Voices From the Civil War

Two new books just arrived, research fodder for a class paper I’m writing on archaeological excavations done at Johnson’s Island military prison. The Johnson’s Island site covers a 16.5-acre Civil War-era military prison camp on…

Used Books and a DVD

I was looking to kill time after a dinner out with my teenager, waiting for traffic to die down, and as we were sort of in the neighborhood I suggested we go to BookOff. It’s…

“Becket” vs. Becket

I found this book on the free books shelves at my local library, where they set out books that have languished unwanted at the monthly book fair through several cycles. I’m familiar with the historical…

Academic Update

Last week I started a FutureLearn course on the Tudors. FutureLearn, by the way, is by far the best platform I’ve experienced for online learning, with a stable, easy-to-use user interface, well-organized course modules, fantastic…

Julius Caesar at The Old Globe

I took the family to see Julius Caesar at The Old Globe. The show was part of The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, so the performers were MFA candidates….

History vs. History Plays

How many people, I wonder, become interested in history through history plays, films, novels, or TV shows? My older son, who was an avid Hamilton fan years before the show came to town, credits his…

The Importance of Being Exton

I’ve seen a half-dozen productions of Richard II both live and (mostly) on DVD, and in most the knight Piers Exton, Richard’s killer, is swapped out for or combined with another character, most often Aumerle….