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| "History, anyone? anyone? Ben Stein from Ferris Bueller's Day Off * |
I snoozed through history class in high school. WWII was remotely interesting when Mr. Quessenberry brought in military uniforms (at that point, I had no foresight that I would join the military).
Many years later, I love history as romance brings it alive. History provides the external conflict that produces the chivalrous hero, the determined heroine, and the inspiring backdrops where the HEA unfolds.
November 17 provides us two important dates that shaped the British monarchy ....
... in 1292, John Balliol was "selected" as King of Scotland (it's a bit complicated .... read more at this link.) But King John was weak under the overlording King Edward of England. King John surrendered to King Edward and ignited the Scottish Wars of Independence.
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| King John of Scotland paying homage to King Edward of England. |
... in 1558, Queen Mary of England died and her half sister, Elizabeth, ascended to the throne. The new queen reinstated her father's Protestant reforms, launched global exploration, and watched arts flourish. Read more at this link.
I cannot take credit for being a walking encyclopedia. I often use Wikipedia to find out what happened "on this date in history."
In honor of history, I am giving away a special gift my mother brought back from her summer "hols" in the UK - a 2011 calendar from Highgrove, Prince Charles' personal home. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about history - what interests you? what bores you?
2. This giveaway is open to all readers.
3. Comments are open through Monday, November 21, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 22.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
Yes! This is a great truth. I learned almost everythign I know about the Civil War through Heather Graham's historicals. :D There's nothing like historical fiction to bring history alive.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
It is sad to say I really am not a good history reference. The upside is I have a husband and three sons who apparently paid attention in class and can quote any historical reference needed. It is never too late to learn but not sure I will.
ReplyDeleteI love history -- any time period. My father loved history and passed his loved of history on to me. Plus when I read historical romance I learn a lot also.
ReplyDeleteHistory bores me to tears. I hated it in school but I can pass any class when I want to.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy hearing about the actual people, about traditions, places. I hate dates and statistics and hearing only the view of the "winners."
ReplyDeletecatslady
All history is fascinating but it's easiest to absorb through historical fiction and then check facts. Few professional historians are writers, and it's a penance to wade through their dry collection of facts.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoyed history in school. I especially like reading stories about the Civil War.
ReplyDeleteI don't want just a list of facts & dates. It's the people in history that fascinate. The interaction, the choices made.
ReplyDeleteI like when history is brought to life. I also find studies about history repeating itself fascinating.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
I always found history to be dry and uninteresting, probably because of the way it was taught to me. I've never been able to remember dates - and never will! I enjoy the bits of history that you share with us, Kim
ReplyDeleteI have to say I've always loved History but I actually learned more history from reading my Historical romance books then I did in school.
ReplyDeleteI love Scottish history, the Civil War and the people. It's just so amazing to me what these people from our past accomplished and how we got to today.
Carol L
Lucky4750
love LOVE history! only thing in school i like, and now i watch all the a & e and bio
ReplyDeleteI was/still am so bored with history class. YAWN. Because of my utter apathy with history, why do I really love historical fiction stories?
ReplyDeleteHow people lived their everyday lives interests me. Memorizing facts and dates about wars bores me.
ReplyDeletemce1011 AT aol DOT com