larabyrneDec 7, 20215 min readThe making of an unlikely leader. Matilde of Tuscany's childhoodNot much is known about Matilde/a of Tuscany's birth. The year was 1046, but the day and place are uncertain. Mantova, Lucca, Canossa,...
larabyrneSep 3, 20213 min readThe books that inspired Lotharingia - Thoughts on Pope JoanThis is my first post in a while. I have spent the summer dreaming of holidays I could not take, and sharing visuals of the settings of...
larabyrneMay 28, 20212 min readWhat's in a cover - The golden crosses of medieval power I have had a few questions about the cover of Lotharingia, and what it is meant to represent. Lotharingia is a tale of love, relics, and...
larabyrneDec 4, 20202 min readWhy I decided to write a novel on Matilde of TuscanyIn many ways, Countess Matilde of Tuscany was the most remarkable woman of the XI century. She must have made quite an impression on...