G'day everyone. I found you all when searching for DNB info on Donald of Mar, and up popped your essay on the best of friends.
I have an hons degree in history specialising in medieval studies (thesis entitled "The Chronicle of Jean de Venette and the Crisis of France 1356-60"). After that, I began reading up on Scottish medieval history and the de Brus family, which of course led me into English waters and a soft spot for Edward II.
I'm not writing any books or screenplays (wish I were because the period is so rich!!) but I enjoy trawling through PRO (Public Records Office) volumes and Scots Peerage in the Library and putting bits and pieces of research together of people I am interested in.
Re books mentioned on threads: 'The Greatest Traitor' was sent to me by a friend and I couldn't put it down - sets the standard for popular history books, I think, and I was SO excited to read each page. I am not keen on Alison Weir because she is appallingly inaccurate, and I wouldn't bother her for anything important, or anything really. Aryeh Nusbacher's book on 'The Battle of Bannockburn 1314' should have been better than it was given his background as a military historian, and I wouldn't spend my money twice.
A writer of this period I like is Michael Prestwich who has written so much on 'the Edwards', and with a light hand for an academic. I have his 'Edward I' and '' Armies and Warfare in the Middle Ages' which latter leaves Nusbacher for dead. Ah so many books, so little time.
Subject: G'day everyone. 
Tue May 27, 2008 7:42 pm
I love Donald.
