Medieval Writings

This famous work by Lucretius is a masterpiece of didactic poetry, and it still stands today as the finest exposition of Epicurean philosophy ever written. The poem was produced in the middle of first century B.C., a period that was to witness a flowering of Latin literature unequaled for beauty and intellectual power in subsequent ages. The Latin title, De Rerum Natura, translates literally to On the Nature of Things and is meant to impress the reader with the breadth and depth of Epicurean philosophy.

The old Duke of Brittany had vacillated for years over who would succeed him and finally settles in his will on his half-brother, John de Montfort. But the years of vacillation had left others believing the ducal crown would pass to them, and no one understands this better than Montfort's wife, Jeanne de Flandre. When the schemes and political maneuvers of the Countess of Penthièvre land Montfort in the French king's prison, it falls to Jeanne to defend his rights to the duchy and protect their son's patrimony.

Anselm of Canterbury: The Monk Who Shaped Medieval Thought Unlock the secrets of a mind that bridged faith and reason, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of medieval thought. Dive into the life and legacy of Anselm of Canterbury, a scholar whose ideas continue to resonate through the ages. Discover the Life of a Visionary From his humble beginnings in Aosta to his rise as Archbishop of Canterbury, Anselm’s journey is one of relentless pursuit of truth and knowledge. Immerse yourself in the historical context of the 11th century, a time of great upheaval and transformation for the ...

"Jameson's strength lies in her worldbuilding...she demonstrates a solid knowledge of Highlands history and lore....a strong Highland romance." Booklife/Publishers Weekly 1447. Winter has wrapped its icy fingers around the Highlands. The MacKinnon clan is in chaos. Weakened by battle losses, treachery, and a lack of leadership, a Hogmanay celebration turns ugly as clan members decide to burn a witch at the stake—one of their very own, Isobel MacKinnon, a castle servant with the Sight. As flame is about to be touched to the kindling at her feet, five warriors appear in the snowy night, ...

Along with Virgil, Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) was the greatest poet produced by Rome, and in many ways his work has had arguably an even greater impact. His brilliant expression and astonishing acumen continue to amaze readers today, either in their original Latin or in innumerable worldwide translations. Shakespeare's debt to Horace is incalculable, and it is difficult to read his Sonnets today without immediately being reminded of the famous Odes.

Once upon a time an Indian writer name Amitav Ghosh set out to find an Indian slave, name unknown, who some 700 years before had traveled to the Middle East. The journey took him to a small village in Egypt, where medieval customs coexist with 20th-century desires and discontents. But even as Ghosh sought to re-create the life of his Indian predecessor, he found himself immersed in those of his modern Egyptian neighbors.

A medieval citadel in the sea. A thousand years of war, faith, and survival. The unforgettable story of Mont Saint-Michel. Rising from the tides of Normandy like a vision, Mont Saint-Michel has captivated pilgrims, kings, conquerors, and travelers for more than thirteen centuries. It has been a sacred abbey, an impregnable fortress, a revolutionary prison, and a world treasure. In The Eternal Fortress, discover the breathtaking saga of this iconic mount: • War and Siege: How Mont Saint-Michel withstood English armies and became the “Bastion of France.” • Faith and Pilgrimage: From ...

Of all the Catholic Church’s great saints, few are as venerated as Saint Francis of Assisi. The founder of one of the largest religious orders in the Catholic Church today, his is a story that captivates the faithful and historians alike. This biographical work is a window into that incredible tale. Author Nick Pascoe unspools the remarkable story of the saint and his Franciscan Order with captivating prose and thorough historical research. Delve into the history of Saint Francis in The Canticle of the Sun: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Birth of the Franciscan Order by Nick ...

Ostensibly written by an English knight, The Book of Marvels and Travels claim to recount his experiences in Egypt, the Levant, India, and China. It describes a journey from Europe to Jerusalem and further into Asia, and the many weird and wonderful peoples and practices of the East. The author claims to have traveled in land populated by Amazons, dog-headed people, cannibals, one-footed tribes, and Pygmies.

Scotland, 1455. As a child, Highlander Malcolm Maclean has visions he cannot explain. When he predicts a major victory in battle for King James the Second, he is summoned to Edinburgh castle to officially meet the king and predict his future. Much to his dismay, the king rewards him with Douglas lands and a future Douglas bride, a Lowlander! Scotland, 1468. Malcolm Maclean is now a man—a leader and a battle-seasoned warrior. He has put off taking a bride he doesn’t want long enough. Not wishing to draw royal ire, he must honor a dead king’s wishes and marry Sorcha Douglas, a woman ...

After three long years of war and disruptions, Alfred hopes for a time of peace and tranquility. A time to devote his energy to bettering the lives of his people, to focus on what the future holds for his children, to nurture his alliances, and to see his previous endeavors bear fruit. But even the home front has bumps in the road. The campaign to suppress Teuton aggression has been costly, Lord Meriden's threat to disrupt the kingdom shows no sign of abating, and Nerrick's growing negativity casts a shadow over the mutual defense plans with the Territories.

Duke Boleslav, brother to Wenceslas, reveals to his young son his own life's dreadful tale, and why this boy must dedicate his life to his father's salvation. Pagan priests vie with one another and with the growing power of Christianity. Prague is a trading center with an important slave market, a thriving iron industry, and is a crossroads of far-reaching trade routes. It is growing in wealth, yet threatened by jealous enemies and forces, both external and within its borders.

Two Years Before the Mast is an 1840 memoir by the author Richard Henry Dana. A Harvard graduate, he spent the years 1834 to 1836 as a sailor on a merchant ship on a voyage from Boston to California. The journey took them past Cape Horn on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet. Dana provides detailed descriptions of ship life and the technical aspects of sailing. A chapter on California and its inhabitants offers valuable historical insights on the state which was then a foreign land.

The history of Western thought contains hundreds of statements by philosophers testifying to the use of esoteric writing in their own work or others'. Despite this well-documented history, however, esotericism is often dismissed today as a rare occurrence. But by ignoring esotericism, we risk cutting ourselves off from a full understanding of Western philosophical thought. Arthur M. Melzer serves as our guide in this engaging history of philosophical esotericism. Walking listeners through both an ancient and a modern esoteric work, he explains what esotericism is - and is not.

An invasion of mysterious bugs, the discovery of hundreds of skeletons in the backyard and occasional visitations from a ghost who smoked Marlboro Lights weren't what I had in mind when I dreamed of owning a home in Tuscany. My search for a quaint country house in move-in condition near Florence instead led to the purchase of an abandoned church we fondly referred to as "The Italian Money Pit", and the project took several years to complete.

March, 1366. Amid the chaos of a war-torn Spain, Geoffrey Chaucer—page to King Edward III and the son of a wine merchant—finds himself thrust into the heart of a boiling conflict between two brothers: King Pedro the Cruel of Castile and his half-brother, Enrique Trastámara. But Chaucer’s task is far from simple. Sent as a reluctant spy by the king, he must locate the elusive mercenary Sir Hugh Calveley and persuade him to change sides in a war that could alter the fate of kingdoms.

War breaks out on Muiria between the kingdoms of Partha and Zeiglon. The wood elves send Prince Aedith and a delegation to the Emperor Zachary, but the mission fails and the emperor, armed with the evil Staff of Adois, pushes forward in a full-scale attack. The Young wizard, Celedant and his bonded dragon, Azimuth set out on a mission to unite the dwarvan clans against the growing threat as the first small step in a grander plan. The Staff of Adaman, an instrument of good, is miraculously brought into play, but with devastating results. A titan clash with the evil Staff of Adois brings ...

This highly entertaining travelogue from a bestselling author follows the adventures of a couple on their 102-mile hike along Britain’s famous Cotswold Way. Wendy and David, escaping the routine of home life, embark on a journey of wonder and discovery. It is one filled with romance, exquisite beauty, hilarious mishaps, and far more adventure than they had bargained for. Join them in the magic and fulfillment of this delightful journey from Chipping Campden in the north to the stunning city of Bath in the south. Wander through wildflower fields of kaleidoscopic colour, enter entranced ...

Convinced that the prizes in his long game-the riches of Aleffe Province and King Denis's great port on the Southern Sea-are now within his grasp, the Teuton king has finally shown his cards. He's confident Denis's youth and inexperience mean he'll be no match for the might of the Teuton army, especially if he can be isolated. To that end, the Teuton has already taken steps to prevent Denis's ally in the south from joining the fray. All that's left is to neutralize Alfred-and the Teuton is certain he's found the perfect way to do that.

Geoffrey, Alfred's heir, and Denis, King of the Kingdom Across the Southern Sea. Two young men soon to come of age. One, having doubts as he comes to grips with the enormity of what his future holds; the other, eager to end the regency and rule in his own right. Both relying on Alfred's guidance as each birthday marks another milestone in the lives they're destined to lead.