A.E. Chandler's Blog: Original History
March 18, 2026
Humourous Historical Fiction - Knights of the Roundish Table
I wanted to share why I wrote Knights of the Roundish Table as humour fiction rather than straight historical fiction, like my previous novel. It may seem a bit backwards, since King Arthur has historically been classified as medieval romance (aka historical adventure) while Robin Hood was originally social satire (aka semi-bitter comedy), but bear with me:
Knights of the Roundish Table is a humour book of historical fantasy stories set in sixth century Britain, centred around an Arthur-adjacent figure, satirizing how legends change as they’re retold across time and cultures. Elements featured in this book that did not exist in sixth century Britain (when Arthur originated) include but are not limited to: knights, castles, castle doorbells, chivalric ideals, courtly love, torcs made of tin foil, the Philosopher’s Stone, dragons, wizards, night club comedians, a female warrior named after fifteenth century phenom Joan of Arc, plate armour, a purple rabbit named Maurice (as far as we know), and turnips.
Some of the jokes feature absurdist humour, because it would have probably been a lot less absurd to sixth century Brythonic Celts, with their penchant for colourful clothing, to embrace something tie-dyed than to see their countryman co-opted as a national hero by the culture that grew from the invaders he fought to repel. Knights and castles, coming over half a millennium later, would have been just as absurd to post-Roman Britons as would pineapples and post offices. (For context, imagine Henry VIII five hundred years ago travelling by private jet instead of sailing ship.) The plot points in Knights of the Roundish Table are post-Roman and medieval, while the occasional joke references something modern. (Unless the Britons really had a plywood castle somewhere – they certainly had wooden hillforts.)
Knights of the Roundish Table points out and spoofs anachronisms that are normally glossed over, while paying tribute to the original and later medieval contributors to the legend. It’s what happens when you not only read Arthurian romances in Middle English, but belly laugh through five out of six seasons of Community. (Darn gas leak season.) Chrétien de Troyes having a random lion appear to befriend Sir Yvain, or T. H. White showing Merlin live backwards, seem on par with Monty Python having cop cars pull up to cart off Arthur’s entourage, or a knight of the roundish table ride around on a sheep with a mop for a mane and a broom for a tail. At the end of the day, though, it’s about the chemistry between the characters. Arthurian tales for centuries have been a mishmash of various time periods and cultures, full of flawed friends with high ideals striving to do their best against the odds – in my view, we may as well embrace the humour in it alongside the heart and history, and enjoy some laughs.
Knights of the Roundish Table is a humour book of historical fantasy stories set in sixth century Britain, centred around an Arthur-adjacent figure, satirizing how legends change as they’re retold across time and cultures. Elements featured in this book that did not exist in sixth century Britain (when Arthur originated) include but are not limited to: knights, castles, castle doorbells, chivalric ideals, courtly love, torcs made of tin foil, the Philosopher’s Stone, dragons, wizards, night club comedians, a female warrior named after fifteenth century phenom Joan of Arc, plate armour, a purple rabbit named Maurice (as far as we know), and turnips.
Some of the jokes feature absurdist humour, because it would have probably been a lot less absurd to sixth century Brythonic Celts, with their penchant for colourful clothing, to embrace something tie-dyed than to see their countryman co-opted as a national hero by the culture that grew from the invaders he fought to repel. Knights and castles, coming over half a millennium later, would have been just as absurd to post-Roman Britons as would pineapples and post offices. (For context, imagine Henry VIII five hundred years ago travelling by private jet instead of sailing ship.) The plot points in Knights of the Roundish Table are post-Roman and medieval, while the occasional joke references something modern. (Unless the Britons really had a plywood castle somewhere – they certainly had wooden hillforts.)
Knights of the Roundish Table points out and spoofs anachronisms that are normally glossed over, while paying tribute to the original and later medieval contributors to the legend. It’s what happens when you not only read Arthurian romances in Middle English, but belly laugh through five out of six seasons of Community. (Darn gas leak season.) Chrétien de Troyes having a random lion appear to befriend Sir Yvain, or T. H. White showing Merlin live backwards, seem on par with Monty Python having cop cars pull up to cart off Arthur’s entourage, or a knight of the roundish table ride around on a sheep with a mop for a mane and a broom for a tail. At the end of the day, though, it’s about the chemistry between the characters. Arthurian tales for centuries have been a mishmash of various time periods and cultures, full of flawed friends with high ideals striving to do their best against the odds – in my view, we may as well embrace the humour in it alongside the heart and history, and enjoy some laughs.
October 14, 2025
Knights of the Roundish Table - Out Now!
My new historical humour book spoofing King Arthur, Knights of the Roundish Table, is out today!
Paperbacks and e-books are available worldwide on Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Chapters/Indigo, Kobo, and Smashwords.
Knights of the Roundish Table combines humour, history, and fantasy in eight connected tales about King Xander, his knights, and Gene of Arc aka the Ultimate Warrior. Together, they must face the worst foes the sixth century has to offer, and fight for the freedom of turnip growers everywhere against the Questing Beast, dragons, and the sinister Green Knight.
Thank you for reading and reviewing this new book - I hope you enjoy!
YouTube book trailer: https://youtu.be/tCzRrzHSKFw
Blog tour stops:
Portobello Book Blog
TripFiction
Brandie June
Paperbacks and e-books are available worldwide on Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Chapters/Indigo, Kobo, and Smashwords.
Knights of the Roundish Table combines humour, history, and fantasy in eight connected tales about King Xander, his knights, and Gene of Arc aka the Ultimate Warrior. Together, they must face the worst foes the sixth century has to offer, and fight for the freedom of turnip growers everywhere against the Questing Beast, dragons, and the sinister Green Knight.
Thank you for reading and reviewing this new book - I hope you enjoy!
YouTube book trailer: https://youtu.be/tCzRrzHSKFw
Blog tour stops:
Portobello Book Blog
TripFiction
Brandie June
August 6, 2025
New Giveaway - Humour & History
Win Personalized Copies of a Hilarious Limited Print Run Humour Zine (plus prize pack)
My Chair is a zine that thinks it's a newspaper (but is actually wildly ridiculous). Come for the journalism, stay for the laughs and pretty photos. The *imaginary* My Chair staff includes an editor, a photographer, and a mousepad (which, okay, may not be entirely imaginary) who are recent university graduates moved just off-campus to pursue their journalistic ambitions and report on important issues, like the weather, cat shows, and the apocalypse. My Chair features full-colour photos and collages, alongside giggle-inducing articles, comics, recipes, and more.
Prize includes:
- personalized copies of The Worldview From My Chair, issues 1 & 2 of this limited print run humour zine in full colour
- Audible code for a free audiobook of the bestselling historical novel The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood
- The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood signed bookmark
Ends August 25, 2025. Open worldwide.
My Chair is a zine that thinks it's a newspaper (but is actually wildly ridiculous). Come for the journalism, stay for the laughs and pretty photos. The *imaginary* My Chair staff includes an editor, a photographer, and a mousepad (which, okay, may not be entirely imaginary) who are recent university graduates moved just off-campus to pursue their journalistic ambitions and report on important issues, like the weather, cat shows, and the apocalypse. My Chair features full-colour photos and collages, alongside giggle-inducing articles, comics, recipes, and more.
Prize includes:
- personalized copies of The Worldview From My Chair, issues 1 & 2 of this limited print run humour zine in full colour
- Audible code for a free audiobook of the bestselling historical novel The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood
- The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood signed bookmark
Ends August 25, 2025. Open worldwide.
August 11, 2024
New Historical Humour Book in the Works
It's been a busy summer, editing my new upcoming book Knights of the Roundish Table.
Where The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood is a historical novel, and Questionable Quizzes is humour, Knights of the Roundish Table will blend both genres.
Knights of the Roundish Table takes inspiration from Arthurian literature throughout the medieval period, and makes history hilarious. The Green Knight, the Questing Beast, and the invading Germanic tribes of the post-Roman period all make appearances. King Xander and his allies face all of these foes and more in their quest to defend Britain, making the land safe for liberty, chivalry, and turnip-growing.
Knights of the Roundish Table will be released in a few months. Check it out and add it to your TBR list if history with humour is your thing.
Where The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood is a historical novel, and Questionable Quizzes is humour, Knights of the Roundish Table will blend both genres.
Knights of the Roundish Table takes inspiration from Arthurian literature throughout the medieval period, and makes history hilarious. The Green Knight, the Questing Beast, and the invading Germanic tribes of the post-Roman period all make appearances. King Xander and his allies face all of these foes and more in their quest to defend Britain, making the land safe for liberty, chivalry, and turnip-growing.
Knights of the Roundish Table will be released in a few months. Check it out and add it to your TBR list if history with humour is your thing.
March 4, 2024
Whitcliffe Common | English Countryside ASMR
https://youtu.be/3gfKAdpN38s
Take a calming ASMR walk through the green woods and along water. Welcome to Shropshire's Whitcliffe Common, beside medieval Ludlow Castle. Enjoy the countryside in England, no matter where you are.
Check out the previous Shropshire videos on the Original History channel.
Want more audio adventures? Check out my Robin Hood audiobook:
https://www.audible.com/pd/B09315YKY1... https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B093139C... https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Scarlet... https://books.apple.com/ca/audiobook/...
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0992053927 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlet-Fore... https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Forest...
You can find out about my other books here: https://aechandler.wixsite.com/author https://www.goodreads.com/aechandler
For I *Heart* Yew clothing, phone cases, face masks, and more inspired by Robin Hood's England, check out:
https://www.zazzle.ca/aechandler* (Canadian site) https://www.zazzle.com/aechandler* (US site)
Take a calming ASMR walk through the green woods and along water. Welcome to Shropshire's Whitcliffe Common, beside medieval Ludlow Castle. Enjoy the countryside in England, no matter where you are.
Check out the previous Shropshire videos on the Original History channel.
Want more audio adventures? Check out my Robin Hood audiobook:
https://www.audible.com/pd/B09315YKY1... https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B093139C... https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Scarlet... https://books.apple.com/ca/audiobook/...
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0992053927 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlet-Fore... https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Forest...
You can find out about my other books here: https://aechandler.wixsite.com/author https://www.goodreads.com/aechandler
For I *Heart* Yew clothing, phone cases, face masks, and more inspired by Robin Hood's England, check out:
https://www.zazzle.ca/aechandler* (Canadian site) https://www.zazzle.com/aechandler* (US site)
December 7, 2023
Richard's Castle - A Hidden Medieval Ruin
https://youtu.be/WwfEAnD3ET8
Medieval historian and author A. E. Chandler explores Richard's Castle. The picturesque ruin sits by the Herefordshire-Shropshire border, hidden in the woods behind a graveyard. Take a tour of this little-known survivor from the Middle Ages, learn about daily castle life, and see this secret hidden gem that few people get to visit.
A. E. Chandler's bestselling historical novel, The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood, is here: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0992053927
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlet-Fore...
https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Forest...
https://www.audible.com/pd/B09315YKY1...
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B093139C...
https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Scarlet...
https://books.apple.com/ca/audiobook/...
You can find out about more books and zines here: https://aechandler.wixsite.com/author
For I Heart Yew clothing, phone cases, face masks, and more inspired by Robin Hood's England, check out: https://www.zazzle.ca/aechandler* (Canadian site)
https://www.zazzle.com/aechandler* (US site)
Medieval historian and author A. E. Chandler explores Richard's Castle. The picturesque ruin sits by the Herefordshire-Shropshire border, hidden in the woods behind a graveyard. Take a tour of this little-known survivor from the Middle Ages, learn about daily castle life, and see this secret hidden gem that few people get to visit.
A. E. Chandler's bestselling historical novel, The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood, is here: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0992053927
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlet-Fore...
https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Forest...
https://www.audible.com/pd/B09315YKY1...
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B093139C...
https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Scarlet...
https://books.apple.com/ca/audiobook/...
You can find out about more books and zines here: https://aechandler.wixsite.com/author
For I Heart Yew clothing, phone cases, face masks, and more inspired by Robin Hood's England, check out: https://www.zazzle.ca/aechandler* (Canadian site)
https://www.zazzle.com/aechandler* (US site)
June 9, 2023
Ludlow Castle - Quick Tour with a Medieval Historian
https://youtu.be/XiZNXgJMS4M
Take a tour through medieval Ludlow Castle with author and historian A. E. Chandler. Henry VIII's brother, Arthur Tudor, and Queen Catherine of Aragon lived in this castle when they were married. See the Crusader chapel, Norman keep, and Whitcliffe Common.
Want to win a copy of Chandler's bestselling historical novel, The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood?
Enter here: https://kingsumo.com/g/oigyae/win-an-...
A. E. Chandler's book The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood is here:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0992053927
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlet-Fore...
https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Forest...
https://www.audible.com/pd/B09315YKY1...
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B093139C...
https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Scarlet...
https://books.apple.com/ca/audiobook/...
You can find out about my other books here:
https://aechandler.wixsite.com/author
https://www.goodreads.com/aechandler
For I *Heart* Yew clothing, phone cases, face masks, and more inspired by Robin Hood's England, check out:
https://www.zazzle.ca/aechandler* (Canadian site)
https://www.zazzle.com/aechandler* (US site)
Take a tour through medieval Ludlow Castle with author and historian A. E. Chandler. Henry VIII's brother, Arthur Tudor, and Queen Catherine of Aragon lived in this castle when they were married. See the Crusader chapel, Norman keep, and Whitcliffe Common.
Want to win a copy of Chandler's bestselling historical novel, The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood?
Enter here: https://kingsumo.com/g/oigyae/win-an-...
A. E. Chandler's book The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood is here:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0992053927
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlet-Fore...
https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Forest...
https://www.audible.com/pd/B09315YKY1...
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B093139C...
https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Scarlet...
https://books.apple.com/ca/audiobook/...
You can find out about my other books here:
https://aechandler.wixsite.com/author
https://www.goodreads.com/aechandler
For I *Heart* Yew clothing, phone cases, face masks, and more inspired by Robin Hood's England, check out:
https://www.zazzle.ca/aechandler* (Canadian site)
https://www.zazzle.com/aechandler* (US site)
March 9, 2023
New Kickstarter Announcement | My Chair Humor Zine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEs4T...
My Chair is a humor zine that thinks it's a newspaper (but is actually wildly ridiculous). Come for the journalism, stay for the laughs and pretty photos. It's similar to The Colbert Report, except it stays away from politics - and of course it's a zine, not a TV show. If we get enough pre-orders to reach the funding goal, My Chair can be published, and could even become a regular zine with multiple issues. You can check out My Chair and all of the rewards for backing the project here: https://kickstarter.com/projects/orig...
My Chair is a humor zine that thinks it's a newspaper (but is actually wildly ridiculous). Come for the journalism, stay for the laughs and pretty photos. It's similar to The Colbert Report, except it stays away from politics - and of course it's a zine, not a TV show. If we get enough pre-orders to reach the funding goal, My Chair can be published, and could even become a regular zine with multiple issues. You can check out My Chair and all of the rewards for backing the project here: https://kickstarter.com/projects/orig...
November 30, 2022
In Sherwood Forest with a Robin Hood Expert
https://youtu.be/sYJsT8bE1c0
Robin Hood author and historian A. E. Chandler tours Sherwood Forest while visiting to sign copies of her bestselling novel for the new visitor centre. Hear about forest law and life, and see an outlaw camp by Major Oak, plus the Great Greenwood Tree from A. E. Chandler's book The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood, which is available here:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0992053927
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlet-Fore...
https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Forest...
https://www.audible.com/pd/B09315YKY1...
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B093139C...
https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Scarlet...
https://books.apple.com/ca/audiobook/...
You can find out about my other books here:
https://aechandler.wixsite.com/author
https://www.goodreads.com/aechandler
For I Heart Yew clothing, phone cases, face masks, and more inspired by Robin Hood's England, check out:
https://www.zazzle.ca/aechandler* (Canadian site)
https://www.zazzle.com/aechandler* (US site)
Robin Hood author and historian A. E. Chandler tours Sherwood Forest while visiting to sign copies of her bestselling novel for the new visitor centre. Hear about forest law and life, and see an outlaw camp by Major Oak, plus the Great Greenwood Tree from A. E. Chandler's book The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood, which is available here:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0992053927
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlet-Fore...
https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Forest...
https://www.audible.com/pd/B09315YKY1...
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B093139C...
https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Scarlet...
https://books.apple.com/ca/audiobook/...
You can find out about my other books here:
https://aechandler.wixsite.com/author
https://www.goodreads.com/aechandler
For I Heart Yew clothing, phone cases, face masks, and more inspired by Robin Hood's England, check out:
https://www.zazzle.ca/aechandler* (Canadian site)
https://www.zazzle.com/aechandler* (US site)
September 29, 2022
Audiobook Giveaway
https://kingsumo.com/g/dznghl/histori...
Right now I'm holding a giveaway for audiobook copies of my historical novel The Scarlet Forest: a Tale of Robin Hood.
"You are invited underneath the great greenwood tree to hear how a young man became a hero, and a hero became a legend. Blending true history with new stories, and some almost forgotten medieval legends, The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood brings a new life to the greenwood. With an academic background in medieval English studies, A. E. Chandler captivates with this unique and nuanced reinterpretation of Robin Hood’s struggles and adventures. The forest is waiting."
The audiobook of The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood is approximately 8.5 hours long, narrated by British actor Joel Benedict, and includes six original songs as well as Joel performing a medieval Robin Hood tune on the lute.
Prize includes:
--audiobook of The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood (US or UK Audible codes only)
--The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood book club questions
--bonus sheet of medieval outlaw bios
You can enter by clicking the contest link above.
Right now I'm holding a giveaway for audiobook copies of my historical novel The Scarlet Forest: a Tale of Robin Hood.
"You are invited underneath the great greenwood tree to hear how a young man became a hero, and a hero became a legend. Blending true history with new stories, and some almost forgotten medieval legends, The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood brings a new life to the greenwood. With an academic background in medieval English studies, A. E. Chandler captivates with this unique and nuanced reinterpretation of Robin Hood’s struggles and adventures. The forest is waiting."
The audiobook of The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood is approximately 8.5 hours long, narrated by British actor Joel Benedict, and includes six original songs as well as Joel performing a medieval Robin Hood tune on the lute.
Prize includes:
--audiobook of The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood (US or UK Audible codes only)
--The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood book club questions
--bonus sheet of medieval outlaw bios
You can enter by clicking the contest link above.
