3 comments about The Vagabond Duchess (Harlequin Historical Series).

1. I've boycotted HQN as low quality for years - or at least I thought I did. A recent conversation over at Word Wenches made me realize I've been buying a few HQN's here and there. I constantly ask for more diversity in the genre and at the same time (it was pointed out) I limited myself from exploring all the places I could find that diversity. I picked up The Vagabond Duchess because of an interest in the London Fire of 1666 and I'm delighted I did. I've been a fool and a snob. What struck me most was how these characters live in a time that was far more treacherous than the Napoleonic. The plague had just left, the fire is upon them, a king has been lost then regained - there is no certainty and in times of uncertainty there's an odd freedom. I was far more inclined to believe a shop owner and a duke could expect to make a go of it than I otherwise would have been. This was a tremendously entertaining read. I encourage you, if you've been curious about breaking out of Regency Vampires to try this title out.



2. The Vagabond Duchess is a bit different from most historicals around. It takes place in 1666, with repercussions from the king's exile, the vicious spread of the plague and the horrid London fires. Because of this the characters are excellently flushed out. Jack, the Duke, does masquerade as a vagabond at times. It was a persona he picked up while exiled in France; he was forced to hide his background. This makes him resourceful and resilient, but unwilling to put himself at the whims of others. Temperance is a shopkeeper that has lost her entire family and was left to fend for herself, she's independent and strong-willed. Naturally, when they meet each other the sparks fly. They have both found someone to lean on.
   
   The plot line basically follows their intial courtship while Jack is a vagabond and then Temperance's life as the new Duchess. I would say this work is more driven by its characters,a very good thing. It is such a warm, sweet story. The only thing I would change is Toby; a very spoiled child. So many tantrums and no one to discipline him, especially since his dad was a wanderer and most likely let him have his way out of guilt at not being home all the time. I felt bad for the sweetheart that was Issac, he was forced buddy up with the brat.



3. First time reading anything from this author. The characters were very well rounded and believable. Look forward to reading more.

No comments about Michelin THE GREEN GUIDE New England, 9e (THE GREEN GUIDE).

2 comments about Writing and Rebellion: England in 1381 (New Historicism - Studies in Cultural Poetics , No 27).

1. Steven Justice begins by examining a handful of documents representing the views of the peasant rebels who tried to depose corrupt officials and destroy land records. From the letters themselves (which he concludes were early broadsheets), Justice reasons and writes beautifully to reanimate daily life at the time of the rebellion (land use and functional literacy among the peasants who rebelled). He also identifies echoes of the rebellion in Chaucer and of Langland in the rebellion, as well as an analysis of John Wyclif's possible motivation of the rebels. Thought-provoking, vivid history. A map would be a nice addition if the book is reprinted.



2. In his rethinking of chronicled history, Justice takes his reader on a journey through both high and low "literature" and reconfigures the images, motives, and voice of England's Peasant's Rebellion of 1381. He beautifully argues that the peasants rebelled not to tear down the English monarchy (in fact, many maintained their loyalty throughout), but to enable equal access to textual culture, written history, and a cultural voice. By mentioning the influence of Langland, Gower, and Chaucer's writings in the Rebellion, Justice demonstrates that the peasants did not wish to eliminate written culture because they did not understand it, but to re-write (or re-evaluate) it because they could identify with it. For any reader who enjoys a discussion that tears the Middle Ages away from crusty historians and views the period through several perspectives, Justice truly does justice to the degree of social dynamism and movement during the turbulent fourteenth century.

2 comments about Forest Under My Fingernails: Reflections and Encounters on the Long Trail.

1. A wonderful book to read before you go backpacking to grasp what might be expected on a long trip. It was packed with information about the interactions between people and nature. It was interesting to read while giving me insight on the trail. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys nature and backpacking!



2. I have not read a book that more accurately describes the long (medium)distance hiking experience better. In addition it is one of the best descriptions of the LT found. I finshed a section hike of the Long Trail last October and reading this book took me back to the joys and troubles, the shelters and summits. A great read

No comments about The Great Meadow: Farmers and the Land in Colonial Concord.

1 comments about Emerson on Transcendentalism (Milestones of Thought Series).

1. This book is amazing. Emerson has been noted as being the greatest American thinker of his time and it is no doubt as to why this is so. He has a wonderful mind and his words and ideas just flow so eloquently in his works. Emerson's philosophy has been "Do not seek answers outside yourself." It is all found within. The soul is one of the only absolute truths existing in this world. Emerson's belief in Transcendentalism further entertains ideas such as these. It's a wonderful book and it is exactly what our superficial world needs in order to put higher thinking and intuition above material desires.

No comments about The Book of New New England Cookery.

No comments about Guide to Nantucket, 10th (Guide to Series).

No comments about Amc White Mountain Guide: A Guide to Trails in the Mountains of New Hampshire and Adjacent Parts of Maine/With Map.

No comments about Fodor's Maine, Vermont & New Hampshire, 11th edition (Fodor's Gold Guides).