Wisdom Stories
A student once asked anthropologist Margaret Mead, “What is the earliest sign of civilization?” The student expected her to say a clay pot, a grinding stone, or maybe a weapon. Margaret Mead thought for a moment, then she said, “A healed femur.” A femur is the longest...
Book Review
The Christmas Season of Goodwill is nearly upon us, and you might be thinking about a good read to give to someone as a gift. Imagine you are standing in Barnes & Noble or Waterstones choosing a book for some you don’t know particularly well. Your brief is merely,...
Book Review
Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe marked the beginning of what we now call ‘historical fiction’ First published in 1820 In three volumes (subtitled A Romance), Ivanhoe was an instant success. The entire first printing of 10,000 copies sold out in less than two weeks. In...
Book Review
‘Success rests on an effective combination of historical accuracy, breathing life into history, dramatic plots, emotional engagement, accessible writing and food for thought. The top 10 historical fiction authors have mastered each of these ingredients.’ The...
