Dorothy Dunnett: a different kind of read
Agatha Christie was dubbed the Queen of crime fiction (some people would now say P.D. James had acceded to that particular throne), then Dorothy Dunnett is undoubtedly the Queen of the historical novel. Or, to put it another way, the Champagne of historical fiction.
Dunnett was something of a Renaissance woman - a portrait painter, as well as a prodigy in her genre. The sheer depth and detail in her historical research is awesome. It spans the use of codes, technological developments of the times, the mercantile banking system, navigation and shipping, diplomacy, but also the art, literature and music of her chosen period, the 16th-17th centuries.
The treat that awaits you takes the form of two series built up around two characters. Interestingly, she wrote the Lymond series, which takes place in the 17th century, before the Niccolo series, which takes place in the 16th century. In other words, the second series she wrote takes place prior to the events of the first.
Her two main characters are unforgettable, both heroic and dastardly by turns, as well as romantically tragic. Among the many memorable impressions left by the books is the sheer mental agility and sophistication of the major players in those historical settings.
If you haven't stumbled on these two magnificent series yet, they are both greatly to be recommended. If you have, please share your experiences! Links below for UK and USA
Dunnett was something of a Renaissance woman - a portrait painter, as well as a prodigy in her genre. The sheer depth and detail in her historical research is awesome. It spans the use of codes, technological developments of the times, the mercantile banking system, navigation and shipping, diplomacy, but also the art, literature and music of her chosen period, the 16th-17th centuries.
The treat that awaits you takes the form of two series built up around two characters. Interestingly, she wrote the Lymond series, which takes place in the 17th century, before the Niccolo series, which takes place in the 16th century. In other words, the second series she wrote takes place prior to the events of the first.
Her two main characters are unforgettable, both heroic and dastardly by turns, as well as romantically tragic. Among the many memorable impressions left by the books is the sheer mental agility and sophistication of the major players in those historical settings.
If you haven't stumbled on these two magnificent series yet, they are both greatly to be recommended. If you have, please share your experiences! Links below for UK and USA
posted by kroyzee | 7:00 AM
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