Daily Archives: 13 February 2012

European Perceptions of Terra Australis – Book Annoucement

A new book which may be of interest to members, especially those in Australia:

European Perceptions of Terra Australis

Edited by Anne M. Scott, University of Western Australia, Alfred Hiatt, Queen Mary, University of London, UK, Claire McIlroy, University of Western Australia, and Christopher Wortham, University of Western Australia.

Hardback, 334 pages, includes 52 b&w illustrations
ISBN: 978-1-4094-2605-9
RRP £65.00

Terra Australis, the southern land, was one of the most widespread concepts in European geography from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, although the notion of a land mass in the Southern seas had been prevalent since classical Antiquity. Through interdisciplinary contributions, ranging across history, the visual arts, literature and popular culture, this volume considers the continuities and discontinuities between the imagined space of Terra Australis and its subsequent manifestation. It will be of interest to, among others, intellectual and cultural historians, literary scholars, historians of cartography, the visual arts, women’s and post-colonial studies.

For more information, including the contents page, bios of the editors, and to read an extract from European Perceptions of Terra Australis please visit the Ashgate web catalogue page: http://www.ashgate.com/isbn/9781409426059.

To order, please visit: www.ashgate.com. Please note that all online orders made via the Ashgate website receive a discount.

Helen Cox – “The Battle of Wakefield Revisited”, and, “Walk Wakefield 1460” – Book Annoucements

Two recent books by Helen Cox on the Battle of Wakefield may be of interest to members:

The Battle of Wakefield Revisited: A Fresh Perspective on Richard of York’s Final Battle, December 1460

Medieval history/non-fiction
Paperback, 140 pages, 16 black-and-white plates, 5 line drawings
Published by Herstory Writing & Interpretation/York Publishing Services, 2010
ISBN 978-0-9565768-0-4
R.R.P. £12.00

The Battle of Wakefield Revisited: A Fresh Perspective on Richard of York’s Final Battle, December 1460 is a full history/re-evaluation of the evidence for the battle.

On 30th December 1460, the veteran warlord Richard of York led his small army to catastrophe at the Battle of Wakefield. Traditionally, York is thought to be a poor commander deservedly mocked in nursery rhyme; or an heroic failure who gallantly attempted to rescue a foraging party or avenge insults to his honour. But The Battle of Wakefield Revisited explores a more convincing explanation, using historical and archaeological evidence to dispel popular misconceptions about York and his ill-fated northern campaign.

Walk Wakefield 1460: A Visitor Guide to Battle-Related Sites

Medieval history/non-fiction
Paperback, 50 pages, 16 colour plates, 8 black-and-white plates, 6 line drawings
Published by Herstory Writing & Interpretation/York Publishing Services, 2011
ISBN 978-0-9565768-1-1
Price: £7.50

Walk Wakefield 1460: A Visitor Guide to Battle-Related Sites gives a potted history/interpretation of the battle through sites associated with it in Wakefield and Worksop.

Five hundred and fifty years ago, Richard, Duke of York attempted to take the crown from his cousin King
Henry VI. The outcome, on 30th December 1460, was one of the most decisive encounters in the Wars of the Roses – the Battle of Wakefield. Walk Wakefield 1460 tells the story of this fateful winter campaign, from its opening skirmish at Worksop to the grisly aftermath in York, through sites connected with the battle. Each section of the concise illustrated guide features a brief history, directions to the sites (including maps), and up-to-date information on opening times and admission charges for visiting:

  • Worksop Priory & Castle
  • Sandal Castle
  • Duke of York’s Monument
  • The Battlefield at Wakefield Green
  • St Mary’s Chantry Chapel
  • Pontefract Castle
  • Micklegate Bar & York City Walls

For further details about the books and author Helen Cox please visit her website: www.helencox-herstorywriting.co.uk.