[HPFGU-OTChatter] Re: Don't Know Much About History . . .

[Catherine Keegan]

At 10:45 PM 9/15/2003 , you wrote:
>Can anyone comment on the accuracy of Ellis Peters's Brother
>Cadfael mysteries--the setting, that is?  (Surely in this crowd
>there must be someone who's an expert on 12th-century English
>monasticism.)  I love them and find the history fascinating, but
>always wonder whether I'm actually learning any history.
>
>Amy Z
>busily copying down all of these recommendations, because
>she don't know much about history either

The backdrop is good (Mathilda vs. Stephen) as are some of the 
details.  However, they are novels.  Cadfael gets out an awful lot for a 
cloistered monk.  I enjoyed them and have yet to read the last one that I 
bought just before I heard of Ellis Peter's death.  She basically writes 
one plot, but Cadfael and his brothers are good enough characters that you 
want to read more.

Sharan Newman's 12th century mystery series is much better 
historically.  She either has or was a candidate for a Ph.D. in medieval 
history.  Plus how can you go wrong with plots that have Abelard and 
Heloise, Paris, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Queen of France at this time) and a 
fascinating insight into both period Christianity and Judaism?

I'd also like to suggest Barbara Hambley's Benjamen January series 
(mysteries) for early 19th century New Orleans.

Catherine from California