With my recommendation of George Orwell’s 1984 last month, it seems only fair to continue with the theme of thought-provoking literature to get your mind going. But instead of looking toward the future, this time it’s a book that looks upon the past. This month, the recommendation is a graphic novel by American cartoonist Art Spiegelman (pictured). There’s no Superman or Captain America in sight here though, this is a story without heroes and a tale that would arguably make a great addition to the school curriculum.
The first and only graphic novel to win the Pulitzer Prize, Maus is a brutally moving work of art about a Holocaust survivor and the son who survives him. Part memoir and part comic book, this isn’t like any cartoon you’ve seen before. Maus takes the medium to tackle a very dark topic: the holocaust.
This is the “Complete” edition of “Maus: A Survivor’s Tale”, collecting both parts: “My Father Bleeds History” and “And Here My Troubles Began”.
The back cover of the book reads: “The complete story of Vladek Spiegelman and his wife, living and surviving in Hitler’s Europe. By addressing the horror of the Holocaust through cartoons, the author captures the everyday reality of fear and is able to explore the guilt, relief and extraordinary sensation of survival – and how the children of survivors are in their own way affected by the trials of their parents. It is a contemporary classic of immeasurable significance.”
The story of the Jewish Vladek, and his son, a cartoonist coming to terms with his father’s story, Maus approaches the unspeakable through the diminutive. It uses familiarity against the reader and the assumption that good always wins over evil, casting the generally harmless household animals of cats as Nazis and mice as Jews.
This is a story that’s on many ‘must-read’ lists, is the only Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel and has a whole host of outlets and authors singing its praises for just how well-written, thought-provoking and generally incredible it is. Here are just a few;
‘One of the cliches about the holocaust is that you can’t imagine it… Spiegelman disproves that theory’ –The Independent
‘The first masterpiece in comic book history’ –The New Yorker
‘Like all great stories, it tells us more about ourselves than we could ever suspect’ –Philip Pullman, author of the His Dark Materials series
Maus is honest, real and heartbreakingly written. It’s simple in its storytelling and its ink pen drawings are just as minimal, which is exactly what it needs to be when the subject matter is where the focus should be. It’s a story about a family set against a hugely terrible moment in human history, and one that is absolutely worth your time. Indeed, even a second read is warranted in order to fully appreciate it. The Complete Maus is probably the most engaging history lesson you’ll ever get.
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On 31st March, in 1855, Charlotte Brontë, of the famous literary family, died. She was only 39 years old. The eldest of the Brontë sisters (there was Emily and Anne, as well as brother Branwell), even despite her own relatively young age, she had outlived her siblings. Charlotte was most well-known for her novel ‘Jane Eyre’, a classic of English literature which is loved and adored by readers the world over.
Back in the 19th Century, life was tough – and many people didn’t live into old age due to poor health and miserable living conditions. For the Brontës, though, they were relatively fortunate and lived at Haworth Parsonage, on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors in the north of England. Here, the four siblings invented imaginary worlds and had quite an idyllic childhood. They would also have had two other siblings, but sadly they died young. The four, who all wrote in later life, spent their days creating worlds that were quite different to their reality.
The siblings called their collected imaginary world ‘Glass Town’ – Charlotte Brontë was only 11 when this came to be and she also referred to it as her ‘world below’. Branwell was obsessed with battles and politics; Charlotte preferred grand, romantic settings, with passionate relationships; and younger sisters Emily and Anne had a desire to write about more homely, cosy themes. All in all, the siblings created a world which was an amalgamation of all of their ideas. They even published their own homemade magazine which included some of Charlotte’s poems (she wrote more than 200 in her lifetime and many of these featured in this family publication).
If you study English Literature at A-Level, you may well be asked to read ‘Jane Eyre’. It is, for many, a favourite novel – the Gothic setting and the madwoman in the attic are famous for good reason. But even if you are not a fan of such classic literature, you can’t help but be interested in the wonderful world of the Brontës and how they lived their lives. I, personally, find it fascinating that all four siblings were successful writers, to varying degrees.
So, on 31st March this year, if you are looking for your next good read, why don’t you pick up ‘Jane Eyre’. Maybe the writing of Charlotte Brontë will help you create your own imaginary world!
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WAR IS PEACE.
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY.
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.
By the end of 1984, these three sentences will be hard to shake out of your head—along with a good handful of others as well. Orwell’s cautionary tale of a future where everything you do from your work, diet, your friendships, right down to your very thinking is as relevant today as it was terrifyingly controversial back when it was first published in 1948. Yes, 1948. Nearly 80 years ago, Orwell’s speculative tale was a bit of a premonition in some ways and is a must-read for those looking for a challenging and thought-provoking story. And for 80 years, it’s barely been out of print and has struck a chord with millions of readers over generations. There’s a reason why Orwell is up there as one of the greatest Science Fiction writers there’s ever been, and 1984 is a big part of that reason. 1984 was George Orwell’s chilling prophecy about the future. His dystopian vision of a government that will do anything to control the narrative is timelier than ever and told through the eyes of government employee Winston Smith.
In a Totalitarian future governed by ‘Big Brother’ and enforced by the ‘Thought Police’, this is a world where your friends, neighbours, spouses and even your children will turn you in should you do or say the wrong thing. It’s a world where history is changed over and over at a whim to suit the current needs of the government. A world where two plus two equals whatever those in charge want it to. Smith is a law-abiding and model citizen. He toes the Party line, rewriting history to satisfy the demands of the Ministry of Truth. But with each lie he writes, Winston grows to hate the Party that seeks power for its own sake and persecutes those who dare to commit ‘thoughtcrimes’. Nevertheless, as he starts to think for himself, Winston can’t escape the fact that Big Brother is always watching…
Akthough it consists of a very slight 107 pages, there is plenty packed in. Orwell doesn’t waste a single word in his dystopian vision of the future that makes big statements on censorship, control, free speech and the media—and how all of them can be used for nefarious means if unchecked and unchallenged. It’s not a simple read though. Classics tend to be full of exposition, with long winding paragraphs of description and explanation, and 1984 is no exception. There are also a lot of buzzwords to get your head around as well as heavily political and psychological themes. But should you persevere, this is a book that will leave a lasting impression.
If anything, the book leans toward being more of an essay at times than an actual story but it is by no means any less engaging because of this. The very detached and cold nature of its writing feels deliberate to the point of it being tense and uncomfortable. This is one of those titles that should always be taught in schools; there’s plenty to pick at and analyse and wonder about, which is what speculative Sci-Fi should always do.
1984 is a book not to be missed. Just don’t let Big Brother catch you reading it.
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Okay, so I am sat at my desk staring out of my window at the grey clouds on the horizon. Before I know it, time has passed. What have I achieved? Have I been lazy? Well, actually, no, I haven’t. In fact, I have been thinking, and having time to think is something we often feel guilty for. Our lives are busy, and we feel that we should fill every moment with action. But if you stop to think for a while, the benefits can be huge.
Now, you might be thinking (get it): this is weird. Why do I need time to think? Well, for nearly 100 years, World Thinking Day has been recognised on 22nd February each year. In fact, all across the world, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts organisations show their appreciation for others by thinking about global situations and how others can be helped. You might be wondering why it is specifically the 22nd of February? Well, it is the birthday of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the Scouting and Guiding founder. Coincidentally, his wife, Lady Olave Baden-Powell, shared the same birthday – so this day celebrates her life, too, and what she stood for.
World Thinking Day used to be just Thinking Day – right up until 1999 when at the 30th World Conference, held in Ireland, the word ‘World’ was added to give the day the much-needed global focus. Nowadays, many Scouting and Guiding groups around the world raise money for worthwhile causes – and all the while this annual day is celebrated with a special theme. Past examples included thinking about water and food. But this year the theme is Our World, Our Thriving Future: The environment and global poverty. It does not mean that this is only a theme for the 22nd of February, of course. Instead, it draws attention to the day and encourages people to spend time thinking about how others can be helped.
Different ways of recognising this special day take place around the world. An example in New Zealand involves rangers climbing Mount Eden before it gets light – and the people who attend spend time thinking about how they are going to help others in less fortunate positions than themselves. Some groups are twinned and they spend time thinking about helping each other. Others focus on writing each other postcards or letters.
So, even though World Thinking Day has its roots in the Guiding and Scouting movement, there is no reason why all of us couldn’t spend a bit more time thinking – not just on 22 February but every day. Who knows where a thought might take you?
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The language used by Shakespeare in his plays contains over 17,000 individual words, and approximately 10% of these words are entirely his own invention. Of course, of these there have also been a few that have failed to stand the test of time. Shakespeare’s ‘kickie-wickie’, found in All’s Well that Ends Well, an affectionate name for a wife; ‘discandy’, meaning ‘to dissolve’, in Antony and Cleopatra; and – perhaps least surprisingly – ‘honorificabilitudinatibus’ in Love’s Labour’s Lost, which means ‘the state of being able to achieve honours’, never became widely used and have now faded into oblivion.
However, most of the words which Shakespeare invented around 400 years ago are still to be found everywhere in modern English. His impact on the English language can hardly be overestimated. Melvyn Bragg observes, in The Adventure of English (2003), that: ‘‘The language at that time was in flux: Shakespeare must have made it dizzy […] Shakespeare shoved into bed together words that scarcely knew each other before, had ever even been introduced. […] There were no rules and Shakespeare’s English ran riot.’ Revelling in his linguistic freedom, Shakespeare employed multiple strategies to create new words. These strategies included compounding (as in the case of ‘fancy-free’ and ‘tell-tale’), adding prefixes and suffixes (as in ‘endanger’ and ‘gloomy’), conversion (he converted the adjective ‘happy’ to the noun ‘happies’, and the noun ‘child’ to the verb ‘childed’) and borrowing from other languages (his ‘majestic’ is taken from the French ‘majeste’ meaning ‘grandeur’, his ‘dextrous’ from the Latin ‘dexter’ meaning ‘skilful, and ‘mallecho’ from the Spanish ‘malecho’ meaning ‘evil deed’). Not only did Shakespeare create new words, he also had a significant impact on punctuation and syntax; he helped to standardise the use of the apostrophe, and he introduced innovations with inverted syntax, as in ‘To be or not to be, that is the question’. Furthermore, numerous phrases by Shakespeare remain in common use today, including ‘dead as a doornail’, ‘the game’s afoot’, and ‘mind’s eye’.
In the light of his relatively low level of education, Shakespeare’s impact on the English language is still more extraordinary. He did not go to university. He would have learned Latin at school and church, and probably picked up some French and Italian later in life, whilst living in cosmopolitan London. These languages filtered into his writing, as did the older English words of his early years, like ‘geck’ meaning ‘fool’.
Shakespeare’s vocabulary was vast, even by modern standards: his active vocabulary has been estimated at 21,000 to 30,000+ words, whereas the active vocabulary of the average modern-day adult has been estimated at just 10,000 words (James Milton and Jeanine Treffers-Daller, University of Reading) and that learning new words enhances memory (Richard Restak, George Washington University). Moreover, research by Philip Davis at the University of Liverpool suggests that grappling with Shakespeare’s language can have a beneficial effect on brain activity. He states the following as explantion: ‘The brain reacts to reading a phrase such as ‘he godded me’ from the tragedy of Coriolanus, in a similar way to putting a jigsaw puzzle together. If it is easy to see which pieces slot together, when you become bored of the game, but if the pieces don’t appear to fit, when we know they should, the brain becomes excited. By throwing odd words into seemingly normal sentences, Shakespeare surprises the brain and catches it off guard in a manner that produces a sudden burst of activity – a sense of drama created out of the simplest of things.’
So perhaps it’s time to get stuck into one of Shakespeare’s plays: read it, or better still see and listen to it in performance, and let his words flood into your brain and fire your imagination.
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142 years ago, Alan Alexander Milne, on January 18th, was born. Throughout his life, he got up to a fair bit and was both a playwright and poet. But he’s undoubtedly best remembered for creating that loveable yellow bear we call Winnie the Pooh. And while his honey-loving bear remains the highlight of his legacy, A.A. Milne’s influence stretches beyond the Hundred Acre Wood.
Naturally, in his younger years, A.A. Milne was gifted. Although he was brilliant at maths, his passion was always in writing and making people laugh. Despite attending Trinity College, Oxford and Cambridge University, it was his contributions to magazines that would set him up for future success. His breakthrough into the literary scene came when he served as assistant editor of Punch magazine. Milne had an almost uncanny knack for the whimsical which earned him popularity and this laid the foundation for his later success as a children’s author.
In 1920, Milne published his first children’s book, When We Were Very Young, a collection of poems that captivated young readers and set the stage for his success with Winnie just a few years later.
In 1926, along came the bear that would completely change A.A. Milne’s life, Winnie the Pooh, Inspired by his son and his cuddly toys, the book brought to the world the lovably unforgettable Pooh, as well as his cohort of plushy friends; Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and others. To say that it was a success would be a bit of an understatement, given the fact that these characters are still popular with children and adults alike almost a century later—kids may love Pooh, but once they hit a certain age, Eeyore becomes uncannily relatable. Milne’s blend of humour, insight and melancholy made Winnie the Pooh a timeless classic.
But Milne didn’t stop there. He continued to write novels, plays, and essays. His plays, in particular, were well-received on both sides of the Atlantic, but they never received quite the attention that Pooh did. That would soon become a problem.
A.A. Milne liked to be versatile, and in particular, he enjoyed being a playwright. But as Pooh only got more and more popular, there was a growing demand for more and more stories—and as a result, less and less time for him to focus on what he really wanted to do. So of course, he went and wrote essays and articles detailing his gripes and frustration with being primarily known as a children’s author. He wanted to be known for more than just that bear. Then things got worse.
World War II brought another dimension to Milne’s life. Despite his initial pacifist stance, he served in the British Army, which had a profound impact on him. The experience inspired his wartime writings, including the poignant play The Ivory Door (1941) and the essay collection War with Honour (1940).
In his later years, Milne retreated from the public eye, choosing to spend the last of his years in privacy, writing in his home on Crotchford Farm in Sussex. He passed away on January 31, 1956, leaving behind Pooh and the Hundred Acre Wood to live on for him.
“I suppose that every one of us hopes secretly for immortality; to leave a name behind him which will live forever in this world, whatever he may be doing, himself, in the next.” –Milne on his legacy.
However, speaking of legacy, Milne’s original iteration of the bear entered the public domain recently. It didn’t take long for a new kind of Pooh to hit the mainstream. A.A. Milne isn’t the first author to have their works adapted and changed once they hit the public domain, but generally, intellectual properties, such as Sherlock Holmes, have been handled with the respect and reverence of their original creators, often simply reimagined for contemporary audiences. But in this case, 2023’s Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, upended Milne’s concept into a slasher horror film. When Christopher Robin heads to college, Pooh and Piglet set out on a bloody rampage as they look to eat something else other than honey. Panned by both critics and audiences, that didn’t stop it from earning millions at the box office on a shoestring budget.
It begs the question, with more and more intellectual properties from classic and beloved authors soon to come into the public domain – Disney’s Steamboat Willie is up next for the horror treatment – how will these beloved characters, stories and authors be remembered in the next hundred years? Blood and Honey’s director has recently commented on the potential legal problems for this burgeoning genre, though, so perhaps it will be short-lived.
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Science fiction owes much of its richness to the visionary minds of its pioneering authors. These luminaries not only shaped the trajectory of science fiction but also left an indelible mark on literature, film, and even the real-world discourse surrounding technology. As we embark on this exploration of the genre’s vast galaxies, we’ll delve into the enduring influence of three titans: Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke, and Isaac Asimov. Alongside them stand other giants like Robert A. Heinlein, H.P. Lovecraft, and Ray Bradbury, each contributing unique threads to the complex narrative of speculative fiction.
Philip K. Dick’s impact on science fiction is akin to a mind-bending journey through the labyrinth of reality itself. His exploration of existential and psychological themes transcends mere storytelling, leaving readers questioning the nature of consciousness. Dick’s influence extends far beyond the pages of his novels, as evidenced by the numerous film adaptations of his work. “Blade Runner,” an adaptation of his novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” became a cinematic landmark, shaping the cyberpunk genre and influencing the aesthetic of dystopian futures.
Dick’s ability to intertwine speculative fiction with profound philosophical questions has not only left a lasting mark on the genre but also seeped into the broader cultural consciousness. As discussions about artificial intelligence and the nature of reality continue to evolve, Dick’s ideas remain pertinent, proving that his impact goes beyond the boundaries of traditional science fiction.
Philip K. Dick’s profound influence on the world lies in his exploration of existential and psychological themes within science fiction. His works, delving into the nature of reality and identity, resonate beyond literature, permeating popular culture and challenging conventional perceptions of consciousness. PKD’s influence is evident in the cyberpunk genre and numerous film adaptations, like Blade Runner, which continue to shape discussions on artificial intelligence, dystopia, and the ethical implications of technology. His ability to intertwine speculative fiction with profound philosophical questions has left an enduring impact, inspiring a legacy that transcends genre boundaries and stimulates ongoing contemplation of the human condition.
In the cosmic expanse of science fiction, Arthur C. Clarke stands as a bridge between imagination and scientific vision. His seminal work, 2001: A Space Odyssey, is not merely a novel or a film; it’s a symphony of ideas that reverberated through both the literary and cinematic realms. Clarke’s accurate predictions about satellite communication and geostationary orbits showcase his prescient understanding of technology.
Arthur C. Clarke’s impact on the world is profound, especially in the realms of science and technology. Clarke accurately foresaw technological advancements such as satellite communication and geostationary orbits. His influence extends beyond literature; Clarke’s collaboration with Stanley Kubrick on the film adaptation of 2001 transformed cinematic science fiction. His ideas inspired scientists and engineers, contributing to the development of communication satellites, influencing the Space Race, and fostering a global fascination with space exploration. Clarke’s legacy endures as a visionary who not only predicted the future but also played a role in shaping it.
Isaac Asimov, often regarded as the grand architect of both science fiction and science itself, crafted worlds that seamlessly blended speculative imagination with scientific rigour. His “Foundation” series and “Robot” series are pillars of the genre, exploring themes of psycho-history and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics, introduced in his science fiction stories, have significantly influenced discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) ethics. The laws are designed to ensure robots prioritise human safety and well-being. While not legally binding, they sparked ethical debates in AI development. Engineers and ethicists reference these laws to ponder the ethical implications of autonomous systems.
Asimov’s conceptual framework has inspired real-world guidelines for AI development, emphasising the importance of incorporating ethical considerations and safety measures into the design and deployment of intelligent machines. The Three Laws continue to shape the ethical discourse surrounding AI and robotics, providing a foundation for responsible innovation. His work has never been more relevant.
While exploring the influence of PKD, Clarke, and Asimov, it’s essential to acknowledge the broader constellation of science fiction luminaries. Robert A. Heinlein’s emphasis on hard science and libertarian ideals, H.P. Lovecraft’s pioneering contributions to cosmic horror, and Ray Bradbury’s poetic exploration of societal themes have each enriched the genre in their own unique ways.
Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land and Starship Troopers challenged societal norms, contributing to the genre’s Golden Age. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos not only reshaped horror literature but also left an enduring mark on speculative fiction as a whole. Bradbury’s lyrical prose and exploration of dystopian themes in Fahrenheit 451 continue to resonate for their timeless relevance and emotional impact. Together, these writers form a tapestry of ideas that has shaped the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of science fiction.
As we reflect on the contributions of Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke, and Isaac Asimov, it becomes clear that their influence extends far beyond the boundaries of genre fiction. These titans not only crafted captivating stories but also sparked conversations that transcend the pages of their books.
In the ever-expanding cosmos of speculative fiction, their ideas continue to inspire, challenge, and shape our understanding of the universe, both imagined and real. As we navigate the galaxies of their collective imagination, we find ourselves enriched by the enduring legacy of these literary pioneers and it’s unlikely they’ll be forgotten any time soon. They’ve managed to achieve what many science fiction tales ponder: immortality.
It’s that time of year when – all being well – we can curl up with a good book. It might be that it is snowing like mad outside and the fire is burning quite happily; or, it might be damp and rainy. Whatever the weather, the festive season is a great opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved reading.
If short stories are your thing, Alice Munro’s ‘The Turkey Season’ is a great tale about a 14-year-old getting a job at a turkey factory (the Turkey Barn). Now, this person’s job is as a turkey gutter, which sounds quite yucky. But above all, this is a lovely story about friendship and a young person getting a job in a largely adult environment. If nothing else, it shows readers one of the many things that go on behind the scenes at Christmas time.
Truman Capote’s ‘A Christmas Memory’ is based on his own recollections of Christmas time – and the whole short piece recounts many different things he can remember about the season, from finding Christmas decorations, through to what was eaten for supper. Believe me, there are some strange food stuffs mentioned (well, strange combinations, anyway) but that just goes to show how times have changed – the story was first published in 1956 and Capote’s recollections are from the 1930s.
If you prefer something a little longer, Canadian writer L.M. Montgomery’s stories about Christmas are perfectly quintessential. These stories were written over 100 years ago but some of the traditions within them survive to this day – and you may recognise some of these in your own homes. Taking a trip back in time is sometimes a great way of remembering what Christmas should be all about.
Some of you may prefer much shorter pieces of reading – in this case, poetry. You could dig out some favourite Christmas carols as many of these are poetic in form. Or, how about William Barnes’ ‘A Winter Night’ with the ‘… frost glitt’ring on the ground’?
Christina Rossetti’s ‘Christmas Eve’ – from way back in the 1700s – uses interesting comparisons, such as how it ‘… hath a darkness/Brighter than the blazing noon.’ But if you fancy something more contemporary, Brian Bilston has written a lot of modern, often comical poems about Christmas. And we can’t forget Carol Ann Duffy, who has written many seasonal poems, from ‘Christmas Eve’ to the more solemn ‘The Christmas Truce’. Essentially, there is something to read for everyone, whatever you enjoy.
So, when you feel like getting into the festive mood, relax with a good book.
Last time out, Science Fiction was the theme of my recommended reading, so today’s set fall naturally into the genre of fantasy. The two opposites often have more in common than you might realise. Here are my suggestions for two titles from a couple of the best fantasy authors out there. If you’ve never heard of them, you’ll soon become firm fans.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss stands as a mesmerising and sophisticated fantasy novel, the first in the “Kingkiller Chronicle” series, and has garnered widespread acclaim for its lyrical prose, compelling characters, and depth of its storytelling.
At the heart of the narrative is Kvothe, a gifted young musician, magician, and adventurer who grows up to become a legendary figure in the world of Temerant. The story unfolds as a recounting of Kvothe’s life, framed by his current identity as an innkeeper known as Kote. Rothfuss’s narrative technique allows readers to delve into the intricate layers of Kvothe’s past, from his humble beginnings as an orphaned child to his time at the prestigious University, where he hones his magical abilities and unravels the mysteries of the world.
The Name of the Wind stands out for its beautiful language. The writing is vivid and detailed, creating a lively world for the main character, Kvothe. Rothfuss’s skill with words makes the story enjoyable and shows his deep understanding of storytelling.
Kvothe, the main character, is fascinating and easy to relate to. His journey is a classic tale of growing up, with highs, lows, and the challenges of a world full of magic and intrigue. As Kvothe deals with who he is, faces tough situations, and tries to uncover the truth, readers are pulled into a story that goes beyond typical fantasy tales.
Rothfuss introduces readers to a detailed universe with different cultures, magic systems, and a history that unfolds as you read. The attention to detail makes the story rich and believable, offering a compelling place for readers to explore. The themes in the book are deep and make you think. It touches on storytelling, the quest for knowledge, and the results of the choices we make. The mix of myth and reality, as Kvothe’s legend grows, adds layers to the story, making readers consider how stories shape the world and our own futures. You might not notice, mind, as you are captivated by the wonderful storytelling. For any fans of fantasy, Rothfuss’s book is a testament to the lasting impact of stories, making it a must-read for young minds interested in fantasy and literature. It’s also the first in a series.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson is an epic fantasy masterpiece that offers a captivating and expansive narrative, making it an exceptional read for readers, particularly those aged 14 to 18. As the first book in the ongoing Stormlight Archive series, Sanderson introduces readers to the vast and intricate world of Roshar, filled with compelling characters, intricate magic systems, and richly developed lore.
The novel follows multiple characters, each with their own unique perspectives and challenges. One of the central protagonists is Kaladin Stormblessed, a former soldier betrayed by those he trusted, who finds himself thrust into a world of magical wars and political intrigue. As Kaladin grapples with his own demons and strives to protect those under his care, readers are taken on a journey of resilience, determination, and self-discovery.
Sanderson’s world-building in “The Way of Kings” is nothing short of remarkable. The planet Roshar, with its constant magical storms and diverse ecosystems, feels alive and immersive—and almost criminally close to the realm of science fiction. But Sanderson gets away with it, as he weaves intricate details into every aspect of the world, from the flora and fauna to the societal structures and the enigmatic Shardblades and Shardplate. This meticulous attention to detail enhances the sense of wonder and exploration for readers. One of the defining features of the novel is Sanderson’s innovative and thoroughly well-thought-out magic system, known as ‘Surgebinding’. The use of magical abilities tied to specific orders of the “Knights Radiant” adds depth to the story, and as characters uncover the secrets of this system, readers are treated to a narrative that seamlessly integrates magic into the fabric of the world.
The depth of character development in The Way of Kings is another commendable aspect. Each character undergoes a significant arc, grappling with personal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the weight of their responsibilities. This provides readers with characters who are not only relatable but also multifaceted, who grow and change, and you’re often left wondering just how good and how bad they are.
Brandon Sanderson’s storytelling prowess is on full display in this novel, making it an enthralling introduction to the expansive Stormlight Archive series and a must-read. It’s another long one too, which will keep you occupied. It’s split into two parts, but even they are a hefty 600 pages each.
The Tudor dynasty, which spanned the 15th and 16th centuries, remains one of the most captivating and tumultuous periods in English history. It was a time of sweeping political change, cultural upheaval and infighting for power which forever changed the face of England. And it means the Tudor monarchs, with their stories of love, betrayal and power, continue to fire the minds of history enthusiasts and scholars alike.
The Tudor dynasty began with Henry VII, who had emerged victorious from the Wars of the Roses, a brutal conflict between the rival houses of Lancaster (whose emblem was a red rose) and York (The emblem of York was a white rose. The Tudors thereafter made their own emblem a rose of both colours.) His subsequent marriage to Elizabeth of York united the two houses, symbolising the end of a chaotic period in English history, and his reign would mark the beginning of the Tudor era. The stage was set for the dramatic events that to follow.
One of the most iconic figures of the Tudor dynasty was Henry VIII, whose reign brought about the English Reformation. His desire to annul his marriage to the Catholic Catherine of Aragon led to a break with the Roman Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England. It also led to the dissolution of the monasteries, religious reform, and his six marriages, including, most infamously, to Anne Boleyn. These are just a few of the episodes that make Henry VIII’s reign a compelling chapter in English history.
The story of the Tudors is of course incomplete without the enigmatic Elizabeth I, often referred to as the “Virgin Queen.” Her reign, or Elizabethan Era, lasted 45 years. She oversaw a time of great exploration, artistic flourishing, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Her ability to rule successfully without a husband in what was a highly patriarchal society, her wise counsel, and her passionate speeches have made Elizabeth I one of England’s most celebrated monarchs.
The Tudor era ended to 1603, with Elizabeth’s death. As she had left no direct heirs, there had to be a succession to a new dynasty, which was that of the Stuarts. Thus, James I took the English throne.
The Tudor dynasty is also notable for its bloody nature. It housed continuous, ruthless pursuits of power, with political machinations, courtly rivalries, and grim executions. Figures like Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Anne Boleyn were all caught in the shifting tides of royal favour and power, leading to tragic fates at the block.
Despite all the turmoil, the Tudor period is greatly remembered for its impact on English society, culture, and politics. The flourishing of English literature, with luminaries like William Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser, and Christopher Marlowe, marked the era as a golden age of the English arts. It also witnessed the first voyages of explorers like Sir Walter Raleigh, who played a significant role in expanding England’s colonial influence.
With all its facets, good and ill, the Tudor Dynasty is one that will never fade from the pages of the history books.