Tag Archives: History

Intermission: The witch Isobel Gowdie

Posted on April 19, 2020 by Brian Bixby

I thank so many of you readers for following the tale of Tollon, the Magician’s Apprentice, for the last thirty days. If you haven’t been reading it, the entire story can be found here. If you have been reading it, know … Continue reading →

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Four against the beasts in Chapter 15 of As the Wyrm Tyrns

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Brian Bixby

Our band of heroic (or at least temperamental) magicians have a goal, “Finding the wyrms’ lair,” in chapter 15 of As the Wyrm Tyrns. And wouldn’t you know, it’s the scholarly Calpurnia that sets them in the right direction. Or maybe … Continue reading →

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Inspiration in a letter from the past

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Brian Bixby

Just today I stumbled across a letter I had long forgotten, a letter I wrote my parents on their 39th wedding anniversary. That was over 23 years ago. They saved it.♥ There was one passage that explains a lot about … Continue reading →

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The parting of ways

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Brian Bixby

Back a while ago, I mentioned that I was going to be teaching some history courses and set up a blog called Sillyhistory to cover material related to those courses. Well, I’m broadening the scope of Sillyhistory to cover all … Continue reading →

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Going historical, going pirate, adding a blog

Posted on August 17, 2014 by Brian Bixby

As some of you know, I have a string of degrees, some even in related subjects, to follow my name when I bother to use them. (I rarely bother, though when I’m feeling snooty, I sometimes insist on being called … Continue reading →

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Freedom of the blog

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Brian Bixby

It was on this date in 1735 that a jury, in contravention to established law, acquitted Peter Zenger of libel against the colonial governor of New York, on the grounds that the so-called libels were actually true. It’s a celebrated … Continue reading →

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It is good to be the king

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Brian Bixby

Today’s the 37th birthday of the heir to the throne of Sweden (Happy birthday, Vicky!) and tomorrow’s the 329th anniversary of execution of the would-be heir to the British throne, the Duke of Monmouth. Americans are rather ignorant of monarchies, … Continue reading →

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For love of maps

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Brian Bixby

I grew up a map fiend. No, this is not a statement of my spiritual status, but instead a proclamation of an abiding interest in maps. When I was a kid, we got many maps through National Geographic Magazine, which tended … Continue reading →

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Visiting where Shakers conducted businesses sacred and secular

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Brian Bixby

Those of you who have been following this blog for a while know about my interest in the Shakers, a religious group that worshiped a godhead with male and female aspects, and practiced celibacy and communal living while awaiting the … Continue reading →

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Chapter 13 of Prophecies and Penalties

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Brian Bixby

Emily Fisher may have a clue that points to Alex Bancroft, the Prophesied One, as the killer of High Councilor Stephen Nash. So she’s less that thrilled to run into Alex before she’s had a chance to investigate further. It turns … Continue reading →

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