New Historical Fiction Books

New Historical Fiction Book Writers Group

2008-05-15T02:13:00.000-07:00

Here is where we all meet to discuss market trends, book revues etc

ENJOY !!!

http://newhistoricalfictionwritersgroup.blogspot.com/

A sister website for this blog

2008-05-13T23:56:00.000-07:00

Complete with a picture of Michael Fane appearing before Judge George Jeffreys we invite you to visit http://www.newhistoricalfictionbooks.co.uk/

There you find pages for Authors to add content about their own publications. I hope you like it.

The Black Box and 'ctabuk'

2008-05-12T06:08:00.001-07:00

http://theblackboxbyctabuk.blogspot.com/

Here is what webnauts and I discussed today

Where to Buy 'The Adventures of Michael Fane'

2008-05-01T03:31:00.000-07:00

Because the novel is selling world wide the best bet is to simply search the title on line and see the best prices available. Hand signed copies are available - just e-mail me at ctabuk@operamail.com

That takes you to the weblog and from there you can contact me directly.

Or you can copy and paste that e-mail address.

A History Book Forum

2008-05-01T02:44:00.000-07:00

http://newhistoricalbookwritersforum.blogspot.com/

Michael Fane

2008-04-28T04:43:00.000-07:00

Now has his own blog!!
http://michaelfane.blogspot.com/

So as Michael becomes famous you can reach him here!!

'The Adventures of Michael Fane' by David Castle and why to read it

2008-04-24T01:58:00.000-07:00

When I wrote 'The Adventures of Michael FaneI had the original by the wonderful W.Bourne Cooke very much in mind. The copy I worked from had been given to my Grandfather at Ducklington Sunday School in February 1900. As a child I read it, as a teenager I read it. Although penned in 'Olde English' with all the 'betwixts' 'while ever anon's' I found the story line just so fascinating. I asked my wife Leslie to read it, and she gave up! Which is totally unlike her, but the story did take a long time to get to the 'nitty gritty'.
If I read an original James Bond book I know the story line will be set back in the 20's and I know that a few days reading will be required. Yet when the Movie is watched it takes maybe two hours to view. And that is how I write 'The Michael Fane' series.

No over elaborations, no stopping to take in the views, or to describe a meal being eaten or the ingredients. Just a simple 'We ate and discussed the day' followed most likely by a sword fight!

I write as per a film script, I'll take you from St Malo's Port to Holland in a few seconds - I will not describe each judder of the ship, or the tides or how pretty the sunset is. I write 'adventure', the characters have almost become part of my daily life - I introduced Hans Van Den Bos as real character, his 'swagger' is based on the wonderful writings of Michael Moorcock and his character 'Huillam D'Averc' - I am lucky enough to post with Michael in his forum and I am learning a great deal more there.
Indeed I base some of my format on the 'Chronicles of Count Brass'. Michael takes you from one adventure to another in the 'blink of an eye' - I think that is important.

The hero Michael Fane is a very naive young man, his Father Gilbert spent no time in teaching Michael the 'ways of the world' - he knew nothing of making love, so in the final few pages his comrade 'Captain Blood' introduces him to two beautiful girls from the Isle of Corsica and Michael has the time of his life!!

Michael is a 'natural born swordsman' he learns quickly, first he is taught by William Derbyshire, then by Daniel Defoe who was a 'Soldier of Fortune' at the time of the Monmouth Rebellion he then meets with the wonderful character 'Simon Lovelock'. Simon himself had been taught by O'Carroll, an Irishman who hails from the village of 'Swords' - I could not believe my good fortune when I researched Ireland and found that village name!
The sword 'Churchill' is a specially adapted Rapier that enables the quillions and crossguard to slip down the blade allowing the swordsman to switch hands if one arm becomes injured. I own two Soligen Eepees and I got the idea from them!

In book 3 to be published later this year (2009) Michael discovers why William Duke of Orange had him deliver a special package to King Louis XIV as part of the trade for the life of James Duke of Monmouth who was in all probabilty the real 'Man in the Iron Mask'.

The story reveals King Louis's fascination with the occult and if any of you doubt the existence of 'Excalibur' then if you search hard enough you will find that Richard the Lionheart owned the 'damaged beyond repair' haft and pommel of the famed sword and traded it for lands in Brittany much to his Father's (Henry II) annoyance.

'Captain Blood's Pirates' is released during the summer of 2009

Here is a passage from the new book
‘The’ Royal weapons of ‘Good and Evil’ – Excalibur (Caledfwich) was in fact the sword of evil, given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake after he broke his own sword whilst fighting King Cunedda. Arthur had sworn a curse upon Cunedda and had fled to the lake where the sword awaited him; he returned to where King Cunedda was bewitched under Arthur’s curse and cleaved him in two. The other was the blade known as Caladbolg - often referred to as ‘The sword in the Stone’. Excalibur was in fact not Caladbolg.

As you can see, I try to paint a different version of Arthur and those people who have read the draft find my research 'most interesting'!

Monmouth Arrival June 1685

2008-04-23T05:11:00.000-07:00

Taken from 'The Black Box' by William Cook - The arrival of James Duke of Monmouth at Lyme Regis - June 1685.

There was an air of expectation as we strolled down to the Cod, the womenfolk were chattering in every doorway, while every man we came across was hurrying seaward. “What is the news? I asked one who had sped from behind us. “News? You mean you don’t know? Three ships, three black ships”. “What of it?” I cried. He kept running away from us and did not look back. We arrived at the Cod which is the windward side of the bay we call the Cobb, there were three strange foreign vessels – one, by the rig of her, a frigate, though she showed no guns, the other two were small merchantmen. Now I knew why there was so much excitement, none of the three ships were flying colours. The crowds by now were heaving with excited townsfolk; children were running everywhere trying to get height advantage. The deputy searcher of customs Master Samuel Dassel, who I knew well, handed me his telescope, “What think you Michael, Dutch or French”? I looked out to sea, “Dutch I feel, why is the Navy not patrolling?”
“Aye, never here when you need them” he replied. Will laughed, “My father is in the fleet” a wry smile followed. “Wait” said Dassel, and he reached for his telescope, which I quickly gave back; five long boats laden with men were seen making their way towards shore. At first they seemed to be making for the Cobb itself, but passing that by they swung round to the west of it and headed straight for the shore. On seeing this the whole throng of people were up on their feet and crunching their way through the shingle. Men, women, children, young and old were there all eyes towards the sea. The local militia began beating their drums, almost in time with the oars of the boats. I could see a tall gentleman standing in the rear of the lead boat, resplendent in a pure silk orange tunic and a large hat complete with a ostrich or some similar large birds plumage also dyed in orange. The crowd began chanting “A Monmouth - A Monmouth Liberty! The Protestant Religion” The shout was echoed all over the town. Will said in my ear ”Join in Michael or they will turn on us”. After the last shout had died away a voice that sounded like a crying child could be heard “Traitors! Treason!” Looking around I saw the Town Mayor one Master Gregory Alford speeding to town as fast as his fat legs would carry him. The drums and the local militia had also sped into Lyme, Monmouth had chosen well. The oarsmen skillfully turned the boat around so that the Duke would be the first to land.

It was plain to see on his handsome face how touched the Duke was by these joyous acclamations. Doffing his hat he bowed both long and graciously; and then he raised his hand for silence, a sudden hush fell on the eager throng before him.
“Dear friends”, said he in a voice that rang out clear and sweet upon the stillness “I thank you more than words can say for this joyous home coming. As you know I have been long exiled from this the Country that I love. Dear People this is not the time or place for speech making, but as for the reason for my coming, to rid the Throne of the backside of the Stuart King James and that has clearly been echoed by you all here. I am Monmouth, your Monmouth, the champion of the Protestant religion, son of your beloved King Charles and now Your King”. A shout went up of “Monmouth our Monmouth our beloved King”. A women, well advanced in years ran through the crowd, across the shingle and kneeling in the lapping tide caught up his hand and kissed it, the Duke lent down and embraced her and kissed her cheek. He climbed from the boat and knelt in the surf, he was joined by two ministers who climbed out from the boat. “Let us pray”.

We bowed our heads and learnt how a great army was to be formed here in Dorset and how the evil ‘so called’ King James II would be de-throned and denounced and how God was on their side. I thought that ironic, as he would be on our side as well.

My eyes were drawn to one of the clergymen. He was tall and bony, with a face that ill accorded with his garb, being sharp and crafty and, as I found out when he turned it suddenly towards the glowing sky, blotched scarlet with king’s evil. A tousled wig hung down upon his forehead, and beneath it two small villainous eyes went to and fro as if on wires. Throughout the prayer he never ceased to rub his bony hands together like one who was washing. I did not know the man but hated him on sight.

The prayers ended and the Duke unsheathed his sword and holding it towards the sky, said, “I draw this weapon in the cause of liberty and true religion and may God bless the work before us”. A loud “Amen” filled the air. One of Monmouth’s followers unfurled their green flag emblazoned with the words ‘Fear Nothing but God’ and marched in double file into the town.

I saw one of Monmouth’s soldiers busily cleaning salt water from his musket, while his friends unloaded the munitions from the boats, I smiled and greeted him. ”Greeting’s friend welcome to Lyme, pray tell me as I intend to sign up this very day and fight the good cause may I ask which of the two officers next to the Duke you would suggest I sign up with?” “And mighty welcome you will be Sir, you see the gentleman on his Majesty’s left? That is Lord Grey of Wark of whom I know little, but Master Fletcher of Saltoun on his right is well schooled in carnal warfare and is a God fearing man too, he’s my choice”. “And pray tell who are the ministers?” –“The round faced one is Master Hooke, the Duke’s private chaplain, now the tall gaunt gentleman”, he hushed “That Sir is Doctor Robert Ferguson, chaplain to Monmouth’s army, and a terror to all workers of iniquity.” “What Ferguson the plotter?” I cried, his face darkened and he raised his musket to his waist, as if getting ready to use it. “Your tongue wags free for one so young, no he is Ferguson the Godley.” He gave me another glowering look and rejoined his comrades.
I found Will, who was mentally counting the number of troops coming ashore “Will” as we were alone ”Is it not a good time to leave?” –“Yes Michael, lets to our horses.” We strolled up to the Ship Inn, which was heaving with trade; I would have to save my plans on seeing Jenny until a later date. We arrived at the stables only to find two men about to lead our horses out. Will drew his sword, a long and slender rapier, I had never seen the like, and he let the tip rest on the first man’s Adam’s apple “Now friend, what are you doing with my mare?” The man was obviously taken aback, “It’s for the cause, we have been ordered to take every horse in the town and for miles around, so stand aside or I’ll call my captain”, Will laughed, “You’ll have a hard job calling with your tongue resting neatly on your chest, watch carefully Arthur, as I enjoy this.” I had guessed the subterfuge so I joined in “Yes Kenneth, but this time I want to see it waggle.” Both men dropped their reins and stepped backwards. I drew one of my pistols and covered them whilst Will relieved them of their weapons, he ordered them to turn round and using one of their pistols rendered both of them unconscious with a single sharp blow to their skulls, we covered them with hay and made good our escape.

“You think quickly Michael, well done, I must remember to call you Lieutenant Fane, but I find myself liking you.” –“Thank you Sir, remind me never to answer you back, I have never seen such boldness, would you have sliced him if he tried anything?” “Of course.”
We rode back to Lord Feversham’s camp and I was called to his lordships tent alone. Upon entering the tent I noted a distinct change in his demeanor, “Lieutenant Fane”, he faltered, “No Michael, I have grave news, your Father has been murdered.”

copyright William Cook

A Forum For Historical Fiction writers

2008-04-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Highly recommended
http://www.historicalfiction.org

New UK Book Blogs

2008-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you have written a book either fiction or non fiction with historic details then you may list them and their links on this blog.

2008-04-22T04:14:00.000-07:00

http://

The Black Box by William Cook

2008-04-22T00:14:00.000-07:00

This is a new Historical Fiction Book written by a new author William Cook. The book is based on the writings of W.Bourne Cooke in his book of the same title 'The Black Box'. W.Bourne Cooke died in 1935 and the author has used the 'Death of Author' 70 years on clause in copyright.
The main character Michael Fane remains the same, but any other similarities are soon lost! In the original Michael Fane is also sentenced to death at the hands of Judge George Jeffreys but is reprieved in the final chapter. In this version Michael is sentenced to death by the method used during the 'Bloody Assize' 'Stumped and Pitched' a brutal sentence given only in matters of treason. In the new version Michael is rescued by a new character Captain William Derbyshire and together they flee the Civil War and join Prince William of Orange and begin the building of an army that eventually invades England in the 'Glorious Revolution'.
In W.Bourne Cooke's original there is a passing reference to 'Concerning one Dan Foe'. Daniel Defoe as he later became by deed poll was indeed a 'soldier of fortune' during the failed attempt by James Duke of Monmouth and the doomed Battle of Sedgemoor. The new book features Daniel Defoe as a main player in the story. He and William Derbyshire teach Michael the art of swordplay.
Another new character Peter Blood who, depending on your historical viewpoint was a real live Doctor who after being sentenced to deportation by the same Judge Jeffreys and was played by Errol Flynn in the Holywood film 'Captain Blood'. Most historians would claim that the character Captain Blood was actually based on the real pirate Henry Morgan, but with the clever use of the Pirates ship 'The Sea Hawk' then Michael serves with the pirate and together they rescue James Duke of Monmouth from the clutches of King Louise X1V where the Duke has been placed in the famous tale of 'The Man in the Iron Mask'. Indeed history supports this as King James 11 would not have been allowed to execute the fated Duke by order of the Pope.
There are several 'real life' villians that Michael encounters the first being Robert Ferguson one of the 'ring leaders' in the failed attempt to assassinate James 11 in the famed 'Rye House Plot'. The other being Colonel Percy Kirke the infamous 'Butcher of Sedgemoor'.
The 'Black Box' itself is known to have existed and held the forged documents of marriage between King Charles and his lover Lucy Walters. They did indeed have a male child believed to James Duke of Monmouth. The fact that King Charles groomed Monmouth for warefare and gave him the title of Duke of Monmouth supports this.

The book itself is a rivotting tale of deceipt and bloodshed, although the publishers Diggory Press could have done a better job on the actual format of the works. Yet it still provides one of the best tales of that period. The follow up books three and four will be far better formatted and include the characters of O'Carroll and Simon Lovelock. O'Carroll although historically was not living during that time was in fact the greatest ever living swordsman and the use of the sword 'Churchill' is very much in keeping. In book three the story branches out into Arthurian legend, indeed in such a clever fashion that you will find yourself asking the question 'does this make more common sense than any other version ever written'.
The Black Box by William Cook is available here http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1846857201/ref=nosim/bookbutlercom-20