The author sprinkles little-known details about the era throughout novel. Did you learn anything new? What surprised you?
During the Renaissance era, science, medicine, and magic overlapped so people where astounded by these accidental discoveries in science and attributed them to “magic acts.”
What surprised me was parchment and vellum came from two different sources of animal hides. Goats and sheep provided parchment while oxen or aurochs (extinct species of wild cattle) were used for vellum.
I can’t remember exactly what the little details were now, but I liked them because they helped me stay grounded. Being new to fantasy, I sometimes have trouble suspending disbelief, so these historical tidbits were a helpful reality check!
.I agree Ann H. I had no idea that parchment and vellum, that I use in my paper crafting, was sourced through animal hides
I appreciated the times he reminded the reader not to look upon the past with disdain, but with humility. He says “demons” or “germs and viruses”–it doesn’t matter what you call it, the effect and treatment is the same. He also says future generations will look upon our generation as primitive. It’s a good reminder not to judge our past selves based on what we know today.
Sacher admits he got his facts from Great Courses. These are terrific learning tools but can be limited and for me does not replace doing research. For example, Sacher states that the oldest library still in existence is Bibliotheca Capitolare in Verona. This is not true without a qualification. This is the oldest WESTERN library. But there is a library in Fez, Morocco and another in Egypt that are much older. I appreciate when we recognize and value other cultures, instead of only viewing a Western viewpoint.
1 Like