Reviews: Council of Twelve by Oliver Potzsch

I was drawn to this novel as I was reading "The Faithful Executioner" by Joel Harrington. What I found interesting was that inspiration for this series of novels was drawn from the author's own family history - and that our main character - Jakob Kuisl (1612 - 1695) - was indeed an ancestor!

So to the tale - the seventh in the series, and the first I had read. Jakob and family travel to Munich in 1672 to attend a council of hangmen - the "council of twelve". They are not a welcome addition to the local population being considered outcasts by most other segments of polite medieval society.

A series of murders of young women - all by methods known and used by the profession - leads Jakob and his daughter Magdalena to investigate in the face of growing concerns among his brethren and the townsfolk. The story flows nicely, leading up to the unveiling of the killer and the side stories are closed off.

I had no issues with picking up the threads of the six stories that had preceded this one. My only bug-bear, I though that it needed a little editing as in a new paragraph each time the scene changed - though I am sure this will be dealt with in the final editing stage.

I look forward to reading the series from start to finish.

Visit Oliver's website HERE

Review: The Queen's Progress by MJ Trow

Synopsis:

May, 1591. When Queen Elizabeth decides to embark on a Royal Progress, visiting some of the grandest homes in England, her new spymaster, Sir Robert Cecil, sends Kit Marlowe on ahead, to ensure all goes smoothly. But Marlowe’s reconnaissance mission is dogged by disaster: at Farnham Hall, a body is hurled from the battlements; at Cowdray Castle, a mock tournament ends in near tragedy; at Petworth, a body is discovered in the master bedroom, shot dead.

By the time he reaches Chichester, Marlowe fears the worst. Are the incidents linked? Is there a conspiracy to sabotage the Queen’s Progress? Who is pulling the strings – and why? To uncover the truth, Marlowe must come up with a fiendishly clever plan.

So firstly, the scene for this latest episode in the Kit Marlowe series is real.  Elizabeth I did progress through Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire in August and September 1591.  As was the custom of the times, the "harbingers" were sent ahead to scout out locations, tighten security, check the accommodation (and kick out the hosting family if necessary), and ensure suitable "entertainments" were arranged.  To be selected to be a host to Glorianna was an honour - but there was a downside as well - there was usually great upheaval for the hosts and it was a huge expense for the family - it wasn't funded by the monarch and some families bankrupted themselves!.  For example, at Elvetham, such entertainments included: tennis, an opera and fireworks performed from the island in the great pond as seen above.

In this episode, there are rumblings of rebellion - nothing new in Tudor England.  The previous decade played witness to a series of plots involving Spain and Mary Queen of Scots.  Unfortunately the year prior, Elizabeth lost her spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, and in his stead was Sir Robert Cecil (son of Lord Burghley, Elizabeth's Prime Minister).

So, covertly employed as spies, but overtly as harbinger's of the Queen's progress, Kit Marlowe and Thom Sledd (his faithful stage manager), head out of London for Middleham.  A couple of suspicious deaths puts a proverbial spanner in the works - and Kit investigates.  Along the way we are introduced to a veritable cast of questionable characters including Nicholas Faunt, another of Walsingham's former spies, and the ever present busy-body and budding playwright, Will Shaxsper.

"... the rat, the cat and Lovel our dog, all rule England under a hog ..."

Well written as always, humourous, subtle, action-aplenty, treason, plots, personal and political jousting.  A great story that has a rather good twist at the end.

Further Reading:

The Elizabeth Court Day by Day - 1591

The Impact of Elizabeth's I's Progress in Hampshire, 1591

Queen and Country: The Significance of Elizabeth 1's Progressin Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire in 1591 - thesis by Caroline Adams

The Portable Queen Elizabeth I and the Politics of Ceremony by Mary Hill Cole

The Mail Online - Was The Virgin Queen An Imposter?

Review: Wayland's Revenge by Lesley Lodge

Set in the time of the English Civil War, a man, a soldier in the Parliamentary forces, returns home to find his son a mute and his wife dead, killed as a witch. As he attempts to put his life back together and find out what lead to such tragic events, an old comrade arrives in search of a missing lad.

As the two men (and the mute son) set out, they get caught up with the imprisoned King's army at Bantry and the siege of Colchester (1648), where aAmid the besieging army lurks pure evil in human form.

The novel, whilst not overly long, manages to depict the savagery of civil war and the consequences for non-combatants. The events did actually take place, the massacre of women after the battle of Naseby did occur though the reasons still remain a mystery, Sir Thomas Fairfax was in charge of the Parliamentarians, and only after defeat at Preston did the Royalists surrender - the terms were real. The Sealed Knot was a secret society dedicated to the restoration of the Monarchy (active after the death of Charles I in 1649) and they made eight attempts to bring about the restoration of Charles II (1652 - 1659), though the group was ultimately betrayed by Sir Richard Willis to John Thurloe.

This is definitely well researched - the violence of the times depicted within these pages will not be to everyone's liking - but this is based on true events - so take it, warts and all. I have been reading a bit more from this period in history, and have added a few tomes to my library - this will be another one.

Review: The Sentence Is Death by Anthony Horowitz

Synopsis: "You shouldn’t be here. It’s too late…"

These, heard over the phone, were the last recorded words of successful celebrity-divorce lawyer. Richard Pryce, found bludgeoned to death in his bachelor pad with a bottle of wine – a 1982 Chateau Lafite worth £3,000, to be precise.

Odd, considering he didn’t drink. Why this bottle? And why those words? And why was a three-digit number painted on the wall by the killer? And, most importantly, which of the man’s many, many enemies did the deed?

Baffled, the police are forced to bring in Private Investigator Daniel Hawthorne >and his sidekick, the author Anthony, who’s really getting rather good at this murder investigation business.

But as Hawthorne takes on the case with characteristic relish, it becomes clear that he, too, has secrets to hide. As our reluctant narrator becomes ever more embroiled in the case, he realises that these secrets must be exposed – even at the risk of death…

~ ~ ~

For someone who "... had no wish to turn myself into a character, a secondary one at that; the perennial sidekick .." that is exactly what Horowitz has done, quite possibly for the second time, if one reads between the lines correctly.

Anyway, whilst in the midst of filming an episode of "Foyle's War", Dorian Gray like detective, Daniel Hawthorn whisks Horowitz away to investigate the murder of high profile divorce lawyer, Richard Pryce. With some cracking dialogue, basic powers of observation - "... so far I had missed three clues and misconstrued two more. Things were only going to get worse." - Hawthorn and Horowitz must work ahead of the police investigation to solve this little mystery, all while trying to finish filming, re-write scenes, dealing with malevolent police detectives, and attending book club.

Horowtiz is humourous and self deprecating, the naive Watson to Hawthorn's oft-times annoying, condescending, and definitely not PC Holmes. By the end of it all you are left with one question - is it real or just very clever writing .....

Review: Paisanos by Tim Fanning

A review of "Paisanos: the Irish and the Liberation of Latin America" by Tim Fanning could literally be a book in itself. The subject matter to hand it is so vast that to encompass it all in detail would invite a series of books not just one tome. Fanning attempts to give readers a broader focus, highlighting the important events and leaders, whilst covering the Spanish colonies in central and southern America during the early 19th Century, and the significant role the Irish played in the independence movement.  And he has managed to convincingly do so.

We begin the the Irish exiles of the 16th and 17th Centuries - the Wild Geese - who settled in Spain and France (not to be confused with the Flight of the Earls in 1607 - which I guess could be the precursor to the flight of the geese). The battle of Kinsale, 1601, fought during the Nine Years War of 1594-1603, marked a turning point in Irish history. The political power of the Gaelic nobility was broken, royal (English) authority in the kingdom was enhanced, though Ireland still remained strategically important for other European powers, especially Spain and, later, France. Thus, when political, social and religious changes at home caused many Irish to migrate, temporarily or permanently, they headed for Habsburg and Bourbon territories. 

At first, the role was one of support for Spanish rule in its fledgeling colonies. Irish migration to the Spanish empire, from 17th-century Hapsburg Spain to 18th-century Bourbon Spain, from Europe to the new World, from Madrid, Brussels or Cadiz to Havana, Lima and Chile was complex. Even though Ireland did not form part of this empire, the contribution of Irishmen and Irishwomen to this multinational empire was remarkable. 

Through army careers and the concession of nobility titles, Spanish kings placed the Irish exiled lords and gentry in an advantageous position on a par with the nobility in the early modern Spanish world. Imposition of orthodox Catholicism within the Spanish realms implied the social inclusion of certain ‘nations’ such as the Irish and the exclusion/repression of other groups who were not assimilatable into that society – Jews, Moriscos and Gypsies. Not all Irish migrants were soldiers, nor were they all men; not all obtained honours and integration and; even for the Irish nobility, assimilation could be difficult. 

Having said that, the Irish did play a key role in the military, religious, mercantile and commercial, and literary life, especially in the 18th Century where "... it was possible for an Irishman from a humble background to succeed in the New World against the odds...". The adaptability of the Irish, driven both by financial need and a healthy spirit of adventure, supported Spanish colonial activities as well as later providing a foil against them.

And it was in the second phase that the relationship between Ireland and Latin America, drawing upon a shared history of struggle against colonialism, developed into support for the independence movements. And there were times when Irishmen (and women) fought on both sides, against each other. 

Never has lasting political change occurred so rapidly over such a large area as in Latin America in the sixteen years from 1809. Moreover this sudden transformation was entirely unforeseen. These regions lived without major upheaval for three centuries under authoritarian Spanish rule, until the recent ideals of the American and French revolutions have led some to dream of change. In other parts of South America, the Irish were playing key roles in the independence of the likes of the viceroyalties New Spain (the West Indies and the mainland down to Panama and Gutalmala); New Granada (Panama, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador); New Peru (Peru, most of Chile and western Bolivia); and lastly, La Plata (eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and the southern tip of Chile). Even then, their role did not necessarily stop there as these new nations often imploded with civil wars of their own.

And it is here that we are introduced to the famous San Patricios, Irishmen who fought against America during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. In the wake of the famine in Ireland, thousands emigrated to America, and an Irish Brigade was raised to support the US encroachment into Mexico. One can only speculate on why the troops deserted prior to the war beginning; however they went on to play an important role, making their last stand at the battle for Mexico City in 1581 where today they are still remembered as heroes.

The final part of the story is the integration and settlement of those Irish - a wrap up of  how and where they ended up, and the fate of their descendants - did they remain or return to Ireland's green pastures to embark on a new wave of revolution in the 20th century.

I found this to be a compelling history if the Irish diaspora in Latin America. And there is plenty contained within to encourage a more indepth study of this period. I was not wholly conversant with this particular part of Irish history - and often wondered what happened to those other "Wild Geese" - though I was familiar with the fate of the Irish who migrated to both the USA and Australia and their contributions. My mind boggled at the vast resources available online for the enthusiast to delve further (so much further) into this topic. This is a worthy addition to any library whose focus is Irish history - I know it will find a place in mine.

Further reading:

• The Honourable Society of the Irish Brigade
• History of Latin America
• History Ireland
• Irish Immigration Studies in Latin America
• Journal Archives - Society for Irish Latin American Studies
• Military History Now - Ireland's "Foreign" Armies

Scoundrels by Major Cornwall and Major Trevelyan

These memoirs are authored by two disreputable spies; or cads, rakes, rascals, bounders - call them what you will. Based in the form of a manuscript submitted to a publisher, these two "gentlemen" - Major Victor Montgomery Cornwall and Major Arthur St John Trevelyan - have been under house arrest for 30 years and for what we do not yet know - and have decided, by means of a series of letters (ie: snail mail) to relive certain aspects of their lives (adventures) to set the record straight and vindicate themselves.

I will preface this by saying that these memoirs are at times, humourous, vulgar, questionable, comedic, slapstick, incredible. These are tales of war, sex, love, adventure, deceit, murder, with the central point being the Scoundrels Club of Piccadilly. 

As over-confident seventeen year olds, Trevelyan and I were initiated into Scoundrels Club. Lunk Snr immediately handed us an undertaking, club parlance for ‘something that needs squaring away, putting right, or sweeping under the carpet’. Little did we know it would mark the start of a long and illustrious career of lying, cheating, stealing and skullduggery. Or to dignify it, espionage."

One must begin with the first in the series - Scoundrels - wherein we are introduced to the two Majors as they are now and as they begin to look back (from the 1920s to the 1950s). Sometimes the story-telling is more along the lines of a game on one-up-manship (there is also a healthy dose of animosity between the two) wherein we are treated to both sides of the story, and where the Majors' nemesis, in the form of former school chum Gruber Hansclapp, emerges.

The memoirs are also based around a series of well-known historical events - which readers will readily identify with, though will find themselves questioning if either of the Majors actually appeared in anything they have previously read.

Scoundrels: The Hunt for Hansclapp continues in the same vein - and takes place in the period from the 1950s to 1970s. And outwitting them at every turn - their Moriarty - is Gruber Hansclapp. Will they get their man - will the mystery of their house arrest be revealed - will the ever be released back into the real world.

It's billed as "... historically accurate, morally questionable and absolutely true ..." and dare I say, so politically incorrect! So if you are easily offended - step away now.

Interview with James Peak & Duncan Crowe (publishers or trustees of the memoirs) here @ The Turnaround Blog

Cecily Duchess of York: J. L. Laynesmith

From Bloomsbury Academic:

This is the first scholarly biography of Cecily Neville, duchess of York, the mother of Edward IV and Richard III. She was said to have ruled Edward IV 'as she pleased' and Richard III made his bid for the throne from her home. Yet Cecily has been a shadowy figure in modern histories, noted primarily for her ostentatious piety, her expensive dresses, and the rumours of her adultery. 

Here J. L. Laynesmith draws on a wealth of rarely considered sources to construct a fresh and revealing portrait of a remarkable woman. Cecily was the only major protagonist to live right through the Wars of the Roses. This book sheds new light on that bloody conflict in which Cecily proved herself an exceptional political survivor. Skilfully manipulating her family connections and contemporary ideas about womanhood, Cecily repeatedly reinvented herself to protect her own status and to ensure the security of those in her care.

From her childhood marriage to Richard duke of York until her final decade as grandmother of the first Tudor queen, the story of Cecily Neville's life provides a rich insight into national and local politics, women's power and relationships, motherhood, household dynamics and the role of religion in fifteenth-century England.

Frederick Barbarossa: the Prince and the Myth by John Freed

From Reviews in History:

Frederick Barbarossa is arguably one of the most important German rulers of the Middle Ages, and certainly one of the best known. Still, English-speaking readers have had to wait a long time for a biography of this Holy Roman Emperor. Yale University Press has now published John B. Freed’s monumental and learned biography of the emperor.

For specialists of Barbarossa’s reign, particularly in Germany, the book does not offer many new interpretations, but to wish for more detail in a book of 700 pages may seem improper. Moreover, it is not a book aimed at these specialists. It is, rather, the first English-language biography of Frederick Barbarossa in several decades. It offers an excellent introduction to all relevant sources, which Freed commands in the fashion of a true master, and into most of the relevant scholarly debates, at least in German. Freed has written an erudite and immensely readable biography of Frederick that is very rich in historical detail and that – despite some problems – offers a reliable introduction into German history of the 12th century and into the debates among German scholars about this time. It will remain, for generations to come, and rightfully so, the standard work in English on Frederick Barbarossa and Germany in the 12th century.

read more here @ Reviews in History

The Free Port of Livorno by Corey Tazzara

From Oxford University Press:

In the twilight of the Renaissance, the grand duke of Tuscany--a scion of the fabled Medici family of bankers--invited foreign merchants, artisans, and ship captains to settle in his port city of Livorno. The town quickly became one of the most bustling port cities in the Mediterranean, presenting a rich tableau of officials, merchants, mariners, and slaves. Nobody could have predicted in 1600 that their activities would contribute a chapter in the history of free trade. Yet by the late seventeenth century, the grand duke's invitation had evolved into a general program of hospitality towards foreign visitors, the liberal treatment of goods, and a model for the elimination of customs duties. Livorno was the earliest and most successful example of a free port in Europe. The story of Livorno shows the seeds of liberalism emerging, not from the studies of philosophers such as Adam Smith, but out of the nexus between commerce, politics, and identity in the early modern Mediterranean.

read more here @ OUP Blog