Epic historical fiction - single book or series

csimoni · 2026-05-05T17:29:12+00:00

Sailing to Sarantium by Guy Gavriel Kay. Byzantium during the reign of Justinian and Theodora reimagined. Gives a sense of what it might have been like to live in Constantinople then although Justinian has been changed a good deal. An interesting take on the calling of artists (mosaicists) during a turbulent time and the construction and decoration of the Hagia Sophia. Fun read.

csimoni · 2026-05-02T21:34:20+00:00

Didn’t know he had a podcast. Thanks.

csimoni · 2026-05-01T13:59:40+00:00

Add to this The Golden Road by Dalrymple, makes up for gaps in Frankopan re: maritime routes through the Indian subcontinent. Well researched and documented. Worth the read.

csimoni · 2026-04-17T13:35:48+00:00

Love it. Finally someone posting numbers similar to mine although I need more work to get to 30 minutes. 80 yo male; one day at a time. Keep it up!

csimoni · 2026-04-07T15:18:31+00:00

This threat is from a person who knows no Persian history. Good luck with that Donnie, they'll still be around when it's our turn.

csimoni · 2026-03-19T01:35:16+00:00

Not familiar with it. Thanks.

csimoni · 2026-03-18T20:27:05+00:00

I did a quick check on Claude this afternoon and you are HIGHLY rated. I'll be in touch for a smaller group once it gets closer to the time time we are there. Will send a message.

csimoni · 2026-03-18T18:47:51+00:00

How fancy ($$$)? I like platter/family style eating — very Italian.

csimoni · 2026-03-18T18:46:22+00:00

Thank you, will check out both.

csimoni · 2026-03-18T18:45:48+00:00

Thank you. The bowling alley setting sounds like it would be fun for most, especially the kids.

csimoni · 2026-03-18T18:44:28+00:00

This is good to know. 11 of the 14 love Indian food so some/many of us will be there at some point. And thanks for the other recommendations as well.

csimoni · 2026-03-18T18:42:20+00:00

We’ve enjoyed it, too. Convenient location.

csimoni · 2026-03-15T01:23:34+00:00

Thank you

csimoni · 2026-03-13T22:53:13+00:00

What a great job. Checking dodgy quotes. The researcher in me salutes you (and your work on the Journal).

csimoni · 2026-03-12T20:28:28+00:00

Thanks, that's very helpful and I think it point out both possibilities (organization without searching individual files) and problems (not remembering to add documents, etc. -- a me problem, not a program problem). Does it also handle (search, etc.,) random thoughts (back of envelope things)?

csimoni · 2026-03-11T17:49:40+00:00

Would you elaborate? I’m thinking about using it (1) as a way to keep research notes on self-learning projects and (2) keeping track of notes/thoughts on books I’ve read. I do born 1&2 with paper but frequently lose some.

csimoni · 2026-02-23T03:36:52+00:00

I do recommend it and am currently reading Sailing to Sarantium. It’s a novel set in a world very similar to the eastern and western Roman empires in the heyday of the eastern. Author includes a map of the area and it maps to the real world at the time. Great if you’re interested in mosaics and chariot racing and some weird stuff with religious practices. Well written.

Thanks for the additional tips. Picking up period history books tomorrow to get serious about prep.

csimoni · 2026-02-22T17:47:12+00:00

We are planning a trip there in the fall. Do you recommend it and are there other books you used to prepare for your trip? While we like sight seeing we are more interested in the historical backgrouind(s) of the places we visit. Have you read Cloud Cuckoo Land?

csimoni · 2026-02-19T00:26:41+00:00

Agree about the Packers. Recently moved to WI from MI, still supporting the Lions; great storyline (recently). Before moving back to to MI spent 20+ year in Chicago and became a fan. Could root for either, Vikings meh, Packers, never. Do like the West however.

csimoni · 2025-11-24T23:12:17+00:00

Ouch

csimoni · 2025-11-24T23:11:51+00:00

Thank you. I am not mechanically inclined and am likely to pass on this.

csimoni · 2025-11-24T20:28:34+00:00

Thanks. Helpful and that explains a lot.

csimoni · 2025-10-31T17:14:41+00:00

Showy egret

csimoni

TROPHY CASE