Scribbling in the margins

Sakura, the Japanese word for cherry blossom, is very short lived. It occurs in the spring, usually late March. This period marks a Japanes...

I have long had a love affair with Italy and enjoy reading novels set in either Ancient Rome or Renaissance Italy. I was in Rome for a ...

The Trotula is one of the best sources of information about 'conditions' for women in the middle ages. It is thought by histori...

For weeks I have resisted The Next Big Thing because my publisher did not want me to talk about my book in too far in advance of publicati...

As Christmas approaches it is time to review four of my favourite historical novels of this year. I have chosen four that are set in the se...

In the December drawing of the Julian Work Calendar the nimble little figures that labour month by month are flailing, winnowing and taking...

Lagos is one of the prettiest, relaxed ports on the Algarve. Some time ago I had bid on the rental of a gorgeous five bedroomed villa to su...