I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately on the history of libraries, the level of literacy in the ancient and medieval world, and the manufacture of papyrus, parchment, scrolls, and codices. It’s a fascinating study, and sometimes painful, especially when the histories recount the destruction of libraries through deliberate acts or simply neglect and… Continue reading November 8: The Bodleian Library
Category: Literature
November 5: Guy Fawkes
On November 5, 1605, by act of Parliament, the populace of London was encouraged to light bonfires and give thanks for the escape of King James I from an assasination attempt. A band of assassins, led by the Catholic Guy Fawkes, plotted to kill the Protestant king by blowing up Parliament while he attended a… Continue reading November 5: Guy Fawkes
October 25: Agincourt
On this day in 1415, Henry V of England and his small army defeated a much larger French cavalry army at Agincourt. Henry was trying to establish his claim to the French throne, part of the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) between England and France for control of the Aquitaine and Normandy, provinces in France to… Continue reading October 25: Agincourt