, Cara/Andrea! I especially enjoyed reading about the bird pistol. I do enjoy reading about esoteric subjects.
I loved your article, Cara/Andrea! I especially enjoyed reading about the bird pistol. I do enjoy reading about esoteric subjects.
I loved your article, Cara/Andrea! I especially enjoyed reading about the bird pistol. I do enjoy reading about esoteric subjects.
I loved your article, Cara/Andrea! I especially enjoyed reading about the bird pistol. I do enjoy reading about esoteric subjects.
What I love most about a historical novel is the re-creation of another time, and that includes talking about things and professions that do not exist today. I don’t think they are a distraction, but it may be because I love History.
I cannot think of a favorite oddity discovered in a historical novel. Those that come to my mind are from contemporary, not historicals: the piece of art that Beth is looking for in SEP’s ‘Ain’t she sweet’ and the code or clue that the heroe is looking for in Sandra Brown’s ‘Lethal’. In historicals I remember the sword that appears in ‘The Shadow and the Star’, by Laura Kinsale. But I think that none of these objects qualifies as an answer to your question because they are not exactly oddities, but objects with a certain mistery – nothing new or surprising.
The most interesting profession I can think of is tapestry art in ‘The Lady and the Unicorn’ by Tracy Chevalier, because it’s something that does not exist today. But although is a historical novel, I wouldn’t call it a romance.
I think one of the most fascinating books I’ve read this last year is a non-fiction book: ‘A history of the world in a 100 objects’, a history told by objects that you can find in the British Museum. I really liked it. And one of my favourites is a Pre-Historical couple in an embrace: the ‘Ain Sakhri lovers’.
I’d love to see more special things described in historical romances.
What I love most about a historical novel is the re-creation of another time, and that includes talking about things and professions that do not exist today. I don’t think they are a distraction, but it may be because I love History.
I cannot think of a favorite oddity discovered in a historical novel. Those that come to my mind are from contemporary, not historicals: the piece of art that Beth is looking for in SEP’s ‘Ain’t she sweet’ and the code or clue that the heroe is looking for in Sandra Brown’s ‘Lethal’. In historicals I remember the sword that appears in ‘The Shadow and the Star’, by Laura Kinsale. But I think that none of these objects qualifies as an answer to your question because they are not exactly oddities, but objects with a certain mistery – nothing new or surprising.
The most interesting profession I can think of is tapestry art in ‘The Lady and the Unicorn’ by Tracy Chevalier, because it’s something that does not exist today. But although is a historical novel, I wouldn’t call it a romance.
I think one of the most fascinating books I’ve read this last year is a non-fiction book: ‘A history of the world in a 100 objects’, a history told by objects that you can find in the British Museum. I really liked it. And one of my favourites is a Pre-Historical couple in an embrace: the ‘Ain Sakhri lovers’.
I’d love to see more special things described in historical romances.
What I love most about a historical novel is the re-creation of another time, and that includes talking about things and professions that do not exist today. I don’t think they are a distraction, but it may be because I love History.
I cannot think of a favorite oddity discovered in a historical novel. Those that come to my mind are from contemporary, not historicals: the piece of art that Beth is looking for in SEP’s ‘Ain’t she sweet’ and the code or clue that the heroe is looking for in Sandra Brown’s ‘Lethal’. In historicals I remember the sword that appears in ‘The Shadow and the Star’, by Laura Kinsale. But I think that none of these objects qualifies as an answer to your question because they are not exactly oddities, but objects with a certain mistery – nothing new or surprising.
The most interesting profession I can think of is tapestry art in ‘The Lady and the Unicorn’ by Tracy Chevalier, because it’s something that does not exist today. But although is a historical novel, I wouldn’t call it a romance.
I think one of the most fascinating books I’ve read this last year is a non-fiction book: ‘A history of the world in a 100 objects’, a history told by objects that you can find in the British Museum. I really liked it. And one of my favourites is a Pre-Historical couple in an embrace: the ‘Ain Sakhri lovers’.
I’d love to see more special things described in historical romances.
What I love most about a historical novel is the re-creation of another time, and that includes talking about things and professions that do not exist today. I don’t think they are a distraction, but it may be because I love History.
I cannot think of a favorite oddity discovered in a historical novel. Those that come to my mind are from contemporary, not historicals: the piece of art that Beth is looking for in SEP’s ‘Ain’t she sweet’ and the code or clue that the heroe is looking for in Sandra Brown’s ‘Lethal’. In historicals I remember the sword that appears in ‘The Shadow and the Star’, by Laura Kinsale. But I think that none of these objects qualifies as an answer to your question because they are not exactly oddities, but objects with a certain mistery – nothing new or surprising.
The most interesting profession I can think of is tapestry art in ‘The Lady and the Unicorn’ by Tracy Chevalier, because it’s something that does not exist today. But although is a historical novel, I wouldn’t call it a romance.
I think one of the most fascinating books I’ve read this last year is a non-fiction book: ‘A history of the world in a 100 objects’, a history told by objects that you can find in the British Museum. I really liked it. And one of my favourites is a Pre-Historical couple in an embrace: the ‘Ain Sakhri lovers’.
I’d love to see more special things described in historical romances.
What I love most about a historical novel is the re-creation of another time, and that includes talking about things and professions that do not exist today. I don’t think they are a distraction, but it may be because I love History.
I cannot think of a favorite oddity discovered in a historical novel. Those that come to my mind are from contemporary, not historicals: the piece of art that Beth is looking for in SEP’s ‘Ain’t she sweet’ and the code or clue that the heroe is looking for in Sandra Brown’s ‘Lethal’. In historicals I remember the sword that appears in ‘The Shadow and the Star’, by Laura Kinsale. But I think that none of these objects qualifies as an answer to your question because they are not exactly oddities, but objects with a certain mistery – nothing new or surprising.
The most interesting profession I can think of is tapestry art in ‘The Lady and the Unicorn’ by Tracy Chevalier, because it’s something that does not exist today. But although is a historical novel, I wouldn’t call it a romance.
I think one of the most fascinating books I’ve read this last year is a non-fiction book: ‘A history of the world in a 100 objects’, a history told by objects that you can find in the British Museum. I really liked it. And one of my favourites is a Pre-Historical couple in an embrace: the ‘Ain Sakhri lovers’.
I’d love to see more special things described in historical romances.
Tipoo’s Tiger is onr of my favourites. I always try & make time to go and see it whenever I’m in London. Don’t know if you’ve seen the Silver Swan at the Bowes Museum in Co Durham, another favourite of mine.
Tipoo’s Tiger is onr of my favourites. I always try & make time to go and see it whenever I’m in London. Don’t know if you’ve seen the Silver Swan at the Bowes Museum in Co Durham, another favourite of mine.
Tipoo’s Tiger is onr of my favourites. I always try & make time to go and see it whenever I’m in London. Don’t know if you’ve seen the Silver Swan at the Bowes Museum in Co Durham, another favourite of mine.
Tipoo’s Tiger is onr of my favourites. I always try & make time to go and see it whenever I’m in London. Don’t know if you’ve seen the Silver Swan at the Bowes Museum in Co Durham, another favourite of mine.
Tipoo’s Tiger is onr of my favourites. I always try & make time to go and see it whenever I’m in London. Don’t know if you’ve seen the Silver Swan at the Bowes Museum in Co Durham, another favourite of mine.
These are fascinating. I love to hear about strange and wonderful things from the past. Thanks.
These are fascinating. I love to hear about strange and wonderful things from the past. Thanks.
These are fascinating. I love to hear about strange and wonderful things from the past. Thanks.
These are fascinating. I love to hear about strange and wonderful things from the past. Thanks.
These are fascinating. I love to hear about strange and wonderful things from the past. Thanks.
I love period details in my novels. I just finished one that the heroine decorates her relatively plain dresses with lots of flounces, with some of the fabrics coming from her father’s warehouses. One of the trims was some special kind of lace that was very dear; it made her seem even more of heiress since her aunt and cousin could only afford it for collars and sleeves, not the whole edge of a dress.
Automatons are lovely. I now see the bird and the pistol from your novel. Thank you for the video. So much what I image a curator at Sotheby’s. It makes Antiques Road house seem so provincial. *g*
One author in a mystery used this huge garden of garden as the place of clues and clandestine meetings. The garden where the heroine’s mother’s body fell was especially dark and frightening. I think in the epilogue the new husband redid it to make it a happier place.
Follies of various kinds have become the sites of trysts. One had a glass and stucco ceiling (which seemed odd for England) where light gently filtered down. I had seen something similar in the Middle East in a bath.
I love period details in my novels. I just finished one that the heroine decorates her relatively plain dresses with lots of flounces, with some of the fabrics coming from her father’s warehouses. One of the trims was some special kind of lace that was very dear; it made her seem even more of heiress since her aunt and cousin could only afford it for collars and sleeves, not the whole edge of a dress.
Automatons are lovely. I now see the bird and the pistol from your novel. Thank you for the video. So much what I image a curator at Sotheby’s. It makes Antiques Road house seem so provincial. *g*
One author in a mystery used this huge garden of garden as the place of clues and clandestine meetings. The garden where the heroine’s mother’s body fell was especially dark and frightening. I think in the epilogue the new husband redid it to make it a happier place.
Follies of various kinds have become the sites of trysts. One had a glass and stucco ceiling (which seemed odd for England) where light gently filtered down. I had seen something similar in the Middle East in a bath.
I love period details in my novels. I just finished one that the heroine decorates her relatively plain dresses with lots of flounces, with some of the fabrics coming from her father’s warehouses. One of the trims was some special kind of lace that was very dear; it made her seem even more of heiress since her aunt and cousin could only afford it for collars and sleeves, not the whole edge of a dress.
Automatons are lovely. I now see the bird and the pistol from your novel. Thank you for the video. So much what I image a curator at Sotheby’s. It makes Antiques Road house seem so provincial. *g*
One author in a mystery used this huge garden of garden as the place of clues and clandestine meetings. The garden where the heroine’s mother’s body fell was especially dark and frightening. I think in the epilogue the new husband redid it to make it a happier place.
Follies of various kinds have become the sites of trysts. One had a glass and stucco ceiling (which seemed odd for England) where light gently filtered down. I had seen something similar in the Middle East in a bath.
I love period details in my novels. I just finished one that the heroine decorates her relatively plain dresses with lots of flounces, with some of the fabrics coming from her father’s warehouses. One of the trims was some special kind of lace that was very dear; it made her seem even more of heiress since her aunt and cousin could only afford it for collars and sleeves, not the whole edge of a dress.
Automatons are lovely. I now see the bird and the pistol from your novel. Thank you for the video. So much what I image a curator at Sotheby’s. It makes Antiques Road house seem so provincial. *g*
One author in a mystery used this huge garden of garden as the place of clues and clandestine meetings. The garden where the heroine’s mother’s body fell was especially dark and frightening. I think in the epilogue the new husband redid it to make it a happier place.
Follies of various kinds have become the sites of trysts. One had a glass and stucco ceiling (which seemed odd for England) where light gently filtered down. I had seen something similar in the Middle East in a bath.
I love period details in my novels. I just finished one that the heroine decorates her relatively plain dresses with lots of flounces, with some of the fabrics coming from her father’s warehouses. One of the trims was some special kind of lace that was very dear; it made her seem even more of heiress since her aunt and cousin could only afford it for collars and sleeves, not the whole edge of a dress.
Automatons are lovely. I now see the bird and the pistol from your novel. Thank you for the video. So much what I image a curator at Sotheby’s. It makes Antiques Road house seem so provincial. *g*
One author in a mystery used this huge garden of garden as the place of clues and clandestine meetings. The garden where the heroine’s mother’s body fell was especially dark and frightening. I think in the epilogue the new husband redid it to make it a happier place.
Follies of various kinds have become the sites of trysts. One had a glass and stucco ceiling (which seemed odd for England) where light gently filtered down. I had seen something similar in the Middle East in a bath.
So glad you enjoyed,it, Cathy. And glad to know readers do like seeing arcane inventions.
So glad you enjoyed,it, Cathy. And glad to know readers do like seeing arcane inventions.
So glad you enjoyed,it, Cathy. And glad to know readers do like seeing arcane inventions.
So glad you enjoyed,it, Cathy. And glad to know readers do like seeing arcane inventions.
So glad you enjoyed,it, Cathy. And glad to know readers do like seeing arcane inventions.
Glad you found it fun, Florence. Eloisa James did a funny weaving in of sewage and water closet details in one of her Desperate Duchesses books. You might enjoy that. And I’m not sure about when cuckoo clocks were invented, but I seem to recall it was very early—medieval automata were pretty advanced, and I think clocks were among the first mechanisms that attracted craftsmen.
Glad you found it fun, Florence. Eloisa James did a funny weaving in of sewage and water closet details in one of her Desperate Duchesses books. You might enjoy that. And I’m not sure about when cuckoo clocks were invented, but I seem to recall it was very early—medieval automata were pretty advanced, and I think clocks were among the first mechanisms that attracted craftsmen.
Glad you found it fun, Florence. Eloisa James did a funny weaving in of sewage and water closet details in one of her Desperate Duchesses books. You might enjoy that. And I’m not sure about when cuckoo clocks were invented, but I seem to recall it was very early—medieval automata were pretty advanced, and I think clocks were among the first mechanisms that attracted craftsmen.
Glad you found it fun, Florence. Eloisa James did a funny weaving in of sewage and water closet details in one of her Desperate Duchesses books. You might enjoy that. And I’m not sure about when cuckoo clocks were invented, but I seem to recall it was very early—medieval automata were pretty advanced, and I think clocks were among the first mechanisms that attracted craftsmen.
Glad you found it fun, Florence. Eloisa James did a funny weaving in of sewage and water closet details in one of her Desperate Duchesses books. You might enjoy that. And I’m not sure about when cuckoo clocks were invented, but I seem to recall it was very early—medieval automata were pretty advanced, and I think clocks were among the first mechanisms that attracted craftsmen.
Bona, thank you for such a thoughtful reply! Objects that have meaning or symbolism, like Kinsale’s sword, add extra intrigue to a story, and their backstory is often very fascinating from a historical POV. Also, I, too, love learning about a craft or profession that no longer exists.
Funny you should mention “100 Things”! I LOVE that book—in fact I did a blog on it here when it came out. It was absolutely wonderful—so many great stories behind the specific objects. To me, w it was history at its best, coming so alive through a visual detail from an era.
Bona, thank you for such a thoughtful reply! Objects that have meaning or symbolism, like Kinsale’s sword, add extra intrigue to a story, and their backstory is often very fascinating from a historical POV. Also, I, too, love learning about a craft or profession that no longer exists.
Funny you should mention “100 Things”! I LOVE that book—in fact I did a blog on it here when it came out. It was absolutely wonderful—so many great stories behind the specific objects. To me, w it was history at its best, coming so alive through a visual detail from an era.
Bona, thank you for such a thoughtful reply! Objects that have meaning or symbolism, like Kinsale’s sword, add extra intrigue to a story, and their backstory is often very fascinating from a historical POV. Also, I, too, love learning about a craft or profession that no longer exists.
Funny you should mention “100 Things”! I LOVE that book—in fact I did a blog on it here when it came out. It was absolutely wonderful—so many great stories behind the specific objects. To me, w it was history at its best, coming so alive through a visual detail from an era.
Bona, thank you for such a thoughtful reply! Objects that have meaning or symbolism, like Kinsale’s sword, add extra intrigue to a story, and their backstory is often very fascinating from a historical POV. Also, I, too, love learning about a craft or profession that no longer exists.
Funny you should mention “100 Things”! I LOVE that book—in fact I did a blog on it here when it came out. It was absolutely wonderful—so many great stories behind the specific objects. To me, w it was history at its best, coming so alive through a visual detail from an era.
Bona, thank you for such a thoughtful reply! Objects that have meaning or symbolism, like Kinsale’s sword, add extra intrigue to a story, and their backstory is often very fascinating from a historical POV. Also, I, too, love learning about a craft or profession that no longer exists.
Funny you should mention “100 Things”! I LOVE that book—in fact I did a blog on it here when it came out. It was absolutely wonderful—so many great stories behind the specific objects. To me, w it was history at its best, coming so alive through a visual detail from an era.
Joanna, I have not yet seen the Silver Swan but have read about it. Must put it on the “To See” list!
Joanna, I have not yet seen the Silver Swan but have read about it. Must put it on the “To See” list!
Joanna, I have not yet seen the Silver Swan but have read about it. Must put it on the “To See” list!
Joanna, I have not yet seen the Silver Swan but have read about it. Must put it on the “To See” list!
Joanna, I have not yet seen the Silver Swan but have read about it. Must put it on the “To See” list!
So glad to hear you enjoyed them, Gram!
So glad to hear you enjoyed them, Gram!
So glad to hear you enjoyed them, Gram!
So glad to hear you enjoyed them, Gram!
So glad to hear you enjoyed them, Gram!
Automatons are fascinating creations, amazing in their performances and equally astounding because of the complexity of their construction. Thanks for sharing this video. I did watch it and learned even more. Now I am curious about how automatons will feature in your new novel. Looking forward to it!
Automatons are fascinating creations, amazing in their performances and equally astounding because of the complexity of their construction. Thanks for sharing this video. I did watch it and learned even more. Now I am curious about how automatons will feature in your new novel. Looking forward to it!
Automatons are fascinating creations, amazing in their performances and equally astounding because of the complexity of their construction. Thanks for sharing this video. I did watch it and learned even more. Now I am curious about how automatons will feature in your new novel. Looking forward to it!
Automatons are fascinating creations, amazing in their performances and equally astounding because of the complexity of their construction. Thanks for sharing this video. I did watch it and learned even more. Now I am curious about how automatons will feature in your new novel. Looking forward to it!
Automatons are fascinating creations, amazing in their performances and equally astounding because of the complexity of their construction. Thanks for sharing this video. I did watch it and learned even more. Now I am curious about how automatons will feature in your new novel. Looking forward to it!
I love the little gun. I have seen a film of the Writer, he is lovely.
I read about things like that and then I have to look at things. The next thing I know I am researching – and I am a reader, not a writer. If you looked at a dictionary definition of Nerd, my picture would be the illustration. I have been that way all my life. And I believe it is what makes the world so interesting.
I love the little gun. I have seen a film of the Writer, he is lovely.
I read about things like that and then I have to look at things. The next thing I know I am researching – and I am a reader, not a writer. If you looked at a dictionary definition of Nerd, my picture would be the illustration. I have been that way all my life. And I believe it is what makes the world so interesting.
I love the little gun. I have seen a film of the Writer, he is lovely.
I read about things like that and then I have to look at things. The next thing I know I am researching – and I am a reader, not a writer. If you looked at a dictionary definition of Nerd, my picture would be the illustration. I have been that way all my life. And I believe it is what makes the world so interesting.
I love the little gun. I have seen a film of the Writer, he is lovely.
I read about things like that and then I have to look at things. The next thing I know I am researching – and I am a reader, not a writer. If you looked at a dictionary definition of Nerd, my picture would be the illustration. I have been that way all my life. And I believe it is what makes the world so interesting.
I love the little gun. I have seen a film of the Writer, he is lovely.
I read about things like that and then I have to look at things. The next thing I know I am researching – and I am a reader, not a writer. If you looked at a dictionary definition of Nerd, my picture would be the illustration. I have been that way all my life. And I believe it is what makes the world so interesting.
I love to read about the automatons, most of which are fantastically complex. We often underestimate the ability of previous generations to create such devices.
I love to read about the automatons, most of which are fantastically complex. We often underestimate the ability of previous generations to create such devices.
I love to read about the automatons, most of which are fantastically complex. We often underestimate the ability of previous generations to create such devices.
I love to read about the automatons, most of which are fantastically complex. We often underestimate the ability of previous generations to create such devices.
I love to read about the automatons, most of which are fantastically complex. We often underestimate the ability of previous generations to create such devices.
I knew that automata had been around since ancient Greek times, I just didn’t realize the variety or high level programming involved in so many of them! Thanks for all the details Cara!
I love when details of esoteric subjects are included in novels (as long as the author works them in well). They can add so much to a story and I get to learn fun things while relaxing! The way you worked the ‘bird gun’ into Sinfully Yours sounds wonderful and hilarious!
I knew that automata had been around since ancient Greek times, I just didn’t realize the variety or high level programming involved in so many of them! Thanks for all the details Cara!
I love when details of esoteric subjects are included in novels (as long as the author works them in well). They can add so much to a story and I get to learn fun things while relaxing! The way you worked the ‘bird gun’ into Sinfully Yours sounds wonderful and hilarious!
I knew that automata had been around since ancient Greek times, I just didn’t realize the variety or high level programming involved in so many of them! Thanks for all the details Cara!
I love when details of esoteric subjects are included in novels (as long as the author works them in well). They can add so much to a story and I get to learn fun things while relaxing! The way you worked the ‘bird gun’ into Sinfully Yours sounds wonderful and hilarious!
I knew that automata had been around since ancient Greek times, I just didn’t realize the variety or high level programming involved in so many of them! Thanks for all the details Cara!
I love when details of esoteric subjects are included in novels (as long as the author works them in well). They can add so much to a story and I get to learn fun things while relaxing! The way you worked the ‘bird gun’ into Sinfully Yours sounds wonderful and hilarious!
I knew that automata had been around since ancient Greek times, I just didn’t realize the variety or high level programming involved in so many of them! Thanks for all the details Cara!
I love when details of esoteric subjects are included in novels (as long as the author works them in well). They can add so much to a story and I get to learn fun things while relaxing! The way you worked the ‘bird gun’ into Sinfully Yours sounds wonderful and hilarious!
I too love quirky, interesting historical details in any novel I read, but these details are especially useful for the mystery novelist. Oddly, I used Tippoo’s Tiger in one of mine, though not as a clue.
Also, as I was reading this fascinating post, I kept thinking about the Hans Christian Andersen story “The Nightingale.” Here the emperor has to learn to appreciate the spontaneous, natural song of the flesh-and-blood bird over the charms of the glittering, artificial toy.
Glad I read these comments too because now I have to go look for the book mentioned above (100 objects…).
I too love quirky, interesting historical details in any novel I read, but these details are especially useful for the mystery novelist. Oddly, I used Tippoo’s Tiger in one of mine, though not as a clue.
Also, as I was reading this fascinating post, I kept thinking about the Hans Christian Andersen story “The Nightingale.” Here the emperor has to learn to appreciate the spontaneous, natural song of the flesh-and-blood bird over the charms of the glittering, artificial toy.
Glad I read these comments too because now I have to go look for the book mentioned above (100 objects…).
I too love quirky, interesting historical details in any novel I read, but these details are especially useful for the mystery novelist. Oddly, I used Tippoo’s Tiger in one of mine, though not as a clue.
Also, as I was reading this fascinating post, I kept thinking about the Hans Christian Andersen story “The Nightingale.” Here the emperor has to learn to appreciate the spontaneous, natural song of the flesh-and-blood bird over the charms of the glittering, artificial toy.
Glad I read these comments too because now I have to go look for the book mentioned above (100 objects…).
I too love quirky, interesting historical details in any novel I read, but these details are especially useful for the mystery novelist. Oddly, I used Tippoo’s Tiger in one of mine, though not as a clue.
Also, as I was reading this fascinating post, I kept thinking about the Hans Christian Andersen story “The Nightingale.” Here the emperor has to learn to appreciate the spontaneous, natural song of the flesh-and-blood bird over the charms of the glittering, artificial toy.
Glad I read these comments too because now I have to go look for the book mentioned above (100 objects…).
I too love quirky, interesting historical details in any novel I read, but these details are especially useful for the mystery novelist. Oddly, I used Tippoo’s Tiger in one of mine, though not as a clue.
Also, as I was reading this fascinating post, I kept thinking about the Hans Christian Andersen story “The Nightingale.” Here the emperor has to learn to appreciate the spontaneous, natural song of the flesh-and-blood bird over the charms of the glittering, artificial toy.
Glad I read these comments too because now I have to go look for the book mentioned above (100 objects…).
Until I read Jo Beverley’s Malloren World books I never realised that automata dated back so far ! Just one of those things I’d never thought about I suppose !It just goes to prove that we might be reading Historical Romance but we are still learning something – it also reflects how much research the authors have done !
Until I read Jo Beverley’s Malloren World books I never realised that automata dated back so far ! Just one of those things I’d never thought about I suppose !It just goes to prove that we might be reading Historical Romance but we are still learning something – it also reflects how much research the authors have done !
Until I read Jo Beverley’s Malloren World books I never realised that automata dated back so far ! Just one of those things I’d never thought about I suppose !It just goes to prove that we might be reading Historical Romance but we are still learning something – it also reflects how much research the authors have done !
Until I read Jo Beverley’s Malloren World books I never realised that automata dated back so far ! Just one of those things I’d never thought about I suppose !It just goes to prove that we might be reading Historical Romance but we are still learning something – it also reflects how much research the authors have done !
Until I read Jo Beverley’s Malloren World books I never realised that automata dated back so far ! Just one of those things I’d never thought about I suppose !It just goes to prove that we might be reading Historical Romance but we are still learning something – it also reflects how much research the authors have done !
I love historical tidbits of any kind. They flesh out the characters. Balloon Ascensions, Foundries, steam machines, the 1st bicycle things. So on and so forth.
And I’ve read several books where automatons are key to understanding the hero (Jayne Anne Kretz, Lisa Kleypas, etc.) Any one who has the patience and skill to create them is a very complex individual.
I’m looking forward as well to how a bird pistol will work.
I love historical tidbits of any kind. They flesh out the characters. Balloon Ascensions, Foundries, steam machines, the 1st bicycle things. So on and so forth.
And I’ve read several books where automatons are key to understanding the hero (Jayne Anne Kretz, Lisa Kleypas, etc.) Any one who has the patience and skill to create them is a very complex individual.
I’m looking forward as well to how a bird pistol will work.
I love historical tidbits of any kind. They flesh out the characters. Balloon Ascensions, Foundries, steam machines, the 1st bicycle things. So on and so forth.
And I’ve read several books where automatons are key to understanding the hero (Jayne Anne Kretz, Lisa Kleypas, etc.) Any one who has the patience and skill to create them is a very complex individual.
I’m looking forward as well to how a bird pistol will work.
I love historical tidbits of any kind. They flesh out the characters. Balloon Ascensions, Foundries, steam machines, the 1st bicycle things. So on and so forth.
And I’ve read several books where automatons are key to understanding the hero (Jayne Anne Kretz, Lisa Kleypas, etc.) Any one who has the patience and skill to create them is a very complex individual.
I’m looking forward as well to how a bird pistol will work.
I love historical tidbits of any kind. They flesh out the characters. Balloon Ascensions, Foundries, steam machines, the 1st bicycle things. So on and so forth.
And I’ve read several books where automatons are key to understanding the hero (Jayne Anne Kretz, Lisa Kleypas, etc.) Any one who has the patience and skill to create them is a very complex individual.
I’m looking forward as well to how a bird pistol will work.
The lace sounds lovely, Shannon. That sort of detail is exactly what I love to read about in historicals. It was such a fun video!
Wasn’t the Sotheby’s guy right out of central casting
The garden motif sounds perfect for a mystery, and I can imagine how weaving in certain plants to create atmosphere could have been very interesting research for the author. Lots of fascinating ways to create mood in a story!
The lace sounds lovely, Shannon. That sort of detail is exactly what I love to read about in historicals. It was such a fun video!
Wasn’t the Sotheby’s guy right out of central casting
The garden motif sounds perfect for a mystery, and I can imagine how weaving in certain plants to create atmosphere could have been very interesting research for the author. Lots of fascinating ways to create mood in a story!
The lace sounds lovely, Shannon. That sort of detail is exactly what I love to read about in historicals. It was such a fun video!
Wasn’t the Sotheby’s guy right out of central casting
The garden motif sounds perfect for a mystery, and I can imagine how weaving in certain plants to create atmosphere could have been very interesting research for the author. Lots of fascinating ways to create mood in a story!
The lace sounds lovely, Shannon. That sort of detail is exactly what I love to read about in historicals. It was such a fun video!
Wasn’t the Sotheby’s guy right out of central casting
The garden motif sounds perfect for a mystery, and I can imagine how weaving in certain plants to create atmosphere could have been very interesting research for the author. Lots of fascinating ways to create mood in a story!
The lace sounds lovely, Shannon. That sort of detail is exactly what I love to read about in historicals. It was such a fun video!
Wasn’t the Sotheby’s guy right out of central casting
The garden motif sounds perfect for a mystery, and I can imagine how weaving in certain plants to create atmosphere could have been very interesting research for the author. Lots of fascinating ways to create mood in a story!
Well, I’m a Nerd too, Annette, and couldn’t agree more that curiosity about “weird” things does indeed make life interesting!
Well, I’m a Nerd too, Annette, and couldn’t agree more that curiosity about “weird” things does indeed make life interesting!
Well, I’m a Nerd too, Annette, and couldn’t agree more that curiosity about “weird” things does indeed make life interesting!
Well, I’m a Nerd too, Annette, and couldn’t agree more that curiosity about “weird” things does indeed make life interesting!
Well, I’m a Nerd too, Annette, and couldn’t agree more that curiosity about “weird” things does indeed make life interesting!
So true, Nancy. The complexity is amazing. Many of these craftsmen were fabulous engineers.
So true, Nancy. The complexity is amazing. Many of these craftsmen were fabulous engineers.
So true, Nancy. The complexity is amazing. Many of these craftsmen were fabulous engineers.
So true, Nancy. The complexity is amazing. Many of these craftsmen were fabulous engineers.
So true, Nancy. The complexity is amazing. Many of these craftsmen were fabulous engineers.
Thanks, Glenda. It was a lot of fun to write, and I hope readers enjoy both the scene and the whole book.
Thanks, Glenda. It was a lot of fun to write, and I hope readers enjoy both the scene and the whole book.
Thanks, Glenda. It was a lot of fun to write, and I hope readers enjoy both the scene and the whole book.
Thanks, Glenda. It was a lot of fun to write, and I hope readers enjoy both the scene and the whole book.
Thanks, Glenda. It was a lot of fun to write, and I hope readers enjoy both the scene and the whole book.
That’s a great point about “The Nightingale.” I had forgotten about that tale.
Love that you used Tipoo’s Tiger as a clue—sounds very intriguing. What’s the name of your book with it in it?
I think you will love 100 Things! Any person who loves history will find it a wonderful read.
That’s a great point about “The Nightingale.” I had forgotten about that tale.
Love that you used Tipoo’s Tiger as a clue—sounds very intriguing. What’s the name of your book with it in it?
I think you will love 100 Things! Any person who loves history will find it a wonderful read.
That’s a great point about “The Nightingale.” I had forgotten about that tale.
Love that you used Tipoo’s Tiger as a clue—sounds very intriguing. What’s the name of your book with it in it?
I think you will love 100 Things! Any person who loves history will find it a wonderful read.
That’s a great point about “The Nightingale.” I had forgotten about that tale.
Love that you used Tipoo’s Tiger as a clue—sounds very intriguing. What’s the name of your book with it in it?
I think you will love 100 Things! Any person who loves history will find it a wonderful read.
That’s a great point about “The Nightingale.” I had forgotten about that tale.
Love that you used Tipoo’s Tiger as a clue—sounds very intriguing. What’s the name of your book with it in it?
I think you will love 100 Things! Any person who loves history will find it a wonderful read.
Jo, we do indeed do a lot of research, but for me that’s really part of the fun of crafting an historical novel. I love learning about new things, so delving into a subject is a pleasure, not work.
Jo, we do indeed do a lot of research, but for me that’s really part of the fun of crafting an historical novel. I love learning about new things, so delving into a subject is a pleasure, not work.
Jo, we do indeed do a lot of research, but for me that’s really part of the fun of crafting an historical novel. I love learning about new things, so delving into a subject is a pleasure, not work.
Jo, we do indeed do a lot of research, but for me that’s really part of the fun of crafting an historical novel. I love learning about new things, so delving into a subject is a pleasure, not work.
Jo, we do indeed do a lot of research, but for me that’s really part of the fun of crafting an historical novel. I love learning about new things, so delving into a subject is a pleasure, not work.
Interesting observation, Vicki. Yes, anyone who makes automata clearly has a mind that works in complex ways!
Interesting observation, Vicki. Yes, anyone who makes automata clearly has a mind that works in complex ways!
Interesting observation, Vicki. Yes, anyone who makes automata clearly has a mind that works in complex ways!
Interesting observation, Vicki. Yes, anyone who makes automata clearly has a mind that works in complex ways!
Interesting observation, Vicki. Yes, anyone who makes automata clearly has a mind that works in complex ways!
Thank you so much for asking, Cara! I used Tippoo’s Tiger (also known as the Man-Tiger Organ) as an indirect clue in my novel Blood for Blood, the second in my Regency mystery series. The tiger points to the theme that injustice and brutality only lead to further bloodshed. The title comes from a threatening Luddite letter of 1812 as well as from Macbeth—that incredible moment when he’s been faced with Banquo’s ghost come back to haunt him.
Best wishes and thanks again for the great post.
Thank you so much for asking, Cara! I used Tippoo’s Tiger (also known as the Man-Tiger Organ) as an indirect clue in my novel Blood for Blood, the second in my Regency mystery series. The tiger points to the theme that injustice and brutality only lead to further bloodshed. The title comes from a threatening Luddite letter of 1812 as well as from Macbeth—that incredible moment when he’s been faced with Banquo’s ghost come back to haunt him.
Best wishes and thanks again for the great post.
Thank you so much for asking, Cara! I used Tippoo’s Tiger (also known as the Man-Tiger Organ) as an indirect clue in my novel Blood for Blood, the second in my Regency mystery series. The tiger points to the theme that injustice and brutality only lead to further bloodshed. The title comes from a threatening Luddite letter of 1812 as well as from Macbeth—that incredible moment when he’s been faced with Banquo’s ghost come back to haunt him.
Best wishes and thanks again for the great post.
Thank you so much for asking, Cara! I used Tippoo’s Tiger (also known as the Man-Tiger Organ) as an indirect clue in my novel Blood for Blood, the second in my Regency mystery series. The tiger points to the theme that injustice and brutality only lead to further bloodshed. The title comes from a threatening Luddite letter of 1812 as well as from Macbeth—that incredible moment when he’s been faced with Banquo’s ghost come back to haunt him.
Best wishes and thanks again for the great post.
Thank you so much for asking, Cara! I used Tippoo’s Tiger (also known as the Man-Tiger Organ) as an indirect clue in my novel Blood for Blood, the second in my Regency mystery series. The tiger points to the theme that injustice and brutality only lead to further bloodshed. The title comes from a threatening Luddite letter of 1812 as well as from Macbeth—that incredible moment when he’s been faced with Banquo’s ghost come back to haunt him.
Best wishes and thanks again for the great post.
I went back to see where the lace story came from. It was Jo Beverley’s A Shocking Delight. I am reading so much that I remember a story but not the title or the author.
I went back to see where the lace story came from. It was Jo Beverley’s A Shocking Delight. I am reading so much that I remember a story but not the title or the author.
I went back to see where the lace story came from. It was Jo Beverley’s A Shocking Delight. I am reading so much that I remember a story but not the title or the author.
I went back to see where the lace story came from. It was Jo Beverley’s A Shocking Delight. I am reading so much that I remember a story but not the title or the author.
I went back to see where the lace story came from. It was Jo Beverley’s A Shocking Delight. I am reading so much that I remember a story but not the title or the author.
Can’t wait to read your mystery. S.K.! Love that you used the Tiger. And the theme of Luddite unrest sounds really intriguing! Have been toying with a mystery idea based on similar conflict. The advent of the Industrial Revolution/mechanization is a very interesting point in history.
Can’t wait to read your mystery. S.K.! Love that you used the Tiger. And the theme of Luddite unrest sounds really intriguing! Have been toying with a mystery idea based on similar conflict. The advent of the Industrial Revolution/mechanization is a very interesting point in history.
Can’t wait to read your mystery. S.K.! Love that you used the Tiger. And the theme of Luddite unrest sounds really intriguing! Have been toying with a mystery idea based on similar conflict. The advent of the Industrial Revolution/mechanization is a very interesting point in history.
Can’t wait to read your mystery. S.K.! Love that you used the Tiger. And the theme of Luddite unrest sounds really intriguing! Have been toying with a mystery idea based on similar conflict. The advent of the Industrial Revolution/mechanization is a very interesting point in history.
Can’t wait to read your mystery. S.K.! Love that you used the Tiger. And the theme of Luddite unrest sounds really intriguing! Have been toying with a mystery idea based on similar conflict. The advent of the Industrial Revolution/mechanization is a very interesting point in history.