I'm reviewing F is for France ...

... by Piu Eatwell.  This is a book that I've had on my shelves for quite a while, and I thought it was about time it moved onto my blog!  Read on ...

According to the cover, this book is a 'curious cabinet of French wonders.'  When you look inside and begin reading the introduction, you will see that the book is further described as 'themed trivia'.  Sorry, but I have to disagree with that!  Yes, it is a book about France, the culture and the French.  So, I accept that the 'theme' bit is totally accurate.  But 'trivia'?  No, I can't let that pass.  

This little book is an examination of the odd little things that I have observed and wondered about as I've been travelling the length and breadth of the country over many years.  So, it is useful that the book is set out in the same format as a dictionary, beginning at A, and working its way through to Z, at the end.  Once you reach the back of the book, there's a helpful set of notes and a bibliography of you want to read more on any one of the many subjects examined in the text.

I found the various trips into history, culture, food, drink and customs absolutely fascinating.  Beginning with 'A is for Absinthe' and also providing a recipe for the said lethal drink, I was immediately perturbed about the rest of the content.  But my fears quickly disappeared as I read about elephants being banned from the beach in Granville and feral kangaroos in a forest west of Paris.  Now I can personally testify to elephants on the Allier - I was there and I saw them!  You can read that post Here if you wish to check it out.  As you move through the alphabet, you come across fascinating little nuggets of information, such as the guillotine being named after an 18th-century opponent of capital punishment.  You must also make sure you check out the sections on cheese and coffee.  You will be surprised by the long-held myths that the author's research busts.  And as for the table on coffee drinking, France is not where you think it should be, and the UK doesn't even get a mention!

This book is a delightful expose of the many eccentricities that make France and the French what and who they are.  The anecdotes and conveyed with wit and intelligence, and I can honestly say that I could not put this book down once I had opened it.  I also found myself nodding enthusiastically at some sections as I recalled memories from my travels and the places I've visited.  A book not to be missed by anyone who has a genuine interest in the country and its people.

Rivers of France ...

… I’m finally picking up my journey along La Loire.  It seems such a long time since I’ve been able to continue this series of posts.  Hopefully you won’t be disappointed with today's destination …

From the city of Blois, in my last post, we meander along the D952 which runs along the north bank of the river.  We follow the valley to the city of Amboise.  The oldest part of the city is on the south bank of the Loire and that’s where I’m taking you today.

With a population of over 12,500 people, the city of Amboise has a significant and very long history.  It also has a beautiful château that originates from the 11^th century.  Chnaged, added to, and improved over time it was eventually confiscated by the monarchy and then extensively rebuilt to suit royal tastes.  Our own Mary Stewart, Queen of Scots, arrived in Ambiose at the age of six in 1548 and remained in the château until 1561, when she returned to Edinburgh to claim her title to the English crown.  But we’ll ignore the stunning building that towers over the river for the moment.  There's somewhere else I want to you to see.

From the bridge that crosses the river right by the château it’s a short walk – five hundred metres - deeper into the old town to Le Clos Lucé.  This was once the residence of Leonardo de Vinci.  The artist was lured to France by Francis 1.  Despite his age, da Vinci travelled to France in 1516.  He was by then sixty-four years old.  The King promised da Vinci the house and the artist lived out the final years of his life in the luxurious surroundings of the manor house until he died in 1519.

Built by Hugues d’Amboise in 1471, the small palace – in comparison with the royal château – is still sumptuous by an artist’s standards.  Leonardo was also in good company as previous inhabitants were as noteworthy as King Charles 8.

Now, the building in its own grounds, is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Leonardo.  You can meander through the artist’s studio, his living quarters, his workshop for his war machines, and the kitchens were his staff toiled to keep the household fed and watered and Leonardo in the style to which the King had set out for him.

As I moved from room to room, from staircase to landing, and window to window I couldn’t help but think about the feet that the passed the same way five hundred years before me.  As I gazed out of the windows at the gardens and grounds below, I couldn’t stop asking myself if da Vinci might have taken inspiration from this or that particular view.

The most fascinating part of a visit to this establishment, are the rooms containing the models of da Vinci’s many war machines.  There is an early form of tank right here!  Not to mention an equally early version of a machine gun along with a wooden bicycle and lots more to discover.

I spent a whole day meandering through Le Clos Lucé.  Which I suppose means I’ll have to come back to take another look at the royal house!  But, as I make my way back to the King's residence I have to call in.  Not to visit the house but to visit da Vinci’s grave which sits in the grounds of the royal château.  Da Vinci died on May 2^nd, 1519.  There is a painting by Ingres that was completed in 1818, depicting the artist on his death bed with Francis 1 at his side.  Did he really in the arms of the King of France?  I genuinely don’t know the true answer to that question.  But, it does kind of seem fitting that he might have done!

If you would like to read the earlier posts in this series, you can find them by clicking the following links :  Rivers of France  La Loire  Digoin  Nevers  Orleans  Blois

Come and join me and ...

... Gianetta Murray, in the fabulous and historic Abbey in Selby on November 22nd.  More details below ...

Authors in the Abbey is the next event for your diary.  There will be numerous authors from in and around Yorkshire.  You can expect a plethora of genres to choose from, and if you wish, you will be able to take home signed copies, too.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm, and both Gianetta and I will be there all day.  

I will have all six of my Jacques Forêt Mysteries with me.  So, if you would like to chat about France, the Cévennes, the stories, or even Jacques himself, please drop by and say hello.  I will also be able to give you the latest info on the next book in the series.

I will be bringing the three fabulous Miss Moonshine anthologies as well.  If you are in need of a feel-good, heart-warming read for the cold winter nights, then these collections of gentle stories will see you through.  They are also ideal for those few moments when the kids are busy, and all you need is a cuppa and a bit of me-time.

Gianetta Murray, (author of A Supernatural Shindig, an anthology and  Moved to Murder, the first in her cosy crime series) will also be at the fair with her books.  I’m sure Gianetta will be only too pleased to chat about how the work on book 2 is shaping up.

In addition, we will have the multi-genre miscellanies of tales from the Seasonal Paths Collection. All four are now available in print and E-format.  We will also have Earth, the first in a new series of anthologies with the elements as a theme.

Once you've filled your bags with books for yourself or gathered stories to use as Christmas presents, please take a moment to appreciate the abbey itself.  This magnificent building has stood in the heart of Selby since 1069.  The building began life as a monastery.  Over the centuries, it has weathered fires, dissolution, decay, rebuilding and changes in structure.  The architecture is primarily Gothic and Romanesque and contains one of the finest examples of medieval stained glass in the whole country, which dates from 1340.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for the sun to be in the right aspect, as I want to get a photo of the Jesse Window when I'm there.

Please join me and Gianetta on November 22nd from 10.00 am at Selby Abbey, The Crescent, YO8 4PU.  It'll be great to see you there... 

 

Come and join me ...

  ... at the Craft Fair in the beautiful village of Kirk Smeaton (WF8 3LB) on October 11th...

This super event will run from 11.00am until 3.00pm and is being held in Saint Peter's church.  It may be a small building, but it dates from the 12th century and has an interesting history.  Have a look at the chancel arch, which is thought to have been constructed around 1160.  There is also a large stone font that is thought to be a little earlier.

The village is listed in the Domesday Book - Domesday being the Middle English spelling of our modern-day title, Doomsday.  Dating from 1086, this incredible piece of ancient documentation can now be accessed online.  Check it out Here.  The book records who owned the land, both before William's invasion and afterwards, and the church is briefly mentioned.

One other little bit of information that might interest you is that the current name of the village originates from Smedetone, which is a composite of two words from Old English.  The first meaning 'smith' and the second meaning 'estate' or 'farm'.  The Kirk, derived from the Old Norse word for church, was added later and is first documented in the 14th century.

And if the history doesn't encourage you to visit on Saturday, then maybe the details of the fair will.

There will be all sorts of stalls. Come and explore the stunning bags and scarves that have been created, or take a look at the table with various knitted goods.  Perhaps you are looking for some early Christmas presents or decorations for the house - check out the relevant stall.  

I will also be there with my books, and perhaps something to read might be the answer to that nagging question about what to get Auntie so-and-so for Christmas this year.

In addition, there will be refreshments available throughout the day, and you can try your luck in the raffle, too.

I can guarantee you a lovely day out in stunning, historic surroundings.  So please drop by and say hello.  Entry to the fair is absolutely free.

October 11th, St Peter's Church, Main Street, Kirk Smeaton, WF8 3LB

Entry to the Fair is FREE