Some Book Giveaways!

I just wanted to give people a head's up that there are some giveaways of my books taking place. Small Review and Ruby's Reads are hosting a historical fantasy month ( I KNOW! Awesome idea, yes?)

There is a giveaway here of  your choice of any one Theodosia or Nathaniel Fludd book, so a good opportunity to round out the series.

And there is a chance to win a Grave Mercy ARC here.

(There is also a terrific deconstruction of the Grave Mercy cover here, in case you're interested.)

Good luck!

More Maps

One of the things I love so much about these early maps is that they weren't just directions from Point A to Point B. The maps themselves were intricately illustrated and often reflected the worldview of the time. I love this Ebstorf map.

This kind of map is called a mappa mundi, which is a medieval map of the world. This one was made on a number of stitched together goatskins. I am especially fond of the detail at the top and bottom of the map, (warning: large image!) as well as the left and right sides. You can see the head and feet and hands of God as he holds up the world--a reflection of the science of the time.

For Budding Cartographers!

One the things I thought would be fun here is to occasionally post pictures of the various elements that inspired me in the writing of my books. As I researched the Nathaniel Fludd books, I became fascinated with all the different maps that man has made over the years. Here is a picture of the world's oldest map:

It is Babylonian, and you can read more about it HERE on Wikipedia.