If Not for the Hundred Years' War, Would Shakespeare Have Written in French?

Today, over at the English Historical Fiction Authors blog, I take a short look at what prompted the change from the use of French to the use of English as the "proper" language in England.

The St. Crispin’s Day speech, written by Shakespeare and placed in the mouth of King Henry V, contains some of the most stirring phrases in the English language. Yet, interestingly enough, that very language might not have been what spilled from Shakespeare’s pen had the Hundred Years’ War not been fought.... (read more)

And speaking of English, here's a shameless plug for a book written by English Historical Fiction Authors...not all of them English themselves, but instead, people from all over the world who write English Historical Fiction. I have a few essays in there myself--fun stuff about Bede, William the Conqueror, and the Black Plague.

Elizabeth Chadwick calls it recommended "leisure reading for any history fan." If you're looking for that hard to buy person on your Christmas list, this book might be just the ticket. :-)

Castles, Customs, and Kings: True Tales by English Historical Fiction Authors

Think *You're* Busy? Check Out the Duties of a Dead Medieval Saint....

Today I get to blog over at English Historical Fiction Authors about Thomas Becket and the not-so-peaceful afterlife for medieval saints who were expected to be constant intercessors between the faithful and Christ. Head on over and have a read if you're so inclined....

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And in other news, the final cover for Castles, Customs, and Kings: True Tales by English Historical Fiction Authors made its way into my inbox yesterday. Isn't it gorgeous? And I love the quote by Elizabeth Chadwick in the top corner. Release date is September 23!

Castles, Customs, and Kings: Goodreads Giveaway

Where have I been for the last three weeks? (Or is it the last eight months?) Reading history essays for an anthology that Madison Street Publishing is putting out next month.

One more week till the final proofreading deadline for Castles, Customs, and Kings: True Tales by English Historical Fiction Authors. Then it will go back to the book designer for finishing touches and be released on September 23. This is the longest book we've published so far at Madison Street Publishing, well over 500 pages. It's also been a challenging project, coordinating text edits from 50+ authors.

But despite the challenges--or perhaps because of them--this book is shaping up to be one of the most exciting items in our catalog. The cover is beautiful, the essays are a history-lover's dream, and if you don't treat yourself to an early Christmas present on September 23...well, let's just say you will be missing out. :-)

We're running a giveaway of two copies of the book on Goodreads for the month leading up to the release. Feel free to enter and spread the word!

 
 

    Goodreads Book Giveaway
 

   

       
   

   

     

          Castles, Customs, and Kings
     
     

          by Debra  Brown
     

     

         
            Giveaway ends September 23, 2013.
         
         
            See the giveaway details
            at Goodreads.
         
     
   
   

      Enter to win