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Tag Archives: history of technology
The Medieval Engineers of Islam
Many of my historical projects have delved into the technology of the Middle Ages, and it’s a topic I enjoy researching. I am always discovering cool things–sometimes things I’m not, alas, in a position to use. One fantastic example is … Continue reading
Posted in history, medieval, medieval technology, technology
Tagged al Jazari, Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Devices, historical technology, history, history of technology, inventions, Islam, Islamic engineering, Islamic technology, medieval engineering, medieval history, medieval Islam, medieval technology, Muslim engineer, Religion
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Automata of the Middle Ages
This topic is one of the interesting intersections between my medieval research and my current research into Chinese technology. Some of the earliest known automated figures are clock jacks–figures that come out and do something when a clock strikes a … Continue reading
Religious Influence on Medical Care, A Historical Perspective
A couple of recent court cases and the advent of recent changes to health insurance law have brought the issue of who controls the patient’s access to health care into the public mind, particularly in relation to religious freedom. Should … Continue reading
Handgun Control in Medieval Japan
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a nice exhibit of Japanese arms and armor. Toward the end of the exhibit hung two very elegant matchlock guns dating to the Edo period (the 17th century). A small accompanying sign stated … Continue reading
Posted in guns, history, medieval, medieval technology, technology
Tagged guns, handguns, history, history of technology, Japan, Japanese history, medieval, medieval warfare, research
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Review: Songs for a Machine Age
Songs for a Machine Age by Heather McDougal My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book is a delightful journey through an unusual fantasy world where machines and magic co-exist. While I didn’t find the heroine initially engaging, her talent … Continue reading
Posted in book reviews, books, fantasy, fiction, medieval technology, Uncategorized
Tagged author, books, character, fantasy, fiction, history of technology, protagonist
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Deleted Scenes and Settings: St. Catherine’s Oratory, Chale, Isle of Wight
Every so often in my research I come upon a place or an idea so compelling that I must learn more. Some of these places eventually become scenes, and some of those scenes, alas, end up on the cutting room floor. … Continue reading
Bilbo Baggins’ Bathrobe: an example of poor world-building
Like many of you, I am excited to see the new film(s) based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. I’ve been following its production from a distance, and was interested to read the Wall Street Journal review of the … Continue reading
Posted in essays, fantasy, history, medieval, medieval technology, movies, research, worldbuilding
Tagged Bilbo Baggins, fantasy, history, history of technology, Peter Jackson, textile history, textiles, The Hobbit, The Hobbit Film, Tolkien
40 Comments
Review: The Man Who Loved China: Joseph Needham & the Making of a Masterpiece
The Man Who Loved China: Joseph Needham & the Making of a Masterpiece by Simon Winchester My rating: 5 of 5 stars A thoroughly entertaining background to the creation of one of the world’s great series on the history of … Continue reading
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