Tag Archives: medieval history

Quote Du Jour: Revolution, Architecture, and the Law

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: The most important consequence of the Papal Revolution was that it introduced into Western history the experience of revolution itself. In contrast to the older view of secular history as a process of decay, there was introduced a … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, History, Law | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

NYC Notes, Part 3: The Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: One of my favorite places during my New York City trip last month was The Cloisters, a medieval art museum run by the The Met located in northern Manhattan. Nestled in a sprawling park that abuts Washington Heights … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, History, Photography, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Architecture Du Jour

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: Bayeux Cathedral, France. Source. Click on the image to enlarge.

Posted in Architecture | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Quote Du Jour

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: The mortality in Siena began in May. It was a cruel and horrible thing…It seemed that almost everyone became stupefied seeing the pain. It is impossible for the human tongue to recount the awful truth. Indeed, one who … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy and Religion | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Quote Du Jour

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: If a horse or other cattle is elf-shot, take docks seed and Scottish wax and let a man sing twelve masses over them and put holy water on the horse or cattle. Have the herbs always with you. … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Philosophy and Religion | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Art Du Jour

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: Click on the image to enlarge. “The Battle of the Milvian Bridge” by Giulio Romano. A key moment in Constantine’s conversion to Christianity, it can be said to mark the beginning of the end of the ancient … Continue reading →

Posted in Art | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

How The War On Drugs Is Like The Medieval Crusades

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: I semi-enjoyed this newish Teaching Company series on the history of the medieval Crusades. I hesitate to fully endorse it because, while I think Daileader’s 3-part, 72-episode series on the Middle Ages (all of which are on sale now) … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Economics | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Village Du Jour

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: Fredrikstad, Norway Related Sir Barken Hyena points out that this design, shaped to deflect artillery, is basically what the medieval castle evolved into in response to the development of the canon.

Posted in Architecture | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Carolingian Minuscule and Modern Writing

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: In the 8th century, Charlemagne, the ruler of the Carolingian empire, had a problem on his hands. Over the centuries, scribes had made so many mistakes when copying the Bible and other texts of the Church fathers … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books Publishing and Writing | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

The Law Rock

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: From 930 until 1262, medieval Icelanders lived in a society with no national government — no king, no army, no taxes. Hell, there wasn’t much local government either. The basic unit of organization was the family farmstead. There … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Law, Politics and Economics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments