What have I read this week?
Lancaster and York: The Wars of the Roses by Alison Weir
This is a nonfiction book about the Wars of the Roses. It’s a pretty accessible read.
Things I have learned:
- in the 15th century, it was English custom to kiss on the mouth when meeting
- people during the Wars of the Roses were prone to stunning attacks of incompetence – I’m looking at you, Duke of York at the Battle of Wakefield
Favourite quotes:
Katherine had been born in 1401 in Paris of a demented father and a nymphomaniac mother, Isabeau of Bavaria.
It was perhaps fortunate for her that Douglas was murdered not long after his return to Scotland, which meant that she could no longer rely on substantial Scottish support.
Tiptoft remains one of the most enigmatic and repellent figures of the age.
The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman
This is a children’s book, a retelling of Sleeping Beauty with a bit of Snow White thrown in. This is a lovely illustrated version, with illustrations by Chris Riddell. I enjoyed it, but I am a fan of Gaiman’s work anyway.
