aBurntShip

                                                  New Novel by Matt Tipper This novel has been on kindle for a few weeks and the printed book version is due for publication on 16th September 2026 via Amazon. A most impressive novel. The author follows the 'official' narrative. There is no attempt at an 'alternative' history: The conspirators make a deliberate attempt to devastate Westminster with actual gunpowder. There are no claims of any 'framing' of innocent Roman Catholics, or planting of another substance instead of gunpowder. Robert Cecil or other figures in power are not portrayed as having devised or manipulated the conspiracy towards their own ends. And there lies the strength of the novel. It recreates the story that so many readers are broadly familiar with, or have even studied, in such a captivating manner. Certainly Guy Fawkes is moved centre stage ...

             Another Thomas Tallant Mystery set in 1640's London  I was approached by author Michael Ward and asked to  review his third novel 'The Drums of War'.  I thought that Mr Ward's first novel  'Rags of Time' was excellent. Set in London in 1639 as the fault lines that would lead to war between Parliament and the Crown, are starting to emerge, Thomas Tallant from an enterprising spice merchant family, has to extricate himself from a false charge of murder brought by City magistrates . Displays so much knowledge  the whole dynamic of London  life of the time, how the metropolis functions.  His  constant companion is Elizabeth, who has a passion for scientific discovery and enjoys smoking a pipe. The second novel ' The Wrecking Storm' is a sequel set against the acceleration to war in 1641 and beyond. As Mr Ward said of his own writing in an interview with 'A Burnt Ship'  My aim in ‘Rags’ was to interl...

                                           The latest novella by Mark Turnbull  For various reasons, I had a break from history blogging this Summer. Pleased to be back starting with a review  -The King's Cavalier' - featuring Captain Maxwell Walker, the third novella in the 'Rebellion' series by Mark Tunrbull.  Opening at a time  when the Royalists have seemingly lost the Civil War but the King still lives.  Mr Turnbull  is currently completing a biography of Charles 1.  The novella opens on 4th November 1647  with Royalist veteran Captain Maxwell Walker foraging for wood with his two young sons in a forest near Selby near Yorkshire, The story soon shifts to the household of King Charles I.  Various key Civil Wars  events are woven into the story. Personally I have differences of opinion with the author's portrayal of The Level...

                                1869 Classic by R.D. Blackmore  Was lucky enough to be given the Penguin Classics edition prepared by R.D.Madison and Michelle Allen, from 2005. Drawn on their introduction for biographical information along with the  Victorian Web  entry.                                                       Poster for 1922 silent movie version I was wondering if anyone can name another novel by Richard Doderidge Blackmore (1825 -1900) besides Lorna Doone? Let alone one of his poems. But 'Lorna Doone' has been continually in print since 1869, has inspired 10 filmed versions, at least one TV series, and a musical. In fact the first movie version was Maurice Tourner's silent film of 1922. Set in the reign of Charles II and James II, the novel is c...

                                              Review and Interview with author                                                       One quite striking 17th century related work of fiction  that has appeared this year is a debut novel by Frances Quinn titled 'The Smallest Man'. The lead character 'Nat  Davy '' is partly based on the life of Jeffrey Hudson, a dwarf who was 'given' by the Duke of Buckingham as a present to Queen Henrietta Maria ,wife to Charles I. An affinity developed between Henrietta and 'her' dwarf who became quite a valued companion .  In fact the Restoration historian Jennifer Uglow maintained that Henrietta Maria showed "far more affection"to Jeffrey Hudson than the "children who were later born to h...

I thought that would share my opinion of  some recent 17th century related novels. Will be looking at 'The Wrecking Storm' , by Michael Ward, 'The Puritan Princess' by Miranda Malins, and 'The Last Protector' by Andrew Taylor.  Hopefully they will show the range of different views of the British Civil Wars that fiction authors are currently exploring.  'The Wrecking Storm' - Michael Ward  Michael Ward's first novel. introducing readers to  lead character Thomas Tallant  -'Rags of Time'-was excellent. Superb portrayal of London on the eve of the Civil War, with incredible tensions cutting across the lives of the Tallant merchant family with their strong links to the Dutch United Provinces. facing growing unrest amongst unruly apprentices and the clandestine radical printing presses are making an impact. A couple of murders emerge in all the chaos. Having Elizabeth as Thomas Tallant's love interest, with her fascination with science and smo...

                                        A novel in set in Ireland during the  Jacobite-Williamite Wars . On 5th November 1688  Dutch 'stadholder' William of Orange landed at Brixham with a force of 14,000 troops. His father in law James II, gave up the throne with very little fight, and went into exile. William and his wife Mary became joint monarchs. The change of regime was fairly trouble free for England and Wales, went not quite so smoothly in Scotland. Yet in Ireland war broke out. Both James and William  soon headed armies in Ireland, and at the battle of the Boyne of 12th July 1690, William defeated the supporters of James -the Jacobites- and seized control of Dublin. But war carried on well into 1691, even though both James and William left Ireland.  There is a great deal to admire in  the novel '1691' written by Irish historian and fiction writer Joe Joyc...

  Mark Turnbull's previous book, 'Allegiance of Blood' (2019), has become one of my favourite 17th century related novels, and was also pleased to arrange an  author interview  a few months ago. Mark Turnbull's new novella 'The King's Spy' , is the first offering from 'The Rebellion Series' that he is currently working on. A kindle version  has appeared, available on 'Amazon' , and can be borrowed via 'Kindle Unlimited' , a paperback edition will be published by Sharpe Books shortly.  A most superb novella indeed. Opens with the battle of  Naseby ( 14th June of 1645) , and ends with the first bout of fighting at  Rowton Moor near Chester  (24th  September 1645). And in the aftermath of Naseby, the Royalist cause is starting to wane, setbacks on the battlefield mean that their chances of outright victory are reducing. Friction is also developing between King Charles and Prince Rupert. There is spying, treachery, battle scenes, tragedy ...

'Weave a Web of Witchcraft ' is a kindle novel by Jean M. Roberts, available via Amazon and also 'Kindle Unlimited' . Recreating a documented case of one Hugh Parsons living in  Springfield , Massachusetts from 1645-1651. Hugh ends up being committed and sent for trial on a charge of witchcraft . His wife Mary, is one of his main accusers. Mary in turn gets charged with the murder of one of their children.  It has been a great pleasure to ask a few questions view email to  Jean in respect of her book. I gave 'Weave a Web of Witchcraft ' a glowing review on 'Amazon Co. UK' and 'Goodreads' : Thought this was marvellous. Fair to state that is psychological horror fiction , though based on trial dispositions, concerning Hugh and Mary Parsons in Springfield , Massachusetts..... The book is not study of dramatic claims of possession like Salem in 1692 or and the story does not draw on heavy occultism. And that probably adds to the book's power. It ...

         Interview with Cryssa Bazos- Author of 'Traitor's Knot'  I am delighted to be able to publish an interview with Cryssa Bazos, author of the novel 'Traitor Knot'  and also edits ''The Seventeenth Century Enthusiast'  email newsletter. This interview was conducted via email correspondence . Has to be asked 'Why the English Civil War as a background to your novel'? I have always felt a strong connection to the 17th century. The era was a time characerized by exploding literacy, scientific discovery and exploration. Civil War accelerated the social and political change. People started to question their loyalties, their place in society and relationship to God. Historically the most challenging of times, like worlds wars, result in the greatest leaps for mankind, and the English Civil War marked the dawn of the modern period. The war had a devastating effect on families and communities. Ideological divisions pit family aga...