Matthew Sylvester
KNIGHTS
Rapier and dagger – getting to the point, and why a gentleman should never be without one
Many authors write about sword fights and duels, but often either fail to mention the swords being used, or get the weapons wrong. Often they’ll give a weapon to someone who really shouldn’t be using that sort of weapon, or have it used in the wrong way. This also applies to role-players who take their … Continue reading
Why armour doesn’t work in films and series such as Vikings
No matter now good looking the armour, no matter how historically accurate it is, or isn’t, armour just doesn’t work. There are many examples of armour parting like paper as a sword or axe cuts across the wearer’s abdomen or back in a spray of blood and gore. For years this used to vex me … Continue reading
Warriors: Past to Present – A writer’s reference, and a writing challenge – Part 3 – Yorkist Man at Arms – Battle of Bosworth 1485
The amazing photographer, Thom Atkinson has recently published what he calls ‘Soldiers Inventories’ on his website. These photos are clearly a work of art and show a love for the subject that is sublime. Each piece is laid out as if it were part of a puzzle and every time I look at them, I spot something different, … Continue reading
Warriors: Past to Present – A writer’s reference, and a writing challenge – Part 1 – Huscarl 1066
The amazing photographer, Thom Atkinson has recently published what he calls ‘Soldiers Inventories’ on his website. It’s annoyingly close to a book/documentary that I was putting a pitch together for (although I still shall!) and the photography is gorgeous. This is a fabulous resource for budding authors who want to write either historical fiction, historical … Continue reading
Matthew Sylvester 