Patrick G. Cox

An interesting book has come my way which addresses some of the issues social welfare is supposed to address. It is an area that is of interest to me ever since I began to research the society that pertained in Britain, and London in particular, in the first half of the 19th Century (see Limehouse Boys). If one's only knowledge of that period comes from the classic novels of Jane Austin, the Bronte sisters or Dickens, it can come as something of a shock to discover just how large the gap between the wealthy…

“Welcome to my little soiree, my friends. Tonight I have a cautionary tale to tell, a story of pride, ambition — hubris if you prefer — which has dire consequences for the participants. It may even have consequences for you, my guests.” 

“Are you all comfortable? Perhaps you would like Igor to provide something to relax the tension of anticipation? A little light restraint perhaps, for the gentleman at the rear? No? Then let us begin. Our story takes us to an ancient, sun baked land. A land of mountains,…

“Good evening.  I am Wolfgang, Count von Überwaldburg, Vicomte Grabstein and Graf von Wolfswald. Welcome to my Crypt for another little soiree. Some of you young ladies may wish to divest yourselves of those thick neck scarves. In the warmth of this cosy dungeon, you may find it uncomfortably warm. I can assure you there is no need to attempt to conceal the graceful sweep of your jugular, Madam, I have already feasted, and this evening I am quite satisfied - sated in fact.” 

The haughty face softened in a…

The Count von Überwaldburg wishes to make a complaint ...

Schloss Überwaldburg
Überwaldburg
Bad Grabstein

Frau Dr Woodhouse
Director-General
Ünterwaldisch Commission for Equal Rights 
Anti-Discrimination Division
Bad Jujuheimer


Ünterwald



Sehr geehrte Frau Direktorin,

I write pursuant to the stated policy of the government to, I quote, ‘create a culture of equality in which all citizens may live, irrespective of race, creed or culture’. The document I have before me, forwarded by a helpful slave serf peasant…

A Gothic Tale

Welcome to the Schloss Überwaldburg. I am Wolfgang, Count von Überwaldburg, Vicomte Wolfswald und Graf von Grabstein, your host. The estimable Mr King suggested I host this little soiree, and share some of the horrors pleasures, of the Schloss. I cannot, of course, reveal all - it might overwhelm some more sensitive souls, so I shall share a simple, and, perhaps, cautionary tale of recent date with you.

It began, as these things often do, as a simple dare between friends. In their ignorance…

Being an author is an interesting, and sometimes challenging, mix. You're constantly having to juggle ideas for your next book(s), identify the research, market your existing catalogue and find space to actually write something. This is true whether you're published by a 'traditional' publisher, or an 'independent'. It is up to the author to make sure the story hangs together, that the background research is sound, and, of course, the written word is going to hold your reader's attention. I find that once…

Reading historical novels is enjoyable, but I often find myself wondering whether I'd like to return to the "good old days". The simple answer is probably not. Life certainly seemed less stressed and less complicated, but was it really? Reading the pages of some historical novels you could be forgiven for thinking it was not only more relaxed, but a lot more enjoyable. In some things it probably was, but it depended a lot on your social position and your 'wealth'. We forget, I think, that one reason men's…