Gutenberg, Executions, Medicis, Vikings, Hobbits and more - medieval news roundup

A medieval news roundup for the weekend...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfIhMo_ck1UtOvBG4ZpCmTLFvinugoBf6QBVQWv8-5skHcQNQKriLNebawWvb_PzPa-doUEVHFxsDYkkBNvFYQEbpQHicD3ryg0pberrXVhGt_uIPsPHfMVR3rFrgZhJClsY8wASRxyY/s1600/gutenberg.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfIhMo_ck1UtOvBG4ZpCmTLFvinugoBf6QBVQWv8-5skHcQNQKriLNebawWvb_PzPa-doUEVHFxsDYkkBNvFYQEbpQHicD3ryg0pberrXVhGt_uIPsPHfMVR3rFrgZhJClsY8wASRxyY/s320/gutenberg.gif" width="262" /></a></div>If you are a fan of Marshall McLuhan or have an interest in the history of printing, <b><a href="http://www.cjr.org/the_audit/the_future_is_medieval.php?page=all">this interview from the Columbia Journalism Review</a></b> might interest you. In this post, entitled <i>The future is medieval</i>, they talk with Thomas Pettitt and Lars Ole Sauerberg from the University of Southern Denmark about their “Gutenberg Parenthesis” idea. It deals with how digital media will be tipping the scales between oral and print communication, the first change we have seen since Gutenberg started his printing machine. It includes some talk about the medieval period, such as:<br /><br /><i>The Middle Ages was not strong on membership of communities. They were not obsessive about inside versus outside. They didn’t emphasize, “I’m a denizen of this town, I’m a citizen of this country, I belong in this nation, behind these frontiers.” They saw themselves rather like Hobbits (Tolkien was a medievalist). Hobbits knew their relatives to the seventh degree: second cousins three times removed, and so on. In the Middle Ages people saw themselves as part of a network of connections. They knew their family trees. They knew with whom they were related. They identified themselves as a node in a network and they saw pathways, connections to other people in their extended family. They also saw themselves in terms depending on their profession. If they were in the Church, they saw themselves in the Church hierarchy as being a priest here, subject to the archdeacon here, subject to the bishop there, and the archbishop and the pope. You could have status by being the servant to a servant to someone important.</i><br /><br />You can also listen to this talk they were part of from MIT:<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F95712755" width="100%"></iframe> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhharf8loKxG0vaNTisB1ppi6wCTZVVtqxAZhgYa8ztJT9JBDqcg-_27T0vXz10TUxAPDxwT7w-XE8gq4sqC8bQjqDADjbbMYRLwJ0XMwK_s0acjaF-m_fYUh984Vz8yj9Gh2vph-U2CbY/s1600/faithful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhharf8loKxG0vaNTisB1ppi6wCTZVVtqxAZhgYa8ztJT9JBDqcg-_27T0vXz10TUxAPDxwT7w-XE8gq4sqC8bQjqDADjbbMYRLwJ0XMwK_s0acjaF-m_fYUh984Vz8yj9Gh2vph-U2CbY/s200/faithful.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Slate magazine offers this <b><a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/history/2013/05/executioners_in_medieval_europe_history_of_capital_punishment.single.html">fascinating excerpt</a></b> from <i>The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century</i>, by Joel F. Harrington. It details how 16th century executioners performed their task. For example:<br /><br /><i>During his own 45-year career and 187 recorded executions with the sword, Meister Frantz required a second stroke only four times (an impressive success rate of 98 percent), yet he dutifully acknowledges each mistake in his journal with the simple annotation <u>botched</u>. </i><br /><i><br /></i>The New York Times has a <b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/18/science/rickets-plagued-children-of-the-medicis.html?_r=2&">short article</a></b> about how nine children from the wealthy and poweful Medici family have been found to have rickets, a disease caused by a lack of Vitamin D and usually associated with the poor. In this case, "the researchers said the children were probably deprived of sunlight, which spurs the body to make vitamin D. Wealthy children of that time were often tightly swaddled and kept inside, with suntans discouraged as signs of low standing."<br /><br />Sticking with the Medici's, <i>Three Pipe Problem</i> (a great blog) has an <b><a href="http://www.3pipe.net/2013/06/edward-goldberg-interview.html">interview with Edward Goldberg</a></b>, who does extensive research on that family and on the Jewish community in Renaissance Italy.<br /><br />ScienceNordic reports that a <b><a href="http://sciencenordic.com/oldest-charlemagne-coin-norway">1200 year old Carolingian coin has been discovered in Norway</a></b>. Jon Anders Risvaag, from NTNU University Museum, explains “Two factors make this find stand out. Firstly, this coin is older than the Carolingian coinage reform, and so far the oldest coin from Charlemagne’s reign found in Norway. Secondly, this coin was not found in a grave, in contrast to almost all other coins from Charlemagne and his successors that have been found in Norway.”<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-td6AplUQ2sf6RzxPUAoXs0Xbn00P6IFDdogJsJ-b7vsODcNq88qF2v8cvXctKrmpQsQ1Sk_GvNEdwB5-3QfrI5-55BV_IaDNfCUBxARyQELJZY6AdilqxDVfY24DHsgezR10rabfPbw/s1600/viking-ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-td6AplUQ2sf6RzxPUAoXs0Xbn00P6IFDdogJsJ-b7vsODcNq88qF2v8cvXctKrmpQsQ1Sk_GvNEdwB5-3QfrI5-55BV_IaDNfCUBxARyQELJZY6AdilqxDVfY24DHsgezR10rabfPbw/s200/viking-ship.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>If you are interested in the Vikings, go over to <b><a href="http://medievalhistories.com/">Medieval Histories</a></b>, where Karen Schousboe has written several posts about the Norsemen, including an indepth review of an exhibition Vikings 2013 at the National Museum in Copenhagen.<br /><br />Finally, the CBC (our public broadcaster here in Canada), has this article <b><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/the-buzz/2013/06/film-set-tourism-spikes-with-game-of-thrones-the-hobbit.html">Film, TV tourism spikes with Game of Thrones, The Hobbit</a></b>. Fans seem to be heading to Northern Ireland, Dubrovnik and New Zealand to check out the beautiful backdrops to their favourite shows/movies. New Zealand tourism is cashing on in the Hobbit (like they did with Lord of the Rings movies) with their "100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand" campaign.<br /><br /><br /><br />

Gutenberg, Executions, Medicis, Vikings, Hobbits and more - medieval news roundup

A medieval news roundup for the weekend... If you are a fan of Marshall McLuhan or have an interest in the history of printing, this intervi...

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Videos on The Hobbit - news and interviews

<b>Ian McKellen's Expected, New Tolkien Journey </b><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gHpnMb2U2x0" width="560"></iframe> Ian McKellen is back as Gandalf in 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,' the 1st in Peter Jackson's new trilogy from J.R.R. Tolkien's writings. McKellen says Jackson uses Tolkien's style and notes to join 'The Hobbit' to 'The Lord of the Ring.'<br /><br /><b> Simon Tolkien: "I don't think JRR would have enjoyed watching the films" </b><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hCEqQV5eIjk" width="560"></iframe> Simon Tolkien shares his view on the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the latest adaptation of his grandfather's books The Hobbit on 5 live Breakfast with Nicky Campbell and Rachel Burden.<br /><br /><b> NZ hit by Tolkien fever as Hobbit premiere nears </b><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yZseKJvs1kw" width="560"></iframe> Stars from the new Hobbit movie have joined die-hard fans in New Zealand ahead of the world première of the prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy.<br /><br /><b> JRR Tolkien estate to sue Warner Bros over The Hobbit </b><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kg8mNuVGQWs" width="560"></iframe> The estate of The Hobbit author JRR Tolkien is to sue the studio behind a new film adaptation of the novel, over claims of copyright infringement. The suit, filed in California, says film-makers licensed the Hobbit brand for online casino slot machines and other forms of gambling, damaging the author's legacy. The family is claiming $80m (£50m) in damages.<br /><br /><b> Tolkien Reaction and Bilbo Baggins Casting Interview </b><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IMmyct6koyg" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><b> Theresa Russ on Tolkien and The Hobbit </b><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NKLPc2G3wt8" width="560"></iframe> With the much-anticipated premiere of The Hobbit coming on Friday, we offer this video interview with Theresa Russ, a Ph.D. student in English at UC Santa Barbara. Russ discusses the evolution of the Tolkien fantasy genre.  <br /><br /><b>Hobbit's Peter Jackson on bringing Tolkien classic to screen </b><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_LPcfHNtSJs" width="560"></iframe> Interview "The Hobbit" director Peter Jakson. Jackson talks about the roots of his imagination and pioneering film making, and reveals secrets about the upcoming "Lord of the Rings" prequel.<br /><br /> The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey Interview - Richard Armitage <iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SkgmYkXrtQM" width="560"></iframe> Richard Armitage talks about playing Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit<br /><br /> <b>The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Christopher Lee Interview </b><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IKvkaEipcN0" width="560"></iframe><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13zT7cLJiPpCSR2n2px5KJFLVtDFDE4nzcivPZWy_EJFP3HF_91FITCAFgT-M5Q3Pfs91cvMjoJTm8X39wjUz2Ai-08er8YPfqi5QR0BGFaUyejwT3_9w8wsEeH6WDydZx2pcRfV7inM/s1600/hobbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13zT7cLJiPpCSR2n2px5KJFLVtDFDE4nzcivPZWy_EJFP3HF_91FITCAFgT-M5Q3Pfs91cvMjoJTm8X39wjUz2Ai-08er8YPfqi5QR0BGFaUyejwT3_9w8wsEeH6WDydZx2pcRfV7inM/s320/hobbit.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>

Videos on The Hobbit - news and interviews

Ian McKellen's Expected, New Tolkien Journey Ian McKellen is back as Gandalf in 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,' the 1st i...

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Hobbit Chic

Do you love J.R.R. Tolkien’s books so much that you could just wear them? One local designer has just answered your prayers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H3tZimUa9YKcFIVBqqPp2Izef4P3fEJvpZgSRangS2pODrAlNoYlMfqZ_Csjf4BDe329C-mmIIkpiOnb8QbeQSHgtlMSa2xXAowvr-1flZc_PZKJCgu_s8URLGbROmTKemQku4D27l4/s1600/il_fullxfull.406430908_nn11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H3tZimUa9YKcFIVBqqPp2Izef4P3fEJvpZgSRangS2pODrAlNoYlMfqZ_Csjf4BDe329C-mmIIkpiOnb8QbeQSHgtlMSa2xXAowvr-1flZc_PZKJCgu_s8URLGbROmTKemQku4D27l4/s400/il_fullxfull.406430908_nn11.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /> Director Peter Jackson isn’t the only one repurposing J.R.R. Tolkien’s works this holiday season: U of T civil engineering student Lee Hamu has upcycled some of the author’s classic works to create eco-friendly jewelry, household items, and various paper products. Currently constructing Tolkien-themed glass Christmas bulbs (among other projects), the 23-year-old Hamu spoke to The Grid on the eve of The Hobbit‘s Dec. 14 theatrical release about some of the Frodo-friendly items for sale—or soon to be available—at her <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MenaceCreations?section_id=8131482" target="_blank">Etsy store</a></b>.<br /><br /> <b><a href="http://www.thegridto.com/life/design/hobbit-chic/" target="_blank">Click here to read this article from The Grid</a></b>

Hobbit Chic

Do you love J.R.R. Tolkien’s books so much that you could just wear them? One local designer has just answered your prayers.  Director Peter...

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Kalamazoo, and Tolkien Too

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxch7Qm4qDoib-UkyjORjGT4XT3u7mSTZgfyTcmcUwCFPDhgEU4letIZbGpWdHlCY3FwwJOk1LPHI2bL0fseZrvtIxkEs_S80jMKPI4jAsZ1E6JlL7Hocyn6EkFELR9j7QcCxNZvhL-M/s1600/Tolkien%2527s_Plough_and_Harrow_blue_plaque.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxch7Qm4qDoib-UkyjORjGT4XT3u7mSTZgfyTcmcUwCFPDhgEU4letIZbGpWdHlCY3FwwJOk1LPHI2bL0fseZrvtIxkEs_S80jMKPI4jAsZ1E6JlL7Hocyn6EkFELR9j7QcCxNZvhL-M/s200/Tolkien%2527s_Plough_and_Harrow_blue_plaque.jpeg" width="192" /></a></div>Every year about 3,000 medievalists descend on Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI for the International Congress on Medieval Studies, but tucked into the over 600 sessions on every medieval topic imaginable, you can find 6 or 7 sessions on Tolkien, often referred to as “Tolkien at Kalamazoo.” You don’t have to be a medieval scholar to attend this conference, though I should say that it is meant to be a scholarly event — still, there’s lots of fun to be had, especially in the Friday night “Tolkien Unbound” entertainment, or the Saturday night dance, or in some of the gaming sessions, or dinner at Bilbo’s Restaurant. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/04/21/55218-kalamazoo-and-tolkien-too/" target="_blank">Click here to read this article from The One Ring</a></b>

Kalamazoo, and Tolkien Too

Every year about 3,000 medievalists descend on Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI for the International Congress on Medieval Studi...

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