Lee Swanson's Blog
May 10, 2019
Christina's Emotionality
A reader recently asked me why Christina has such extreme mood swings, "Is she bipolar?" she asked.
Well, it very well could be. Just because the physicians of the middle ages dismissed emotional/mental illnesses among women as a lack of balance among their humours, a consequence of their inherent hot and emotional nature, or their inherent sinfulness, it doesn't mean that the same conditions that are routinely diagnosed today weren't suffered in the 14th century as well.
Throughout “No Man’s Chattel,” Christina experienced several traumatic events that, even in isolation, would have heightened her emotionality. Living in a constant fear of discovery would have created tremendous stress. Losing one close family member is terrible, but having the deaths of her sister, brother (apparently), and father, all within a single month’s time could have reduced her to the point of a complete nervous breakdown. Could the fact she assumed an alternative persona have helped her to cope with these tragedies?
Although Ziesolf provides invaluable assistance in helping her adjust to the practicalities of her new life, the decisions she makes as a Hanseatic merchant are hers alone. Therefore, she can take singular credit for her triumphs as well as enjoy the consequent happiness derived from her successes. On the other hand, when her plans go awry, she blames herself. Consequently, it seems plausible that, as the plot unfolds, her mood would change accordingly.
An inherent part of Christina's personality is that she does not tolerate fools or bullies. Either of these makes her see red and causes her to often act, usually without thinking. Perhaps this is also a reflection of her immaturity. Will she act in a more measured fashion as she ages into her further adventures? Only time will tell.
Well, it very well could be. Just because the physicians of the middle ages dismissed emotional/mental illnesses among women as a lack of balance among their humours, a consequence of their inherent hot and emotional nature, or their inherent sinfulness, it doesn't mean that the same conditions that are routinely diagnosed today weren't suffered in the 14th century as well.
Throughout “No Man’s Chattel,” Christina experienced several traumatic events that, even in isolation, would have heightened her emotionality. Living in a constant fear of discovery would have created tremendous stress. Losing one close family member is terrible, but having the deaths of her sister, brother (apparently), and father, all within a single month’s time could have reduced her to the point of a complete nervous breakdown. Could the fact she assumed an alternative persona have helped her to cope with these tragedies?
Although Ziesolf provides invaluable assistance in helping her adjust to the practicalities of her new life, the decisions she makes as a Hanseatic merchant are hers alone. Therefore, she can take singular credit for her triumphs as well as enjoy the consequent happiness derived from her successes. On the other hand, when her plans go awry, she blames herself. Consequently, it seems plausible that, as the plot unfolds, her mood would change accordingly.
An inherent part of Christina's personality is that she does not tolerate fools or bullies. Either of these makes her see red and causes her to often act, usually without thinking. Perhaps this is also a reflection of her immaturity. Will she act in a more measured fashion as she ages into her further adventures? Only time will tell.
April 9, 2019
Cost of Medieval Fabric
Many readers already know the price of textiles in the Middle Ages was very high, making the purchase of even a modest tunic made from woolen broadcloth a considerable expense. But did you know the cost of certain dyes could even exceed that of the cloth?
Particularly expensive was fine woolen broadcloth colored with the dye called kermes, which was produced with the crushed bodies of female insects of the same name. Imagine having the unenviable task of separating the males from the females?
One source claims that a length of such cloth in London in the early 14th century would have cost as much as a master mason would have earned in two years, nearly four times what the cloth would have cost had it been dyed with woad!
Particularly expensive was fine woolen broadcloth colored with the dye called kermes, which was produced with the crushed bodies of female insects of the same name. Imagine having the unenviable task of separating the males from the females?
One source claims that a length of such cloth in London in the early 14th century would have cost as much as a master mason would have earned in two years, nearly four times what the cloth would have cost had it been dyed with woad!
April 3, 2019
The New Hall in Bruges
Just incorporated the Bruges' New Hall (Water Hall) into my next novel, "Her Perilous Game." It must have been a jaw-dropping experience for a 14th century merchant to actually bring their goods inside a warehouse on a boat. It certainly makes an impression on our heroine, Christina. Although the structure (sadly) no longer exists, Bruges' fantastic museum, the Historium is located on the site. If you go there, be sure to do the virtual reality tour of medieval Bruges, its definitely worth the price!
