15th century

A humorous look at sailing on a ship in the 15th century.

So you want to go to sea -- Why do you want to explore? -- How would you pay for the voyage? -- How would you prepare your fleet? -- Could you handle a sailing ship? -- Which way would you steer? -- Could you cope on board? -- Would you lose hope? -- Could you survive on shore? -- Would you get home safely? -- Would you make more voyages? -- Would it all be worthwhile?

"If your writing takes you into the England of the Renaissance, you've surely researched the period's sweeping cultural changes. But the Renaissance is a large tapestry, and it is the often-elusive day-to-day details you weave into your work that bring characters, settings and actions to life. You'll find your details here. In a book that's like a telescope through time, Kathy Lynn Emerson takes you to 1485-1649 England, to show you how people lived. You'll discover fashions of the day, including codpieces for men, bodices for women - many items with some assembly required; what people ate, table customs, and the ubiquity of alehouses in the land; family life, the elaborate customs of courtship and marriage, the problems of infidelity; what the Royal Court was like; the litigious society that was Renaissance England - and the punishments meted out; the work, food and discomfort of seafarers engaged in commerce or piracy; causes for celebration - the major religious and secular festivals; life in the cities and the rural areas, and much more."

Princess Elizabeth was imprisoned by her sister in this ancient tower. Later as queen, Elizabeth would find it to be a suitable place to put her own enemies.

The Curator of Historic Royal Places shares his insights into the many residences of the Tudor royal family. Lots of illustrations here, including floor and ground plans, and insights into the court's etiquette, hygiene, religion, government, cooking and interior decoration, as well as their preferred sports.