In Rome in 1650 the streets are teeming as thousands of pilgrims flood in for the Holy Jubilee. But behind the gilded facade of the Vatican, power is unravelling. Donna Olimpia Maidalchini has long kept Pope Innocent X under her thumb, but as loyalties shift, her enemies close in. And her most dangerous opponents may […]
Historia’s books of the year for 2019
Whether you prefer reading historical fiction or non-fiction (or both, why not?), we hope you’ll find something to surprise, delight or intrigue you in this round-up of books featured in Historia during 2019. So if you’re looking for a Christmas present for a history lover or a good read for the long winter nights, have […]
Historia interviews: Matthew Plampin
This is the third of Historia’s interviews with writers shortlisted for the 2019 HWA Crown awards. Matthew Plampin is the author of Mrs Whistler, which is shortlisted for the HWA Gold Crown. It tells the story of Maud Franklin, model, muse and madame of James McNeill Whistler and would-be artist in her own right. How […]
Mrs Whistler by Matthew Plampin
Chelsea, 1876. Struggling artist Jimmy Whistler is at war with his patron. Denied full payment, he and muse Maud Franklin face ruin. As Jimmy’s enemies mount, he resolves to sue a famous critic for libel, in a last-ditch attempt to ward off the bailiffs. Although she has no position in society, Maud is expected to […]
History at the Magpie
History at the Magpie is a monthly panel event with a social buzz for lovers of books, history and good beer. It’s a chance to get together with fellow readers and authors to hear about the best new historical writing, then discuss it all over a drink afterwards. Note our new venue this month – […]
Writing Mrs Whistler
Author and art historian, Matthew Plampin, on Whistler’s mysterious muse. Mrs Whistler started with the art. I’ve been fascinated by the paintings of James McNeill Whistler for as long as I can remember. At the time he was working, artists of the avant-garde were being grouped together, as Pre-Raphaelites, for example, or Impressionists, or Symbolists. […]