Historic Fiction's topics - tribe.net

Top 5 Historic Fiction Movies

2009-09-29T03:51:25Z

Seems like there has been a rash of historic fiction movies of late, some good, some bad. But, historically speaking, which are your favorites.

I loved:
Master and Commander
Gladiator
I, Claudius (though it was a miniseries and not a movie)
Emma
Braveheart

posted in Historic Fiction - 29 replies

Favorite Historic Fiction Novels?

2009-09-29T02:50:46Z

There are many, but I have to say my all time favorite is still I, Claudius by Robert Graves, followed closely by Here be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman.

posted in Historic Fiction - 67 replies

The good and bad of it.

2008-02-02T06:32:33Z

THE YEAR 1907

This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!
The year is 1907.
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some of the U.S. Statistics for the Year 1907:
************************************

The average life expectancy in the U.S. Was 47 years old.

Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. Had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

A three-minute call from Denver to New York City
Cost eleven dollars.

There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S. , and only 144 miles of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more
Heavily populated than California

With a mere 1.4 million people, California was only the 21st
Most populous state in the Union

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower !

The average wage in the U.S. Was 22 Cents per hour.

The average U.S. Worker made between $200 and $400 per year.

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist made $2,500 per year,
A veterinarian $1,500 per year,
And a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. Took place at HOME.

Ninety percent of all U.S. Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which
Were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard."

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used
Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from
Entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death in the U.S. Were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.
Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and
Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet.

The population of Las Vegas , Nevada , was only 30!!!!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea
Hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 U.S. Adults couldn't read or write.

Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over
The counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists
Said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind,
Regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian
Of health."

There were about 230 reported Murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.!

Now I sent it to you and others all over the United States ,
Possibly the world, in a matter of just Seconds !!!!!!!!!

PASS THIS ALONG!!!!!

Just Try to imagine.....
What it may be like
In another 100 years !!!!!!!

IT STAGGERS THE MIND!

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies

Anyone know any good books about Marie-Antoinette?

2007-08-07T18:08:48Z

Hi everyone

I absolutely loved Versailles palace when I went to Paris on my honemoon so i decided to watch the recent film featuring Kirsten Dunst. Of course I'm now inspired to seek out some good novels about her.

I have just found 'The Mirror Makers' by Clare Colvin at the library (it's about the court of Louis XIV - I"ll let you know if it's any good), but I can't find any based in Marie Antoinette's era so far...

any recommnedations would be appreciated :-)

thanks!!!

Rach XXX

posted in Historic Fiction - 3 replies

Just what is "historic Fiction"?

2007-07-31T19:36:20Z

Just how far back in time does an author have to go to write an historic fiction? I guess another way of asking this question is just where is the dividing line between contemporary fiction and historic fiction?

posted in Historic Fiction - 3 replies

Outlander Series By Diana Gabaldon

2007-07-17T14:00:02Z

Who has read these books and what do you think of them? I was bowled over by them. I have read three, so far. I believe that there are six. I hear that there will be a movie starring Paul Bettany and Kiera Knightly as the lead characters. I don't see Kiera Knightly in that role. She's too young and too pretty. What do you think?

posted in Historic Fiction - 6 replies

Inés of My Soul

2007-06-01T17:39:09Z

My wife gave me this book. Wow, what a great read. I'm on my way out to get her version of Zorro!

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies

300?

2007-04-23T14:38:34Z

Anybody see this yet? How historic is it, considering that it takes advantage of Herodotus, who, to me was a bit like the ancient Greek National Enquirer? I hear they did a pretty good job doing the Spartan code of honor, etc. Granted it is based on a comic book visually, with monsters, etc., but the previews look fun.

posted in Historic Fiction - 2 replies

Research for your historic fiction

2007-01-04T18:10:25Z

I have come across an excellent web page for research information, especially if you are writing about President Polk's Manifest Destiny and the westward migration that swept across the country. The web page is: http://www.over-land.com/diaries.html There are a large number of complete diaries and letters on this page.

There is a non-profit organization which I belong. It is excellent as they hold national conventions, have local chapters, and publish a newsletter. The organization is O.C.T.A. which stands for the Oregon-California Trail Association. This organization is into the preservation of the old trails, marking the trails, and preserving the diaries of the pioneers. Their web page is http://www.octa-trails.org

I hope this will help you in your writing and your interest in the western frontier.

Bart

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies

Golden Dreams Chapter One - The Future is Bleak

2007-01-04T04:44:03Z

July 30, 1846
Portsmouth, Virginia

A queer thing happened today, the bank president, Mr. Luke Johnson, paid papa a visit in the corn fields. This afternoon there was much tension between mother and papa. Adena Barton.

Chapter 1
The Future is Bleak

Adena Barton's golden blonde hair glistened in the summer morning sun. Her boots making a click-clacking sound as she made her way along the wooden walkway. Her pace quickened as she approached the bank, hoping that Mr. Johnson wouldn't see her. At fourteen, she was the last young woman in her class not to have a gentleman caller. She knew Luke wanted to call on her but she wanted nothing to do with him.

Suddenly, Luke Johnson, a portly man, in his late thirties, stepped from the bank just as she reached the doorway. "Good morning, Adena. Isn't it a lovely day?"

She feigned a smile to be polite. "Mornin', Mr. Johnson."

Luke smiled as he looked over her shapely young body as if he were judging cattle. "Don't you look nice this morning......my, my, haven't you grown up to become a fine woman."

How she detested this man! He made her skin crawl, and the way he was looking at her! She swore he was undressing her with his eyes. Yes, he was very wealthy, but something about him told her that he made his money in ways other than legal.

"Thank you," she replied softly.

"Is your father in town?" Luke asked as he looked up and down the near empty street, seeing only Jessie Barton, her uncle, stepping from the telegraph office.

"No, Mr. Johnson. Just my mother and my younger sister, Allison. Everybody else is back at the farm."

Luke took a gold watch from his vest pocket and checked the time. "I just need to have a talk with your father."

"Papa, William, and Eric are working the lower corn field today," Adena replied then went on her way.

Luke watched her for some time until she disappeared into the Mercantile. “I'd like to make her mine sometime,” Luke told himself as he went back into the bank.

Moments later, the bank's heavy wooden doors swung open, breaking the silence in the bank as Jessie Barton entered the building. His excitement was only exceeded by the news he was carrying. He glanced over the shoulder of the skinny, white-haired teller looking for the president. Not seeing him, he asked, "Where's Mr. Johnson?"

"Right here," Luke replied stepping from the storeroom. He took his seat behind the polished oak flat top desk and leaned back in the hardwood swivel chair. "What are you all hot and bothered about?"

"The news we've been waiting just arrived a few minutes ago," Jessie said. He looked around and only the teller was in the building. "Can he be trusted?"

"Al, take a break," Luke told the teller.

"Thanks, I'll be across the street at Mary's Bakery."

"That will be fine. Be back in about half an hour," Luke instructed and when Al left the bank and closed the door, he asked, "What's up?"

"Senator Lawson was right,” Jessie said excitedly. “The War Department will be constructing some kind of a Navy base not far from here. Maybe more than one base. He wired me the information."

"Let me see the telegram. I want to read it myself," Luke said looking up at Jessie.

Taking the folded yellow paper from his pocket he handed it to Luke. He unfolded the telegram and read the message aloud.

"President Polk signed the Military bill last night. Stop. Two naval bases will be built one in Portsmouth and the other in Norfolk. Stop. War Department will start buying land in your area within 6 months. Stop. I expect you and Luke to keep our deal quiet. Stop. Will visit you in 3 months for a progress report. Stop."

"That is great news! Better than we expected! We're going to have move fast before the news leaks out," Luke said as he returned the telegram to Jessie. "What about Frank? Will your brother sell?"

Jessie shook his head. "I've been working on him. He's stubborn. He hasn't budged an inch. Kinda hoped you just might have an idea or two."

"I do. Been thinking 'bout Frank for sometime now," Luke said taking out a cigar. He clips the tip off, studied it for a moment, lit the tip, and took in a deep breath. He blew out the match with the exhaled smoke. "Your brother is in the rears five months on the mortgage on that farm, maybe more. The bank can rightfully foreclose."

"Do it," Jessie said without hesitation in a soft, but firm voice. "Then I'll take the farm off the bank's hands for next to nothing."

"Hmmmm......Two cents on the dollar sounds like a fair price to me," Luke offered.

"Deal," Jessie agreed. Both men laughed heartily and shook hands. "When are you going to tell him the good news?"

"This afternoon. He's working in the corn field. I'm goin' to be fair with him, I'll give him thirty days to pay off the mortgage and the seed loan. Got to see the Judge first an' make this legal and all."

"Good. This evening Frank and the family are coming over for supper. I can't wait to see him squirm and beg me for help.” He paused as he thought what was about to happen and said in a soft tone, “Finally, that farm will be mine."

"Just long enough to sell it to the War Department for top dollar," Luke said. "You'd better be going. I've got a lot of work to do. You’d better go out the back, Adena and Sarah are in town."

In less than twenty minutes, Luke was standing in front of the elderly Judge. He had no difficulty getting Judge Parker to sign the foreclosure papers on the Barton's farm. While he was in the Judge's chambers, he had the judge sign the papers to foreclose on several other farms in the Portsmouth area.

He mounted his gray horse and headed towards Frank Barton's farm. His was light hearted and cheerful as he went by farms he planned on foreclosing within the next few months. All this land was going to be his, then the government's. He was going to be richer than his wildest dreams.

Two hours later Luke had reached the Barton place. Just as Adena had told him in the morning, he'd found Frank and his two sons pulling weeds and tilling the soil. This was of little use as the corn was undeveloped and the soil was dry. He dismounted and wiped the perspiration from his brow.

"How do Frank? Kind of hot today," Luke said.

"It is," Frank agreed. "What brings ya out this way?"

Luke surveyed the sad state of the crops before answering. "This is far worse than I imagined. Yes sir, much worse. We need to talk."

"So talk. Figure it must be might important or ya wouldn't be paying me a visit."

Luke nodded. "It is. The bank needs a payment from ya right soon. Y'all 'bout half year behind on yer payments. We've been patient this long 'cause yer pa and I were friends."

"Plannin' to come in an' gettin' settled up when we harvest this crop."

"Yer dreaming Frank, that ain't goin' to happen," Luke stooped down and picked up some dry dirt. He let the sand-like soil sift through his fingers before continuing. "Look at this field....just look at it! This crop is dead. There ain't going to be a harvest come this fall. No sir, yer dreaming Frank. Not to mention yer other fields, they are in the same condition.....or worse. No sir, it ain't goin' to happen. No harvest this year."

Frank swallowed hard. "All I need is two, maybe three good storms an' this crop will come back."

"Yer dreaming again, Frank, many of these plants don't even have silk let alone husks. If the storms do come, ya may get 'nough to feed the family but nothing to take to market. This crop is beyond help."

There was a long silence. Frank didn't know what to say. He knew in his heart that Luke was right. It hurt to admit that fact.

"It's clear to me that y'all won’t be able to make yer payment. I’ve got to protect the bank’s interest. No sense in beatin' round the bush. The bank is calling the note due and payable," Luke said as he took the court document from his pocket and handed it to Frank. "We'll give ya to the first of the month to pay off the mortgage and I think that is being more than fair."

Frank took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "We ain't got that kind of money and you know that Luke. No farmer does until the harvest is sold."

"Then there's the matter of the seed loan. The bank wants that money too….by the first of the month."

"The seed loan ain't due until after the harvest," Frank reminded him.

"Harvest?" Luke laughed. "Who's goin' to harvest this dead corn?” Luke’s voice suddenly became deadly firm, “The money is due at the first of the month or the farm will belong to the bank."

"This farm was my pa's an' I ain't givin' it up without a fight!" Frank said loudly. His voice drifted across the quiet field for his sons to hear.

"There ain't goin' to be a fight. Look at the paper work, Judge Parker already signed the foreclosure note. If ya don't pay, the Sheriff will take ya off the bank's land, by force if necessary. It's all legal like."

"Get off my land!" Frank ordered at the top of his lungs.

Luke mounted his horse. "I'm leaving for now. This land won't be yours much longer, if ya don't pay up by the first of the month, this worthless farm will be the bank's."

Eric and William arrived just as Luke rode off.

"What was that all about pa?" Eric asked.

"Nothing," Frank told his eldest son in a whisper.

"Must have something important fer ya to yell at him. 'Sides, it ain't like Mr. Johnson to get his fat ass out of the bank," William said as he took off his straw hat and wiped his brow.

"Yeah," Eric agreed with his younger brother.

"It was nothing, I said," Frank snapped. "It's time to head in and get cleaned up if we're goin' to Jessie's place fer supper."

The three men walked slowly deep in thought. Eric sensed there was a serious problem but he'd learned in his 23 years that in due time the problem would come to the surface. The run-down house they called home came into view.

Seeing the men folk coming, Sarah stepped onto the porch joining her daughter, Adena. "Thought y'all forgot 'bout goin' to yer brother's place."

"Wouldn't do that," Frank replied. "Too hot out there, so we quit early."

Adena smiled proudly. "I finished making the preserves. I even made a pie with the left over berries."

"Jessie does like your huckleberry pie," Frank told her as he flopped down in the worn sofa.

"Now boys I want ya to get cleaned up," Sarah instructed. "And put your Sunday-goin'-to-church-clothes."

William wrinkled his nose. "Do I have to take a bath too?"

"Do ya want to smell like ya been in the barn all day?"

"'Pose not, ma," William replied.

"We'll all bathe in the creek," Frank said. "Go get yer clean clothes and a towel."

When the boys went into their room, Sarah asked, "Did Luke Johnson find you? Adena told me that he wanted to talk to you."

Frank went to the window and looked out at the large oak tree. He remembered his grandfather planting that tree when he was a young boy.

Frank lowered his head. "Ya, he did."

"What did he want?" she asked.

He didn't answer. He thought about how he grew up in this very house. His children were born in the same bedroom he came into the world. He looked out at the family grave yard. The tombstones of his parents seemed to jump out at him.

"What did he want?" Sarah repeated her question.

"It was nothing," Frank said without turning around.

"It ain't like Luke to leave the bank. I'm sure he didn't want to talk about the weather."

Frank turned around quickly and yelled, "I said it ain't nothin'."

"Y'all tell me when ya think the time is right," Sarah sighed.

The two boys came out wearing only their drawers and boots. Frank hurriedly undressed down to his underwear.

"The water should be cool, goin' to feel mighty fine," Eric said.

"Race ya," William challenged and ran towards the creek with Eric not far behind. Frank was last as he walked towards the creek with a heavy heart.

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies

My historic writing in the old west genre

2007-01-03T16:36:43Z

I will be posting one chapter at a time of my manuscript I call "Golden Dreams". This title may change as it is a "working title" This is in the old west genre and the story is fiction, but losely based upon the life of my great-great grandfather's life. The primary plot and story line is why they left the comforts of the east coast, the trip across country in a wagon train, the hardships and incidents they faced on the trail, and the discovery of gold on the property they homesteaded. I discovered the basis of this story while doing my family tree. I learned that I enjoy doing the research as much as I do the writing. My research encluded family letters, diaries of pioneers, visiting museums, going to the Oregon Trail Historic Interpative Center in Baker City, Oregon, and following and camping along both the California and Oregon trails. I atempted to make my writing as accurate as possible while mixing my fiction with events that actually occured on the trail.

posted in Historic Fiction - 1 reply

Historical Romance

2006-11-20T09:17:22Z

Anyone write with a romantic slant?
Best!
Christina
www.christafairchild.com

posted in Historic Fiction - 4 replies

new Titles/summer reading?

2006-07-05T17:17:27Z

Was wondering if anyone is reading anything new or interesting to share?

I just finished reading Fallen Angels and The Alchemist Daughter and am now reading Malinche...

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies

historyonics

2006-05-23T03:37:58Z

i cant spell the name of this show but it on the history ch. and is a real hoot

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies

Ram Rebellion

2006-04-19T00:48:13Z

1634: The Ram Rebellion (Assiti Shards)
I think this is out now, has anyone read it. Is it as good as 1634?
Patrick

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies

does anyone know

2005-12-01T00:18:54Z

Dose anyone know how close 1633 and 1634 are to the truth and are there any more books like those out there?

Patrick

posted in Historic Fiction - 2 replies

Stage reading next month (SF bay area)

2005-11-27T02:50:04Z

It's fiction, and it's historic, but you won't find it in a library or a bookstore. There will be a public stage reading of a play I've written next month at the Magic Theatre in San Francisco.

It's about the intertwined marriages at the heart of the 'second wave' of Pre-Raphaelite artists in Victorian England: the Rossettis, the Morrises, and the Burne-Joneses- as told from the perspective of Burne-Jones' wife and biographer, Georgiana.

The details are in the Events calendar, or you can contact me directly for further info. Those in town this December 5th are invited to attend!

Sincerely yours,

Ignacio
ignaciointerface.blogspot.com

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies

Currently Reading?

2005-11-27T00:56:47Z

I just picked up The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd. A huge tome. I read his Sarum, which was pretty good.

posted in Historic Fiction - 9 replies

New Novel of Ancient Rome

2005-11-18T22:07:26Z

Here’s something that might interest anyone in the mood for a new novel of ancient Rome. I'm the author of this new series, so I'm doing what I can to get the word out about it.

"Sand of the Arena," Book One of the new Gladiators of the Empire series, has just been released by McBooks Press and is now available in bookstores and at Amazon.com .

"Sand of the Arena" is a realistic look at life and death in the ludi and arenas of the Empire in the 1st Century AD. The story follows the life of Quintus Honorius Romanus as he struggles to overcome the loss of his family and the loss of his identity to a scheming slave. The epic adventure that follows sends Quintus across the Empire in search of a new life and a new family. He finds both in the gladiatorial schools and arenas of Britannia, Pompeii, and Rome. Set during Nero’s turbulent reign, "Sand of the Arena" is a tale of graphic arena battles, devotion, friendship, and vengeance.

Reviews have been positive and the book has received a great deal of praise from other ancient world authors, such as John Maddox Roberts (“…an exciting, thrilling novel… an extraordinary knowledge of the world of the Roman arena…”) and Nicolas Nicastro (“…an action-packed, head spinning ride… his affection for his gladiators shines through on every page..”).

For more information, and to view a :30-second video trailer on the book and listen to audio excerpts, visit: www.GladiatorsOfTheEmpire.com .

Thanks so much for your interest.

James Duffy
Author
Sand of the Arena: A Gladiators of the Empire Novel

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies

Neal Stephenson

2005-08-23T14:18:45Z

I was captivated by his book, Cryptonomicon. It had all the qualities of an interesting story, good plot and WWII. I have quite a library of WWII in the making. It took me a long time to get the courage to buy any books about the war as I remember the McCarthy hearings and what that did to a lot of lives. Cryptonomicon takes place in WWII and present day. Good mix of characters. Then he comes out with a new series of books called "The Baroque Cycle. I have already finished "Quicksilver" and have started on "Confusion". It deals with the ancestors of Waterhouse and Shaftoe that were in Cryptonomicon. Makes it very entertaining. But then I always liked epic movies and epic books. The longer the better. My son-in-law turned me on to Neal and I have enjoyed his books.

posted in Historic Fiction - 6 replies

Join my new tribe on food history

2004-12-18T11:09:46Z

For any writers of historical fiction, or anyone who has an interest in food history, join my new tribe: http://foodhistory.tribe.net/

Please excuse the voluminous cross-posting.

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies

JOHN ADAMS

2004-11-10T15:21:52Z

Hello All,

I am a big John Adams fan and like to argue that he is the true founder of our country. In my excitement I started a "John Adams" tribe and am inviting anyone who shares my enthusiam or maybe who disdains our second President to join the tribe.

Hope to see you there!
Martin

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies

Soviet Union fiction

2004-06-15T23:26:50Z

Does anyone know of some good fiction about the Stalin or Kruschev years?

posted in Historic Fiction - 3 replies

Historic Fiction Society

2004-05-18T21:45:57Z

Great resource. Anyone else a member?
http://www.historicalnovelsociety.org/

They have a quarterly and semi-annual magazine and hold a couple of yearly conferences. One in England and next year they will have one in Salt Lake City.

If you are a writer you can post information about your book. If you are a reader, you can read about all the upcoming work by a wide swath of historic fiction writers.

posted in Historic Fiction - 0 replies