tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29658623710140705902024-03-13T01:12:23.895+00:00Mirrors for princesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965862371014070590.post-49717816356232578622012-12-29T19:59:00.000+00:002012-12-29T19:59:30.205+00:00Basilikon Doron - James I & VI's mirrorToday I saw the Lost Prince exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery - featuring the life of Henry Stuart, first son of King James I and VI, heir to the throne.
Henry was groomed to be the next king, and it was a terrible shock when he died at 18, leaving a teen Charles to be refitted and trained in his place. I've read a bit about English Civil War, but I'd not known that Charles I had been Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965862371014070590.post-82141761342744201222012-12-01T12:28:00.000+00:002012-12-01T12:38:59.139+00:00Looking ahead to the new yearI've had two fine resources pointed out to me by Lena, a friend from Nordmark, which I'm now adding to the blog to share them.
The first is a link to Ex Urbe.com, a charming blog subtitled History Philosophy Books Food & Fandom, which should be enough to encourage anyone to at least take a look.
Specifically, it's the posts tagged Machiavelli that Lena recommended, as a fine introduction toUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965862371014070590.post-22261232639572117332012-12-01T12:05:00.001+00:002012-12-01T12:05:18.888+00:00Have you started reading Book of the Courtier?Today is the first of December, and the annual consumer frenzy has begun. Call it Christmas, Yule, Hogswatch, whatever - it's a busy time of year.
Seems an odd time to suggest that you sit down and read a book, much less one that was written in early 16th century.
Nevertheless: if you haven't already started, and wanted to take part in the discussion at Drachenwald 12th night (or other winter Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965862371014070590.post-49022164644437766732012-10-12T11:21:00.002+01:002012-10-12T11:22:19.007+01:00Electronic vs in person discussionSince I floated the idea of the reading group, a couple of people have suggested an online version - host an online chat, so more people (who don't make all events, or the events I'm suggesting) can take part.
My response is in a couple of parts:
For me, the fun is in the in-person discussion. I want to chat about the book over a drink, with my fellow event goers.
I've been part of online Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965862371014070590.post-61908555408865827772012-10-03T21:40:00.000+01:002012-10-03T21:40:19.003+01:00Tentative reading planTo get started I offer a reading list for the next few months. See my preferences on the About page.
Book: Castiglione's Book of the courtier - available for free in Elizabethan English online (see sources) or widely available in paperback. My copy is from the charity shop.
Proposed discussion date: Drachenwald 12th night in West Dragonshire, or other January event.
Book: Machiavelli's Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965862371014070590.post-72074414243769597882012-10-03T21:21:00.002+01:002012-10-03T21:21:58.424+01:00Inspiration for Mirrors for princes
For peradventure in all Italy a man shall have muche a do to fynde out so many gentlemen and noble personages that are so worthy, and besyde the principall profession of Chivalrye so excellent in sundry thinges, as are presently here.
Therfore if in any place men may be founde that deserve the name of good Courtyers, and can judge what belongeth to the perfeccion of Courtyership, by reason a Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0